Chapter 42: Preparing for the Birthday Banquet

To her surprise, Shen Sisi had come along as well.

“Sister, I was wondering what you’ve prepared for the birthday banquet. I’d like to come and offer some advice,” she said.

Shen Qingyun knew she had come specifically to gather information, so she didn’t hold back and honestly said that if any performance was required, she would go on stage to play the zither.

A flicker of something inscrutable flashed through Shen Sisi’s eyes.

Clearly, she was already plotting how to overshadow Shen Qingyun. After all, she had been trained from childhood according to the standards of noblewomen in the capital, and in the four arts—music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—she believed herself far superior to Shen Qingyun, who had only learned them halfway.

“Sister, what kind of dress have you prepared? I’d love to take a look,” Shen Sisi asked, perhaps in anticipation of finally outshining everyone at the Empress Dowager’s banquet, her tone light and cheerful.

The dress had already been delivered, so there was no need to hide it. Shen Qingyun had her maid bring out the custom-made gown.

For lightness, most of the dress was crafted from interwoven silk. The ensemble consisted of a teal, straight-collared, cross-lapelled jacket, paired with a high-waisted skirt adorned with gradient floral medallions, and an outer robe of vivid red embroidered with wide sleeves. The sash was decorated with beaded ornaments, the fabric soft and flowing, the colors bright and dazzling.

Shen Sisi couldn’t help but exclaim, “Sister, you’ll look so splendid in this—the very image of beauty and nobility, certain to outshine everyone!”

Though her words were cheerful, inwardly she was overjoyed. In her view, Shen Qingyun usually dressed in a childish and cute style, beautiful as she was, but such a dazzling crimson was far beyond what a young girl could pull off. No matter how lovely the dress, the wearer would be overwhelmed by its brilliance, appearing gaudy and vulgar, utterly incomparable to herself.

Shen Qingyun said no more. After confirming the dress was in perfect condition, she had Yicui put it away.

Shen Sisi, perhaps satisfied with what she had learned, or maybe because Shen Qingyun paid her little attention, left in high spirits.

“Miss, isn’t this dress a bit too bold?” Yicui asked, a trace of worry in her voice.

“It’s fine. It’s a birthday celebration, after all—there’s no harm in dressing festively,” Shen Qingyun replied with a smile, though she had her own plans.

She could easily guess that Shen Sisi would choose a style as ethereal as a fairy’s, hoping to make her appear dull and dowdy by comparison.

But who would truly be the one to set off the other was still uncertain.

When Miss Xu heard that the dress had arrived, she came to look as well, surprised to see such a bold, fiery red.

Then, a different light flashed in her eyes. It seemed her student was about to shine at this banquet.

She was fond of Shen Qingyun, always feeling as though she saw a reflection of her younger self in the girl—resolute, undaunted, moving forward even in the bleakest moments.

“Qingyun, are you nervous?” Miss Xu asked.

“Not at all,” Shen Qingyun replied with a smile and a shake of her head. She intended to use this opportunity to make herself known, to show all of the capital that the Shen Marquis Manor had another legitimate young lady, Shen Qingyun.

Perhaps, from this day forward, everything would begin to change.

If she could make her name at the banquet, not only would people’s impressions of her shift dramatically, but it would also pave the way for her future. Those who tried to get in her way—be it the old matron, Shen Zhifeng, Shen Sisi, or even Aunt Yue—she would deal with them one by one.

Miss Xu was gratified to see Shen Qingyun’s calm demeanor. When she had first arrived, there had been confusion and unease in her eyes, sometimes even darkness and sorrow, but now her gaze was so bright it could move anyone.

Miss Xu suddenly had a premonition that this girl, brought from the countryside, might one day reach heights she herself could never attain.

They exchanged a smile, a mutual understanding needing no words, and then Miss Xu nodded and took her leave.

Only then did Pearl approach. “Miss, Hanfeng has come.”

Shen Qingyun was momentarily startled—so much time had passed she had almost forgotten about Hanfeng, who was still recovering from his injuries.

It was just as well. Hanyu had been working alone, and it truly had been a bit much for her.

“Have him come see me in my room.”

Pearl nodded and followed Shen Qingyun into the inner chamber, then dismissed the maids inside.

Yicui glanced at Pearl with some envy. Though Pearl had come later, she was especially favored and trusted by the young mistress. Many tasks were entrusted only to her. With a complex look, Yicui glanced back at the tightly closed door, pressed her lips together, and returned to her own duties.

Inside, once she was sure everyone else was gone, Han Yu and Han Feng both knelt before Shen Qingyun.

“Hanfeng, have your injuries healed?” Shen Qingyun asked.

“Yes, thank you for your concern, Miss,” Hanfeng replied, his voice deeper than Hanyu’s, his bearing altogether steadier.

“I’m sure you’ve heard about the situation here from Hanyu, so I won’t repeat myself. As I said before, since I have purchased your services, the term is one year. If, after a year, you no longer wish to serve as my shadow guards, you may go free.”

A flash of surprise crossed Hanfeng’s eyes, though he didn’t show it outwardly. Instead, he bowed deeply and thanked her again.

Strictly speaking, Shen Qingyun had saved his life, yet she never used this as leverage. Even though she recognized that there was something special about him and Hanyu, she limited their service to one year.

Such conduct and manner of speech was nothing like the delicate and pampered young ladies of noble birth.

Pleased with Hanfeng’s respectful attitude, Shen Qingyun felt reassured. She knew that if these two ever wished to leave, she could not stop them. If they were truly so lacking in loyalty, she wouldn’t want to keep them anyway—it would simply be an act of kindness.

“I know Hanyu is skilled in martial arts, but what are your strengths?” she asked.

“Hanyu is swift and agile, sharp and clever, adept at stealth and perfect for gathering information. As for me, my martial abilities are a bit stronger, I am skilled with hidden weapons, and I know something of simple poisons. For the next year, I swear, Hanyu and I will protect you with our lives.”

Hanyu glanced quickly at Hanfeng, then lowered her head once more.

A glimmer of darkness flashed in Shen Qingyun’s eyes.

She understood—Hanyu was suited to reconnaissance, while Hanfeng was better at killing. The two brothers complemented each other perfectly.

But from his words, it seemed Hanfeng intended to leave after a year.

It didn’t matter—she had no intention of keeping them as her shadow guards for life. After a year, she would have other ways to find suitable protectors.

But the mention of poisons piqued her interest.

“You’re skilled with poisons? What kind?”

Seeing Shen Qingyun’s sudden excitement, Hanfeng felt a jolt of unease.

“Miss, they are simple poisons—sleeping powders, or colorless, tasteless toxins that can weaken a person,” he replied.

Shen Qingyun nodded, eager to experiment. “Do you have any on you now?”

Hanfeng nodded and produced a packet of powder.

“Miss, this is the sedative I most often carry. It has little effect on ordinary people, but for those trained in martial arts, it can make their bodies go limp.”

Was it really so miraculous?

Shen Qingyun took a whiff herself—there was no odor, nor did she feel anything. With a mischievous smile, she sprinkled some in front of Hanyu.

“Miss!”

It was too late—Hanyu collapsed to the ground with a thud.