Chapter 42: Entering the Tiger's Den

The Second Miss’s huge uproar at Huai'an Courtyard quickly became the talk of the town on the cusp of everyone's lips.

Qiuyue twisted Shen Quanyi’s wet hair with a silk handkerchief while whispering, "It was originally just children scuffling, but somehow Lady Su got mixed up in it."

"Have you not seen how tightly Lady Su guards her youngest son?"

Shen Quanyi adjusted the white silver tendril and ruby hairpin on her bun. The peach-blossom-like face in the bronze mirror carried a faint smile, the alluring charm at the corners of her eyes as delicate as silken threads.

"A child cared for with such meticulous daily devotion suddenly gets injured, and the culprit is his half-sister from another mother. One can neither beat nor scold her, yet losing one's composure to attack a child—do you think the Consort will let this matter rest?"

Taking the damp handkerchief from Liu's hand, Shen Quanyi wiped her fingertips stained with peach-blossom hair cream, the faint floral fragrance still lingering around her nose.

Qiuyue lifted the lid of the small stove on the table, lightly prodding the charcoal ashes inside. "With all this commotion, the inner courtyard has finally sent the Second Miss back to Chunya Courtyard."

Shen Quanyi rubbed her slightly aching and sore eyes. These past few days, Li Qian seemed to have just remembered her existence, consecutively staying at her quarters for two nights, which had left her sleepless for several nights.

"I'm afraid this hardly counts as good news."

As she spoke, Shen Quanyi sat at the edge of the couch, lowering her gaze to look at Hushan, who was kneeling on the floor. She secretly cursed this overly diligent girl who insisted on personally serving her by putting on her shoes.

It made her look as though she enjoyed bullying her subordinates.

Deliberately giving a light kick, her shoes adorned with tassels and gems brushed gently against Hushan's chin. Yet that girl was utterly indulgent, tilting her head back and flashing Shen Quanyi a brilliant smile.

How boring.

Shen Quanyi got up, stamped her feet, and was just about to lift the curtain to go outside when someone suddenly darted in from the outside. Caught off guard, the two collided in an embrace.

Letting out an "Aiya," Shen Quanyi supported her forehead and squinted over, only to see Yang Siqiu standing opposite her looking utterly dazed.

Laughing while supporting her forehead, Shen Quanyi walked over, took Yang Siqiu’s icy little hand, and said softly, "Why did you come at such a coincidence? I was just about to head out, so I won't be able to keep you company for a chat today, Sister."

"It's no matter at all." Yang Siqiu patted Shen Quanyi's hand. Suddenly, a faint, fresh fragrance drifted to her nose—it smelled somewhat like flowers, yet not quite, seemingly carrying a trace of bitter medicinal scent as well.

Feeling surprised in her heart, Yang Siqiu asked with curiosity, "I wonder what kind of incense is being burned in your room, Sister."

Shen Quanyi smiled, unconsciously glancing at Liu, who stood respectfully with her hands folded to the side. She replied, "It's the calming incense sent by the imperial physician previously. It is good enough, but every time I wake up the next morning, I always feel a heaviness and fatigue in my body."

"This incense has a few extra medicinal herbs added to it, so instead, smelling it makes one feel refreshed and relaxed."

Seeing the dark bruises under Yang Siqiu's eyes, Shen Quanyi paused slightly and quickly exchanged a glance with Qiuyue. Qiuyue understood and went to fetch some of the remaining incense.

"Since Sister is here, if you find it agreeable, you might as well burn it in your own quarters."

Yang Siqiu smiled somewhat shyly, nervously twisting the corner of her dress. The maid behind her accepted the sticks of incense. With a flash in her eyes, Shen Quanyi pulled Yang Siqiu a few steps further inside and drew a small white porcelain bottle from her bosom.

Before Yang Siqiu could react, Shen Quanyi had already pressed the item into her hand. "If Sister trusts me, take it back and use it. This is an ointment specifically for removing scars."

At these words, their eyes met. Slightly startled, they couldn't help but smile at each other. Yang Siqiu was filled with emotion, tears shimmering in her eyes.

