Chapter 8

Suddenly and unexpectedly

Chen Shimei remembered some records in the fragrance manual but they weren't very detailed. Planning to study it carefully tonight, she carefully stored the piece of paper.

Leaving Bai She behind, Shimei and Xiaohong first checked on the progress of the neighboring fragrance house. Bai She seemed preoccupied with other matters and didn't say much.

After leaving Bai's residence, Shimei sent Xiaoxi to the palace with a message for the Empress Dowager, explaining she was busy setting up the fragrance house and would return to the palace the next day.

Xiaoxi left, and Shimei took Xiaohong to the nearly completed fragrance house.

"Sister Mei," Xiaohong inquired as they walked, "What's the connection between the fragrance materials and the legal disputes?"

Chen Shimei thought for a moment, "I'm not sure, but... the use of fragrance powders is not just for scent or makeup; they have many other effects."

"You always say that," Xiaohong mused, then softly added, "You know, Mr. Bai is really nice!"

Chen Shimei couldn't help but laugh, leaning over to Xiaohong, "When I first saw him, he seemed so cold, but after talking a bit, don't you think he's kind of clueless?"

"Haha," Xiaohong giggled, "Not exactly clueless, more like single-minded and straightforward!"

"Yes," agreed Chen Shimei, nodding, "That's about right."

"It's such a coincidence we're neighbors, how wonderful," Xiaohong beamed, "I was worried we'd have gossipy neighbors, but now it's a reticent hero!"

Shimei shook her head, amused by Xiaohong's lively spirit, clearly relieved to be out of the restrictive atmosphere of the prince's estate.

"Sister Mei, let's lay white pebbles in the courtyard and plant banana trees, okay?" Xiaohong suggested, "And maybe we can keep some cranes?"

Chen Shimei nodded, acknowledging her status as a princess. The Empress Dowager had bestowed upon her considerable wealth, and she had inherited substantial properties and land deeds from the late Chen Shimei, enabling a life of luxury, including keeping cranes and peacocks in her yard.

Chen Shimei and Xiaohong strolled leisurely around the courtyard. Xiaohong, with childlike enthusiasm, pointed to a small stream, "We should have koi fish here." She then walked onto the zigzag bridge, pointing to a nearby river, "Here, we should plant lotuses and water lilies, and even keep mandarin ducks!"

Following her, Chen Shimei remained silent, simply smiling as she watched Xiaohong energetically exploring, resembling a lively titmouse.

The craftsmen working on the fragrance house were royal artisans, supervised by an eunuch. When Chen Shimei arrived, the eunuch quickly approached her with paper and pencil, dutifully noting down everything Xiaohong suggested, prepared to follow her instructions.

The fragrance house was nearing completion, only needing a couple more days. Inside, several young eunuchs were taking notes and sketching designs as the craftsmen began the interior setup.

After surveying the premises, Chen Shimei gathered all the craftsmen, instructing Xiaohong to reward them with silver, thanking them for their hard work. The artisans internally marveled at her down-to-earth nature, so different from the usual nobility.

Once the workers dispersed, Chen Shimei felt relieved and decided to return to Bai's residence with Xiaohong to focus on studying the fragrance materials.

As they reached the entrance, they spotted a carriage halted outside.

Chen Shimei furrowed her brows slightly; she recognized the style of the carriage – it belonged to the prince's estate.

Xiaohong, nervously clutching Chen Shimei's arm, whispered, “Sister Mei, it looks like the prince!”

Chen Shimei patted her hand reassuringly, signaling not to worry, and led her away, planning to visit Wang Zan Yu.

“Ah! Sister Shimei!”

Luan Jingyi lifted the carriage curtain, calling out to her cheerfully.

Turning around, Chen Shimei saw Luan Jingyi stepping down from the carriage alone, perplexed why she came by herself. She knew Luan Jingyi wasn't like Ming Fu – not curious or showy, always careful and prudent. It seemed odd for her to seek out Chen Shimei alone... Could there be someone else in the carriage?

With these thoughts, Chen Shimei stayed still and watched her approach.

“Sister Shimei!” Luan Jingyi reached her, beaming, “I’ve missed you these past days.”

Seeing the joyful smile on her face, Shi Mei didn't engage in small talk but asked, "Why do you miss me so much, given we rarely met in the mansion?"

Luan Jing Er thought Shi Mei, being divorced from Qin Xiang Lian, would put on airs, but was caught off guard by her imposing manner, feeling awkward.

Seeing her discomfort, Chen Shi Mei didn't press further, merely asking, "Are you just passing by, or did you come to see me on purpose?"

"I... I came specifically to see you," Luan Jing Er replied.

"Oh," Shi Mei nodded. "What brings you here?"

"Why are you so indifferent, sister? As sisters, can't I visit you for no reason?" Luan Jing Er put on a wronged expression. "I know you're upset about Ming Fu betraying you..."

"Ming Fu wronged Zan Yu, not me," Chen Shi Mei corrected, glancing at the sky and asking, "Would you like to sit for tea? I can't stay long, I have to meet someone and have plans this evening."

"Oh, it's nothing important." Luan Jing Er, usually quick-witted and eager to take the lead, found herself in this awkward situation for the first time. If not for the prince's instruction, she wouldn't have come. Now, her effort seemed wasted, like a warm face against Shi Mei's cold demeanor.

Thinking this, Luan Jing Er felt displeased but had to follow Qin Xiang Lian's orders, saying, "Shi Mei sister, I want to buy some of your perfume powder."

