The Tyrant’s Drama Queen Empress

CHAPTER 35: Your Mouth Is Cut, What’s That Got to Do with Me

　　When Shen Ling woke up, she felt the carriage gently swaying. Only then did she realize she was already on the way, and Xie Yuanxun was sitting beside her, reading a book… wait, what?! He was, reading, a book, right in front of her?!

　　She thought back to the last time she’d caught him reading. What was it he was looking at then? Of course… some ridiculous “Spring Palace Illustration”!

　　Shen Ling’s eyes practically shot laser beams as she stared at him, her face twisting.

　　—Holy crap, you're definitely not reading a proper book!

　　She scooted as far away from Xie Yuanxun as she could.

　　Xie Yuanxun didn’t even lift his head. “You’re awake. Why are you sitting so far away? Come closer.”

　　Shen Ling blushed. “Your Majesty, I drank too much yesterday. I’m afraid if I sit close, the smell of alcohol on me might bother you.”

　　—I’m a good kid, I don’t hang out with indecent people—especially not someone who reads porn in front of me.

　　Xie Yuanxun looked up at her, raising an eyebrow. “You remember getting drunk yesterday?”

　　Shen Ling felt guilty. “Not really… I didn’t cause any trouble, did I?”

　　He replied flatly, “What do you think?”

　　Shen Ling wasn’t sure what Xie Yuanxun meant. She used to be able to drink a lot, maybe even invincible in stamina, easily outdrinking a group. Yesterday, when she encountered Xie Yuanxun's good wine, she grabbed it without hesitation and started drinking. However, she overestimated her current alcohol tolerance. She lost consciousness, and her mind went blank; she couldn’t remember anything afterward.

　　Xie Yuanxun offered a small hint, “My lips are a little chapped.”

　　Shen Ling’s gaze dropped to his mouth, and sure enough, there was a tiny cut.

　　—Oh, so what? If your lip is broken, call the imperial physician for a prescription?

　　—I’m not an imperial physician, so telling me doesn’t help, it’s useless.

　　Xie Yuanxun gave a half-smile, “This is from you biting me.”

　　“......” Shen Ling, “???”

　　—Who bit you? Did I just hear someone with my exact same name?

　　Shen Ling stepped back, trying to put more distance between them.

　　—No wonder I woke up in your carriage instead of my own. So this is your way of settling scores after the fact.

　　—And stop looking at me. I will absolutely never admit that I’m the one who made your lips bleed.

　　Shen Ling’s gaze flickered. “Your Majesty, I want to go change my clothes. You rest for now. After I change, if you still want me, I’ll come back.”

　　—I’ll go first, then we’ll see.

　　Xie Yuanxun asked, “Why are you in such a rush to leave?”

　　—Afraid you’ll settle scores with me later...

　　—Who knows what you might do? Bite my lips too? No way, just thinking about it hurts. Besides, the one who bit you was yesterday’s me. Today I’m a whole new me. You can’t judge me based on that.

　　Xie Yuanxun stood up, grabbed Shen Ling by the neck as she was almost at the carriage door, and pulled her back. He placed a hand over her mouth, “Trying to run away?”

　　Shen Ling shivered and forced herself to speak, “Your Majesty, you must be joking.”

　　—I wasn’t running away secretly, I was running openly, right in front of you! Too bad my grand plan failed before it even began.

　　Xie Yuanxun’s voice softened, “I’ll tear a little piece of skin from your lips so you’ll be just like me. How about that?”

　　Shen Ling, “......”

　　—That’s the most twisted thing anyone’s ever said.

　　Shen Ling met Xie Yuanxun’s gaze and saw he was serious. No joke. She steeled herself. “Your Majesty, go ahead, but remember to be gentle. Don’t hurt me, I’m sensitive. Also, could you bite the outer part of my lower lip? The medicine will heal faster there...”

　　—Fine, the skin’s already broken. Who made me act recklessly drunk yesterday?

　　Xie Yuanxun poked her lips with his fingers one by one. When he was done, he stopped and took out a small porcelain jar the size of a palm. “Apply the medicine.”

　　“Oh, okay.” Shen Ling took the jar instinctively, poured a bit of ointment onto her fingers, and carefully applied it to the spot where Xie Yuanxun’s lips had been bitten.

　　Shen Ling asked, “Your Majesty, aren’t you going to bite me anymore?”

