Chapter 49 Omen Both harbor hidden thoughts.

Chapter 49: Omen

Both were lost in their own thoughts.

In the Cai residence.

Zhen Xi was at her dressing table, removing her hair ornaments, when Vice Minister Cai burst in. As she rose, a swift, brutal slap struck her face. Unable to brace herself, she stumbled backward, her face hitting the wooden bench, chin scraping against it before she collapsed to the floor. A metallic taste of blood seeped from the corner of her mouth.

Before she could even react, Vice Minister Cai grabbed her arm. "You vile woman! You won’t rest until you’ve ruined me, will you?"

"My lord, please don’t..." Zhen Xi pleaded.

"Who told you to provoke Yue Rongrong?" Vice Minister Cai’s eyes burned with malicious fury.

Zhen Xi felt a chill in her heart, followed by a surge of hatred. Ignoring the pain, she looked up at him with bloodshot eyes. "So Yue Rongrong really is with Marquis Shen now, isn’t she? Are you going to let Marquis Shen dominate you completely? You’re much older than him—by rights, you're practically his elder! And the Cai family is not an unknown name! How can you let a mere young upstart lord it over you?"

Vice Minister Cai narrowed his eyes, staring at her darkly. "What did you say?"

Composing herself, Zhen Xi wiped the blood from her lips. "My lord, the Shen family may be powerful, but there are plenty who envy them! Especially among the noble families—who wouldn’t want to replace the Shens? Why not seize this chance to ally with those great houses and bring the Shen family down? Don’t you resent how Shen Jichen humiliated you back then?"

She knew how to strike at a man’s pride, hitting precisely where it hurt. Vice Minister Cai calmed down, helped her up, and seated her on the bench. Zhen Xi’s racing heart gradually settled, but she grew excited at his change in attitude. If Vice Minister Cai truly joined forces with the nobility to bring down the Shen family, then...

Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through her chin. Vice Minister Cai dug his fingers into her face mercilessly, forcing her head up. Her neck strained, and she couldn’t utter a word as she met his wolf-like, menacing gaze.

"You’re not just wicked—you’re an idiot! You’re trying to manipulate me into avenging you, aren’t you? Bring down the Shen family? Do you think I’m as stupid as you? The Shen family has stood strong for a century—do you know why? Not just because of their exceptional leaders, but also because of the three ironclad pledge tablets enshrined in their ancestral hall! Do you have any idea what that means?"

Watching Zhen Xi’s face grow paler, his tone turned increasingly grim. "Do you think those noble families are less clever than you? If you can think of it, why hasn’t anyone else? Have you ever wondered why no one dares to target the Shens?"

Suddenly, he hurled her aside. Zhen Xi’s slender body crashed into a pillar, her forehead striking the wood before she slumped to the floor. He glared down at her venomously. "You poisonous woman! Do you want to drag the entire Cai family down with you?" He took a deep breath. "Now that you’ve angered Yue Rongrong, you’ve angered Marquis Shen. I can’t keep you anymore."

In a daze, Zhen Xi’s instinct for survival took over. Clinging to her last shred of rationality, she dragged herself toward Vice Minister Cai and clutched his robes, sobbing. "My lord, Yue Rongrong has a soft heart. If I go apologize to her another day, she’ll forgive me. She’s always treated me like a sister—she won’t stay angry. Once we’re close again, Marquis Shen will become your ally too..."

This was, in fact, one reason Vice Minister Cai had kept Zhen Xi around. He had noticed Yue Rongrong’s lingering fondness for her. Hearing this, his tone finally softened. He crouched down, looking at her injured face without pity but with satisfaction. "That’s more like it. Once your face heals, go apologize to your Rong Rong sister."

Zhen Xi could only bury her resentment and reply softly, "Yes."

Then she leaned into Vice Minister Cai’s embrace, gently tracing patterns on his chest with feigned tenderness.

**

That night, Shen Jichen truly spent the entire evening reviewing files at the Ministry of Penalties. When he stepped out of his study, Wen Song was asleep leaning against a corridor pillar. Shen Jichen approached and cleared his throat, startling Wen Song awake.

