The Abused Female Protagonist In The Angst Novel Is Actually A White Lotus - Chapter 11

The Prime Minister’s Residence stood near the Imperial Palace, in the heart of the Capital’s most prosperous and bustling district. Ling Qingyi’s father, recently promoted from Qizhou, could only afford a secluded residence on the outskirts. This time, the Prime Minister’s Residence had sent invitations regardless of social status, their true aim being to showcase their precious daughter to the entire Capital, proving that she had not only defied the prophecy but had also lived to a glorious eighteen.

This explained the grand spectacle in the main hall earlier. Yet no one had anticipated the commotion caused by the humble Ling Residence.

But great leaders don’t dwell on trivial matters. Madam Shen and Prime Minister Shen Zhiyuan paid little attention to the incident, their daughter’s well-being remaining their sole concern.

The Prime Minister’s Residence was quite a distance from the Ling Residence, though the Capital itself was relatively compact. Shen Sijing lifted the carriage curtain to gaze out. They passed the East Market, a temple, and wound through numerous streets before finally arriving after about half an hour.

Yun Nian wasn’t surprised. Her young mistress had always been confined to the inner courtyard, Madam Shen fearing she might catch a chill if she ventured out. Now that Shen Sijing had broken the eighteen-year taboo, Madam Shen finally felt safe allowing her to escort Ling Qingyi today.

Though the Ling Residence was situated in a remote area, it was a large estate with many residents. The grand plaque bearing the words “Ling Residence” hung prominently above the main gate. Shen Sijing, supported by Yun Nian, stepped down from the carriage onto a red sandalwood stool, instinctively reaching back to steady Ling Qingyi’s hand. The gatekeeper had long recognized the carriage’s owner and was already trembling with fear.

One servant rushed inside to announce their arrival, while the others bowed deeply to Shen Sijing. Despite being new to the Capital, they had all heard of the Prime Minister’s Residence’s treasured pearl. Even at Imperial Palace banquets, a seat was reserved for this reclusive young miss.

Such prestige demanded utmost respect. The inexperienced servants, overwhelmed by their first encounter with such nobility, plastered obsequious smiles on their faces. “Young Miss Shen… we greet Young Miss Shen.”

Though Shen Sijing had always disdained such formalities, the thought that these servants might have mistreated Ling Qingyi made her let them kneel. Only when Madam Ling arrived at the gate to greet her did Shen Sijing lazily glance at her fingernails. “Rise,” she said. “Greet Madam.”
Shen Sijing’s perfunctory bow froze the smile on Madam Ling’s face. Afraid to show disrespect, Madam Ling quickly urged her to rise.

Madam Ling, still seething with anger, turned to Ling Qingyi, ready to unleash her fury. “How dare you trouble Young Miss Shen to escort you! Does your lowly body even deserve such an honor?!”

Shen Sijing, overhearing these words, felt her anger rise. Her face darkened, and she cleared her throat sharply, cutting off Madam Ling’s impending stream of insults.

However, since she hadn’t even entered the Ling Residence yet, it was hardly appropriate to argue with the mistress of the house at the doorstep. Shen Sijing merely said coldly, “The wind is strong at the entrance. I fear I might catch a chill. Would Madam be willing to invite me inside to sit?”

Having said this, Madam Ling had no choice but to invite her in, even if she didn’t want to. She forced a benevolent smile and ushered Shen Sijing into the residence.

This was Shen Sijing’s first time seeing a place outside the Prime Minister’s Residence. The Ling Residence resembled a large courtyard house, its layout and rooms arranged with rigid formality. There was nothing particularly wrong with it, yet it lacked any trace of deliberate design.

There wasn’t even a proper rear garden, just a few clusters of flowers and plants scattered in front of each courtyard, adding a touch of greenery.

Shen Sijing didn’t bother to look around extensively, only glancing briefly out of the corner of her eye. Even with its size, the residence felt cramped, housing the family, their servants, and maids.

In the main hall, flower tea had already been prepared, likely at Madam Ling’s earlier instruction. Shen Sijing nodded in acknowledgment. Ling Qingyi had been following silently behind her. Shen Sijing suddenly stopped, glancing back at Ling Qingyi, who, head bowed, hadn’t noticed her halt and walked straight into her. Since Shen Sijing wasn’t much taller than Ling Qingyi, the two now appeared to be embracing. At that moment, Shen Sijing’s heart began to race wildly.

Flushing crimson, Shen Sijing quickly helped Ling Qingyi up. The girl, who had been frowning moments before, now looked bashful. Just as the atmosphere grew subtly awkward, Madam Ling chose to make her presence known.

“Ling Qingyi! How dare you bump into Young Miss Shen!” she shouted, as if witnessing some grave offense. She shoved Ling Qingyi away with unnecessary force. Caught off guard, Ling Qingyi stumbled several steps and collided with the corner of a table, the sharp pain bringing tears to her eyes.
Shen Sijing couldn’t possibly have missed this. She swiftly brushed aside Madam Ling’s insincere inquiries and hurried to Ling Qingyi’s side. Noticing the bruise on Ling Qingyi’s calf, and with no men present in the hall, Shen Sijing hastily lifted the hem of her skirt to examine the injury. The slender calf already showed a red mark.

A bruise will likely form by tomorrow, she thought.

“Why did you push her just now?!” Shen Sijing couldn’t contain her anger any longer. After all, who dared to lecture her about her status? At worst, she’d just tear apart the Ling Residence’s facade.

Just then, Ling Qingyi tugged at Shen Sijing’s sleeve, her tears still glistening on her cheeks. “Sister Shen… I’m fine…”

This only fueled Shen Sijing’s anger. She glared fiercely at Madam Ling, but without Madam Shen’s support or the authority of the Prime Minister’s Residence, Madam Ling, who had been simmering with resentment, refused to be cowed. She returned Shen Sijing’s icy stare with equal hostility.

“Young Miss Shen, what’s with this tone?” Madam Ling demanded, her voice sharp. “I’m merely fulfilling my duties as the mistress of this household. You, on the other hand, presuming on the Shen family’s immense wealth, have repeatedly interfered in the Ling family’s affairs. Isn’t that going too far?”

Madam Ling spoke without a hint of shame or hesitation. Shen Sijing wanted to peel back her skin to see how many layers of audacity she possessed.

Madam Ling’s maid stood frozen, seemingly sensing the impropriety of her mistress’s words. She tried to tug at Madam Ling’s arm, but the older woman brushed her aside, growing even more emboldened with each word.

“Yesterday’s incident with Yunliu falling into the water hasn’t been properly investigated. Ling Qingyi, kneel down!” Madam Ling seized the opportunity to vent her anger on Ling Qingyi.

Shen Sijing, having just been reprimanded by Madam Ling, was too flustered to think of anything else to say. She could only watch as the already frail Ling Qingyi was forced to kneel, her face etched with such heartbreaking grievance that it tugged at Shen Sijing’s heartstrings.

Yet Madam Ling only grew more enraged at the sight. She raised her hand to strike Ling Qingyi, but Shen Sijing swiftly stepped forward and gripped Madam Ling’s wrist, her voice trembling. “Madam, you mustn’t! Didn’t we say yesterday? She was with me the entire time, never leaving my side!”
This was the first time Shen Sijing had faced such a scene. Even the original owner of her body had likely never encountered such a situation. Was Madam Ling not only cruel but also so brazenly violent?

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