　　Xie Yuanxun looked at her, “No more. You have too many requests. Too much trouble.”

　　Shen Ling giggled quietly, but seeing Xie Yuanxun’s sharp gaze, she quickly stifled her laugh and straightened her face to look serious.

　　“Your Majesty,” she called out curiously.

　　“Hm?” Xie Yuanxun’s voice came out flat and monotone.

　　Shen Ling asked, “When did I bite your lips?”

　　“You did it while you were asleep,” he said.

　　Shen Ling blinked. “I bit you while I was asleep?”

　　Xie Yuanxun said calmly, “Yes, not only did you bite, you were murmuring how tasty it was. What were you dreaming about last night?”

　　Shen Ling froze.

　　—No wonder I felt so awkward eating that pig’s trotter in my dream last night. Turns out I was gnawing on your lips instead.

　　Her face went blank, her eyes projecting all the innocence she could muster. “Your Majesty, what are you saying? I didn’t dream anything last night, right? I’m pretty sure I slept straight through until morning.”

　　Xie Yuanxun’s voice was low. “Do you think saying that makes me believe you?”

　　Shen Ling blinked innocently. “Then what else should I say?”

　　His gaze darkened slowly, growing dangerous.

　　Shen Ling forced a laugh and scooped out a generous blob of ointment from the small porcelain jar. She quickly smeared it over Xie Yuanxun’s lips. “Your Majesty, apply the medicine first. Don’t talk while applying it, it’s bad for the wound.”

　　Xie Yuanxun didn’t speak again, letting Shen Ling fuss over his lips like a good patient.

　　The travel convoy was long. During a rest stop, Shen Ling quickly jumped down from the carriage and walked a few steps, her bones aching from sitting so long.

　　She asked, “Liu Zhu, how much longer until we reach Mulan Hunting Grounds?”

　　“According to our current schedule, we’ll arrive in five more days,” Liu Zhu replied.

　　Shen Ling slumped in dismay. Five more days in the carriage, and her poor bottom would be destroyed. The official road was smooth, so the ride wasn’t bumpy, but sitting still for so long was torturous. It wasn't that Shen Ling was being dramatic; it was just that she really couldn't do anything comfortably in the carriage.

　　Reading? Her eyes spun from the constant motion.

　　Sleeping? She’d already slept enough, and sleeping more just made her body feel bloated and heavy.

　　Seeing her boredom, Liu Zhu said, “Your Grace, there’s a place called Běizhū Lake nearby. Locals say it’s the tears of a celestial being. Along the shore are many poems by scholars and literati. It’s not far from our stop. Why not visit Běizhū Lake?”

　　Shen Ling nodded without hesitation. “Okay, let’s go there.”

　　“Perhaps, Your Grace,” Liu Zhu said, “you might even receive the blessings left by the celestial being at Běizhū Lake. Locals say those who visit often soon gain children. Many who have none pray there for divine protection to conceive.”

　　Shen Ling, “......”

　　When Liu Zhu mentioned that Běizhū Lake could help people conceive, Shen Ling just let it slide. She didn’t take it seriously. Which tourist spot doesn’t hype up some outrageous myth or magical effect? Back when she traveled for work with colleagues, she’d even heard about a mountain top with a rock shaped like a man’s private part. It was supposedly left behind by the Yellow Emperor after fighting ¹Chiyou. People said if you touched it, you’d get pregnant. Anyone who believed it seriously was just fooling themselves—purely psychological comfort.

　　Shen Ling led her group toward Běizhū Lake. Xie Yuanxun, meanwhile, found out almost at the same time. He told Senior Eunuch Feng, “Send more people to protect her.”

　　“Yes, Your Majesty,” Senior Eunuch Feng replied.

　　Xie Yuanxun shook his head. “Forget it, I’ll go myself.”

　　“......”

　　……

　　By the edge of Běizhū Lake.

　　Xue Mi’er saw Song Qiaochu walking with Xue Yunshi. They were laughing and talking together. Xue Mi’er pressed her lips into a thin line. She had invited Xue Yunshi to Běizhū Lake, but he said he was busy, so she came alone in disappointment. And now, she saw the very Xue Yunshi who had claimed to be busy.

　　Her eyes reddened with anger. She rushed over and grabbed Xue Yunshi by the arm. “Cousin!”

　　Xue Yunshi frowned impatiently. “Mi’er, it’s you. Why aren’t you staying at the camp? What are you doing here?”

