Chapter 24: You didn

Does Xiao Jingyuan have such a good heart?

Shen Shuangning felt a flicker of doubt, but there was no better option at the moment—the duke's residence was on Changning Street, far from here; if she really had to walk back on her own two legs, she wouldn't get there until nightfall.

Besides, there was a pile of the princess's gifts behind her, and she couldn't just discard them.

"Thank the Young Master for me."

Shen Shuangning no longer hesitated, stepped onto the small stool Qingfeng had set down, and got into the carriage herself.

As a result, when she lifted her head, she saw a great Buddha seated inside, and her body stiffened for a moment.

She just knew!

Xiao Jingyuan wasn't being kind at all—he was clearly worried about her!

Xiao Jingyuan caught the faint resentment the Fourth Miss had inadvertently let slip, raised his eyebrows slightly, and showed no expression.

The carriage was spacious enough; Shen Shuangning sat in the corner, far away from him.

After Qingfeng had moved all the gifts inside, he drove the carriage away.

Only then did Shen Shuangning speak: "Whether you believe it or not, the princess summoned me just to have me paint a picture for her."

Xiao Jingyuan needed only a glance to know she wasn't lying.

However, this doesn't mean the princess has no intention of winning over the duke's residence.

Shen Lang commands the troops near the capital, responsible for the defense and public order of Jingcheng; if there were a rebellion, he would certainly be involved.

Although the princess holds the dreaded Black Iron Army in her hands, if she truly wanted to rebel, Shen Lang probably couldn't stop her—but bribing Shen Lang would save her some trouble, so why not?

Xiao Jingyuan remained silent; Shen Shuangning, too lazy to care whether he believed her, simply followed his example and closed her eyes to rest.

Just then the carriage suddenly jerked to a halt, and Shen Shuangning lurched forward uncontrollably, landing squarely on Young Master Xiao.

She opened her eyes, met his slightly mocking gaze, and quickly rose to put distance between them.

She was about to speak to explain when a familiar woman's voice came from outside.

"I wonder if the Young Master is inside?"

How could I run into Song Xizhi at this very moment?!

Shen Shuangning's scalp tightened, and she hastily shut her mouth.

She just knew the palace was no good place—once you entered, you'd be covered in bad luck, and the whole day would go wrong!

She absolutely must not let Song Xizhi know she was in the carriage, otherwise, based on the rumors outside, even eight mouths couldn't clear her name!

How annoying—she didn't want to get involved with Xiao Jingyuan at all!

Song Xizhi saw Qingfeng's hesitant expression and realized someone was in the carriage, though she didn't know why the person inside remained silent.

"Young Master?" she called, stepping forward two paces, calling again, and even raising her hand to lift the carriage curtain.

Song Xizhi would never have dared to do something so rude before, but now an inexplicable impulse made her uncontrollably want to peek inside the carriage.

Qingfeng, too, didn't know why, but inexplicably felt guilty on behalf of his master.

Just as that bare hand was about to touch the curtain, a corner of it was pulled open from inside.

Song Xizhi instinctively withdrew her hand, lifted her gaze to Xiao Jingyuan, and gave an unnatural smile: "Young Master, you haven't spoken for a while—I'm worried something's happened to you."

Xiao Jingyuan looked at her without changing expression and said succinctly: "What is it?"

Song Xizhi: "Nothing urgent, actually—there's a lantern festival in a few days; I wanted to ask if the Young Master would be free? We haven't gone to a lantern festival together in ages."

As she spoke, a faint anticipation shone in her eyes, reflecting the young man's handsome visage in her pupils.

Xiao Jingyuan sensed the person behind him lightly pushing him.

Xiao Jingyuan then said: "When the time comes, I'll come pick you up."

Hearing this, Song Xizhi broke into a bright smile: "Good, I'll wait for you." She then stepped back a few paces and watched him leave.

Back in the carriage, Shen Shuangning resettled in her original spot and let out a breath of relief.

She lifted her eyes to Xiao Jingyuan, who appeared completely unflustered, and thought, "This man is terrifying—no wonder in my past life he kept a secret mistress behind my back and could still carry on with me without a shred of guilt."

Xiao Jingyuan glanced at her, bewildered; he didn't know what Shen Shuangning was thinking now, but her expression clearly carried a hint of reproach.

Why?

He was open and aboveboard, had done nothing wrong—even if Song Xizhi had just seen him, it didn't mean they had anything improper between them. In his view, there was no need to conceal anything; Shen Shuangning was just worrying needlessly.

