Chapter 13: Timid or Feigning Humility

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Listening to the news gathered by Xingye, Shen Quanyi learned that early this morning, rumors circulated in the inner court that Consort Gu Tan had been confined. It was said that yesterday, Wang Ling arrived at Zuo Li’s side, battered and injured.

Zuo Li was alarmed and immediately summoned a doctor overnight. Upon examination, it was discovered that her knee was nearly ruined, and by nightfall, her fever worsened, almost costing her life.

“She’s still recuperating now, but I fear she won’t last a month. The Crown Princess knows that Wang Ling was punished by a side consort to kneel in the snow, but she couldn’t bring herself to discipline her further.”

“So then, why was Consort Gu confined afterward?” Shen Quanyi inquired quietly as Xingye tidied her hair.

“Aunt, last night Zhulián from Chun Ya Courtyard came to summon the Crown Prince, but he refused to go, saying that since it concerns the harem, it should be handled solely by the Crown Princess,” Xingye replied softly.

Once or twice such matters might be acceptable, but repeated occurrences could easily become tiresome. However, confinement was nothing serious for Gu Tan—more of a mere formality.

After lunch, a message arrived from Huai’an Courtyard: Zuo Li wished to see her.

Xingye appeared anxious.

“What’s there to fear? It’s protocol. After spending the night with the prince, all concubines must pay respects to the mistress to prevent arrogance and maintain order. You must heed her guidance,” Shen Quanyi reassured, gently patting Xingye’s hand.

When she went to Huai’an Courtyard, Shen Quanyi brought only Xingye, leaving Qiu Yue behind. To flaunt one’s favor so openly right after being favored would surely invite resentment.

Moreover, Qiu Yue was close to Li Qian; if seen parading about, it might be mistaken for showing off.

From a distance, Shen Quanyi saw Yulan personally waiting for her at the gate.

Before she even reached the door, Yulan stepped forward. “Hurry inside, it’s so cold—come warm yourself.”

Shen Quanyi smiled and nodded. “Thank you for your kindness.”

“You flatter me, Aunt. It’s my duty. The Crown Princess has long been concerned for you, but since you were ill, she couldn’t summon you. Now that you’ve recovered, she’s eager to see you.”

Yulan lifted the curtain for Shen Quanyi. “I told you, your fortunate days lie ahead.”

Shen Quanyi’s eyes flickered slightly but she said nothing, waiting for the maid to help remove her cloak and wipe the snow from her shoes before proceeding inside.

Today, Zuo Li wore a white silk robe embroidered with floral patterns, layered with a cobalt blue overcoat adorned with precious vase motifs. Her hair fell smoothly over her shoulders. On the table lay a freshly transcribed sutra, still glistening with wet ink, clearly just completed.

Upon entering, Shen Quanyi bowed deeply. “Your Highness, I offer my greetings.”

Zuo Li did not signal her to rise, so Shen Quanyi remained kneeling.

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After a long pause, Zuo Li finally spoke and rose.

Shen Quanyi tightened her nerves. She did not expect that being summoned by the mistress the morning after spending the night with the prince would be for congratulations or blessings.

“Look at you, why so timid? Raise your head—I want to see you,” Zuo Li said with a smiling tone.

Shen Quanyi slowly lifted her gaze, her eyes quickly scanning Zuo Li. The room was dim at night, the candlelight flickering. Zuo Li’s smiling face seemed frozen, flickering with the dancing flames.

Her eyes were hollow and lifeless, dark and somewhat eerie.

Zuo Li remained composed, her gaze involuntarily appraising Shen Quanyi. What had been the coyness of a young girl now bore the allure of a young woman.

With such a face, Li Qian’s favor for her would never wane.

Zuo Li’s attitude was ambiguous, making it hard to discern her intent. Shen Quanyi lowered her head and noticed a fold in the hem of Zuo Li’s skirt. She stepped forward and gently smoothed it with her hand.

“In the rear mansion, you are our mistress. We concubines live only under your protection; you are like the sky above our heads.”

“I am young and ignorant, hoping to receive some guidance from Your Highness.”

Having spoken, she bowed deeply once more, presenting her utmost humility.

Zuo Li smiled softly, but the more humble Shen Quanyi appeared, the stronger her own wariness grew.

Shen Quanyi wondered whether she was truly timid or merely feigning humility, uncertain of her own feelings.

She longed for everyone in this courtyard to be like Wang Ling—loud and fierce but unintelligent, obedient and easy to control.

“Rise now, sit here with me. Your intentions are already commendable. Serve the Crown Prince well; if you are obedient by nature, I need not remind you further,” Zuo Li said with a gentle smile.

She picked up the teapot from the brazier on the table, poured a cup of tea herself, and handed it to Shen Quanyi, who accepted it hastily with both hands.

“See the new charcoal I brought? Once lit, the room warms up quickly.”

As the Crown Princess, Zuo Li naturally enjoyed the finest provisions. Several charcoal braziers on the floor burned top-grade silver-thread charcoal, filling the room with cozy warmth.

“You are weak and it’s winter; the room must be kept warm,” Zuo Li said, then called Yulan in. “I recall there’s a batch of red radish charcoal—send some to Aunt Shen’s courtyard.”

Shen Quanyi quickly stood to express her gratitude. Though red radish charcoal was inferior to silver-thread charcoal, it was still precious, reserved for high-ranking consorts in the palace.

Concubines like themselves could only use ordinary black charcoal.

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“Thank you, Your Highness, for your concern. But my status is lowly; such items are unbefitting,” Shen Quanyi said, her face flushing red as she politely declined, though a trace of joy shone through her expression.

Seeing this, a hint of disdain flashed in Zuo Li’s eyes. So well-acted—she had truly thought her clever, but in truth, her face betrayed her greed for fine things.

How petty.

Having finished speaking, Zuo Li’s smile faded gradually. She pressed lightly but firmly on Shen Quanyi’s arm. Suddenly, a hush fell over the room, broken only by the crackling of charcoal in the brazier.

“You truly are something. Seeing you today, I feel a kinship, like with my own little sister. I can’t help but want to care for you. You mustn’t refuse.”

Shen Quanyi set down the teacup. “I am unworthy of such grace.”

A touch of melancholy appeared on Zuo Li’s face. Her brows knitted with growing worry. Long lashes cast shadows over her eyes. Her slender fingers, clad in protective coverings, lifted a strand of hair by her ear, revealing threads of silver hidden among the black.

“Look at me now, growing older day by day—not like you young girls exempt from hardship.”

Shen Quanyi lifted her head. “Your Highness’s words are far too kind. Your beauty is peerless; we are the ones who should feel ashamed.”

Sensing the atmosphere grow heavy, Zuo Li smiled and handed her the tea cup again. Shen Quanyi accepted it with an expression of being honored and overwhelmed, holding it carefully with both hands.

“I only hope more people come into the household. The Crown Prince has so few heirs; if you serve him well and bear more children, that would be a kindness.”

As she spoke, Zuo Li lowered her gaze and caught sight of faint, suggestive red marks on Shen Quanyi’s delicate wrist resting over her lower abdomen.

Her expression shifted subtly.

Upon hearing this, Shen Quanyi quickly bowed her head, feigning shyness and nodding in agreement, though her heart was cold. Concubines had no right to raise children; even if they bore them, the children were raised under the Crown Princess’s watchful eye.

Was she merely a vessel to bear children for the Crown Princess?

Shen Quanyi complied gracefully. Zuo Li nodded in satisfaction, realizing that domination could not be too harsh; some gentleness was necessary. She prepared to chat casually, adopting a more approachable demeanor.