As Xue Shen had predicted, it rained the next day.
The rain wasn't heavy; a light drizzle fell, wetting the flowers and plants in front of the window and bending their slender stems low.
Since returning yesterday, Shen Youying has been feeling rather lazy. She lay on the daybed eating fruit and reading storybooks. Occasionally, when she got tired of reading, she would lean against the window and look at the rainy scene outside.
Bai Luo thought she was upset because of yesterday's events, so she said, "You've read this book two or three times already. I heard the bookstore got some new stories. I'll go buy you a few new ones."
Shen Youying turned over, threw the storybook aside, and said, "It's just the same few stories over and over again, nothing new."
Seeing the worry in the eyes of her two personal maids, Shen Youying propped herself up on her arms and sat up. Her long, casually draped hair slid down to her chest with the movement, her black hair and fair skin making her look even more charming: "I know what you're thinking, but it's nothing serious, not worth me being upset about."
She had no expectations for the King of Qin or this marriage. It was only because the King of Qin had previously protected her that she had some illusions. Last night, after hearing the Crown Princess talk about some interesting things about the King of Qin when he was young, she became obsessed and thought that perhaps she could really support each other.
Fortunately, the King of Qin's blunt words quickly brought her to her senses.
There's nothing wrong with that.
In this secluded mansion, only by staying constantly alert can one live a long and good life.
Shen Youying smiled with her eyes crinkling, and said to Danzhu, "Bring me my tea set with the 'after the rain and the sky turning blue' theme. Today's scenery is perfect for making tea."
*
As Xue Shen had expected, Shen Youying returned to her original position. She was no longer as apprehensive as when she first entered the Prince's Mansion, but she did try her best not to appear in front of Xue Shen again.
Xue Shen has been busy with something these days, spending most of the month away from the Prince's residence. When he does return, he rests only in the front courtyard and never even comes to the back.
Shen Youying overheard the servants gossiping, saying that he had taken a fancy to the new head maid of the Red Mansion and had been spending every day there, showering money on her.
Shen Youying heard this but didn't feel anything. However, she did have something to say to Xue Shen, so she asked Fu Cui to keep an eye on the front yard and let her know if Xue Shen returned.
Actually, she didn't know when Xue Shen would return, but Fu Cui and Liu Yun were people arranged by Xue Shen, and she was in a hurry to find him, so she placed her hopes on the possibility that Fu Cui and Liu Yun might be able to pass the message to Xue Shen.
After having Fu Cui keep watch over the front yard for three days, Xue Shen indeed returned to the Prince's Mansion on the tenth day of the sixth month.
Upon hearing this, Shen Youying quickly changed her clothes and took Bailuo and Danzhu to the front yard to block the person.
"Did the Princess say what it was about?" Xue Shen asked.
Fu Cui shook her head: "This servant does not know. The Princess Consort did not mention it, but she seemed very anxious to see the Prince."
Because she and Liuyun were sent there by the prince, the princess treated them very politely, giving them the same allowances as her first-class maids. But when something really happened, the princess only trusted Bailuo and Danzhu, who served her personally.
Unfortunately, Bai Luo and Dan Zhu were tight-lipped, so they couldn't find out anything even if they wanted to.
Seeing her flustered expression, Xue Shen didn't ask any more questions and sent her away.
No sooner had Fu Cui left than Chen Youying arrived with Bai Luo and Dan Zhu.
When she saw Xue Shen again a month later, she no longer showed the same fear and panic as that night, and looked very dignified and composed.
She didn't look directly at Xue Shen, but lowered her eyes slightly, focusing her gaze on his chin, and respectfully bowed and greeted him: "Greetings, Your Highness."
"Wang Deshun said you wanted to see me?"
“Yes.” Shen Youying didn’t beat around the bush. After carefully considering her words, she explained her purpose: “My father sold the old house in Chongde Lane and moved to an estate in the eastern suburbs. I’m a little worried about him and would like to ask Your Highness for permission to go back and take a look.”
So that's what she came for. Xue Shen didn't answer immediately, but lowered his eyes to look at her.
The conversation that night didn't seem to have any effect on her. Shen Youying stood there gracefully, her eyes lowered, her expression very submissive.
Xue Shen noticed that she seemed to have grown a bit more.
Indeed, a girl not yet seventeen is still growing. She seems to have grown taller, but her figure seems more voluptuous than before, with some plumpness in her cheeks. In addition, having not gone out for some time, her skin has become fair and radiant, making her look even more charming.
Xue Shen withdrew his gaze, pondered for a moment, and said, "If you want to go back, then go back. You don't need to ask me about this little matter in the future."
Shen Youying hesitated for a moment before raising her head: "My father has a chronic illness, and I've been worried about him. When I go back this time, I'd like to... stay for a few more days."
If it were just a trip back home, she wouldn't have gone to such lengths to stop Xue Shen. The main reason was that she missed her father and wanted to stay at home for a few more days.
Upon hearing this, Xue Shen frowned slightly, and Shen Youying noticed it, feeling somewhat uneasy.
It's not uncommon for married women to return to their parents' home for a few days, but Prince Qin is autocratic, and the Shen family still bears the reputation of being disgraced officials. Shen Youying didn't want to go back without permission and anger him, so she had to ask for permission first.
Xue Shen seemed to ponder for a moment, but ultimately did not object. He nodded and said, "Since you are going to stay for a while, I will have Wang Deshun escort you back and pick out some gifts from the storeroom to take with you."
Shen Youying's anxious heart immediately calmed down. She quietly exhaled, feeling a surge of joy in her heart. Her deliberately composed tone became more lively: "Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness."
Because she was in a hurry to get home, she didn't have time for many pleasantries and eagerly took her two maids back to Tingmei Pavilion to pack her luggage.
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com