　　Xue Mi’er pointed at Song Qiaochu. “I asked you to come with me, but you said you were busy. Is your business keeping her company?”

　　“Mi’er, she’s your elder sister Song. Don’t be rude,” Xue Yunshi said. Then he turned to Song Qiaochu. “She’s been spoiled, and her mischief sometimes gives me a headache. I hope you can forgive her.”

　　Song Qiaochu smiled and shook her head. “It’s fine. I have a younger brother too, and he often drives me crazy and makes me laugh at the same time.”

　　Song Qiaochu was the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Fuguo Manor. Unlike her sisters who preferred playing music or painting, she loved practicing martial skills with her father and brothers. That meant she had few peers in the Capital. Anyone who tried to befriend her usually wanted influence from the Duke of Fuguo Manor. Over time, she lost interest in attending banquets and social events.

　　Since meeting Xue Yunshi, she had been mostly satisfied with him. Once married, she wouldn’t have to listen to her mother nagging about her age or pressure to marry and bear children. Xue Yunshi was gentle, and unlike other men, he held no prejudice against her military family background.

　　Xue Yunshi explained something to Song Qiaochu, then turned back to Xue Mi’er. His expression darkened, and his voice carried clear annoyance. “Mi’er, stop making a scene. Keep it up, and I’ll have you return to the Capital.”

　　Xue Mi’er froze. Song Qiaochu glanced at Xue Yunshi but said nothing. Xue Mi’er was his cousin—this was their family matter.

　　Xue Yunshi led Song Qiaochu away, leaving Xue Mi’er alone. Suddenly, she burst into tears.

　　Shen Ling paused, hearing the crying carried by the wind. It sounded eerily like the wails she’d heard in those ghost movies. The area where Xie Yuanxun’s carriage would pass was cleared of people, so unlike usual days when tourists might be around, today the lakeside was empty. The only people who might appear were those following Xie Yuanxun’s carriage.

　　Shen Ling murmured, “Is that a person crying or a ghost? Kinda curious.”

　　Just as Liu Zhu was about to tell her not to be afraid, Shen Ling walked closer. Běizhū Lake was in a basin-like terrain, and when she looked down, she clearly saw Xue Mi’er at the lake’s edge, crying like a baby.

　　Xue Mi’er wasn’t sticking to one way of crying either. She’d stand and wail toward the lake, then squat down clutching her head, then stomp her feet, crying in every weird way imaginable. Shen Ling, hands in her pockets, watched with genuine fascination.

　　Upon seeing Shen Ling, Xue Mi'er cried out, “Waaah, what are you looking at, waaah!”

　　Liu Zhu scolded, “How dare you! You—”

　　Shen Ling raised her hand to stop Liu Zhu. She looked at Xue Mi'er, who had been crying for so long without shedding a single tear or snot, and clicked her tongue in amazement. That kind of crying made zero sense.

　　Shen Ling said, “It’s fine, I just want to watch. Keep going. You’ve worked so hard crying all this time, I’ll just consider it a performance. Normally, if you cry alone, you’d run out of energy after a bit. But with me watching, you’ll only want to cry more, and it’ll get even more intense.”

　　Xue Mi’er’s eyes widened.

　　What the hell kind of beast was this? Normally, if someone saw another person crying, they’d come over to comfort them. How could that person just be standing there like, ‘Cry all you want, let’s see how far you go’?

　　If Xue Mi’er said it out loud, Shen Ling would probably put on a serious face and claim she’d picked it up from spending too much time with Xie Yuanxun—proximity to red, proximity to black, and all that. She’d inherited his devilish habits.

　　In the past, Shen Ling would definitely have wiped away Xue Mi'er's tears with a handkerchief upon seeing her cry.

　　Xue Mi'er sniffed, wiped her face with the handkerchief, and said warily, “No, I don’t want to cry anymore.”

　　Shen Ling clicked her tongue. “Tsk, I was hoping to watch a bit longer.”

　　Xue Mi’er glared. “Do you really have to make it so clear that your goal is just to watch me suffer?!”

　　Shen Ling chuckled. “I’ll keep that in mind next time.”

　　Xue Mi’er rolled her eyes. Next time? Dream on.

　　Shen Ling bent down and picked up a few small stones. “Why are you crying so hard? When I first came over, I thought I ran into a ghost. Kinda scared me.”

