"Your Highness, you're finally awake."
Shen Xihe's astonishment was dispersed by an exclamation of delight. She turned to see the person calling out "Sister Zhenzhu" from beside her bed.
Even from just the side profile, she recognized this as one of her second-tier maids - Ziyu.
The "Sister Zhenzhu" she referred to was one of Shen Xihe's two head maids, also the biological daughter of her wet nurse. They had grown up together since infancy. The other head maid, Linglong, was the one who had pushed her off the ship - a girl purchased into the manor at age five who had greatly pleased Shen Xihe.
Due to Shen Xihe's congenital health issues, Zhenzhu had studied medicine since childhood. She hurried over to check Shen Xihe's pulse first. Only when she felt the pulse gradually stabilizing did she relax, looking at Shen Xihe with concern: "Does Your Highness feel unwell anywhere?"
Shen Xihe shook her head. Being somewhat knowledgeable in medicine herself, she knew the pain within her body couldn't be completely relieved overnight. Hoarsely, she asked: "Where's Linglong?"
"Your Highness, Sister Linglong also jumped into the river to save you. She hasn't been found yet..." As she spoke, Ziyu's eyes reddened.
Shen Xihe had six personal maids. The head maids were Zhenzhu and Linglong, followed by Ziyu, Biyu, Hongyu and Moyu. Except for Zhenzhu, the other five had come to Shen Xihe's side at age five. Biyu and Moyu were born of household servants, while Linglong, Ziyu and Hongyu were purchased from outside.
They had grown up together, as close as sisters.
"Heh..." Shen Xihe chuckled softly. "What a heroic death saving her mistress."
The very person who had pushed her into the river had jumped in after her. With only the two of them on the ship's bow at that time, those unaware would truly believe she died saving her mistress. Most likely, she had already escaped by now.
Even if Zhenzhu and the others encountered her later, as long as Shen Xihe was dead, she would still be considered a loyal maid - perhaps even able to infiltrate back in.
That Shen Xihe, with her weak constitution, could survive a night in the river was truly a miracle.
"Your Highness..." The cold smile lingering on Shen Xihe's lips made Zhenzhu's expression change. Intelligent as she was, she immediately understood. "Did Linglong push you off the ship?"
Instead of answering directly, Shen Xihe ordered: "Have Mo Yuan report to the authorities to pursue the escaped slave."
Ziyu paled. While this dynasty treated servants more leniently than the previous one where they could be arbitrarily killed, escaped slaves were different. A slave's unauthorized escape was already a serious crime, compounded by Linglong's attempted murder of her mistress - an unforgivable offense!
"Sister Linglong..." Ziyu quickly corrected herself, "Why would Linglong do such a thing?"
In Ziyu's view, Shen Xihe was the kindest mistress in the world. She had them study literature and martial arts. Even those dull in learning were taught according to their strengths. Their food, clothing and living standards surpassed even those of many official's daughters.
Shen Xihe didn't respond, merely closing her eyes gently.
Zhenzhu lightly tugged Ziyu's sleeve and led her out. The answer was obvious - Linglong had been a planted spy, her true master never being Shen Xihe.
Hearing them preparing to withdraw, Shen Xihe suddenly remembered something: "Did you see what was in my hand?"
Zhenzhu quickly responded: "This maid will fetch it immediately."
Hearing this, Shen Xihe felt momentarily relieved.
When Zhenzhu returned with it, Shen Xihe sat up with Ziyu's support. Looking at the three jade-green objects shaped like love knots placed in the box, emitting subtle fragrance, she couldn't help reaching out to touch them. They felt cool and smooth: "It truly is the Fairy Ribbon."
They had the texture and luster of jade.Looking up, she immediately asked Zhenzhu, "Did you see anyone else?"
Shen Xihe remembered clearly—the falling black dot had distinctly taken human form toward the end. Someone must have fallen from the cliff. Since the Fairy Ribbon grew among the rocky crags, that person had likely slipped while trying to pluck it.
Zhenzhu shook her head. "No."
"Leave me," Shen Xihe lay back down. "Replace it with a jade case."
"Yes," Zhenzhu responded respectfully before quietly withdrawing with Ziyu.
Shen Xihe’s health was frail,
so she remained in Linxiang County to recuperate. The search for her had already alerted both the county magistrate and the provincial governor of Changsha Commandery. The courier station was too crude, and the county office too cramped, so a local wealthy family had vacated a three-courtyard residence for her convalescence. Shen Xihe remained taciturn day after day, and Zhenzhu and the others attended her with extreme care. Though they noticed she was less affectionate than before, they attributed it to the heartache caused by Linglong’s betrayal.
Linglong’s warrant for arrest had been issued, yet there was no trace of her—alive or dead.
"Your Highness, today’s dispatch from the capital." After breakfast, Zhenzhu presented a document to Shen Xihe with both hands, as was routine.
Ever since her rescue, Shen Xihe had ordered constant monitoring of the capital’s affairs, with daily court gazettes delivered promptly.
Zhenzhu rested her hands naturally against her abdomen, quietly observing Shen Xihe. She had noticed the change in her mistress.
The former princess was clever but overly sentimental. Though raised in the rugged northwest, she resembled a delicate peony untouched by wind and dust—noble yet aloof.
After leaving the northwest, she grew increasingly reticent. Following Linglong’s betrayal, her every word and action became composed and shrewd, as if she had matured overnight. Shedding her fragile beauty, she blossomed into a sovereign flower surpassing all others.
Now, Zhenzhu found herself instinctively more cautious around her mistress. Though Shen Xihe never raised her voice or glared sternly, a mere faint glance from her carried an undeniable authority.
Ignoring Zhenzhu’s scrutiny, Shen Xihe read the dispatch—sent by the Northwest King’s agents in the capital. As expected, the Fan family had been charged with framing loyal ministers and harming imperial heirs.
A slight relaxation in Shen Xihe’s expression hinted at her satisfaction. Noticing this subtle shift, Zhenzhu glanced at the document and remarked, "So Chancellor Gu was falsely accused by the Fan family. What a pity the entire Gu clan was executed. Would His Majesty truly consent to clearing their name?"Our Majesty has no choice in the matter."" Shen Xihe set aside the document and reclined lazily on the daybed, half-lidded eyes drifting between sleep and wakefulness. Her posture was indolent yet exquisitely graceful.
Even as a woman, Zhenzhu felt her heartbeat quicken at such allure—a charm her mistress had never possessed before.
The Youning Emperor had used the Fan family as a blade to pierce the Gu clan. With the lips gone, the teeth feel the cold. The Cui, Wang, and Xue families, acting in self-interest, had to unite in suppressing the Fan family. Otherwise, they might become the next targets. Simultaneously, they made the Emperor understand that the power of the great families could not be shaken.
Without an opening, it would have been impossible. But Gu Qingzhi had already torn a breach for them—how could they not press the advantage?
Shen Xihe closed her eyes, basking in the dappled morning light filtering through the leaves. Wrapped in warm radiance, her skin glowed with an enchanting luminescence.
Gu Qingzhi, may you rest in peace.From this day forth, there shall be no Gu Qingzhi in this world, only Shen Xihe.
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