Chapter 21: With Me, the Princess, Backing You Up

Xuanqing stood holding several bags, his gaze fixed on Xiao Tuyu’s injured arm.

"Master, I have brought the medicine."

Xiao Tuyu paid him no mind, instead slowly scooping a spoonful of broth into his mouth. The tartness of the waxberry blended perfectly with the sweetness of the lychee, a profound delight to his taste buds; he had never tasted anything so exquisite.

"I told you to go to the Champion Marquis’s manor to fetch things. Why did you take so long?"

Xuanqing scratched his head, looking somewhat sheepish. "I returned early, but I saw Miss Yingxia sitting in the courtyard, keeping a vigilant watch on the surroundings. I figured Miss Shen must be inside, and I didn't want to disturb the time you and Miss Shen were spending together."

Xuanqing watched Xiao Tuyu’s expression carefully. He felt he had handled the matter quite well and surely wouldn't be scolded for it.

"Master, do you think I did the right thing?"

Xiao Tuyu took another spoonful of lychee flesh. It was truly strange; he had never found this particularly delicious before, so why did it taste so wonderful today?

"How about the information I asked you to gather?"

Upon hearing this, Xuanqing knew his master was not angry. He gave a sheepish grin and stepped closer. "I had someone investigate it. Master, take a guess—where did that assassin go?"

Xiao Tuyu didn't even spare him a glance. "Don't play riddles with me."

"Very well. The assassin went to the Zui Chun Pavilion."

Even with his limited experience, Xiao Tuyu knew that the Zui Chun Pavilion was a brothel.

"Who is the owner behind the Zui Chun Pavilion?"

Xuanqing looked troubled. "That is precisely what frustrates me. Our intelligence network covers all of East Lin, yet we cannot uncover the master behind the Zui Chun Pavilion. All we can find is that it belongs to a merchant who has no connections and built his fortune solely through the brothel. There are no political ties in the imperial court; everything appears perfectly ordinary."

Xiao Tuyu tapped his porcelain spoon against the rim of the bowl, creating a crisp sound. "The most ordinary places are the least ordinary. In this capital, where the lines of influence are complex and intertwined, no successful business exists without someone supporting it from behind."

"Brothels are hubs of coming and going, the perfect places to gather intelligence. Do you truly believe it could become the premier establishment in all of East Lin without someone shielding it?"

Xuanqing was well aware of this. "We have been watching the Zui Chun Pavilion for a long time, but every probe has ended in nothing. The person behind it hides very deeply; on the surface, it is nothing more than a common brothel."

"Keep investigating."

"Yes!"

***

Shen Xianyue adjusted her dress before stepping out of the carriage with Yingxia’s assistance.

People were coming and going before the Qu family residence. Since it was Qu Shiying’s birthday, the celebration was exceptionally grand.

"Miss, I heard that Miss Qu’s brother has invited many young gentlemen from the capital. Everyone in the city says that Young Master Qu dotes on his sister dearly!"

Yingxia had noticed for some time that her mistress’s attitude toward Qu Shiying was not what it used to be. As her closest maid, she knew she had to stand by her mistress’s side. Whoever her mistress liked, she would like; whoever her mistress loathed, she would loathe twice as much.

"It is merely a case of the drinker’s heart not being in the cup."

In her previous life, Shen Xianyue would have already been sent to the Jingxin Nunnery by this time and would know nothing of these events. Yet, she knew exactly why Qu Shiying had her brother invite these gentlemen—it was for the sake of Xiao Liyang.

Unfortunately, Xiao Liyang had been kept on a tight leash by the First Madam recently and could not even step foot outside his own home. Consequently, this period had been a rare time of peace for her.

Many guests had been invited, and several maids and servants stood at the entrance. Qu Shiying stood just inside the gate, personally greeting the young ladies from powerful noble families.

Shen Xianyue had intended to make a brief appearance, but the moment Qu Shiying saw her, she quickly averted her gaze and affectionately linked arms with someone else to enter.

Shen Xianyue recognized that person—it was the Empress’s own daughter, the most arrogant and domineering princess in the palace. It was no wonder Qu Shiying was so eager to cozy up to her.

This was for the best. Shen Xianyue wasn't sure how much self-restraint she would have needed to keep from shaking off Qu Shiying’s hand had she tried to hold onto her.

A young maid came forward to lead Shen Xianyue inside.

The Qu estate was vast. As a family of scholars, they naturally paid attention to aesthetics—pavilions, winding corridors, and flowing streams. The birthday banquet was held in a gazebo in the back garden.

Only upon reaching the back garden did Shen Xianyue realize how much effort Qu Shiying had put into this day. Since the flowers in the garden were not fully in bloom, she had bought rare potted flowers and arranged them throughout the grounds. The various colors and species vied for beauty, making the garden look like a scene from a fantasy realm.

Seeing Shen Xianyue approach, Qu Shiying smiled and walked over. "I saw you earlier, but Princess Yongning had arrived first. You won't blame me for not greeting you first, will you?"

Qu Shiying’s voice was not quiet, and the noble ladies nearby all turned to look.

"So that’s her. I hear she has a terrible temper. Whenever she is with Shiying, she always makes Shiying wait on her."

"Indeed. Since Princess Changning arrived first this time, and Shiying didn't speak to her immediately, I suppose she’s going to sulk at Shiying again."

"Dealing with such a person is truly exhausting."

Listening to their whispers, Shen Xianyue understood. She hadn't noticed before, but in their eyes, she was a useless young lady who did nothing but throw tantrums. It seemed Qu Shiying had played a significant role in tarnishing her reputation.

"Yueyue, why aren't you saying anything? Did I make you angry again? Please, you mustn't ignore me!"

Qu Shiying looked as if she were on the verge of tears. Princess Changning pulled Qu Shiying away and glared at Shen Xianyue indignantly. "I am warning you—Shiying is my friend. You are not allowed to give her any more attitude. Do you hear me?"

Looking at the fierce Princess Changning, Shen Xianyue sighed inwardly. It was fortunate that someone with such a brain was a princess; otherwise, she would have been sold and still helped the buyer count the money.

However, compared to Qu Shiying, she preferred dealing with someone like this. After all, if she had a temper, she usually let it out on the spot rather than harboring it to stab you in the back later.

"Hey! This Princess is talking to you! Are you deaf?"

Qu Shiying spoke weakly, "Princess, it is my fault today for neglecting Yueyue. Please, do not upset yourself."

Qu Shiying’s words were like adding oil to a fire. Not to mention the indignation of those around them, some didn't even bother to hide their disdain, directing sarcastic remarks straight at Shen Xianyue.

Princess Changning was also furious. "Shiying, don't be afraid. With me here to back you up, no one can bully you."

Qu Shiying looked touched, her eyes welling with tears. "Thank you, Princess. But I consider Yueyue my best friend, and no matter what, I cannot let her be unhappy."

With that, she turned back and took Shen Xianyue’s hand. "Yueyue, will you forgive me, please?"

Shen Xianyue had seen enough of the act. She put on a look of delicate vulnerability and spoke.