The Abused Female Protagonist In The Angst Novel Is Actually A White Lotus - Chapter 33

After the Empress Dowager sent Shen Sijing back to her palace, Ling Qingyi went to Chenguang Hall to report to the Emperor. Shen Sijing sat listlessly on the couch, the Matron brewing tea beside her and pastries arranged on a table nearby. Yet she had no appetite.

“Young Miss, please eat some pastries…” the Matron urged patiently. “You were frightened and have been crying for so long. You must eat something to keep your strength up. There’s still time before dinner.” Shen Sijing picked up her chopsticks and took a few bites before setting them down again.

“Tomorrow is the Mid-Autumn Festival, but I can’t share a meal with my parents. It’s a bit sad.” Shen Sijing was actually sad about more than just this. The words she hadn’t finished saying in Ling Qingyi’s arms earlier were her deepest obsession. What exactly did Ling Qingyi feel?

After hearing this, the Matron actually gave it serious thought. She walked over to Shen Sijing, massaged her shoulders, and suggested, “Her Majesty the Empress Dowager never particularly enjoys the boisterous atmosphere of family banquets. She likely only attended to make a brief appearance before returning to the palace to dine privately. However, all the princesses and imperial princes must attend the banquet and cannot accompany her. If this old servant were to persuade Her Majesty to keep you and Young Miss Ling at the palace, wouldn’t that be a win-win solution? You could dine with Madam Shen and also keep Her Majesty company.”

Shen Sijing found this solution quite feasible, her eyes lighting up. Truly worthy of being the Empress Dowager’s confidant—her suggestions are always so reliable.

“Thank you, Matron. I’ll be in your debt,” Shen Sijing said with a smile, leaning into the Matron’s embrace. Seeing Shen Sijing’s radiant expression brought joy to the Matron’s heart.

So, Shen Sijing remained in the Empress Dowager’s Palace, waiting. She wasn’t sure how much time had passed when the sky began to darken and the Empress Dowager and Ling Qingyi finally returned. At that moment, Shen Sijing was alone, facing a grand table laden with dishes, feeling rather worried.

Hearing the announcement from the Empress Dowager’s attendant, she sprang to her feet, her voice brimming with delight. “Qingqing! Your Ladyship! You’re finally back!” She rushed to Ling Qingyi’s side, took both their arms, and led them inside.

After spending so much time with them, the Empress Dowager had let go of her usual reserve. It had been ages since she’d last interacted with someone like this, and she was genuinely happy. She allowed Shen Sijing to pull her over to the dining table. Outside, the sky was dark and overcast with thick clouds, signaling another impending rainstorm.

Yet the candlelit table, adorned with a sumptuous feast, created a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The Empress Dowager’s appetite was unusually robust tonight, and fortunately, the meal was light and easily digestible. The Matron, smiling in amusement, chimed in, “It’s been ages since I’ve seen Your Ladyship so cheerful. If Young Miss Shen and Young Miss Ling could visit the palace more often to keep you company, that would be ideal!”

The Matron’s words weren’t unfounded. Having served the Empress Dowager for years, she often heard her express longing for Shen Sijing’s company. Ever since that heart-to-heart, the Empress Dowager had been constantly talking about her.

Shen Sijing herself found the quiet respite in the Empress Dowager’s Palace far preferable to endless social obligations. Even Chen Yao was giddy with delight at the prospect.

“Your Ladyship,” Shen Sijing said, her eyes brimming with anticipation, “Jing’er and Qingqing would like to spend the Mid-Autumn Family Banquet here with you this year. Would that be agreeable?”

The Empress Dowager had been considering this herself. Smiling, she turned to Ling Qingyi. “And would you be willing?”

Ling Qingyi rose immediately. “It would be my greatest honor to serve at Your Ladyship’s side.”

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