As if holding back her feelings for a very long time, she embraced Shen Quanyi and began to cry softly. It was touching that someone was still willing to remember her; regardless of whether it would work or not, Shen Quanyi's heartfelt gesture alone was enough for her to cherish in her heart for a lifetime.

Yang Siqiu trembled all over as she wept. Shen Quanyi's heart softened slightly, and she gently stroked Yang Siqiu's spine with her hand.

Parting the disordered hair, Shen Quanyi touched the scar on Yang Siqiu's forehead. Yang Siqiu gradually reined in her emotions and said, "Thank you for troubling yourself over me, Sister. I've long since given up hope anyway. So be it, my life will just be like this; I'm afraid His Highness the Crown Prince has long since forgotten about me."

Deep regret also welled up in Shen Quanyi's heart, and she sighed softly, "If you think about it, you and I are in the same boat. We were only ever raised to be concubines. Other than ourselves, the only thing we can rely on is the Master's favor."

"Yet one day, that favor will fade."

Yang Siqiu opened her mouth, looking at the heavy, sorrowful look etched between Shen Quanyi's brows. She knew these were true words from the heart.

Shen Quanyi had a strong and unyielding disposition. Having lived in the same courtyard, Yang Siqiu was well aware of this. However, with people of their lowly status—called concubines to sound nice, but in reality little better than common servants—what could they do, no matter how strong-willed they were?

To have a child?

Thinking of this, Yang Siqiu's eyes darkened again, and she clenched her fists tightly. How could she ever dare to dream of such a thing?

The atmosphere instantly grew heavy. It was Shen Quanyi who finally snapped back to her senses, concealing the expression in the depths of her eyes, and raised a hand to tidy her collar. "Alright, who can truly predict what will happen in the future?"

"The New Year is approaching, so Sister should dress up nicely as well. If there is anything you need, just come to my quarters to get it."

Yang Siqiu responded absentmindedly. As they spoke, the two walked side by side toward the outside. Standing under the veranda, they looked at the red lanterns hanging on the doors.

Withdrawing her gaze, Shen Quanyi paused, pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve, and gently wiped away the un dried tear tracks on Yang Siqiu's fair face, her tone earnest. "Life goes on, after all. Look at how fast time flies—in the blink of an eye, the New Year is almost here."

Such warm-hearted people and warm-hearted words brought a smile back to Yang Siqiu's face, diluting the bitterness in her heart quite a bit. "Where are you heading, Sister?"

"Consort Gu has summoned me, and I am on my way there." Shen Quanyi's voice was exceedingly calm. Her slender fingers avoided the biting cold wind outside, curling up together near the stove.

Hearing this, Yang Siqiu instinctively opened her eyes wide, followed immediately by overwhelming worry. Consort Gu practically harbored a bone-deep hatred for Shen Quanyi, and just a couple of days ago had almost beaten her to death.

Xingye, who had taken the punishment in Shen Quanyi's stead, had her skin practically torn to shreds, and even now she was still recovering from her injuries.

Yang Siqiu's brows slowly furrowed into a tight knot. The more she thought about it, the more anxious she became, and she couldn't help but stamp her foot, her mind racing with a myriad of thoughts. "This... how can you go? Have you forgotten what happened last time? With a person like her, wouldn't you be walking straight into a tiger's den by going? You might as well beg the Crown Princess to block this off for you."

Compared to Yang Siqiu's fear, Shen Quanyi was exceptionally composed, her quiet face devoid of even a trace of terror.

"You can hide from it for a moment, but you cannot hide from it for a lifetime. Besides, she is a Consort and half a mistress, while I am a mere concubine—how could I possibly defy her?"

Frowning as she looked at Yang Siqiu, Shen Quanyi spoke in a deep tone, "Think about it, Sister. Even if we turn to the Crown Princess this time, what if there is a next time? We cannot run to seek the Crown Princess's protection every single time."

Yang Siqiu was instantly rendered speechless and fell silent as well.

Indeed. Moreover, it was far from certain whether the Crown Princess would bother protecting a few lowly concubines like them.