“Consort, it’s time to get up! A moment ago, Chu Jiu from His Highness’s side came to pass on word—His Highness will be coming over shortly to have lunch.”
Shen Jingyi had just been immersed in a nightmare about returning to the modern world.
She had finally rushed out a proposal, but her boss was dissatisfied—not only scolding her harshly, but even docking her pay.
The anxiety and frustration overwhelmed her.
Just as her mood sank to its lowest point, she suddenly heard Nanny Qin’s gentle, familiar voice, and she jolted awake from the dream.
She immediately flipped up and sat on the bed.
Looking around at the familiar furnishings of the room, she clutched her chest tightly and muttered, “Oh my god… thank goodness I’m back. That scared me to death.”
Seeing her reaction, Nanny Qin knew at once that her mistress had had a nightmare.
She hurriedly patted Shen Jingyi’s back soothingly and said, “Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid. It was only a bad dream. You’re awake now, and everything is fine. Later I’ll have the kitchen prepare a calming soup for you. After drinking it, you’ll feel better.”
“Hehe… Nanny, there’s no need to worry. I’m fine—I don’t need any calming soup. But just now… did you say that His Highness will be coming to eat lunch here? If so, we should hurry and get up.”
Shen Jingyi deliberately shifted the topic, not wanting to be questioned about the dream.
“Yes, yes—look at this old servant’s memory. We really should get up, or His Highness will arrive soon. Oh, and Chu Jiu also brought over a bottle of burn ointment. He said His Highness gave it to you.”
As she spoke, Nanny Qin took out the ointment and asked worriedly, “Why would His Highness send burn medicine? Consort, were you injured?”
Seeing Nanny Qin grow anxious, Shen Jingyi had no choice but to recount what had happened during the tea ceremony.
After hearing it, Nanny Qin wiped her tears in distress.
Shen Jingyi helplessly assured her that she was truly fine and even stretched out her already-healed hand for her to see. Only then did Nanny Qin calm down.
She finally stepped aside so that Xia Zhu and Dong Mei could help Shen Jingyi wash and dress again.
Yet she herself kept talking nonstop at the side.
“Consort, I just inquired about something. In this manor, you’re the only one whose second day in the residence involved His Highness personally accompanying you to the main courtyard for tea. And also—you’re the first one he’s ever come to eat lunch with on the second day.”
Shen Jingyi didn’t look particularly pleased.
Sitting before the dressing mirror and letting Xia Zhu redo her hair, she said thoughtfully, “Isn’t this a bit too high-profile? Women’s jealousy can be terrifying. And… the number of women in the main courtyard today felt a bit small. Have someone investigate this carefully.”
When Nanny Qin heard her mistress say this, she thought it over and agreed.
After all, this was a prince’s rear court—how could there be only so few women?
Even their old master, a mere Vice Minister of Rites, had several concubines.
So she bowed and withdrew, hurrying off to make arrangements.
When Shen Jingyi emerged from the inner room, she carried a geography book she hadn’t finished reading.
She had someone set up a table, chairs, and tea beneath the large tree in the courtyard, leisurely reading as she waited for Prince Xuan to arrive.
Such a relaxed and comfortable life was simply too pleasant for a modern-day office drone who had been constantly buried in work.
The only downside was—no phone, no TV.
For a habitual screen-looker, that was hard to get used to.
After reading for a while, she suddenly noticed a shadow falling over her.
She looked up in confusion—and Prince Xuan’s handsome face came into view.
He came fast. It’s not even mealtime yet, she thought.
Still, she curved her lips into a smile and called out, “Your Highness.”
Her gaze then swept unconsciously to the servants standing nearby with lowered heads.
Why didn’t anyone announce his arrival?
But now wasn’t the time to dwell on that.
She set the book aside and rose to salute him.
“No need for formalities. What are you reading?”
Prince Xuan spoke as he sat down on the chair the servants had just arranged.
He casually picked up the book and flipped through a few pages.
Raising an eyebrow slightly, he looked at Shen Jingyi with a hint of teasing.
“I thought you’d be reading those romantic storybooks about love and moonlight.”
As he spoke, he deliberately glanced at her fingers. Seeing that they had returned to their jade-like fairness, he finally withdrew his gaze.
Shen Jingyi didn’t notice his look at all.
She simply smiled and replied, “I’ve already read all those storybooks. They’re not very new. They’re nothing more than clichéd tales of poor scholars and rich young ladies. Some plots don’t even make sense—honestly, I could write better myself.”
“Oh? Quite confident,”
Prince Xuan’s lips curved upward as he looked at the petite woman before him with interest.
This little girl is rather intriguing… he thought.
“Hehe… I was just saying that casually, Your Highness. Please don’t take it seriously!”
She waved her hands hurriedly, afraid he might actually ask her to write something for him.
Not only was she terrible at writing with those soft brushes, she also had zero desire to think too hard right now.
“Is that so? Still, it sounds like you enjoy reading quite a bit.”
Prince Xuan keenly sensed that his consort had read extensively.
