Chapter 57: The Wheel of Fortune Turns

After the assassination attempt on Shen Qingyun in the capital, word of her being saved by Prince Li spread quickly. Yet, because it involved Prince Li, people only dared to discuss it in private. Lin Xueying was startled when she heard, especially since the incident happened right after Shen Qingyun left her home. Two days later, she sent her visiting card and came in person. Seeing Shen Qingyun reclined leisurely on a chaise lounge, reading a book, she finally relaxed.

“Qingyun, you’re so at ease, while I was scared half to death.”

Shen Qingyun put down her book with a smile. “If not for Mother being so worried and insisting I rest, I’d be out and about by now.”

“I heard you even ran into Prince Li. Weren’t you frightened?”

“Prince Li just happened to pass by and saved me. Father has already sent generous gifts to the prince’s residence.”

Lin Xueying covered her mouth, laughing. “Alright, as long as you’re fine. When my sister-in-law heard I was coming, she asked me to bring some nourishing supplements for you, to help you recover from the shock. Little Yu adores you so much—beauty does make one unforgettable.”

Pearl accepted the gifts from Lin Xueying’s maid and placed them on a side table.

Looking at the array of gifts, Shen Qingyun thought of Madam Liu and felt a pang of sympathy. “How is your sister-in-law’s health?”

Lin Xueying sighed. “Not very well, I’m afraid. She fainted the other day for no apparent reason. When I visited, she looked terribly pale.”

Her sister-in-law was a gentle soul who had always cared for her, and Shen Qingyun sincerely hoped she would recover soon. Suddenly, she brightened. “Once the lotuses bloom, I’ll invite you over. Let’s call your sister-in-law as well, and we’ll enjoy the flowers and eat lotus seeds together.”

Shen Qingyun recalled that the lake at the Minister’s estate was indeed planted with a vast bed of lotuses and nodded gladly. In her heart, she reflected on her good fortune at being given another chance at life. The next time she saw Madam Liu, she would find a way to offer comfort, hoping her fate would not repeat the desolation of her previous life.

Not wanting to disturb Shen Qingyun’s rest, Lin Xueying didn’t stay long, chatting a bit before leaving.

Pearl’s eyes sparkled. “Miss, Miss Lin is truly adorable.”

Shen Qingyun tapped Pearl’s nose, and the maid giggled, scratching her head.

Just then, Hanfeng appeared by the window, rapping softly three times on the sill—their secret signal.

Pearl quickly went to the door, closed it, and stood guard so no one could enter.

Seeing Hanfeng’s calm expression, Shen Qingyun felt reassured. “Did you check on Hanyu? How is she—are her injuries severe?”

Hanfeng lowered his head. “Miss, aside from a deep wound on her arm, there’s nothing serious. She’ll be back in a few days. Also, as you instructed, I’ve kept watch over there—there’s been some movement these past few days.”

Hearing that Hanyu was alright, Shen Qingyun breathed a sigh of relief, thinking she truly owed Prince Li a great debt this time.

Hanfeng had remained in the residence for three reasons: to guard Jianjia Courtyard, to keep an eye on Shen Sisi, and to occasionally check on Yueniang’s situation at Pipa Street at night. When he mentioned movement, it was unclear whom he referred to.

“Go on,” Shen Qingyun prompted.

“I discovered that the eldest Miss Shen has been visiting a restaurant on West Street frequently. The Third Prince often arrives shortly after she does. This has happened two or three days in a row.”

Shen Qingyun was taken aback. The Third Prince was always discreetly protected, making it impossible to approach closely. But from Hanfeng’s account, it seemed highly likely that Shen Sisi was meeting with him.

Why? In terms of beauty, there were countless women in the capital more attractive than Shen Sisi. In terms of background, should the Third Prince investigate, he might even discover she wasn’t Han Rou’s biological daughter. Most puzzling of all, after Shen Sisi’s disgrace at the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet, the Third Prince seemed entirely unconcerned.

Shen Qingyun couldn’t fathom it—perhaps this was what people called ill-fated predestiny.

“Keep observing for a while longer.”

“Yes, Miss. Also, on Pipa Street, there has been a man coming and going at night these past few days.”

This was unexpected. From her observations, ever since Yueniang got into trouble, Shen Zhifeng hadn’t visited her. Who could be coming and going at night?

“Do you know who it is?”

“Not yet, but last night, the man seems to have stayed the entire night.”

“Oh?” How interesting—an unexpected boon.

“Try to uncover the man’s identity and report to me.”

“Yes.”

The thought that Yueniang might truly have betrayed Shen Zhifeng gave Shen Qingyun a deep sense of satisfaction. The tables had turned at last—no doubt Shen Zhifeng remained oblivious.

Indeed, the last time Shen Zhifeng went to Pipa Street, he saw Yueniang being beaten in public by Steward Sun’s wife—a rather fierce woman. If he had intervened then, he would have gotten himself entangled and been unable to explain his way out. So, he pretended not to see and slipped back to the estate.

Han Rou’s attitude toward Shen Zhifeng had grown increasingly cold. In recent days, he had begun to miss Yueniang’s gentle words and soft demeanor.

He thought that when they met, he’d simply tell her he’d been busy and unable to get away—he’d done it before, after all. A bit of comfort, and the storm would blow over; women just needed a little coaxing.

Having made up his mind, Shen Zhifeng found an excuse to visit Yueniang on Pipa Street the next day.

He hadn’t indulged himself in a few days. After Fu’an was dealt with, it was inconvenient to do so in the estate, and he was itching for it.

Knock, knock, knock.

“Who is it?”

“Ling’er, it’s me.”

Hearing Shen Zhifeng’s voice, Ling’er was delighted and hurriedly opened the door—it was the Marquis, whom they had longed for day and night.

Her eyes reddened with emotion. “My lord, please go see Madam. She has suffered so much these past few days.”

Shen Zhifeng feigned surprise, asking as he entered, “Whatever happened? I’ve been so busy with official duties I couldn’t come sooner.”

Yueniang, having heard his voice, rushed out and threw herself into his arms.

Ling’er blushed and quickly closed the door for her mistress.

Yueniang was truly aggrieved. Clinging to Shen Zhifeng, she couldn’t help but complain, “My lord, why did you come only now? Steward Sun’s wife misunderstood me for being involved with her husband, barged in and made a scene, and even struck me. Isn’t that a disgrace to you? You must stand up for me!”

Shen Zhifeng’s eyes were full of tenderness. “You’ve suffered, but don’t worry—I’ll make sure that foolish woman gets taught a lesson.”

“My dear, I’ve missed you so much these past days. Take off your clothes, let me see if you’re hurt anywhere.”

Yueniang still wanted to vent about Steward Sun’s wife, but Shen Zhifeng was already impatiently running his hands over her.

The room’s atmosphere quickly heated up, and the sounds of soft moans could soon be heard.

“My lord, at least listen to me—” Yueniang protested.

“Hush, get on the bed. You can say whatever you like there.”

With that, Shen Zhifeng swept Yueniang into his arms and carried her inside. At that moment, a knock came at the door.

“Who is it?”