　　Liu Zhu, “......” Sorry, she didn't see any fear in Shen Ling; instead, she saw her excited and curious expression.

　　Xue Mi’er glanced at Shen Ling, suspicious. “Why should I tell you?” She looked away, but a few seconds later, her eyes couldn’t help flicking back to Shen Ling’s face.

　　Shen Ling cleared her throat. “Because you’re crying so hard, I figure something must’ve really upset you. You might as well tell me, let me hear it...”

　　Xue Mi’er’s lips curled coyly. “And if I tell you, will you come comfort me?”

　　Shen Ling shook her head. “Nope. I just want to hear your sad story and feel happy about it.”

　　Xue Mi’er froze. “......”

　　She shouldn’t have expected Shen Ling to say anything nice! And to think she had such a pretty face—hmph!

　　Shen Ling picked up a stone and skipped it across the lake. It bounced three or four times on the surface before finally plopping into the water.

　　Xue Mi’er’s eyes lit up. She copied Shen Ling, picking up a stone and throwing it—

　　“Bang!” The stone sank like a cannonball, splashing water everywhere. Xue Mi’er hadn’t expected it and ended up soaking the hem of her skirt.

　　Shen Ling, on the other hand, flicked a stone across the water with a light, elegant skip.

　　Xue Mi’er stared, “......”

　　Shen Ling burst out laughing. “Pfft hahahaha.”

　　Xue Mi’er’s face flushed bright red with embarrassment. Shen Ling teased, “Why are you throwing such a huge rock? You need something lighter and flatter if you want to skip it.”

　　Xue Mi’er sulked but nodded. “I know.”

　　After a few skipped stones, the heaviness in her chest seemed to vanish with each splash.

　　Then Xue Mi’er suddenly spoke. “I left home when I was little to live with my aunt. It was my uncle who took me from home. Back then, I didn’t understand what they wanted. Later I learned from my uncle and relatives—they wanted me to marry my cousin, my aunt’s son. They wanted me to help carry on the family’s glory and prosperity. My aunt is Princess Yuzhen, my uncle the head of the clan, and that’s how the Xue family flourished.”

　　“Everyone in my family told me I would be my cousin’s wife. Even my aunt said we were well-suited. Now, though, everyone has changed. My cousin wants to marry someone else, my aunt doesn’t oppose it, my uncle and other relatives got other benefits, and it’s like they’ve forgotten me. No one expects me to marry my cousin anymore.”

　　“After all these years chasing him, everyone in the Capital knows—if he doesn’t marry me, I won’t find another husband as good as him.”

　　Xue Mi’er stared at Shen Ling, opening her mouth to share her misery.

　　Shen Ling suddenly asked, “Is your cousin handsome?”

　　“Handsome,” Xue Mi’er replied instantly, then added, “But not as stunning as you.”

　　Shen Ling paused. She’d already noticed Xue Mi’er’s over-the-top enthusiasm about her face. Yep, this one was definitely a face-lover.

　　Shen Ling asked, “So what were you sad about before?”

　　Xue Mi’er fiddled with her fingers, speaking quietly. “I was upset because if he married that lady, I wouldn’t be able to watch his face like before. If I did, people would say I was interfering with someone else’s relationship. It wouldn’t look good for other unmarried girls in my family. Right now, my behavior, in the eyes of outsiders, is at most a bit ‘unwavering in my devotion’ to him.”

　　Shen Ling twitched her lips. Well, Xue Mi'er knew exactly what she was doing.

　　Xue Mi’er continued, “Which family are you from? I’ve never seen you before.”

　　Shen Ling said, “My surname is Shen, from the Shen family.”

　　“Shen?” Xue Mi’er frowned. “I only know one Shen household, the Ministry of Personnel’s residence. But that family only has two daughters. One I don’t like much, the other went to the Palace and became a consort...” Her words suddenly stopped. “You wouldn’t happen to be that Bao Fei from the Shen household, would you?!”

　　She glanced at Liu Zhu, then back at Shen Ling. Xue Mi’er snapped out of her beauty-filter haze, taking in Shen Ling’s clothes and jewelry. Having lived in the Princess’s Manor for so many years, she’d seen some imperial-made items and knew the palace’s distinctive style. Shen Ling’s outfit screamed palace elegance, and even the maid standing beside her wore official palace attire.

　　Xue Mi’er immediately remembered what the maid had just said about her being bold.