"Marquis."

Shen Jichen glanced at him sidelong. "Deliver this letter to the head of the Imperial Medical Bureau."

Wen Song accepted it with both hands. Noticing Shen Jichen had already changed into his court robes, he stammered, "Why didn’t you call me to assist you, Marquis?"

Shen Jichen replied coolly, "You were sleeping soundly."

Wen Song stumbled, offering an awkward smile before hurrying off to his task.

Yue Rongrong had slept poorly and woke at the first light of dawn. She lay in bed for a long while until Hui Yin tiptoed into the room. Only then did she speak up: "I’m awake."

Hui Yin entered cheerfully, her bright smile lifting the mood. She helped Yue Rongrong wash and dress just as Gu Yu came in.

"Miss, the chief steward is outside with a message. The head of the Imperial Medical Bureau is here, waiting for you in the front courtyard."

Yue Rongrong’s eyes lit up at the news. Hui Yin leaned in and whispered gently, "Even though the Marquis is upset with you, he still cares."

A sweet warmth spread through Yue Rongrong’s heart. She pressed her lips together to suppress a smile and stopped Hui Yin from adding a gold hairpin. "This is enough."

Hui Yin saw from the mirror that she looked naturally simple and said nothing more. The three of them went to the front courtyard. The head of the Imperial Medical Bureau rose from his seat upon hearing their footsteps. Seeing an unfamiliar young woman, he paused in surprise.

Yue Rongrong bowed slightly. "Thank you for coming, Director Gao."

Though Director Gao didn’t know who she was, the Marquis’ personal letter indicated she was someone important. He stepped back and bowed. "It’s my honor."

Without delay, Yue Rongrong led him to Husi Alley. Ge Peilan was stunned to see her bringing an imperial physician and, after a long moment, invited Director Gao into the room with flustered but gratefulness. Yue Rongrong stayed at the doorway, glancing inside. Ge Peilan’s husband seemed gentle but thin and pale. She didn’t enter, remaining in the courtyard.

It was a small courtyard. Though it was spring, few flowers bloomed except for some wild ones by the wall. The main room faced the courtyard, with a kitchen and side rooms on either side—simple and somewhat humble.

"This is a rented place," Ge Peilan’s voice came from behind. Yue Rongrong turned to see her approaching with a tea tray. "I don’t have fine tea to offer, but I hope you’ll make do."

Yue Rongrong grinned. "You know I’m not picky about tea."

They sat at the stone table in the courtyard. Ge Peilan sighed. "Seeing you like this puts my mind at ease."

Yue Rongrong was taken aback that Ge Peilan still worried about her, and guilt washed over her. "Sister, you should blame me. If not for me, you would have married Brother Qu back then."

Ge Peilan fell silent for a moment, her expression turning uneasy. "Perhaps it was fate. How is he now?"

"He’s imprisoned in the mines under the Ministry of Penalties. Tomorrow is Brother Qu’s birthday—I’m going to see him. Would you like to come along?"

Yue Rongrong had sent Hui Yin and Gu Yu to assist Director Gao, so she spoke freely.

But Ge Peilan stiffened and turned away. "No. There’s no point in seeing him."

Yue Rongrong took her hand. "Sister, do you still blame Brother Qu?"

Ge Peilan suddenly gripped her hand, as if on the verge of saying something, but stopped short. Finally, she lowered her gaze and shook her head after a long pause. "It’s all in the past, Rong Rong. You should let go too. Qu Lieshan will never get out. You shouldn’t waste your life because of him."

Yue Rongrong stared at her in surprise. Ge Peilan had never blamed or hated her for what happened years ago, but now it seemed she still resented Qu Lieshan—perhaps because she had once loved him.

"Earlier, I heard Director Gao mention Marquis Shen. He must be very powerful. For him to send Director Gao to treat commoners like us for your sake—he must care deeply for you. He treats you well, doesn’t he?"

Yue Rongrong twirled her handkerchief, silent for a while before nodding.

"What about your registered status... does he know?" Ge Peilan’s gaze fixed on her, full of concern.

