Chapter 38: Rumors Resurface

Pearl stammered, but surprisingly, the usually composed Yicui grew anxious. “What are they saying?”

Shen Qingyun smiled and gestured for Pearl to take a sip of water. “Don’t rush. Take your time and tell me.”

“It’s just... hard for me to say!” Pearl gulped down a cup of tea, then frowned. “Miss, you don’t know. The rumors have been getting worse these past few days; they’re truly hard to stomach. I overheard some maids gossiping, saying you’re from the countryside, so you must be petty and unlucky, unlikely to enjoy good days. That as soon as you got a bit of authority, you became so anxious that you started cutting back, making the entire Duke’s Manor look shabby...”

Her voice dwindled as she spoke, lips pursed, finally falling silent.

Shen Qingyun still wore a gentle smile. “I suppose that’s not all they said, is it?”

Pearl’s eyes widened. “Miss, how did you know?”

Under Shen Qingyun’s gaze, Pearl twisted her handkerchief, then steeled herself and blurted out, “People outside are comparing you to the eldest miss, praising her as if she were a celestial maiden, the most talented lady in the capital, saying that beside her, you’re not even fit to be her maid and should just go back to the countryside where you belong.”

Shen Qingyun nodded, unfazed.

Yicui grew anxious again. “Miss, they’re being so outrageous! How can you not be angry? Let me go and tear their mouths apart!”

“It’s nothing.”

Who would have thought that, in this life, Shen Sisi would resort to the same tactics again—perhaps out of a heightened sense of crisis, the rumors were even more malicious than in their former lives.

But Shen Qingyun was no longer the timid, self-effacing girl she had once been. Hearing such slander now, her heart remained untroubled.

In her past life, words like these had shamed her, made her afraid to step outside or meet anyone’s gaze. But in this life, let them talk; it would not cost her anything.

“Yicui, don’t act rashly just yet. Watch quietly and find out who’s been spreading rumors behind my back. I’ll take care of them myself. And make sure none of this reaches the Warm Jade Pavilion—there’s no need to worry Mother over such things.”

“Yes, Miss!” Yicui accepted the order cheerfully and left.

Pearl puffed her cheeks in frustration. “Miss, what can I do?”

Shen Qingyun smiled mysteriously, whispered a few words in Pearl’s ear, and Pearl’s face lit up with delight as she nodded in agreement.

When the others had left, Shen Qingyun finally sat down to contemplate the matter.

In her previous life, Shen Sisi had simply wanted to suppress her, not allowing her to shine or attend the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet.

But what about now?

Did Shen Sisi and her cohorts truly think a few slanders could do her any real harm?

Just as Shen Qingyun had resolved to wait and see, Shen Sisi unexpectedly came to visit her at Jianjia Courtyard.

With an air of concern, she took Shen Qingyun’s hand in a show of sisterly affection. “Sister, have you heard the rumors outside?”

“I’ve heard a little,” Shen Qingyun replied, head lowered, long lashes veiling her eyes and hiding her expression.

Shen Sisi assumed she was distressed, secretly pleased, though she kept her face worried. “I heard about it and was afraid you’d take it to heart, so I came to comfort you myself.”

Shen Qingyun nodded, silent.

Shen Sisi sighed. “You can’t go on like this. How about this: the weather is nice today, why don’t I accompany you out for a walk to lift your spirits? Would that be all right?”

Where there’s strangeness, there’s mischief!

“Very well, but let me tidy myself up first,” Shen Qingyun replied, feigning reluctance tinged with expectation, finally agreeing.

“Of course. When you’re properly adorned, your mood will improve.”

Though Shen Qingyun knew there must be a trap, she had Hanyu protecting her in secret, so there should be no real danger. Besides, if she never saw what Shen Sisi intended, who knew what underhanded tricks would be employed next time?

She changed into an embroidered high-waisted skirt with wide sleeves, her hair styled in twin buns adorned with pearls and silk flowers—if anything were to happen, she could always play the part of the fragile little girl.

After some hesitation, she picked a small, inconspicuous hairpin whose tip was sharply pointed, nestling it among the silk flowers where none would notice.

When Shen Qingyun finally emerged, Shen Sisi’s eyes shone and she exclaimed, “Sister, you look fresh and pure, as lovely as jade and snow.”

Inwardly, however, she sneered that Shen Qingyun still looked childish, nothing compared to her own delicate charm.

Thinking so, she only smiled more warmly, linking arms with Shen Qingyun and leading her out, all the while playing the part of a caring elder sister.

As Shen Qingyun dealt with Shen Sisi, she pretended curiosity and lifted the carriage curtain to peer outside, secretly observing which way they were headed.

The street bustled with people and vendors shouted on every corner. What could Shen Sisi possibly do in such a public place?

Noticing her glances, Shen Sisi suggested, after several twists and turns, “Sister, why don’t we get out and stroll? We could look at jewelry or go to a teahouse for some pastries. I come here often and know the area well—today I’ll show you around and help you relax.”

Shen Qingyun didn’t know what Shen Sisi was plotting, and her guard was up, but she nodded and clutched Hanyu’s whistle in her palm.

She glanced around—everything seemed peaceful, but she wondered where Hanyu might be hiding.

Both girls donned veils, followed by their maids. The guards stayed by the carriage at Shen Sisi’s instruction: “There are too many people here. Stay and watch the carriage. My sister and I won’t go far; you don’t need to follow.”

“Yes, eldest miss.” As Shen Sisi was well regarded by both the old madam and the lord of the manor, her words carried weight.

They browsed through trinkets in the shops—little porcelain pieces, jewelry, bamboo baskets—delicate and interesting.

Shen Sisi bought several little items for Shen Qingyun, acting as if she truly wished to cheer her up.

“Sister, you must be tired from walking. Let’s rest at the Ruyi Teahouse ahead and have some tea.”

Seeing the maid’s arms full of gifts, Shen Qingyun nodded.

The Ruyi Teahouse was crowded and bustling. The two found a private room, but before long, Shen Sisi clutched her stomach and cried out, “Sister, forgive me. I’m suddenly not feeling well. I’ll step out for a moment—please wait here for me.”

Without waiting for a response, she left with her maid.

Shen Qingyun did not touch the tea, and as she sat in silence, she heard her own name mentioned amid the noisy conversations outside.