Chapter 110: Donating Supplies

After Shen Qingyun returned to the manor, Han Feng brought back news: "I have uncovered the identity of that man."

Pearl and Yicui stood guard at the door as Shen Qingyun signaled for Han Feng to continue.

"His name is not Shi Shaohua, but Shi Zhihua. He is not some scholar traveling to the capital for the imperial examinations, but a male courtesan. He once worked at a brothel in Yangzhou called the Jinchun Pavilion, where it is said he was quite favored by the ladies. Later, he followed a noblewoman to the capital, but for some reason, he seems to have fallen out of favor, so he returned to his old trade and happened to run into Shen Sisi."

Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned.

Pearl said with some excitement, "Miss, if we leak this information to the Duke, will he be angered to death?"

Yicui added with a sense of schadenfreude, "That Madam Jiang always puts on the airs of a noble lady, yet she was actually deceived by Shi Zhihua. And the Young Marquis Jiang—if he finds out that this man was arranged by Shen Sisi, I wonder if he will still marry her."

Shen Qingyun smiled slightly, lifted her teacup, and gently blew away the steam. Her deep eyes were filled with indifference. "There is no rush. Wait a few more months. When they are about to be married, we shall reveal it all together. I cannot wait to see how magnificent that scene will be."

Pearl rubbed her arms, feeling goosebumps just thinking about the chaos.

It was truly something to look forward to.

That morning, Yicui brought in hot water for Shen Qingyun to wash. The weather had been gloomy since the start of winter, and when she opened the window to let in some air, a freezing chill rushed in, biting at their faces.

"Miss, it is truly cold this year."

Yicui sighed as she worked efficiently. By the time Shen Qingyun was dressed, the sky was just beginning to brighten.

Pearl ran in happily, "Miss! It’s snowing! It’s snowing!"

Shen Qingyun looked out through the crack in the window. Indeed, fine white snowflakes were drifting down. She did not share Pearl's joy; instead, a sense of worry washed over her. Once the snow began, it would not stop for a long time.

At first, Pearl and Yicui watched the snow from under the eaves, reaching out to catch the flakes with great interest, but the cold soon drove them back inside.

Over the next few days, the snow fell heavier and heavier, blanketing the bustling capital in a vast, white expanse. Only the upturned eaves of the pavilions remained visible, revealing their original colors against the silver-white landscape.

Shen Qingyun knew the time was right.

She sent a message to Prince Li, arranging a meeting at her manor east of the city. She informed him that she had a supply of medicinal herbs, winter clothing, and other necessities, and she was willing to donate them all to the soldiers at the front lines.

Prince Li had been extremely busy due to the war at the border. The Emperor was suffering from a headache over the shortage of military supplies and often summoned ministers for discussions, only to be met with buck-passing and excuses.

He had not seen Shen Qingyun for a long time. Upon receiving her message, he rushed to the manor without hesitation. Seeing the vast quantity of supplies, he was surprised. "You are donating all of this?"

Shen Qingyun nodded.

Framed by the white mink fur of her cloak, her face appeared no larger than a palm, and her clear eyes reflected the snow-covered world.

Prince Li had arrived on horseback. His robes fluttered with a rustling sound. He wore a black fur cloak, and now, not only was the cloak covered in snow, but his eyebrows and eyelashes were also dusted with flakes. His usually sharp, handsome sword-like brows seemed softened, and the trembling of his snow-dusted lashes made his expression appear much gentler.

A warmth welled up in his heart, bringing with it a tide of tenderness.

He gazed at Shen Qingyun, a smile playing on his lips. She, who usually guarded her money so tightly, was now willing to be so selfless.

He said solemnly, "Qingyun, rest assured. I will make sure every single item is delivered to General Han."

If these were handed over to others, there would be a risk of corruption or misappropriation, but Shen Qingyun trusted Prince Li completely.

She then produced a specially crafted piece of body armor. "I have one more request. Could you please take this to my grandfather as well? Tell him he must wear it when he goes onto the battlefield."

Prince Li nodded. He had much to say—he wanted to ask about her life—but the war was urgent, and there was no time to delay. After a few brief words, he mounted his horse, preparing to return to the capital.

His coal-black steed looked noble and striking against the white snow. As he sat tall on its back, his dark hair danced in the wind and snow, looking like a scene from a painted ink wash scroll.

As their eyes met, Prince Li pressed his thin lips together and gripped the reins firmly. "Qingyun, wait for me to return."

Shen Qingyun was stunned, a flush rising to her face. She nodded, her mind feeling light and dizzy.

Prince Li left guards by Shen Qingyun's side before spurring his horse away, his hooves kicking up a trail of snow.

"Miss, shall we go back now?" Pearl asked, stepping forward.

"Since we are here, let's walk around the manor first."

Pearl nodded and handed Shen Qingyun a warm hand-warmer, and the two began to stroll about.

"Miss!"

Hearing a woman's call, they turned to see a middle-aged woman dressed in padded clothing, carrying something and panting as she hurried toward them.

She rubbed her hands together in embarrassment. "My husband received your kindness, Miss, which is why he was able to find work at the manor. If not for that, our whole family would likely have frozen to death this winter. This is some pickled vegetables we made ourselves, and a wild pheasant we caught earlier. We heard you had arrived and rushed over. If you don't mind, please accept them."

With some explanation from others, Shen Qingyun realized this was the wife of the man who had sold her the sugar figurine.

The man was an expert at farming and was honest and diligent. The couple was kind-hearted and got along well with everyone.

It was clear that the wild pheasant was something they had been saving for themselves, yet they were now offering it to her.

"How are the two children? Are they warm enough in this cold weather?"

Seeing that she still remembered, the woman smiled shyly. "The children are resilient. Thanks to the good treatment at the manor, our whole family is well-fed and warm. Thank you for your concern, Miss."

Shen Qingyun nodded gently and allowed Pearl to accept the pickled vegetables. Though the woman insisted that Pearl take the pheasant as well, the others eventually persuaded her otherwise.

Everyone couldn't help but smile. In the midst of the freezing, snow-covered world, Shen Qingyun felt a warmth blooming in her heart.

However, upon returning to the manor, Shen Qingyun received news that Prince Li had departed for the border with the military supplies.

She froze. So that was why he had said, "Wait for me to return."

But in her previous life, Prince Li had never gone to the border.

So, he had done it for her.