　　She stared at Shen Ling, dumbfounded. “You’re really Bao Fei?”

　　Shen Ling nodded. “Yeah.”

　　Xue Mi’er was silent for a moment, then spoke sincerely. “No wonder Shen Xi doesn’t like you.”

　　Shen Ling tilted her head. “Hmm?”

　　Xue Mi’er said, “You’re so much more beautiful than her. Of course she’s jealous.”

　　Shen Ling gave a half-smile. “You say things like that to me—aren’t you afraid I’ll tell her? Or punish you for trying to stir up trouble between us?”

　　Xue Mi’er shook her head. “Your Grace, you wouldn’t. I’m just being honest, not causing trouble. You don’t even know, after you entered the Palace, she spread her good reputation all over the Capital. And if anyone mentioned you before her, she’d change the subject. Hmph, who can’t see her little jealous tricks?”

　　“Besides, you and her don’t have much of a relationship anyway. If anything, it’s her who owes you guilt. If it weren’t for her, you’d be the pampered young lady in your family.”

　　Xue Mi’er wasn’t reckless with her words. If Shen Ling showed any displeasure, she wouldn’t have said another word.

　　“Lately, Shen Xi and Madam Shen seem a bit distant. I saw them a couple of days ago, and they were standing far apart. If they try to bother you, Your Grace, it’s best to avoid them.”

　　Xue Mi’er liked beautiful people. If it were anyone else, she wouldn’t have been so considerate. A face-lover could be unreasonable—her affections were normally all for Xue Yunshi. Now it was Shen Ling, and she openly shared everything she knew about her.

　　She added, “I don’t know how Shen Xi and her brother Shen Jinxiu got close, but they have some… different kind of feelings now. Madam Shen probably knows, which is why she’s less doting on Shen Xi. You should stay out of it, Your Grace, or you’ll end up stuck in the middle.”

　　Shen Ling was a little surprised. She hadn’t expected Xue Mi’er to be so perceptive, but she also recognized her good intentions. “I don’t have time to get involved in all that.”

　　Xue Mi’er understood from that what Shen Ling’s attitude toward Shen Xi and the others really was.

　　She stepped closer to Shen Ling. “Your Grace, can I come hang out with you?”

　　Shen Ling smiled. “Sure.”    

　　Xue Mi’er asked, “Then… can I get in your carriage and sleep with you?”

　　Shen Ling paused, holding back a laugh. “Sure.”

　　Before Xue Mi’er could cheer, Shen Ling added slowly, “As long as you can get His Majesty to agree.”

　　Xue Mi’er instantly shrank back. “Th-then… forget it.”

　　Shen Ling raised an eyebrow. “You’re really afraid of him?”

　　Xue Mi’er nodded vigorously, “Your Grace, aren’t you afraid?”

　　Shen Ling tapped her lips. “I’m not.”

　　Xue Mi’er’s eyes shone like she was staring at a hero.

　　Shen Ling was speechless.

　　At that moment, Liu Zhu came over and whispered, “Your Grace, His Majesty is here.”

　　Shen Ling looked up and saw Xie Yuanxun standing on the slope. Xue Mi’er had already silently knelt down upon hearing Liu Zhu's words, “Greetings, Your Majesty.”

　　Shen Ling took a step toward Xie Yuanxun, then glanced at the kneeling Xue Mi’er. “You can stand and step aside.” If she didn't let Xue Mi’er leave, given Xie Yuanxun's temperament, who knew when Xue Mi’er would be called up.

　　Xue Mi’er replied, “Yes,” and obediently lowered her head to leave, not daring to look back. Her heart pounded furiously in her chest. She had never seen Xie Yuanxun before. Back when the late Emperor ruled, the Palace often held banquets, but after Xie Yuanxun ascended, there were no palace banquets except the annual ones. The only people who saw him now were court officials.

　　Shen Ling asked, “Your Majesty, what brings you here?”

　　Xie Yuanxun’s expression remained neutral. “Passing by.”

　　Shen Ling nodded. “Alright then.”

　　—I thought you came all this way just to see me.

　　Shen Ling said, “Your Majesty, you haven’t seen Beizhu Lake before, right? Do you want to go down and take a look?”

　　Xie Yuanxun glanced at the water and spoke evenly, “There’s a lake in the Palace too. What’s the difference? It’s just water.”

　　—Not the same at all. One’s domesticated, the other wild—there’s a huge difference.    

