I Was Tricked by a Black Lotus [Transmigration] - Chapter 2

Unfortunately, Proprietor Yuan, the young and promising owner of Zuixian Pavilion, was infatuated with Qin Luoluo, while the original owner of Shen Qingshu’s body had been infatuated with Proprietor Yuan.

She now strongly suspected that the original owner’s feelings for him had developed through her frequent visits to Zuixian Pavilion to retrieve her younger brother. Over time, her repeated encounters with Proprietor Yuan had sparked romantic feelings.

Proprietor Yuan noticed Shen Qingshu and a smile spread across his handsome face. “Second Miss Shen, what apology do you plan to offer this time?”

A ripple of snickers spread through the crowd.

Shen Qingshu took a deep breath, about to speak, when Shen Zi’an grabbed her wrist. “Second Sister, this Zuixian Pavilion is so petty! All they want is some insignificant person? They dare block this young master?”

“Shut up,” Shen Qingshu hissed.

She turned to Proprietor Yuan. “The Capital Magistrate is already on his way. This time, my younger brother will learn his lesson.”

Silence fell over the room, even Proprietor Yuan’s expression stiffened.

Observing the reactions around her, Shen Qingshu secretly smirked.

She was new to this world and didn’t even know the Capital Magistrate’s name, let alone have the authority to summon him. But what choice did she have? As a minor character, she had to know her place and never cross the protagonist, Qin Luoluo.

Besides, as long as the situation didn’t escalate, Li Huaiming wouldn’t notice the commotion downstairs.

“Since the Minister’s Manor is sincere, Proprietor Yuan will no longer pursue the matter,” Proprietor Yuan coughed.

Shen Qingshu knew he was afraid the authorities would disrupt his business, confirming her strategy had worked. Just as she was about to pull Shen Zi’an away, she noticed Qin Luoluo, the original novel’s female lead, frowning slightly.

“Shen Zi’an, apologize,” Shen Qingshu immediately understood.

“Why should I? They just want money, right? I’ll pay them,” Shen Zi’an remained clueless.

“It seems the Third Young Master remains unconvinced,” Proprietor Yuan said with a mocking smile.

“Hmph, still so arrogant. You think I won’t have my dad teach you a lesson?” Shen Zi’an kicked out his leg.

“Ah—” A low groan escaped his target. Shen Zi’an knew he’d landed the blow. Huh? Wait a minute… Why does the person I kicked look so much like my sister? He narrowed his eyes.

Shen Zi’an, you heartless bastard! Shen Qingshu staggered a few steps before regaining her balance. Proprietor Yuan reached out to steady her, but quickly withdrew his hand after glancing at Qin Luoluo.

The original owner of this body must have had vision problems, Shen Qingshu thought bitterly.

“Proprietor Yuan, the Minister’s Manor can no longer discipline him. Treat him as you would any other troublemaker at Zuixian Pavilion,” Shen Qingshu said, turning to leave.

“No! No! Second Sister, I’m your own brother!” Shen Zi’an grabbed her arm.

“Apologize to this young lady,” Shen Qingshu stopped, gesturing for Shen Zi’an to face the zither player.

Qin Luoluo, as befitting the female lead, possessed a delicate and ethereal beauty. Even at the center of this chaotic scene, she remained composed. Shen Qingshu sighed inwardly.

Seeing she meant business, Shen Zi’an reluctantly turned to Qin Luoluo. “I apologize.”

Shen Qingshu noticed Qin Luoluo exchange a glance with Proprietor Yuan before replying softly, “Third Young Master Shen doesn’t hold his liquor well. He should drink less in the future.”

“The Minister’s Manor will deliver the apology tomorrow. I apologize for the disturbance, Miss Qin,” Shen Qingshu said, signaling a servant to escort Shen Zi’an away.

Watching the siblings’ retreating figures, Qin Luoluo teased Proprietor Yuan, “They’re both from the Minister’s Manor, yet their personalities are so different.”

“How was the sweet osmanthus fish prepared in the kitchen today?” Proprietor Yuan asked.

