Shen Xihe had been recuperating in Linxiang County for half a month when the Youning Emperor, upon hearing of her fall into the river, sent a eunuch to convey his regards.
"Your Highness, that man is causing trouble again," Ziyu exclaimed as she rushed in, properly curtsied, and immediately began lodging complaints.
Shen Xihe was admiring the Fairy Ribbon. Over the past fortnight, she had spent moments each day observing it, utterly captivated by its aura, yet she refrained from acting rashly toward it.
Historical records contained only scant mentions of this plant—its place of origin, shape, and color.
Beyond that, nothing more was known, and many likely hadn't even heard of its existence.
After half a month stored in a jade box, it showed no signs of withering, remaining as vibrant and green as ever.
Just as Ziyu finished speaking, Zhenzhu entered with Biyu and Hongyu, all of them curtsying in unison to Shen Xihe.
Shen Xihe lifted her gaze to her four maids. Zhenzhu wore a white dress, while Ziyu and the others were attired in skirts matching their names' colors, each embroidered with orchids. They presented a charming sight—some elegant, some delicate, some refined, each with her own distinct appeal.
After careful observation during this period, Shen Xihe had confirmed that these maids were genuinely loyal to her.
"What has he done now?" Shen Xihe asked calmly.
The "he" Ziyu referred to was the eunuch sent by the Youning Emperor, a fifth-rank official in the Palace Service Department—a eunuch of some standing.
Having been here for five days, aside from delivering the imperial edict to inquire after Shen Xihe on the first day, he had not come to pay his respects since. Instead, he sent daily reminders urging Shen Xihe to depart.
Meanwhile, he had been living lavishly, socializing with local officials and wealthy merchants in Linxiang County. The bribes he collected likely surpassed his lifetime savings.
"This servant saw him dragging a young woman back to his courtyard," Ziyu said indignantly. "A eunuch, and yet he dares to defile a maiden? He..."
"Ziyu," Zhenzhu cut her off promptly. How could such vulgar words be spoken in front of the princess?
This eunuch was here under imperial orders to inquire after the princess and escort her to the capital. Wielding his authority like a royal envoy, he acted as if he held a feather as a token of command, and no one here dared to oppose him.
"Let us go and see," Shen Xihe said impassively.
She wore a peacock-blue gown embroidered with golden thread in a lotus motif, cinched high to accentuate her slender, graceful figure.
A light blue gauze shawl, dyed with peach blossoms, draped over her shoulder, fluttering elegantly in the breeze.
Jade pendants and pearls adorned her waist, chiming melodiously with each step.
Zhenzhu and the others followed behind Shen Xihe, while Ziyu gazed at her with rapt admiration.
Since the princess had been rescued, her demeanor had become truly majestic. Her movements flowed as naturally as drifting clouds, each pose worthy of being captured in a painting—as beautiful as the celestial maiden of Ziyu's dreams.
Standing before such an ethereal figure, even Huang Degui, who was not a complete man, couldn't help but be mesmerized.
"This servant pays respects to Your Highness. If you have any commands, you need only summon this servant. To have troubled Your Highness to come here, this servant deserves death," Huang Degui said, feigning humility as he lightly slapped his own face twice.
Shen Xihe cast a faint glance at the eunuch bowing before her, his clothes disheveled. Her gaze drifted past him to the open door behind, where a delicate young woman—her face streaked with tears and clutching her garments—peeked out from behind the door.
She was clearly a girl from a respectable family.
A subtle ripple stirred in Shen Xihe's eyes. Her voice, clear and melodious like jade beads striking together, rang out softly, "Eunuch Huang, do you know... what became of the last servant who made me seek him out in person?""Your Highness..." Huang Degui's brow twitched, but he quickly composed himself. As an envoy dispatched by His Majesty to escort Shen Xihe, he believed she wouldn't dare harm him. His tone grew lax. "Your Highness, please calm your anger. This humble servant has been negligent. Upon returning to the capital, I shall certainly plead guilty before His Majesty."
"Moyu." Shen Xihe called softly.
Before Huang Degui could react, a dark shadow flashed before his eyes. A sharp pain erupted in his chest, and he fell backward. Before he could gather his senses, a kick flipped him over, and his hands were instantly bound.
Just then, two young eunuchs from his retinue rushed in from outside.
They saw a young woman in dark martial attire forcing Huang Degui to his knees. Their eyes met Shen Xihe, who stood composedly in the courtyard. When her gaze swept over them, they inexplicably lowered their heads. "Your Highness, this humble servant was sent by His Majesty as your escort. Even if there has been impropriety, Your Highness should..."
"Too noisy."
As soon as Shen Xihe spoke, the cold-faced Moyu dislocated his jaw with one swift motion.
With the noise silenced, Shen Xihe finally gave orders: "Biyu, escort this young lady away. Ensure those who need reprimanding are properly dealt with. Zhenzhu, instruct Mo Yuan to depart. Hongyu, bind these two along with Huang Degui."
Early the next morning, Shen Xihe departed Linxiang County, this time taking the land route.
"Cough, cough, cough..." Shen Xihe's constitution was exceedingly weak. Despite half a month of recuperation, just half a day of travel left her breathless and coughing.
"Your Highness, he refuses to eat and even said..." Ziyu, who had delivered rations to Huang Degui, returned fuming, "...he said he would certainly remember Your Highness's... generosity today."
Lying deep within the carriage, nestled against Zhenzhu, Shen Xihe finished her medicine with closed eyes before opening them.
Her eyes were as lucid as obsidian bathed in celestial energy, shimmering with crystal-clear brilliance, yet veiled by a wisp of mountain mist that rendered their clarity unfathomable.
With just a slight turn of her gaze, Zhenzhu understood and lifted the carriage curtain.
Through the small square window, glimpses of the outside scenery emerged. Shen Xihe remarked, "This isn't the official road."
"What?" Ziyu and the others were startled.
They had never left Shen Xihe's side, spending most of their time in the northwest. This was their first trip accompanying her to her maternal uncle's home. Their guide was Mo Yuan, a trusted guard specially assigned to Shen Xihe by Shen Yueshan, whose entire family resided in the northwest.
Even after the Linglong incident, they hadn't suspected Mo Yuan.
"I'll go ask him why he's avoiding the smooth official road for this rugged mountain path. Is he deliberately trying to torment Your Highness?" Ziyu completely set aside the matter of Huang Degui and turned to leave the carriage.
But Biyu grabbed her arm. "I've always told you to use your head, but you never listen. Mo Yuan now serves Her Highness. The only one who can override her orders is the Prince."
"How could the Prince bear to torment Her Highness?"In their eyes, the princess was the Prince's most treasured possession."
"Father has his reasons." Shen Xihe sat up slightly. "Help me down for a walk."
No sooner had Shen Xihe alighted from the carriage than Mo Yuan, who had been scouting ahead, strode over and bowed. "Your Highness, there's a small village ahead. Given that you're still recovering from your illness, it's unwise to continue traveling today. Shall we rest in the village tonight and depart tomorrow?"After a pause, he added, "I have already sent someone to inquire. There is a manor built by a wealthy family in the village. I will dispatch someone to negotiate immediately."
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