"...Yes. He already helped me remove it." Shen Jichen had arranged it the day she entered his residence.

Ge Peilan smiled sincerely. "Then you must seize this opportunity. Think of yourself more, and don’t let... others hold you back."

She only knew part of the story, and Yue Rongrong didn’t elaborate on the complexities between her, Shen Jichen, and Qu Lieshan, responding vaguely instead.

Just then, Hui Yin called for Ge Peilan from inside. As Ge Peilan rose to go, Yue Rongrong tugged at her sleeve and asked softly once more, "Sister, are you really not going tomorrow?"

Ge Peilan nodded. "I need to care for my husband."

Yue Rongrong understood. Of course—Sister Peilan had her own life now. How could she ask her to visit an old lover?

"Rong Rong." Ge Peilan paused at the doorway and turned back.

Yue Rongrong smiled brightly. "What is it?"

"...Forget the past."

With that, she went inside. Yue Rongrong stood still for a moment but didn’t dwell on it. Her mind was on how to slip away from Hui Yin and Gu Yu tomorrow... Suddenly, an idea came to her. Before leaving, she specifically coordinated with Ge Peilan to use her as an excuse. Ge Peilan initially refused, fearing Shen Jichen would blame Yue Rongrong, but Yue Rongrong insisted. Finally, Ge Peilan sighed helplessly. "You’re still as stubborn as ever once you’ve decided."

As for Shen Jichen, she didn’t worry much—he would be on official duty anyway.

But because she had angered him yesterday, and today he still let bygones be bygones to invite Director Gao, Yue Rongrong still wanted to please him and show her gratitude. Returning to the residence, she went straight to the main kitchen and learned from the head cook how to make "Golden Shreds and Jade Slivers," a delicate dish that requires skilled knife work and meticulous care.

Yue Rongrong tried many times, wasting many perch, until she felt so guilty she thought she should hold a memorial ceremony for these fish. Finally, her slicing... became presentable.

Putting down the knife, she felt her hands were almost stiff. Hui Yin immediately began massaging them for her. After a while, she began learning how to plate the dish. She arranged it into the form of a peony flower, which actually helped overlook the roughness of her knife skills, earning continuous praise from the cook beside her.

The cook teased, "No wonder it's often said, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Miss Rongrong is even capturing the Marquis's eyes; he can't take his eyes off it."

The knowing remark made the other cooks nearby exchange knowing laughs. Yue Rongrong's face flushed hot, and she turned away. Just then, someone came to announce: "The Marquis has returned to the residence!"

Wen Song followed Shen Jichen into the residence. The gatekeepers and household guards all secretly glanced over, noticing that although the Marquis's expression was still cool and distant today, there was something subtly different about him.

Indeed, it was different. Wen Song watched Shen Jichen's light-footed stride, a stark contrast to his angry departure the night before. He hurried a few steps closer and whispered, "Marquis, this matter was secretly told to me by Gu Yu. The young lady bought you a gift, probably wanting to surprise you. Please play it cool and don’t ruin her excitement later..."

Shen Jichen glanced at him and said disdainfully, "Stop nagging."

Entering the main courtyard, Gu Yu was waiting at the door. As soon as she saw Shen Jichen, she beamed and curtsied, "Greetings, Marquis. Welcome back. The young lady has prepared dinner and is waiting for you."

Shen Jichen fought back a smile, cleared his throat lightly, and responded indifferently, "Hmm."

He headed toward the dining hall and saw Yue Rongrong standing smiling by the table. He gave her an unreadable look, walked over, and sat down comfortably. A maid stepped forward to offer a warm towel, and he leisurely wiped his hands.

Seeing that he still seemed unhappy, Yue Rongrong quickly pushed the plate of "Golden Shreds and Jade Slivers" in the center of the table toward him, presenting it proudly, saying, "I made this myself."

Unexpectedly, Shen Jichen frowned and said, "Don’t do such dangerous things yourself in the future."

Dangerous? Did he mean using the knife? Yue Rongrong felt a warmth in her heart. "I was very careful," she said, raising a smiling face. "It’s to thank you for inviting Director Gao to see Peilan’s husband today."