Shi Mei was taken aback... Luan Jing Er buying perfume powder from her? Wasn't she afraid Shi Mei might tamper with it? It seemed illogical.

"Buying perfume powder?" Shi Mei asked, "Which type do you use?"

"The kind I usually like," Luan Jing Er said with a smile.

Shi Mei glanced at Xiao Xiang Er beside her, who also seemed puzzled. Had Luan Jing Er ever used Chen Shi Mei's perfume powder?

Noticing Xiao Xiang Er's confused expression, Shi Mei guessed Luan Jing Er's intention – she was testing Shi Mei's identity. Such suspicion wasn't surprising, given her drastic change, especially to a sharp mind like Qin Xiang Lian's. Shi Mei knew it was better to be straightforward than play mind games with such a person.

With this thought, Shi Mei smiled wryly, "I must confess, I don't remember."

Luan Jing Er looked puzzled at Shi Mei, "What do you not remember?"

"When I was trapped under the ruins, a beam struck my head. After crawling out, I forgot many things," Shimei explained, "Think about it, I even forgot my feelings for the Prince. How could I possibly remember which fragrance powder you use?"

Luan Jingyi gazed at Shimei, bewildered, before asking, "Shimei, are you saying your separation from the Prince was due to your forgotten affections for him?"

Chen Shimei nodded straightforwardly, "He suddenly appeared before me like a stranger. I felt nothing for him, how could I share a bed with him? Since he is indifferent towards me, separation was the only option."

Luan Jingyi quickly waved her hands, "Shimei, you can’t say that. The Prince is not indifferent to you; if he were, he wouldn’t have made you his wife."

Shimei merely smiled in response, "It’s no longer important. Deep love brings strict accountability, but as my feelings for him have faded, why should I seek his affection?"

Luan Jingyi was at a loss for words, while Xiaohong internally cheered – "Good! That’s the way to deal with a heartless man!"

Eventually, Luan Jingyi, having nothing more to say, stood by the road, watching as Shimei and Xiaohong walked away.

After the pair had departed, Luan Jingyi returned to the carriage.

At that moment, Qin Xiang Lian was leaning against the carriage, thoughtfully gazing at the nearby Bai residence.

Coincidentally, Bai She emerged from the Bai residence, leading a horse in one hand and holding a long sword wrapped in white cloth in the other.

Seeing Shimei and Xiaohong in the distance, Bai She mounted his horse and rode after them.

Qin Xiang Lian watched this with a slight frown.

Shimei and Xiaohong, walking along, heard the sound of horse hooves. Looking up, they saw Bai She towering above them.

"I need your help with something," Bai She said to Chen Shimei, his expression anxious and his complexion slightly pale.

"What happened?" Chen Shimei asked, puzzled.

"Hurry up!" Bai She urged, reaching out to pull her up.

Xiaohong, holding onto Shimei, stepped back a bit, thinking her mistress's hand shouldn't be so casually grabbed!

Bai She frowned slightly, not quite understanding her hesitation.

"I'll call the carriage," Xiaohong thought to return, but with Xiao Xi absent, who would drive the carriage?

After a moment's thought, Xiaohong went to lead a small donkey tethered near the entrance of the Fragrance Powder Residence. Before she could mount it, Bai She, seemingly impatient, leaned over, scooped up Shimei around the waist, and swiftly lifted her up.

"Ah?" Shimei exclaimed in surprise, already seated behind Bai She, who spurred his horse into a quick departure.

"Hey!" Xiaohong, concerned, called out "Shimei!", then hurriedly slapped the donkey to follow.

"Prince?" Luan Jingyi, noticing Qin Xiang Lian's complex gaze watching the three departing figures, asked, "Shall we...?"

"You go back first," Qin Xiang Lian suddenly stood up, got off the carriage, took a horse from a nearby guard, mounted it, and left without a backward glance.

Luan Jingyi sat in the carriage, watching Qin Xiang Lian disappear into the distance, her eyebrows knitted in worry.

Qin Xiang Lian's guard turned to her, "Madam, shall we return to the residence?"

Luan Jingyi sat quietly for a long while in the carriage, knowing Qin Xiang Lian had followed Shimei. She wanted to pursue and see for herself, but she couldn't! She had to remain obedient and docile, as Qin Xiang Lian preferred.

"Where are we going?" Shimei, seated behind on the horse and gripping Bai She's clothes tightly for fear of falling, looked back at Xiaohong. Seeing her following at a safe distance and riding the donkey steadily, she called out, "Xiaohong, slow down!"

But Xiaohong wasn't willing to slow down and risk falling behind, unsure of Bai She's intentions.

They traveled a long way, leaving the city gates and taking the official road, eventually turning into a small bamboo grove.

Passing through the bamboo grove, Shimei saw a dilapidated temple not far ahead.

Arriving at the temple, Bai She abruptly halted, and Shimei, assisted by Bai She, felt the world spin before finding herself firmly on her feet.

Shimei looked back to see Xiaohong hurrying after them, while Bai She had already entered the dilapidated temple.

Shimei gestured to Xiaohong, and at the same time, she detected an odd smell.

Bai She, after entering the temple, stood at the courtyard entrance, his head lowered as if observing something. As Xiaohong approached, Shimei instructed her to be careful as she turned to enter.

Shimei was not faint-hearted, but the sight that met her eyes in the courtyard left her almost screaming in shock.

Before Shimei could react, Xiaohong, who had just run in, let out a loud scream.