The Abused Female Protagonist In The Angst Novel Is Actually A White Lotus - Chapter 27

Seeing that she couldn’t dissuade Ling Qingyi, Yun Nian sighed and knelt beside her, using the opportunity to pass Shen Sijing the items she needed, such as snacks and refreshments. This arrangement lasted less than half a day before Yun Nian began opening the door to deliver medicine. Soon after, she moved inside to attend to Shen Sijing directly.

Ling Qingyi excused herself early to apply her medicine.

“Where’s Father?” Shen Sijing suddenly asked. She hadn’t seen Shen Zhiyuan in a while. Yun Nian stood beside her and sighed. “Young Miss, you still don’t know? The Jiangnan Flood Disaster is severe. His Majesty has been urgently summoning ministers for consecutive days to discuss the crisis. With the National Treasury depleted, we’re struggling to find funds for relief.”

Though the Emperor had been on the throne for several years, the Late Emperor’s military campaigns had left the treasury empty. The nation was still recovering when the flood disaster struck, making the treasury even more strained.

Shen Sijing narrowed her eyes. Isn’t this the plotline from the book? Why doesn’t it match the timeline? According to the story, this should be Ling Yunliu’s moment to shine. She would have just secured her position with the Second Imperial Prince and proposed a public fundraising campaign, donating all her personal savings to gain the imperial family’s admiration.

The Ling family’s fortunes soared, and poets across the nation composed verses in their praise. Ling Yunliu’s reputation skyrocketed, and everyone conveniently turned a blind eye to her frequent clandestine meetings with the Second Imperial Prince.

But how could this happen so quickly? Shen Sijing wondered. She hadn’t realized she’d been transported to this point in time. The differences were to be expected, after all; she’d taken over the body of a dying woman, so logically, none of the subsequent events should have anything to do with her.

Yet… this incident served as a warning. After the scandal, everyone in the Capital began to curse Ling Qingyi, seemingly because…

While everyone was scrambling to raise funds, Ling Qingyi had been framed for stealing jewelry and selling it.

Jewelry… Shen Sijing fell into deep thought. According to the book, Ling Qingyi had taken the carefully saved jewelry to a pawnshop to raise money. But Ling Yunliu and Ling Xing’er had stolen the money, then framed her.

These people… how despicable! Shen Sijing slammed her hand on the table in fury, startling Yun Nian. “Young Miss, what’s wrong? Did someone upset you?”
Shen Sijing finally realized she had lost her composure and quickly shook her head. Only by combining her recent observations with the plot from the original book could she fully grasp how despicable the situation was.

Ling Yunliu was the one she needed to constantly guard against. She was far from being a simple white lotus. And where did that scheme to raise funds from the common people even come from?

“Is Third Young Miss Ling asleep yet? If not, she’ll come with me to the Imperial Palace.” Shen Sijing’s sudden declaration startled Yun Nian. She quickly reached out to check Shen Sijing’s forehead, then realizing it was improper, knelt down. “Young Miss, Young Miss… This servant understands her mistake… But what’s wrong? One can’t casually enter the Imperial Palace without a special summons.”

“But… given your status, anyone wishing to attack you would at least need to consult Madam first.” Despite appearing to be around the same age as Shen Sijing, Yun Nian had undergone far more rigorous training to reach her position as the head maid of Dreamlike Pavilion.

Yun Nian understood many rules and social conventions, and she could offer the most advantageous advice to her young mistress at such times.

Shen Sijing nodded, didn’t deliberately dress up, and rose with Yun Nian’s support.

“Is Third Young Miss Ling also going to the palace?” Yun Nian asked. Such a question was usually not permitted. Shen Sijing didn’t want to break rules or take shortcuts every day, but since she wanted to help Ling Qingyi turn the tide, she at least needed Ling Qingyi herself.

“Let’s not go find Mother first. Let’s go find Qingqing first.” Shen Sijing seemed to have realized something today. She hadn’t understood some details when she was reading before, but now she wanted to find some answers.