"Fourth Miss, what were you feeling guilty about just now?"

Xiao Jingyuan blurted out unexpectedly, and Shen Shuangning's heart jumped; she finally realized her reaction had been over the top, making it look as if she had some design on him.

Shen Shuangning's face flushed pale then red, and she snapped impatiently: "You don't understand—better to keep things simple than to invite trouble. I'm sure you don't want her to misunderstand either."

"She's open‑minded and not the jealous, suspicious type."

"Yes, Sister Song isn't like that; it's just my petty heart, alright?"

Shen Shuangning knew Song Xizhi was excellent, everyone praised her, yet she couldn't bear to hear Xiao Jingyuan say such things, as if she herself were the petty, corrupt little person.

It also made her uncontrollably recall the grievances of her past life—everyone seemed to flatter her on the surface, but behind her back they cursed her for stealing Song Xizhi's husband, even claiming she'd used vile means to seduce Xiao Jingyuan.

She'd had enough—she'd really had enough!!

Xiao Jingyuan didn't understand why she was suddenly losing her temper, frowned, and said: "Nobody's saying that about you."

"But that's what you think inside." Shen Shuangning said, her eyes red.

"Shen Shuangning!"

Xiao Jingyuan's face darkened, and for the first time he called her by her full name.

He gripped her wrist tightly, his eyes icy as he stared at her, warning in a low tone: "Don't dare to guess what I'm thinking."

Shen Shuangning fought back her tears, also locking her gaze onto his eyes.

Outside, Qingfeng heard the quarrel inside, his palms sweating for Shen Shuangning, fearing that if the Young Master grew displeased he'd toss the Fourth Miss's corpse out.

Fortunately, they finally arrived at the duke's residence.

Qingfeng called out cautiously into the interior: "Young Master, Fourth Miss, we've arrived."

Xiao Jingyuan loosened her hand and said bluntly, "Get down."

Shen Shuangning was actually eager to stay away from him; she got off the carriage without looking back, and Qingfeng kindly gave her a hand.

He greatly admired the Fourth Miss, considering her a heroine among women.

However, the next moment, he caught sight of a bean-sized tear rolling from the woman's eye, that eye clearly red.

Qingfeng was stunned, actually feeling somewhat reluctant.

The Heir Apparent really doesn't know how to cherish fragrance and jade at all...

Shen Shuangning hastily wiped her tears and strode away.

Not long after, a servant came out to move the gifts inside, expressing thanks.

After finishing, Qingfeng drove off, unable to hold back: "Heir Apparent, you didn't see, the Fourth Miss's tear was huge!!"

Did she cry?

Xiao Jingyuan, who was meditating with eyes closed, opened his eyes at the words; his fingers resting on his knee unconsciously clenched, yet his face grew even colder.

After returning, Shen Shuangning only regretted not having prepared a figurine of Xiao Jingyuan to vent her spite.

The next morning, Su Ran came calling again, seeking Shen Shuangning to accompany her to Hanshan Temple to pray for a good marriage.

At that moment, Mu Yu was taking Shen Shuangning's pulse.

Su Ran chattered nonstop: "Hanshan Temple has a Myriad Affinities Precious Pagoda, you know? It's said the marriage lottery slips are very effective!"

Shen Shuangning had naturally heard of it, but she hadn't gone; she was also somewhat curious how her marriage would turn out in this life.

Only then did Su Ran notice the physician standing aside: "Who is this?"

"This is Physician Mu from the Skillful Hands Hall," Shen Shuangning introduced, "Miss Mu, this is Su Ran, my friend."

Mu Yu nodded: "Miss Su."

Shen Shuangning briefly explained that Mu Yu was temporarily staying at the Duke's Residence; Su Ran didn't ask further, just stared at Mu Yu's face and said: "I feel like I've seen you somewhere."

Mu Yu's smile unchanged: "I often go to other mansions to see patients; I've also been to the Su Residence."

Su Ran let out an "oh", then looked at Shen Shuangning: "Your leg injury isn't already healed? Why do you still need a physician to see you?"

"It's not a leg injury; I've just been eating too much, feeling a bit bloated." This excuse was also what Shen Shuangning used to fob off Madam Shen.

Mu Yu took out the prepared medicine pill and handed it to Shen Shuangning; unexpectedly, Su Ran blurted: "I'm also stuffed, give me one too for digestion."

Shen Shuangning paused, looking at Mu Yu.

Mu Yu responded smoothly: "Eating too much makes you grow a beard."

