The Abused Female Protagonist In The Angst Novel Is Actually A White Lotus - Chapter 10

The next morning, Ling Qingyi woke to find Shen Sijing sprawled on top of her, the girl’s small head rising and falling with her own breath. It wasn’t heavy, but it was undeniably embarrassing.

The sky was still early, and Yun Nian hadn’t yet come to wake them. Yet the sight left Ling Qingyi wide awake. Afraid to move, she even adjusted her breathing. Sensing something amiss, and with her neck aching from sleeping in such an awkward position all night, Shen Sijing finally rolled off Ling Qingyi and lay back down, hugging the silk quilt. She turned her back to Ling Qingyi, her ink-black hair cascading down her shoulders in a beautiful, disheveled cascade.

Ling Qingyi didn’t dare get up, just watched Shen Sijing, an inexplicable emotion stirring within her. She realized she hadn’t slept so well in ages, even in a stranger’s residence.

By the time Shen Sijing woke up, Ling Qingyi was already sitting up, putting on her outer robe. She hadn’t changed into her nightclothes the previous night, as she’d only planned to stay one night, so she’d simply removed her outer robe and gone to bed early.

Shen Sijing rubbed her eyes and sat up as lazy sunlight streamed in. Yun Nian entered with a basin of water, relieved to see both young ladies were already awake, sparing her the thankless task of waking her mistresses.

“Young Miss, you’re awake? Madam and the Prime Minister went to the Ancestral Hall to burn incense early this morning and will likely be speaking with family members. They won’t return until evening. I’m afraid we’ll have to trouble you regarding Third Young Miss Ling’s return to her residence. The Imperial Physician is waiting at the Prime Minister’s Residence. If you feel unwell at any time, please summon him immediately.” Yun Nian carefully explained everything as she washed Shen Sijing’s face. Madam Shen and the Prime Minister had left in such haste that they couldn’t even escort Ling Qingyi back to her residence.

Yesterday’s incident had brought shame to the Ling family. If Ling Qingyi were to return on her own today, it would only worsen her situation. Therefore, even if Madam Shen forbade her from going, Shen Sijing was determined to accompany her.

The maids had prepared breakfast and set it on the table in the main room outside the bedroom. The meal wasn’t as extravagant as those depicted in historical dramas, with mountains of delicacies. Even in ancient times, people couldn’t stomach overly rich foods first thing in the morning. Instead, several baskets of small steamed buns were arranged on the table, along with delicate flower rolls, light side dishes, and pickled vegetables the Third Prince Consort had made herself a few days prior. Having just escaped the sweltering summer heat, autumn brought a bounty of fruits and various delicacies, yet it was these simple pickled vegetables that proved most refreshing.
Shen Sijing and Ling Qingyi had both washed and dressed, wearing outfits similar to the previous day. Shen Sijing, supported by Yun Nian, sat down, appearing even more delicate than usual.

“Qingqing, you need to eat more. You’re so thin. Last night… you were all bones…” Shen Sijing’s voice trailed off, growing softer with each word. She had only intended to observe Ling Qingyi more closely the night before, but she had unexpectedly fallen asleep pressed against her. When she woke up, her neck was stiff and sore from the bony discomfort, forcing her to shift away. Embarrassed, she realized Ling Qingyi’s life at the Ling Residence must be difficult, even to the point where the Young Miss of a prominent official’s household couldn’t get enough to eat.

As Shen Sijing pondered this, her mood darkened. Ling Qingyi, however, didn’t notice her melancholy. Hearing Shen Sijing’s last few words, she blushed but pretended not to hear, lowering her head to continue eating.

Though Ling Qingyi rarely even got a proper meal at the Ling Residence, her dining etiquette was impeccable. When Shen Sijing first realized she had transmigrated the previous day, her first thought had been about manners. Now, she was merely trying to mimic Ling Qingyi’s refined movements, while for Ling Qingyi, such grace seemed etched into her very bones.

Even when biting into a small steamed bun, Ling Qingyi would cover her lips with her hand, chewing with small, deliberate movements. Dressed in such opulent robes, her impeccable manners only enhanced her beauty.

Shen Sijing had never been one for breakfast, but she found herself mesmerized by Ling Qingyi’s graceful movements. Ling Qingyi couldn’t help but remind her, “Sister Shen, remember to eat. You need to finish your medicine before you can take me back to the Ling Residence later…”

Only then did Shen Sijing recall the truth: her new body was indeed fragile. Skipping breakfast would lead to fainting, and even after eating, she still had to take her medicine. Only after completing this routine could she begin her day.

Taking medicine became easier with practice. After stuffing herself with steamed buns, Shen Sijing finally began drinking the bitter concoction. Perhaps because she was mentally prepared this time, and with Ling Qingyi sitting beside her with a plate of fruits and pastries, the ordeal wasn’t nearly as unpleasant as before.

Yun Nian watched Shen Sijing obediently drink her medicine, her heart swelling with gratitude. She silently thanked Ling Qingyi repeatedly, even feeling a pang of reluctance at the thought of Ling Qingyi leaving.

However, Shen Sijing’s hearty appetite this morning stemmed from her awareness of the fierce battle ahead. The Ling family was no easy opponent.
A cowardly father, a venomous mother, a dim-witted second sister Ling Xing’er, and a saintly eldest sister Ling Yunliu. Each member was a masterpiece of dysfunction. Shen Sijing knew she had to help Ling Qingyi secure her position in the Ling Residence today before she could return to the Prime Minister’s Residence with peace of mind.

After finishing breakfast and medicine, Yun Nian began preparing the carriage and the essentials Shen Sijing would need for her outing.

No item could be forgotten: handkerchiefs, emergency clothing, and various jewelry boxes. This was the proper display of a noble lady’s status in ancient times. Unlike later eras that emphasized seclusion, the current era demanded that women dress lavishly and make a grand entrance to earn respect.

The Prime Minister’s Residence already possessed such prestige, so there was no need to flaunt it further. For this outing, Yun Nian selected a relatively modest carriage. Yet even this carriage was drawn by two horses, its canopy draped with rare jeweled tassels, and emblazoned with the character “Shen,” marking it as the Prime Minister’s Residence’s private carriage. It served as a clear warning: “This is the Prime Minister’s carriage. If you can’t afford trouble, get out of the way.”

As Yun Nian helped Shen Sijing to the carriage, Shen Sijing couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer extravagance. Turning to look at Ling Qingyi, she noticed that Ling Qingyi’s eyes remained calm and unperturbed, as if indifferent to this overwhelming display of wealth. Shen Sijing rubbed her eyes, wondering if Ling Qingyi’s earlier expression had resembled that of a worldly ascetic. Yet, in the next moment, Ling Qingyi’s eyes deliberately shifted to reveal a hint of envy, leaving Shen Sijing utterly perplexed.

What… what is this about? Shen Sijing barely had time to ponder before urging Ling Qingyi to board the carriage first. Ling Qingyi then extended a hand to help Shen Sijing up. The carriage, spacious enough for four, felt even more luxurious with just the two of them. A small table in the center was laden with pastries prepared by Yun Nian.

However, neither Shen Sijing nor Ling Qingyi had much appetite after their recent breakfast, so the treats remained untouched, serving only as decorative fare. Yun Nian didn’t board the carriage but instead walked alongside it.

As the carriage slowly began to move, Shen Sijing could hear the sudden surge of noise outside, including the shouts of street vendors. This authentic glimpse of ancient life unfolded before her like a slowly unfurling scroll…

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