　　Shen Ling asked, “Then do you know how Beizhu Lake was formed?”

　　Xie Yuanxun was already walking down. “You know?”

　　“Of course I know,” Shen Ling said with a bright grin. “Legend says it’s the tears left behind by immortals. Pretty magical, right?”

　　Xie Yuanxun glanced back at her with a look that basically said, You actually believe that? How old are you?

　　Shen Ling, “.....”

　　When they reached the lakeshore, Xie Yuanxun suddenly bent down. Shen Ling opened her mouth in a silent ‘whoa.’ Wait, is he going to skip stones too?

　　But no, he wasn’t.

　　Instead, he scooped up some water from the lake and said, “Come here.”

　　Shen Ling stepped closer.

　　“Put your hands out,” Xie Yuanxun instructed.

　　“Oh.” Shen Ling obeyed immediately. “Why do you want me to put my hands out?” 

　　Xie Yuanxun narrowed his brows. “To wash them. Don’t you see all the dirt on your hands?”

　　“Then you could’ve just said so. I’ll wash them in the lake,” Shen Ling replied.

　　Xie Yuanxun snorted. “And make the entire lake dirty?”

　　“My hands aren’t that dirty…” Shen Ling glanced at her hands. They were a little grimy from picking up stones earlier, but she hadn’t noticed.

　　Still, she scrubbed her hands clean with a splash and then stood with Xie Yuanxun by the lake for a while. Shen Ling said softly, “Your Majesty, I think we’ve stood here long enough.”

　　—Shouldn’t we head back?

　　—Standing here staring at the lake feels kind of silly.

　　Xie Yuanxun glanced at her. “Standing here calms the mind. If your heart isn’t steady, hunting will only be twice as hard for half the result.”

　　Shen Ling nodded politely. “I’ve learned my lesson.”

　　—No way.

　　—All I know is my legs are numb and screaming.

　　Xie Yuanxun looked at her legs, though the skirt hid most of them. “Someone, escort the Bao Fei back.”

　　After Shen Ling left, Xie Yuanxun said, “Feng Zhi, for this kind of blessing, just doing it like I did—splashing the lake water on her hands—counts as complete, right?”

　　“Yes, Your Majesty.”    

　　......

　　It was already late afternoon by the time they reached the Imperial Hunting Palace outside the Mulan Hunting Grounds. The entire compound had been meticulously cleaned the moment news arrived of Xie Yuanxun’s impending visit. Since early morning, palace staff had been kneeling outside awaiting the imperial procession. While Xie Yuanxun and Shen Ling settled into the residence itself, the other officials, titled ladies, and young nobles were directed to accommodations beyond the gates. 

　　Inside, the palace attendants moved with practiced efficiency, unpacking crates and rearranging items brought from the Capital. Once again, Shen Ling found herself with nothing to do. When Liu Zhu finally finished the setup, she came over to check in. “Your Grace, would you like to rest for a bit, or should I bring you something to eat?” 

　　“Rest first,” Shen Ling replied. “I’m not really hungry yet.” She had already filled up on plenty of pastries and snacks during the carriage ride. 

　　Liu Zhu helped her freshen up and tuck into bed for a nap. The long journey had truly taken its toll; the moment Shen Ling’s head hit the pillow, she was out like a light. Liu Zhu softly lowered the bed curtains, ensuring her mistress was undisturbed, before heading out to keep watch at the door. 

　　When Xue Mi’er came by later and learned from Liu Zhu that Shen Ling was napping, she didn’t linger. However, she couldn’t help but look back three times as she walked away. She had been secretly itching to join Shen Ling for a nap, but between her fear of Xie Yuanxun and the fact that Liu Zhu was guarding the entrance like a hawk, she couldn’t find a way in. 

　　Shortly after Xue Mi’er left, Shen Xi's maid Caixia also quietly left the Imperial Hunting Palace.

　　Caixia returned to their lodgings, a residence belonging to a wealthy merchant. The decor was quite elegant. Since Shen Kangzheng was a Minister, he was entitled to a proper house, whereas lower-ranking officials were relegated to tents alongside the imperial guards. 

　　Shen Xi looked up as her maid entered. “You’re back. Well? Did you see Nanny Zheng heading toward the Imperial Hunting Palace?” 

　　Caixia shook her head. “I didn’t see her, Miss.” 

