Chapter 134: Wounded

Shen Qingyun currently had no intention of interfering in the power struggle between Wang Qingrui and the Old Madam.

She arrived at the General's Mansion early that day. According to Nanny Chen, Han Rou was doing much better, though she still needed to remain in bed for a few more days of rest. Upon entering the inner chamber, Shen Qingyun found Han Rou indeed sitting up against her pillows, looking much more vibrant than before.

"Qingyun, you're here?" A bright smile lit up Han Rou’s face when she saw her.

Shen Qingyun sat on the edge of the bed and looked her over carefully. "Mother, do you feel any discomfort?"

Han Rou shook her head. "Not at all. In fact, I feel as if the heavy burden that has weighed on my chest for years has finally lifted. I feel so much lighter. If it weren't for Nanny Chen's worry, I would have been up and walking around by now."

Hearing this, Shen Qingyun finally felt at ease. This treatment had thoroughly purged the toxins that had accumulated in Han Rou’s body over the years; with proper recovery, she would likely be healthier than ever.

Nanny Chen interjected from the side, looking displeased. "Madam, you must not be careless. The divine doctor specifically instructed that you need plenty of rest."

"Yes, yes, the Nanny is right," Han Rou said with a helpless smile.

As they joked amongst themselves, Han Rou urged Shen Qingyun to leave. "I heard that this was all thanks to Prince Li providing the rare medicine. Qingyun, I have already written a formal note of thanks to the Prince’s residence; please deliver it for me."

Nanny Chen quickly produced a prepared gift, handing it to Han Shuang, who was waiting nearby. Seeing the warmth in Han Rou and Nanny Chen's eyes, Shen Qingyun felt a slight headache, but she accepted the task. In truth, she was also eager to thank Si Moli properly.

Upon entering the Prince’s residence, she happened to run into Lian Rufeng, who was on his way out.

"Rufeng, it’s been a while. Thank you for your help. The General’s Mansion has sent a gift of appreciation to your medical pavilion, though I didn't expect to run into you here," Shen Qingyun said, greeting him first.

Lian Rufeng’s face was dark. He wanted to say something cheerful upon seeing her, but feeling a chilling gaze from behind, he paused, pouted, and lied, "Qingyun, no need to thank me. Go inside and see him; Moli is injured."

"What? How did he get hurt? Is it serious?" Shen Qingyun’s expression turned instantly anxious.

Lian Rufeng sighed. "We were ambushed while gathering herbs. Just go see for yourself. I have matters to attend to at the medical pavilion, so I must be off."

After he left, the old steward, hiding in the shadows, nodded in satisfaction. He had been right to quickly shoo away that nuisance as soon as he heard Miss Shen was coming. He turned to a guard and whispered, "Go, proceed according to the plan!"

Recalling how perfectly fine Si Moli had seemed just days ago, Shen Qingyun felt a fire of anxiety in her heart. She rushed inside and was led by a servant to the Prince's quarters. Pushing the door open, she hurried in to see a guard changing the dressing on Si Moli’s arm.

"Moli, are you alright? Is the wound severe?" she asked breathlessly.

The guard’s eyes lit up upon seeing her. "Ah, Miss Shen! It is so good you are here. The divine doctor has left, and my hands are clumsy. I’ll leave the Prince’s care to you!" With that, the guard retreated quickly, thoughtfully closing the door behind him.

Si Moli frowned, cursing internally. He dismissed such minor injuries, but Qingyun was different; she lived a sheltered life and rarely saw such bloody wounds. He feared she would be frightened.

"I'm fine, Qingyun," he said, trying to sound casual. "Go have some snacks outside and wait for me; I'll be out soon."

Instead, Shen Qingyun stepped forward. Though she felt a flicker of shyness, her voice was steady. "Let me change the dressing for you."

Both were caught in a moment of awkwardness. When Shen Qingyun pressed her hand against Si Moli’s arm, a spark seemed to jump between them, causing them both to fall silent, their minds racing, neither daring to meet the other's eyes.

"Sit still," she said softly. "The wound is on your right arm; it’s too difficult to change it yourself." She braced herself and reached for the medicine.

A deep, bloodied gash ran down most of Si Moli’s arm. Seeing the severity of it, Shen Qingyun’s shyness vanished, replaced by a sharp pang of pain in her heart. He had been so badly hurt, yet he hadn't mentioned a word. She wouldn't have known if she hadn't come today. He clearly cared for her, helping her time and again without asking for anything in return, and she felt the walls around her heart begin to crumble.

"Why hasn't this scabbed over after so many days?" she asked, carefully wiping away the blood. She felt Si Moli tremble slightly and immediately stopped. "Is it too painful? I'll be gentler."

"It's fine. The blade was poisoned, which is why it's healing slowly. It will be better in a couple of days."

Si Moli spoke with such indifference that Shen Qingyun felt even more heartbroken. Seeing her expression, he looked away, fighting the urge to pull her into his arms.

There were no flowery words or inappropriate actions, yet their mere proximity made his heart race and his breath quicken. Wherever her fingers touched, it felt as if they were branding him with fire. A restless, trembling sensation stirred within him; he longed to hold her, to kiss her.

He had encountered many beautiful women who threw themselves at him, but he had felt only disgust. Yet, Shen Qingyun’s presence—her unique scent—felt like a soft net, weaving around him and trapping his heart.

When she finished bandaging him, Si Moli actually felt a sense of loss—he almost wished the wound were worse.

"Moli, lift your arm, let me help you put your outer robe back on," she said, fearing he was struggling.

Si Moli obeyed, feeling a sweet warmth bloom in his chest; it felt as if they were a newlywed couple. He felt a pang of regret that he hadn't worn more layers.

Fortunately, the old steward walked in at that moment with a bowl of medicinal soup, looking concerned. He claimed to be busy, leaving Shen Qingyun to feed the medicine to the Prince herself.

By the time she finished, Shen Qingyun’s face was flushed like a sunset. After offering a few more instructions, she hurried home, her heart hammering against her ribs like a drum.

Upon arriving at the Duke’s mansion, she was stunned to hear that the Old Madam had brought Shen Sisi back.

Shen Qingyun frowned. "Why bring her back to the mansion?"

Zhenzhu shook her head, looking puzzled. "I don't know, but I heard the Old Madam has been asking the kitchen staff many questions. Miss, do you think the Old Madam is starting to suspect the Duke’s identity?"

"It is very possible," Shen Qingyun mused. "Come, let’s go see what is happening."