Ling Qingyi lived in a side hall. It was just a few steps around the corner. Shen Sijing stopped at the door and didn’t go in. She waved her hand, telling the maids to withdraw, and listened intently to the sounds inside…

“The greatest problem facing the nation now is the empty National Treasury. What can we do to fill the National Treasury?” Ling Qingyi’s voice was hoarse. She had just returned in a daze when she heard about the Jiangnan Flood Disaster. Fudong, who was beside her, didn’t know how to comfort her.

“Young Miss… this matter should be considered by the ministers. You’re still frail, so you should rest more,” Fudong said. It was her first time serving as someone’s personal maid, and lacking proper training, she could only offer this simple advice.
Ling Qingyi sighed, then instructed Fudong to grind the ink, her voice tinged with excitement. “Let’s raise funds! Yes! The Jiangnan Flood Disaster is urgent. Even if we want to replenish the National Treasury, that’s a long-term plan that can’t be achieved overnight. The most pressing task right now is to address the disaster and reconstruction in Jiangnan… And what’s most urgently needed is silver, isn’t it? The Emperor is highly respected, and aside from the major Clans, he has few close relatives among his ministers. Everyone at the Imperial Court is eager to make a good impression on him. If we propose that everyone contribute funds, many official and wealthy families would likely give their utmost. In that case, the silver raised just from the Capital alone should be sufficient.”

Ling Qingyi calmly explained her entire plan. As her voice trailed off, Shen Sijing felt a suffocating tightness in her chest. She had never felt such heartache for Ling Qingyi before.

It turned out… that aside from being love-struck, Ling Qingyi had no other flaws. Though raised in the countryside, her exceptional abilities had always been recognized by her tutors, who had nurtured her talent.

That’s what Shen Sijing meant when she first said, “Ling Qingyi’s life should have been brilliant and radiant.” But because she loved the wrong person and chose the wrong path, she gradually fell under others’ control, leading to her downfall.

Meanwhile, Ling Yunliu was just a slightly more cunning green tea. Unlike her naive younger sister Ling Xing’er, who cared nothing for a young lady’s dignity, Ling Yunliu carefully crafted an image of beauty and sophistication, all while secretly inflicting deep wounds on others.

Shen Sijing knocked on the door. Ling Qingyi’s voice brightened immediately. “Is that you, Sister Shen?”

Shen Sijing hummed in acknowledgment, and the door swung open. Despite still being bound, Ling Qingyi’s face lit up at the sight of her. “You’re out? Did Madam realize she wronged you…?”

Shen Sijing was surprised to see Ling Qingyi showing her usual concern for the matter. Not wanting to deflect the conversation, she awkwardly reached out and patted Ling Qingyi’s head, her hand trembling slightly.

“Were you just thinking about how to raise funds for the Jiangnan Flood Disaster?” Shen Sijing didn’t hide that she had overheard the conversation earlier, but Ling Qingyi didn’t seem to mind.

“Yes… I just don’t know if my idea is too insignificant compared to others’ more brilliant suggestions. And I’m not sure how to get it to the palace.”

Ling Qingyi smiled bashfully, as if she didn’t consider her idea particularly remarkable. But Shen Sijing desperately wanted to shake her awake. This plan had not only earned the approval of the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, but it could also win the trust of the common people. Yet in the original book, Ling Yunliu had so easily stolen Ling Qingyi’s credit.

The more Shen Sijing thought about it, the more frustrated she felt. Fortunately, Ling Qingyi was now at the Prime Minister’s Residence, where Ling Yunliu couldn’t possibly come to steal her ideas. Still, accidents could happen, and Shen Sijing decided to take Ling Qingyi to the palace immediately.

“But I think your idea is excellent. Why don’t you come with me to the palace? We can use this opportunity to inform the Empress Dowager.” Shen Sijing naturally didn’t dare to approach the Emperor directly. She had heard the Empress Dowager favored her, so she likely wouldn’t be difficult.

Moreover… this method of raising funds was practically a cheat code. Even if it broke every rule, the Empress Dowager would never object.