“The texture was poor, nowhere near as good as the one we had the other day.”

“But didn’t they all come from the same lake?” Proprietor Yuan remarked mildly.

Meanwhile, in a private room above Zuixian Pavilion, a dignified and elegant woman gazed out the window, her almond-shaped eyes gleaming with amusement. “How intriguing,” she murmured. “When did the Minister’s Manor become so subdued?”

Beside her, Li Huaiming slowly set down his teacup. “Commandery Princess Zhao’an, since when have you become so interested in meddling in others’ affairs?”

“I was hoping for a good show, but the Minister’s Manor seems determined to settle things quietly,” Commandery Princess Zhao’an said, returning to her seat. “Still, that lute player is indeed beautiful. No wonder the Third Young Master Shen acted so recklessly.”

“Beautiful? The palace is overflowing with such women,” Li Huaiming replied.

As Shen Qingshu reached the entrance, she glanced back at Zuixian Pavilion.

Li Huaiming hadn’t come down from the private room, confirming her suspicion that the original plot had indeed been altered. Now all that remains is to orchestrate Wen Xue’er and Li Huaiming’s meeting, she thought.

“Miss Shen, please wait.” A voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Proprietor Yuan, do you perhaps find my apology lacking in sincerity?”

Proprietor Yuan shook his head. “I merely wish to say, please refrain from sending calligraphy or paintings in the future. After all, I am but a merchant, with no leisure for such refined pursuits.”

Oh, right. The original owner of this body had a crush on him.

“Or you could just return them?” The gifts the original owner sent must have been valuable. Shen Qingshu couldn’t bear to see them wasted.

Proprietor Yuan paused, then nodded after a moment.

As they approached the carriage, Shen Qingshu refused to share a ride with the reeking-of-alcohol Shen Zi’an. She instructed the servants, “Take him home first and report everything that happened today to the Second Concubine, without omitting a single detail.”

******

“What? Shen Qingshu is ignoring him? And calling the Capital Magistrate?” Second Concubine Liu’s eyebrows shot up in disbelief.

The servant delivering the message froze, unsure if he had misspoken or if the Second Concubine had misheard.

“I don’t want to see the Capital Magistrate!” Shen Zi’an suddenly shouted from his bed.

“Honestly, Master is being ridiculous, making Shen Qingshu discipline my son,” the Second Concubine grumbled. “Enough. You may leave.”

“That girl is truly beautiful, hehe.”

“Another incident over a girl? Look at you, so utterly useless,” the Second Concubine chided.

“If you dislike the Second Miss managing the Young Master, why not arrange a marriage for him?” the maid suggested.

“I’d love to see him married, but Master hasn’t made up his mind yet.”

“Then how about taking a concubine first?”

“Where would I find one on such short notice?” The Second Concubine paused, as if struck by an idea.

Only when Shen Qingshu removed her clothes did she notice the red patch on her waist.

As the maid applied medicine, she mentioned, “The Second Concubine announced a family banquet today. The Second Miss likely won’t be able to attend. I’ll inform her shortly.”

“Why so sudden?”

“They say it’s to welcome Miss Wen.”

“Oh,” Shen Qingshu murmured, sinking limply into her pillow. After a long pause, she finally realized, “Wen Xue’er?”

“Yes.”

“I’m going.”

Shen Qingshu’s heart skipped a beat as she took her seat.

When Shen Zi’an, now sober, saw Wen Xue’er, his gaze burned with renewed intensity.

Shen Qingshu calmly sat between the two, earning a glare from Shen Zi’an.

When the Second Concubine began subtly inquiring about Wen Xue’er’s situation, Shen Qingshu inwardly groaned.

So that’s what she’s after. But in the original novel, the Second Concubine had never considered Wen Xue’er as a daughter-in-law. What was going on?

Could changing one plot point mean the rest will follow suit? Shen Qingshu frowned slightly.

Wen Xue’er responded with shy smiles, rarely speaking more than a few words.