Shen Jingyi blinked her lively eyes and answered honestly, “When I was at home and couldn’t go out, reading was the only way to pass the time. Gradually, I came to like it. But what I enjoy most are books about geography, landscapes, and various miscellanies. Those are far more interesting than ordinary storybooks.”
Hearing this, Prince Xuan said generously, “Since you like them, there’s a study in my front courtyard that specializes in collecting such books. The collection is quite extensive—enough to satisfy you. Later, I can take you there to choose a few you like.”
Shen Jingyi nearly jumped up in excitement.
“Really? That would be wonderful! Thank you, Your Highness! I’ve already finished all the books I have. I even sent people to bookshops a few days ago, but couldn’t find anything suitable.”
She thought happily—books kept in Prince Xuan’s study couldn’t possibly be poor quality.
And with an entire study available, she’d never need to hunt around again.
Prince Xuan watched her joy, smiling with an almost devilish charm.
“So you’re only thanking me with words? That’s not very sincere.”
Shen Jingyi’s beautiful eyes shifted.
After glancing around at the people nearby, she raised her hand slightly.
“You may all leave.”
Chu Jiu cautiously looked at his prince.
After receiving a nod of approval, he withdrew along with Nanny Qin and the others.
Once everyone had left the courtyard,
Shen Jingyi deliberately flushed her cheeks, leaned close to Prince Xuan’s ear, and whispered seductively, “Then… how about… paying with flesh?”
At first, Prince Xuan didn’t understand.
A moment later, a burst of hearty laughter rang out.
Shen Jingyi lowered her head shyly, cheeks red.
That should make you happy—plenty sincere. Hmph, like I couldn’t handle you, she thought smugly.
Outside the courtyard, the servants exchanged glances when they heard the prince laughing.
This consort was truly capable—to make His Highness so pleased.
What they didn’t know was that the prince’s good mood was about to be used up.
Just then, Qiu Ju saw a matron leading two young maids carrying food containers over.
She stepped inside and bowed. “Your Highness, Consort—the midday meal is ready.”
“Then serve it.”
Prince Xuan stood up after speaking and even personally helped Shen Jingyi to her feet, whispering by her ear, “Don’t forget tonight.”
This time, even the tips of her ears turned red—her ears were especially sensitive.
“Hehe… hehe…”
She could only laugh awkwardly.
She had trapped herself with her own words.
Prince Xuan didn’t mind. With his arm around her waist, the two headed toward the flower hall.
Qiu Ju quickly stepped forward to help set out the dishes—but the more she did, the more serious her expression became.
Before the food bearers could withdraw, she spoke up, “Your Highness, Consort—there’s something wrong with these dishes.”
The three servants immediately knelt in fright.
“Please investigate clearly, Your Highness! We carried this food directly from the main kitchen without delay. How could there be any issue? Even with a hundred lives, we wouldn’t dare!”
Prince Xuan’s good mood vanished instantly.
He swept his gaze around the room, then looked toward Shen Jingyi.
Shen Jingyi, however, remained calm—there was none of the fear or panic one might expect upon learning someone intended to harm her.
She even said proudly, “Your Highness, Qiu Ju was specially trained by my maternal grandfather at my late mother’s request. She understands pharmacology and is extremely sensitive to poisons.”
“Go. Examine it carefully.”
Prince Xuan suppressed his anger, curious to see Qiu Ju’s abilities.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Qiu Ju stepped forward and inspected each dish thoroughly.
“Reporting to Your Highness: the seasonings in the chicken soup and fish have been tampered with. They contain mutually antagonistic medicinal substances. Long-term consumption would render a woman infertile. As for the shredded bamboo shoots, they contain a poison called Beauty’s Three-Day Drunk. There is no immediate reaction after eating it. Instead, one’s complexion becomes rosy and radiant for three days. After that, weakness gradually sets in, the internal organs fail, and eventually—death.”
Qiu Ju reported calmly.
After hearing this, Prince Xuan sneered. “So the Prince’s Manor is truly lively—hidden dragons and crouching tigers everywhere.”
Poisoning someone right under his nose—was this a deliberate slap in his face, or did they think he couldn’t uncover it?
In truth, Prince Xuan misunderstood the poisoner’s intentions.
They hadn’t expected him to come for lunch at all.
Usually, on the second day after taking a concubine, the prince would dine either in the outer courtyard or with the Princess Consort.
It was simply an unfortunate coincidence.
“You still have the mood to joke, Your Highness. This is only my second day in the manor—who could possibly dislike me this much?”
Shen Jingyi spoke with deliberate grievance.
Nanny Qin also knelt anxiously. “Your Highness, please seek justice for the consort. These dishes were clearly meant to harm her. If the culprit isn’t found quickly, I fear they will strike again.”
Afraid Nanny Qin might say too much and cause the opposite effect, Shen Jingyi quickly interjected.
“Nanny Qin, please rise. We must trust His Highness—he will make the right decision.”
Prince Xuan frowned, deep in thought.
After a moment, he said coldly, “Chu Jiu, I leave this matter to you. I want to see who dares poison someone in my manor.”
“Yes. This subordinate will investigate at once.”
Chu Jiu bowed and withdrew—taking the three food bearers with him.