Chapter 44: A Dazzling Entrance

Late into the night, Shen Sisi waited, only to hear that Hongyu had returned empty-handed.

“Useless. You can’t even handle such a trivial matter.”

With a sharp slap, five distinct fingerprints appeared on Hongyu’s face. Though ointment had been applied and the skin seemed unharmed, the pain burned fiercer than usual. She knelt, clutching her cheek. “Miss, it’s really not my fault. I did all I could, but ever since the thorough overhaul at Jianjia Courtyard a few days ago, it’s become an impenetrable fortress. I truly couldn’t find a way in.”

“So what now?” Shen Sisi glared at Hongyu, frustrated that the only person she could rely on was so incompetent. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became, viciously twisting Hongyu’s arm twice.

Tears welled in Hongyu’s eyes from the pain, but she dared not cry out. She forced herself to reply, “I’ve thought of another plan. On the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet, I’ll secretly scatter the powder onto Second Miss’s skirt. That way, she’ll make a fool of herself at the banquet.”

A flicker of delight flashed in Shen Sisi’s eyes. Fine, let her attend the banquet—once her whole body breaks out in rashes, she’ll be laughed at by the noble ladies and loathed by the Empress Dowager.

“At least you have some brains. Go now, I need to rest.”

Hongyu withdrew timidly. Once outside, she quickly applied some ointment given by Shen Qingyun. Instantly, her cheek felt soothed, the pain easing considerably.

“Bah.” Thinking of the plan for Second Miss, Hongyu spat in malicious satisfaction and left with a cold sneer.

...

When the day of the birthday banquet arrived, the entire household was bustling from dawn.

Shen Sisi rose early, spending an hour dressing herself.

Today, she wore a pale blue robe with cloud patterns, paired with a skirt in moonlit hues adorned with water motifs, the hem embroidered with subtle silver designs. The understated elegance of her attire made her skin appear even more luminous, and her hair was styled in a loose cloud bun, fastened with a dangling hairpin whose tassels swayed lightly as she walked, lending her an air of vitality.

It must be said, today’s ensemble truly elevated her modest beauty, giving it a refined charm.

But soon, her smile faded.

For she saw Shen Qingyun.

How could this be?

Not only did Shen Qingyun’s presence outshine the ornate outfit, it made her appear all the more noble and ethereal. A single strand of hair fell across her collarbone, highlighting the graceful curve of her neck, at once delicate and resilient. Her eyes sparkled like black pearls, no longer childish; the upward tilt at their corners lent her face an elegance and allure. When she smiled, her cold and exquisite beauty became utterly captivating.

As Shen Sisi drew closer, she realized Shen Qingyun had grown nearly as tall as herself, perhaps even more, and the fullness of her chest was strikingly fair and prominent.

Standing beside her, Shen Sisi felt as if all her own radiance had been eclipsed.

“Little sister, you look quite special today.”

“Do I? Sister, you look beautiful as well. Come, Mother and I have been waiting for you.”

Ignoring the jealousy and bitterness in Shen Sisi’s gaze, Shen Qingyun boarded the carriage first. Han Shi and Shen Zhifeng were already seated in another carriage. Shen Sisi and Shen Qingyun sat in silence, with Shen Qingyun closing her eyes to rest.

Shen Sisi quickly signaled Hongyu with a discreet look.

Hongyu nodded slightly. Seizing a moment when the carriage rounded a corner, she pretended to lose her balance and fell onto Shen Qingyun’s skirt.

“Oh dear, Second Miss, I’m so sorry—I’ve wrinkled your skirt. Let me fix it for you.” She straightened the folds as she spoke.

Pearl glared at her fiercely, saying nothing.

Seeing everything proceeding smoothly, Shen Sisi closed her eyes as well, already imagining her moment of glory.

As the carriage approached the palace gates, it slowed.

Shen Zhifeng went ahead with his colleagues to greet the Emperor, while Han Shi led her two daughters toward the rear gardens, where the Empress would receive the ladies before the banquet.

Han Shi cautioned them, “There are many rules here. Stay close to me, mind your manners and words.”

Both Shen Sisi and Shen Qingyun nodded.

In truth, Shen Qingyun was a bit nervous. In all her lives, past and present, it was her first time entering the palace. The towering, oppressive walls had imprisoned countless women’s lives, much as they had in her former life.

Not everyone was as fortunate as she, granted a second chance for herself.

But now that she had it, she would tear down these walls in her heart and live freely, just this once.

“Who is that?”

“I don’t recognize her. Is there such a beautiful girl in the capital? Whose daughter is she?”

“Isn’t that Han Shi beside her?”

...

Lost in her thoughts, Shen Qingyun soon found herself at the garden entrance.

Many ladies and young misses gazed at her with curiosity.

Suddenly, Shen Qingyun felt a calm settle within her. Her hands folded gracefully in front, her steps barely disturbed the hem of her skirt. When greeted by ladies familiar with Han Shi, she smiled and bowed in perfect etiquette, the very image of a noble maiden.

“So that’s Shen Qingyun, Second Miss of the Duke Shen’s household?”

“I thought she’d just come from the countryside. How does she carry herself with such poise, as if she’s no less than any noble girl of the capital?”

“Impossible. I heard Shen Qingyun was plain and unattractive.”

“What’s the use of beauty? She owes it all to Han Shi’s good looks. They say she’s illiterate—what respectable family would marry such a girl?”

“Indeed. Have you seen Princess Jing’an? She’s truly the most talented and beautiful among the capital’s young ladies.”

“I heard the Princess will be here today.”

“Then Shen’s young miss is hardly worth noticing.”

...

The surrounding talk was incessant, but Shen Qingyun’s expression remained unchanged, earning her newfound respect from those around.

Shen Sisi’s face turned pale. Previously, whenever she attended banquets with Han Shi, she was showered with praise by the ladies. But today, whether admiring or disparaging, all eyes were fixed on Shen Qingyun.

Madam Jianghou spotted Han Shi and approached with a smile. “Sisi, Qingyun, you’re here. Come, sit over here.”

Shen Sisi glanced at the table, seeing it was filled with ladies of lesser status. Disappointment flashed in her eyes, but she dutifully followed Han Shi and took her seat.

As expected, the table’s conversation was full of unending praise for Shen Qingyun.

Just then, a maid announced, “Princess Jing’an has arrived.”

Everyone turned toward the sound.

Shen Qingyun immediately met the gaze of Princess Jing’an—a beauty as ethereal as a goddess. Shen Qingyun could not help but admire her, yet, for some reason, she caught a clear hostility in the Princess’s eyes.

In all her lives, past and present, had they ever met before?