Shen Qingshu glanced at her mother and noticed she wasn’t intervening, as if tacitly approving of the Second Concubine’s intentions.

“Xue’er is so obedient and clever,” the Second Concubine said, covering her mouth with a laugh. “She deserves to find a good match.”

Out of the corner of her eye, Shen Qingshu saw Wen Xue’er’s slender fingers trembling slightly.

“Wen-meimei is a year younger than me,” Shen Qingshu interjected. “What’s the rush?”

“Oh, look at you, look at you,” the Second Concubine said, giving the First Madam a meaningful glance. “Our Qingshu must be thinking about getting married herself.”

Upon hearing the word “marry,” Shen Zi’an’s face lit up, likely imagining a future where no one would restrain him.

“My mischievous third brother still needs guidance,” Shen Qingshu said with a serene smile. “Father entrusted me with his education. How can I marry before he’s properly raised?”

The Second Concubine recognized the veiled sarcasm in Shen Qingshu’s words and was about to retort when Shen Qingshu suddenly cried out, “Ah, it hurts!” and clutched her slender waist.

“Qingshu, what’s wrong?” the First Madam asked anxiously, supporting her.

“My waist hurts,” Shen Qingshu said pitifully.

“What happened?” the First Madam asked the maid.

“The Third Young Master was drunk,” the maid replied, glancing worriedly at the Second Concubine. “He kicked the wrong person.”

“Zi’an,” the First Madam’s face darkened.

“Quickly help the Second Miss back to her room! What are you all standing around for?” the Second Concubine glared at the maids.

Amidst the chaos, Shen Qingshu subtly winked at Wen Xue’er.

Wen Xue’er stared back blankly.

Shen Qingshu blinked again, and Wen Xue’er finally understood, excusing herself to leave.

The matter was finally resolved.

Wen Xue’er walked slowly, occasionally glancing up at the wild geese flying across the vast sky.

After dismissing the servants, Shen Qingshu remained alone in the room with the First Madam.

“Mother, you know the Second Concubine has designs on Xue’er. Why didn’t you intervene?” Shen Qingshu asked, propping herself up with one hand and turning to look at the First Madam.

“Xue’er’s parents have passed away, leaving her without any family. That’s why the old servant brought her to the Capital, hoping to find her a good husband. Even entering our Minister’s Manor would be a good match. Besides, I find her quite pleasing.”

“But Shen Zi’an doesn’t deserve her.”

“Shh,” the First Madam scolded, “He may be mischievous, but he’s still your younger brother. Don’t speak like that. Someone might overhear and start gossiping again.”

“There are plenty of unmarried daughters in the Capital,” Shen Qingshu said, her tone growing colder. “Xue’er is gentle and mild-mannered. How could she possibly control that demon? I won’t agree to this.”

Seeing her daughter’s uncharacteristic outburst, the First Madam felt a strange unease. “Xue’er has only been here for two days. Why are you so invested in this?”

“Don’t I know Shen Zi’an’s true nature? The Second Concubine spoils him rotten. I’m afraid he’ll ruin her life,” Shen Qingshu said, her mind suddenly conjuring the image of Wen Xue’er standing quietly in the twilight. A dull ache settled in her chest.

Poor Wen Xue’er, she thought. Why are all the monsters and demons waiting for her ahead?

“Let’s put this matter aside for now and wait for your father to return before making a decision,” the First Madam said, rising to her feet. “Zi’an was in the wrong this time. I’ll make sure he apologizes to you properly.”

After the First Madam left, Shen Qingshu drifted toward sleep.

In her drowsy state, she thought she heard the door creak open. Her eyes snapped open, her temper flaring from being roused just as she was about to doze off. “Didn’t you say to leave me alone?!”

There was no reply.

Shen Qingshu instinctively turned her head and met Wen Xue’er’s clear, autumn-like eyes. Wen Xue’er stood a short distance away, her expression slightly awkward.

“Wen-meimei, it’s you!” Shen Qingshu suddenly felt neither the ache in her waist nor the drowsiness. She sat up briskly.

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