Su Ran's outstretched hand suddenly retracted.

As Mu Yu lowered his head to pack the medicine box, Su Ran suddenly said: "I just remembered, I've seen you at Prince Yan's Residence too!"

Mu Yu's heart gave a thump.

Su Ran's mother had business dealings with Prince Yan's Consort, so Su Ran naturally went along once or twice.

Mu Yu noticed Shen Shuangning looking his way, and calmly said: "The Princess Consort suffers from deficient qi and blood, prone to headaches; the prescription Madam Shen is currently using is the same as hers."

Shen Shuangning knew this; when the Princess Consort is severe, even a breeze is unbearable, so she specially learned a massage technique, often massaging the Princess Consort's head.

Shen Shuangning looked at Mu Yu, suddenly feeling an inexplicable sense of familiarity, yet really couldn't recall it.

She could only suppress the doubt in her heart for now.

…

Hanshan Temple lies outside the city; one must leave the city to get there. Coincidentally, Shen Xiuci was off duty, so he escorted them; Shen Er also came along.

With Shen Xiuci present, Su Ran's boisterous nature immediately restrained, becoming exceedingly ladylike and tranquil.

Shen Er rode on horseback, laughing as he joked with his elder brother.

"Last year Miss Su still looked like a little girl, but now she bears the air of a genteel young lady; Madam Su can rest easy."

Shen Xiuci is gentle and refined, steady and dependable; he appears far more stable and reliable than Shen Er.

He led a white horse over; hearing that, he glanced at the carriage, without comment: "Let's set off; the sooner we go, the sooner we return."

Shen Er nodded.

The weather was fair and bright, the forest mountain road spacious and clear, yet unexpectedly they encountered the Xie Residence's convoy resting ahead on the way.

Su Ran lifted the curtain and glanced; she seemed to see someone, then turned back and said: "Ningning, the Young Marquis is also here; should we go say hello?"

Through a corner, Shen Shuangning recognized Xie Lin's back.

"The Young Marquis probably knew you were coming and waited in advance, right?" Su Ran said teasingly.

As Shen Shuangning's closest friend, Su Ran naturally knew about the matter between the Young Marquis and her.

Through that corner of the curtain, Shen Shuangning recognized Xie Lin's back; his posture was upright, bearing the dignified mien of a dragon and phoenix, hard not to notice.

At the same time, she also saw the woman standing beside him.

If I'm not mistaken, that should be the Lin family young lady.

Thinking of the earlier rumors, the Lin family young lady Lin Wanrong harbored affection for Xie Lin, and even heard that Xie Lin also had some feelings for her.

Shen Shuangning had never really cared about this, after all she had no connection with Xie Lin, and she had never given him a clear response; he is a pride of heaven, left hanging this long, he must be getting impatient.

He has the freedom to choose.

But Xie Lin pursuing her while also getting entangled with other young ladies inevitably damages his good impression.

Shen Er also saw those two figures, snorted coldly: "I thought he liked Ningning that much, but it was just a passing fancy."

Shen Xiuci then said calmly: "The Xie Clan and the Lin family have long been on good terms; becoming in-laws would be a good thing for both. Moreover, someone like the Young Marquis, so arrogant and wayward, his feelings are ever-changing, and there's no shortage of women admiring him; if you take it seriously, you'll lose."

Shen Xiuci and Xie Lin have always disagreed politically, but this commentary of his carries no personal bias, being objective.

Shen Shuangning knew her elder brother's words were aimed at her; although she didn't think Xie Lin was that sort of person, she still said nothing.

She lowered her eyes, withdrawing her gaze.

Su Ran pursed her lips, let down the curtain, out of sight, out of mind.

If Shen Shuangning had looked a little longer, she would have seen the Xiao family's young master stepping out of the Xie family's carriage; though she didn't see him, Xiao Jingyuan recognized the carriage from the Duke of the State's residence, and his eyebrows rose slightly.

Who could have Shen Xiuci and Shen Er escorting together? The person in that carriage is self-evident.

Inside the carriage, Su Ran furtively glanced at the woman beside her, fearing she was upset; before she could utter any comforting words, Shen Shuangning smiled at her.

"I'm fine; it's none of my business who he's with."

Yet, taking advantage of Su Ran's inattention, he tossed a sachet out of the carriage.

It was originally meant for Xie Lin, but now it's unnecessary.

Shen Shuangning never imagined at that moment that the sachet would eventually end up in Xiao Jingyuan's hands.