HomeAfter I Bloom Hundred Flowers DieChapter 4: Only Shen Xihe Remains

Chapter 4: Only Shen Xihe Remains

“Princess, you’re finally awake.”

Shen Xihe’s surprise was interrupted by a delighted voice. She turned to look at the person who called out “Sister Zhenzhu” while turning aside.

Just from the profile, she knew this was one of her second-rank maids—Ziyu.

The “Sister Zhenzhu” she mentioned was one of Shen Xihe’s two first-rank maids, and also her wet nurse’s daughter who had grown up with her since infancy. The other first-rank maid, Lingling, was the one who had pushed her off the boat—she had been purchased by the manor at age five and had greatly won her favor.

Because of Shen Xihe’s congenital condition, Zhenzhu had studied medicine since childhood. She strode over to check Shen Xihe’s pulse first and only relaxed when she felt the pulse gradually stabilizing. She looked at Shen Xihe with concern: “Princess, are you feeling unwell anywhere?”

Shen Xihe shook her head. She also understood some medical principles and knew that the current pain in her body couldn’t be completely relieved in a short time. She asked hoarsely: “Where is Lingling?”

“Princess, Sister Lingling jumped into the water to save you, but hasn’t been found yet…” As she spoke, Ziyu’s eyes reddened.

Shen Xihe had six personal maids: the first-rank maids Zhenzhu and Lingling, 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 in the household, while Lingling, Ziyu, and Hongyu had been purchased from outside.

They had grown up together, as close as siblings.

“Heh…” Shen Xihe laughed softly. “How noble, dying to save her mistress.”

She had pushed her into the river with her own hands, then jumped in herself. Since only the two of them were at the bow of the boat, those unaware would truly believe she died trying to save her mistress. Most likely she had already escaped to safety by now.

Even if Zhenzhu and the others were to encounter her in the future, as long as Shen Xihe was dead, she would still be considered a loyal maid, and might even be able to infiltrate back in again.

With Shen Xihe’s weak constitution, surviving a night in the river was truly a miracle.

“Princess…” The cold smile frozen on Shen Xihe’s lips made Zhenzhu’s expression change slightly. Clever as she was, she immediately understood. “Was it Lingling who pushed you off the boat?”

Shen Xihe didn’t answer directly, but instead ordered: “Have Mo Yuan report to the authorities to hunt down the fugitive slave.”

Ziyu’s face paled. The current dynasty was more lenient toward servants than the previous one, where they could be killed at will, but runaway slaves were different. A servant’s escape was already a serious crime, and combined with Lingling’s attempted murder of her mistress, it was unforgivable! “Sister Ling—” Ziyu quickly corrected herself, “Why would Lingling do such a thing?”

In Ziyu’s view, Shen Xihe was the best possible mistress in the world. She had them learn both literature and martial arts, and even for those with dull aptitude who couldn’t master either, she would teach them according to their strengths. Their food, clothing, and daily necessities exceeded even those of many officials’ daughters.

Shen Xihe didn’t respond, only gently closing her eyes.

Zhenzhu lightly tugged on Ziyu’s sleeve and led her out. The answer was obvious—Lingling had been a planted spy, and her true master had never been Shen Xihe.

As they were about to withdraw, Shen Xihe suddenly remembered something: “Did you see what was in my hand?”

Zhenzhu quickly responded: “This servant will fetch it right away.”

Hearing this, Shen Xihe felt a moment of relief.

When Zhenzhu returned, Shen Xihe sat up with Ziyu’s support and looked at the three emerald-green, heart-knot-shaped objects placed in the box, emanating waves of ethereal fragrance. She couldn’t help but reach out to touch them, feeling their cool clarity: “It truly is the Immortal’s Sash.”

It had the texture and luster of jade.

Looking up, she asked Zhenzhu: “Did you see anyone else?”

Shen Xihe remembered clearly that the falling black dot had been human-shaped—someone must have fallen from the cliff. Since the Immortal’s Sash grew on the cliff face, that person might have accidentally fallen while trying to gather it.

Zhenzhu shook her head: “No one.”

“You may withdraw,” Shen Xihe lay back down. “Change it to a jade box for storage.”

“Yes.” Zhenzhu respectfully acknowledged and led Ziyu out with quiet steps.

Due to Shen Xihe’s poor health, she stayed in Linxiang County to recuperate. The search for her had already alerted both the Linxiang County magistrate and the Changsha Prefecture governor. Since the post station was too crude and the county office too cramped, they had specially arranged for a three-courtyard residence from a wealthy local family to be vacated for Shen Xihe’s recovery.

Shen Xihe remained silent all day. Zhenzhu and the others served her with extreme caution, and even though they noticed that Shen Xihe was not as warm toward them as before, they assumed it was because Lingling had hurt her heart.

The warrant for Lingling’s arrest had been issued, but so far there was no sign of her, dead or alive.

“Princess here is today’s news from the capital.” On this day, after Shen Xihe finished her morning meal, Zhenzhu presented a document with both hands as usual.

Since Shen Xihe had been rescued, she had ordered people to constantly monitor the capital’s developments, with daily court bulletins to be presented as quickly as possible.

Zhenzhu naturally relaxed her hands against her lower abdomen, quietly watching Shen Xihe. She had noticed that the Princess had changed.

The previous Princess had been intelligent but sensitive, and though born in the rugged Northwest with its fierce customs, she had remained like a delicate peony untouched by wind and sand—noble yet aloof.

Since leaving the Northwest, the Princess had become quiet and reserved. After Lingling’s betrayal, her every word and action became composed and wise, as if she had matured overnight, shedding that delicate beauty to become a flower empress looking down upon all others.

Now Zhenzhu unconsciously became more cautious in the Princess’s presence. Though the Princess never spoke harshly or showed stern authority, just her casual glance could make them feel her power.

Ignoring Zhenzhu’s scrutiny, Shen Xihe read today’s document, sent by the Northwestern King’s informant in the capital. As expected, the Fan family had been charged with framing an honorable minister and harming an imperial heir.

Seeing this, Shen Xihe’s expression softened slightly. Zhenzhu, sensing her excellent mood from this subtle change, couldn’t help glancing at the document and said: “So Minister Gu was framed by the Fan family. Though the entire Gu family has already been executed, His Majesty is willing to clear their name?”

“Our Emperor has no choice but to be willing.” Shen Xihe casually set down the document and half-reclined on the beauty couch, her eyes half-closed, appearing both drowsy and alert, her posture languid yet elegant and captivating.

Such allure made even Zhenzhu, a woman, feel her heart race—this was a charm the Princess had never shown before.

Emperor Youning had used the Fan family as a blade to pierce through the Gu family. When lips die, teeth grow cold—the Cui, Wang, and Xue families, for their interests, had to unite to suppress the Fan family. Otherwise, the Fan family’s next target might be them. At the same time, they needed to let Emperor Youning know that the power of the great families could not be shaken.

They couldn’t proceed without an opening, but Gu Qingzhi had already torn one for them—how could they not pursue and attack relentlessly?

Shen Xihe closed her eyes, enjoying the dappled morning light falling through the branches, warm light enveloping her, her skin glowing with an enchanting radiance.

Gu Qingzhi, you can rest in peace now.

From this day forward, Gu Qingzhi exists no more—only Shen Xihe remains.

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