Ling Qingyi was stunned. Thinking she was in disbelief, Shen Sijing hastily added, “Really, it’s true! Don’t worry. I’ll handle everything about entering the palace.” Shen Sijing repeatedly assured Ling Qingyi.

When the two found Madam Shen, her hand froze mid-air as she was feeding the fish.

“You two are actually going to enter the palace? And it’s because you’ve come up with a good plan to alleviate the Jiangnan Flood Disaster?” Madam Shen clearly hadn’t imagined that her daughter, who had grown up in the countryside and only read books for amusement, would one day come to her with a beaming smile, claiming she could offer advice to the state.

Madam Shen naturally didn’t want to dampen their enthusiasm, but… their refusal to answer any of her questions left her feeling uncertain.

“Remember, the palace is not like home,” Madam Shen warned, her gaze sweeping over the two girls. “If you’re not absolutely certain about your plan, don’t rashly enter the palace.” Shen Sijing’s eyes held a steely resolve that somehow put Madam Shen at ease.

“Very well, take my identification token and enter the palace. Sijing, you must remember that your actions represent the entire Shen family. You don’t need to adhere to rigid etiquette, but avoid any disputes within the palace walls.”

Madam Shen’s caution stemmed from a recent incident involving Chen Yao. Even causing a scene outside the palace had led to a disciplinary confinement. What consequences would follow if such an incident occurred inside? Madam Shen had always considered Shen Sijing to be well-behaved, but lately, ever since meeting Ling Qingyi, the girl seemed transformed, developing a newfound backbone.

And this backbone was rooted solely in Ling Qingyi.

Madam Shen harbored growing suspicions about this sudden change, though she couldn’t pinpoint its source. Rather than interrogating her daughter, she chose to observe quietly, waiting for answers to reveal themselves.

Now that the decision had been made, there was no time to lose. The palace gates would close soon, and once they did, entry would be impossible.

Fortunately, the Prime Minister’s Residence had its own efficient management system, including procedures for handling emergencies. After Shen Sijing and Ling Qingyi finished dressing, they stepped out of the residence to find a carriage waiting steadily before them.

“Young Miss, please,” Yun Nian said, placing a stepping stool before the carriage. Shen Sijing and Ling Qingyi climbed in one after the other, and the carriage curtain was lowered. Soon, the carriage began to move, the occasional sounds of bargaining and market cries drifting to their ears.

Shen Sijing felt deeply anxious. She had never truly set foot inside the Imperial Palace before. Although her recent observations had revealed that the palace’s etiquette wasn’t overly complex, she couldn’t afford to act petty or unrefined as a legitimate Young Miss of the Prime Minister’s family.

Shen Sijing glanced sideways at Ling Qingyi. Her expression remained calm, but her hand clutched the paper with their plan written on it, her grip tight.

It seemed Ling Qingyi was more concerned about whether they would be accepted.

Shen Sijing sighed. So this is the difference between a slacker and a true leader? Thanks to the family’s favored position, their residence was close to the palace. It took less than fifteen minutes to arrive.

The majestic and opulent Imperial Palace loomed before them. The once-imposing carriage now seemed utterly diminutive against the towering city walls.

Once inside the Imperial Palace, carriages were no longer permitted. Those of sufficient status rode in sedan chairs carried by attendants, while those of lesser status had to walk.

Fortunately, Shen Sijing’s status was high enough to warrant the most comfortable sedan chair. The scenery within the palace largely matched her expectations, though the solemn atmosphere felt even more intense than she imagined. The palace maids and eunuchs, all walking with their heads bowed, lent the long corridors an air of oppressive stillness.
Shen Sijing didn’t dare look around too much. Even when she tilted her head slightly, all she saw was a square patch of sky. Living long-term in such an environment could certainly lead to psychological changes.

Suddenly, Shen Sijing understood why some of the empresses acted with such extreme measures. The saying “the palace gates are as deep as the sea” likely referred to this very isolation.