　　“It seems my mother has more patience than I gave her credit for,” Shen Xi remarked. “You don’t need to keep watch anymore.” 

　　Elsewhere, Madam Jiang was debating with Nanny Zheng whether she should actually go see Shen Ling. 

　　Back when she first heard that Shen Jinxiu was dead set on marrying Shen Xi, Madam Jiang had considered going to the Imperial Palace to find Shen Ling. For one, she felt that Shen Xi was no longer the ‘good daughter’ she had imagined. Blood was thicker than water, after all, and she realized she shouldn’t have neglected Shen Ling for a girl who wasn’t even her own. Secondly, she wanted Shen Ling to use her authority to put Shen Xi in her place. As a high-ranking consort, Shen Ling could rightfully discipline her. Moreover, Madam Jiang hoped, it would repair her relationship with Shen Jinxiu; currently, no matter what she said or did regarding Shen Xi, her son remained cold and resentful toward her. 

　　If she could convince Shen Ling to handle Shen Xi, Madam Jiang would have gladly offered incense in thanks to the heavens. As for whether Shen Jinxiu would hold a grudge against Shen Ling for it, Madam Jiang figured they were siblings. Siblings didn't stay angry forever, and she was sure her son would eventually understand that Shen Ling was only acting in his best interest. (T/N: Tsk…I'm speechless 😑)

　　But now that the opportunity to see Shen Ling was actually here, Madam Jiang started getting cold feet. 

　　“She didn’t see me the last time I sent word,” Madam Jiang muttered. “She’s grown distant. Besides, where’s the logic in a mother constantly begging to see her own daughter?” 

　　In short, her pride was getting in the way. 

　　“Madam, you mustn’t think like that,” Nanny Zheng urged. “Her Grace is in the Palace now, not at home. There are so many rules there, and she can’t always do as she pleases. It’s possible she never even got your message because someone blocked it.” 

　　Nanny Zheng’s attitude always shifted to match Madam Jiang’s. When Madam Jiang disliked Shen Ling, Nanny Zheng followed suit; now that her mistress had a change of heart, so did she. 

　　“That’s true,” Madam Jiang conceded. “Like that Jing Fēi. She’s probably just jealous that Ling’er is more favored than she is. That time I went to the Palace, she likely delayed me on purpose just so I’d have to leave before I could see her.” 

　　“Exactly,” Nanny Zheng chimed in. “Jing Fēi is just taking advantage of your kind heart.” 

　　Madam Jiang sighed. “I was wrong before, valuing Xi’er over Ling’er. And what did protecting Xi’er get me? I worked myself to the bone trying to find her a good marriage match, and she turns around and stabs me in the back. When my Jinxiu marries, it should be to a lady from a noble house or even a princess. How does an adopted daughter have the nerve to even think about him!” 

　　“What was so bad about marrying the second son of the Marquis of Nanling? She was born to a family of farmers. If she hadn’t been lucky enough to be brought into the Shen household, would she have ever known such a good life? We’ve done more than enough for her. Marrying into the Marquis’s Manor would have boosted our reputation and given her father and Jinxiu better connections.” 

　　“But Jinxiu is treating me like an enemy because of her. Do you see the way he looks at me? He greets me with such a cold face. He’s the son I carried for ten months, and yet he’s distancing himself from me for that wretched girl. I truly regret being so good to her.” 

　　“Madam, the Young Master is just under her spell,” Nanny Zheng soothed. “He’ll snap out of it. Don’t forget, you still have Her Grace. If all else fails, you can ask Her Grace to have the Emperor issue a decree to marry Miss Shen Xi off to someone far away. Once she’s gone, the Young Master will slowly come to his senses.”    

　　“I suppose that’s the only way now,” Madam Jiang said. “I’ll head to the Imperial Hunting Palace to see her in a little while.” 

　　She spoke with a newfound sense of calm. “Nanny, make sure you’re ready to come with me. Don’t forget the longevity lock I prepared for Ling’er. Also, bring the list of the properties I received as part of my dowry. I’ll be needing those later.” 

　　“I won’t forget, Madam,” Nanny Zheng assured her. 

　　...... 

　　Shen Ling woke up about an hour later. She gave herself a long, satisfying stretch, feeling completely refreshed. 

　　Just then, Liu Zhu came in to report that Madam Jiang and Nanny Zheng had arrived.

　　“Show them in,” Shen Ling said. 

