The Abused Female Protagonist In The Angst Novel Is Actually A White Lotus - Chapter 30

The Shen family’s carriage was both luxurious and dignified. As Shen Sijing settled into it, she noticed a stark contrast from her previous hurried palace visit. This time, Yun Nian had meticulously prepared everything, even packing pastries.

Though Shen Sijing didn’t particularly enjoy eating in a carriage, the pastries were so beautifully arranged that they lifted her spirits. The lotus-powder osmanthus cake, with its subtle osmanthus fragrance, made her feel genuinely cheerful.

With the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, Shen Sijing wondered how the matter of Consort Yu’s palace maid had been resolved. She sighed, her thoughts drifting. The carriage’s slow progress through the bustling market, its vendors’ cries drifting in through the windows, brought her back to the present. She lowered her head, and the Phoenix Tail Dangling Hairpin swayed gently. The crystalline beads glimmered, their beauty lifting her mood. A faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

Her last palace visit had been accompanied by Ling Qingyi. Now, she traveled alone. How had Sun Qing risen so quickly to gain the Empress Dowager’s favor? How had he become influential enough to wield real power within the palace walls in such a short time?

When the proposal to investigate thoroughly was made, everyone truly threw themselves into the effort, determined to uncover the true nature of this remarkable figure. Shen Sijing sighed inwardly. Ever since arriving in this ancient world, she had felt like a mere novice compared to everyone else. She knew she needed to improve both her intelligence and emotional intelligence to avoid becoming a burden to the Shen family and Ling Qingyi.

The Emperor had agreed to grant Ling Qingyi the title of Princess, though she hadn’t yet been assigned a fiefdom. When the people of Jiangnan heard her renowned name, they revered her as their savior, much like how the original book’s characters treated Ling Yunliu. They eagerly petitioned to offer her tributes of local Jiangnan goods in the future.

Meanwhile, the Ling family’s doorstep was practically worn down by the constant stream of suitors, congratulators, and those seeking to curry favor. Shen Sijing’s expression darkened as she thought, Ling Qingyi… will eventually have to marry.

“Yun Nian,” Shen Sijing called out, lifting the curtain, “didn’t you say… that recently, many suitors have been visiting Qingqing’s residence? Has she shown any preference for anyone?” Outside, Yun Nian, unaware of any change in her mistress’s tone, pondered earnestly. “I don’t think so. A few days ago, while shopping for cosmetics, I ran into Fudong. She mentioned that although many suitors have called on Third Young Miss Ling, she has consistently rejected them. This led to another heated argument with her father.”

Another argument? Shen Sijing frowned slightly, but the thought that Ling Qingyi currently had no other romantic interests brought her some comfort, and she even smiled.

“Young Miss, what’s wrong? Frowning one moment and smiling the next—it’s giving this servant quite a scare,” Yun Nian said, feigning concern. In truth, she was relieved to see Shen Sijing showing concern for Ling Qingyi. Could this be a sign that she truly considered Ling Qingyi a close friend?

Young ladies of noble families rarely had many friends, and without someone to confide in, Yun Nian feared her mistress would become depressed.

The carriage rocked to a stop at the palace gates. Since the Empress Dowager had personally sent someone to invite them today, attendants were already waiting to greet them. They bowed deeply, even offering to form a human step for Shen Sijing to descend from the carriage. But she refused.

“Just stand up and fetch a proper stool,” Shen Sijing said. She couldn’t bear to step on someone, even though she wasn’t heavy. Everyone was born of their parents—why should anyone be subjected to such unnecessary humiliation?
The palace attendants standing below seemed taken aback by Shen Sijing’s words. They had initially worried that she might find their arrangements insufficient, given the Young Miss of the Shen family’s status—a figure so revered that most people dared not offend her.

Yet… the reclusive Shen Sijing, who rarely ventured out, was unexpectedly so approachable?

The attendants inwardly accepted her. Though they didn’t insist on serving as human footstools, they scrambled to bring chairs forward, eager to do something practical for Shen Sijing.

Shen Sijing was somewhat overwhelmed by this warmth. Yun Nian helped her down from the carriage, and she smiled at the attendants before being transferred to a sedan chair for the journey to the Empress Dowager’s Palace. These attendants had been temporarily reassigned from the Empress Dowager’s Palace specifically for Shen Sijing’s reception, so they followed the sedan chair back.

Having visited once before, Shen Sijing wasn’t particularly interested in the palace’s architecture or surroundings. Instead, she was preoccupied with the death of Consort Yu’s palace maid. The palace was notoriously secretive, especially when it came to matters involving the Inner Palace’s power struggles. Therefore…

“Have you heard about the incident with Consort Yu’s palace maid?” Shen Sijing asked, deliberately choosing a long, secluded corridor where no other palace attendants were passing by, and lowering her voice.

The palace maids accompanying Shen Sijing’s sedan chair exchanged glances. Though they longed to tell her, they also knew it wasn’t proper to discuss the imperial harem in private. One of them suggested a compromise: “Perhaps the Empress Dowager summoned you today precisely because of this matter. When you meet her, Young Miss, you should ask her directly.”

Shen Sijing didn’t get the answer she sought and could only nod. As the sedan chair drew closer to the Empress Dowager’s Palace, her heart fluttered with anticipation, unsure whether the Empress Dowager would reveal anything.

“I’ve been waiting for you,” Sun Qing said, standing at the palace gate. Though his ingratiating smile still made her uneasy, Shen Sijing could see the meticulous attention he paid to his duties. Perhaps his current position wasn’t undeserved after all.

Shen Sijing offered Sun Qing a friendly smile before stepping into the Empress Dowager’s Palace. Having announced her arrival, Sun Qing informed the Empress Dowager that Shen Si had arrived. The Empress Dowager had already instructed the Matron to prepare tea and pastries, and she now stood at the entrance to the Main Hall, waiting for Shen Sijing to approach.

“Jing’er, you’re here?” The Empress Dowager’s usual kind smile seemed somewhat thinner than the last time they met.

“This humble daughter, Shen Sijing, pays her respects to Your Ladyship. Why have you grown so frail, Your Ladyship?” Shen Sijing asked, genuinely concerned. Could the Empress Dowager have suddenly fallen ill in just a few days?

The Empress Dowager froze at these words. She studied Shen Sijing’s expression, then pulled her into the palace hall and sat her down beside an elegant table. “It’s only been a few days,” she said incredulously. “I’ve been unable to eat or sleep properly due to handling Consort Yu’s matter, but I never imagined you would actually care this much about this Dowager.”

As the Empress Dowager spoke, she seemed like an ordinary grandmother—perhaps one who wasn’t particularly favored by her children and grandchildren.

The loneliness in the Empress Dowager’s eyes made her seem ten years older. Shen Sijing paused, then reached out and embraced her.

After a long moment, the Empress Dowager rose from Shen Sijing’s embrace and took a handkerchief to wipe her eyes. “I know you must be dying to understand what happened with Consort Yu, after witnessing such a horrifying scene.

Now… Consort Yu is in the Cold Palace. Go see for yourself…”

Support