On the way to the Empress Dowager’s Palace, they passed through the Imperial Garden. The garden boasted a remarkable collection of rare plants, rivaling a modern botanical garden. There were even pavilions that finally brought a touch of vitality and dynamism to the otherwise austere palace grounds.

By this time, the Empress Dowager had already received the news and sent a wet nurse to greet her. The wet nurse walked beside the sedan chair, smiling. “I never imagined Young Miss Shen would grow so lovely. The Empress Dowager has been deeply concerned about your health these past few years.”

These seasoned court veterans knew exactly what to say. Shen Sijing nodded politely and smiled, then added, “I also miss the Empress Dowager very much.”

Her bashful smile, framed by her lovely face, didn’t offend the matron but rather endeared her even more.

As they chatted casually along the way, they arrived at the Empress Dowager’s Palace. The matron helped Shen Sijing down from the sedan chair but didn’t spare Ling Qingyi a single glance. Though Shen Sijing showed no sign of displeasure, she turned around and took Ling Qingyi’s hand, walking with her.

This was their first time in the palace. How could Ling Qingyi be left unattended?

Ling Qingyi lifted her head, her grip tightening on the paper in her hand. Her initial goal had been achieved—she was inside the palace. But she hadn’t anticipated… that Shen Sijing would unexpectedly become her ally in this treacherous journey.

Only now did the matron realize their relationship might not be as she’d assumed. She smiled warmly and amiably joined their conversation.

The Empress Dowager’s Palace was one of the three grandest in the Imperial Palace. Even from the outside, its golden splendor shone brilliantly. The palace was staffed with a full complement of palace maids, and its furnishings were unparalleled in their uniqueness and value.
“Jing’er! You’ve finally remembered me!” The Empress Dowager’s aged voice rang out before she even entered the hall. Shen Sijing hadn’t expected the Empress Dowager to genuinely care for her so much. What if she failed to act convincingly in front of her?

Soon, Shen Sijing realized she had overthought things. After all, everyone knew what kind of person she’d become as an adult…

The moment the Empress Dowager saw Shen Sijing, she didn’t notice anything amiss. Instead, she took Shen Sijing’s hand and began chatting warmly.

“How’s your appetite been lately?”

“Are you feeling well? Any unexplained fatigue?”

“Happy birthday, my dear.” The Empress Dowager retrieved a Phoenix Tail Dangling Hairpin from her own hairdo and pinned it into Shen Sijing’s. The hairpin was exquisitely crafted using the delicate pointillism technique, adorned with rare pearls of immeasurable value. Shen Sijing felt as if she couldn’t even walk with such a precious ornament on her head.

For the first time, Shen Sijing felt the joy of having a true family member. Although Madam Shen treated her kindly, she was the household matriarch with countless daily responsibilities, leaving little time for such private moments.

“Thank you… Thank you, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager.” Shen Sijing’s gratitude was heartfelt. She didn’t forget Ling Qingyi, who sat quietly in the corner.

“Empress Dowager, this is my new friend,” Shen Sijing said happily, pointing to Ling Qingyi. Her smile still carried a childlike innocence and romance. The Empress Dowager, who rarely saw such a radiant smile in the lifeless Imperial Palace, nodded eagerly. At her nod, a nursemaid stepped forward and pressed some silver coins into Ling Qingyi’s hand.

Ling Qingyi repeatedly expressed her gratitude, surprised that Shen Sijing would actually introduce her to the Empress Dowager. A warm current flowed through her heart.

“But this visit isn’t solely to see an old woman like me, is it?” The Empress Dowager said shrewdly. After all, she’d lived long enough to see through such transparent schemes. Shen Sijing hadn’t visited in years, and nothing pressing had occurred recently. Why would she suddenly come to pay her respects now?

Though her plan had been exposed, Shen Sijing maintained her composure. “Your Majesty is correct. The recent floods in Jiangnan have devastated the region, and the National Treasury is empty. Ling Qingyi, however, has devised a way to resolve this crisis swiftly.”

Though the Empress Dowager claimed to avoid political matters, she remained well-informed about such affairs. Hearing of a potential solution now stirred her excitement.

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