　　She was actually curious to hear what kind of nonsense Madam Jiang was going to try and pull this time. 

　　Madam Jiang entered with a gentle, motherly expression. After performing the proper greetings, she stood up and looked at Shen Ling, her eyes brimming with tears. “You’ve suffered so much, Ling’er. While you were away from the manor, mother missed you terribly.” 

　　Shen Ling remained silent. 

　　—As expected, she really was talking nonsense. 

　　Madam Jiang took a seat as close to Shen Ling as possible, her inner thoughts a tangled mess. Shen Ling sat there in a position of high authority, forcing her own mother to bow to her, yet back at the Shen manor, it had always been Shen Ling who bowed. 

　　Madam Jiang dabbed at the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief. “Ever since you entered the palace, I haven’t been able to sleep at night because I was thinking of you. It was only thanks to your brother Jinxiu’s company that I managed to cope with the heartache.” 

　　Shen Ling paused, deep in thought. “You really missed me to death?” 

　　Madam Jiang nodded. “I did.” She looked at Shen Ling as if she were gazing upon a precious treasure. 

　　Shen Ling felt a wave of goosebumps break out across her skin. She took a sip of water to steady herself, then looked Madam Jiang straight in the eye. “If you really missed me to death,” she asked with total sincerity, “then how are you still alive?” 

　　Madam Jiang’s face froze. “Ling’er, you’ve learned how to joke with me.” 

　　“No, I’m not joking,” Shen Ling replied. “I’m asking you very seriously.” 

　　Madam Jiang was speechless. Ask her what? Ask her why she wasn't dead yet?! Did this girl have even a shred of filial piety left in her? 

　　Anger began to bubble up inside Madam Jiang. She had humbled herself to come here and mend their relationship, so what was Shen Ling still so unhappy about? Noticing her mistress’s darkening expression, Nanny Zheng reached out from behind and gave her back a subtle, warning nudge.

　　Madam Jiang suddenly remembered she had urgent business to handle. She signaled Nanny Zheng, who brought forward a box containing a longevity lock and the title deeds to several properties. 

　　“I had this longevity lock custom-made for you the moment I found out I was pregnant,” Madam Jiang said. “It carries all the love I have for you. The design matches your brother Jinxiu’s perfectly; you are siblings, after all. And these deeds are for properties from my own dowry. Please, take them. I plan to give a portion of my inheritance to you, while the rest will go to Jinxiu.” 

　　“Aside from giving you these things, I came today because I need your help with something important. I haven’t been able to find a suitable marriage match for Xi’er, so I was hoping you could arrange one for her. There’s no need to keep her in the Capital; it might be for the best if she’s married off to someone far away.” 

　　Shen Ling picked up the longevity lock. Seeing this, Madam Jiang felt a secret sense of triumph. It seemed Shen Ling still craved her motherly affection, despite how poorly she had been treated in the past. 

　　“This lock was made recently,” Shen Ling remarked. “And the silver isn't even pure; it looks like it’s been mixed with copper. If it were real silver, it would be much brighter than this.” 

　　Shen Ling looked up at her. “You want me to do you a favor, and this is the kind of junk you bring me?” 

　　Madam Jiang was speechless. This was beyond a little awkward; she was utterly mortified.

    

________________

Glossary:

¹Chiyou (蚩尤) is a legendary figure from ancient Chinese mythology. He’s usually described as a powerful tribal leader or war god who fought against the legendary Yellow Emperor.

In the myths:

👉 Chiyou is portrayed as fierce, almost demon-like, sometimes with horns or a bronze head, leading a strong warrior tribe.

👉 He fought a famous battle against Yellow Emperor (Huangdi), one of the cultural ancestors of Chinese civilization.

The story goes like this:

☀️ Chiyou challenged the Yellow Emperor for dominance.

☀️ They fought a huge mythological war, often said to involve fog, magic, or early weapons.

☀️ The Yellow Emperor eventually defeated Chiyou.

☀️ Because of this, many later legends treat Chiyou as either a villain, a rival hero, or even a god of war depending on the region and tradition.

So when you see a sentence like:

👉 “It was supposedly left behind by the Yellow Emperor after fighting Chiyou.”

It means the item is connected to that ancient legendary battle, basically saying: “this object has myth-level historical significance.”

….

T/N: I caught a fever 🤒 My throat is still really sore, sigh… That’s why there were no updates for two days. Stay healthy, everyone. 💖

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