Shen Jichen’s expression darkened slightly. He gazed intently at Yue Rongrong, his dark eyes like bottomless pools of ink.

"What’s wrong?" Yue Rongrong felt a moment of nervousness under his stare.

Shen Jichen lowered his eyes, took her hand, and gently rubbed it. Perhaps due to years of embroidery, her hands were no longer as soft as before, and he could feel several calluses. His heart ached, and he looked at her, saying deeply, "Rongrong, how long must we wait..."

When will we stop being so formal with each other? When will you treat me as you did before? Suddenly, he suppressed a wave of bitterness in his heart and said without changing his expression, "Let’s eat."

Yue Rongrong nodded silently. For a moment, she seemed to understand Shen Jichen’s unspoken words, but she could only pretend not to know. After all, she was going to leave.

Shen Jichen watched her eat with her head down, looking very docile. Whenever she was this quiet, he felt a moment of unease. Frowning slightly, he said, "Tomorrow, the Grand Empress Dowager is holding a spring banquet at the Hidden Spring Pavilion in the palace. You will accompany me."

Yue Rongrong jerked her head up. "I’m not going."

Perhaps her refusal was too quick, as a visible irritation flashed in Shen Jichen’s eyes. She hurriedly explained, "I made plans with Peilan tomorrow. Since coming to the capital, she’s been caring for her husband around the clock and has become worn out. She hasn’t had a chance to properly see the capital. Now, thanks to Director Gao’s skill, her husband’s condition has finally improved, and she’s relieved. I promised to take her around the capital tomorrow." She spoke with increasing sincerity, almost convincing herself, and looked at him earnestly, slightly frowning. "Unless you insist I go to the palace with you? If so, I... I’ll explain it to Peilan." Though she said this, her eyes betrayed disappointment and sorrow.

It instantly pierced Shen Jichen’s heart. He turned away and said, "Forget I mentioned it." He wanted to take her to see the Grand Empress Dowager and his elder sister, but it didn’t have to be that day.

Yue Rongrong’s eyes immediately lit up like starlight, sparkling as she looked at Shen Jichen. She had used this tactic of strategic retreat before, and he always compromised. Now was no different. The difference was, in the past, she would only feel smug, but now, along with her joy, she suppressed the rising guilt.

That night, he held her as they fell asleep, kissed her forehead, and asked, "Do you have anything to say to me?"

Yue Rongrong, exhausted and half-asleep, murmured softly, "What..."

Shen Jichen looked down at her, saw her eyelids heavy with sleep, and chuckled lightly. "Nothing, sleep."

Perhaps she would give him the gift when she felt the time was right. He could wait.

**

Early the next morning, Shen Jichen had already changed into his court robes. Wen Song also prepared a set of casual clothes to bring into the palace, so Shen Jichen could change after court before attending the banquet.

As he walked out of the dressing room, Yue Rongrong was already awake and sitting on the bed. Shen Jichen went over, sat by the bed, pulled her drowsy self into his arms, kissed her, and said in a low voice, "If anything happens, use my name."

Yue Rongrong became a bit more alert and giggled, "I know you’re a big shot around here."

Shen Jichen smiled, tweaked her cheek, and then got up to leave.

After Shen Jichen left, Hui Yin and Gu Yu entered the room to help Yue Rongrong with her morning routine.

Yue Rongrong said, "You two don’t need to come with me today."

"Miss!" Hui Yin and Gu Yu objected in unison.

"If you come, Peilan will feel uncomfortable, and how could she share girl talk with me?" She playfully winked at them. "Just find a nice teahouse and wait for me to come get you. That way, the Marquis won’t blame you when we return."

"But that won’t do. We’re worried..."

"What’s there to worry about? I’ve been alone in the capital for two years, and we’re just touring the city. Surely you’re not worried about the capital’s safety?"

Hui Yin and Gu Yu hesitated but tried to argue further. Yue Rongrong decisively said, "My decision is final. Are you disobeying me?"

The two could only lower their heads and meekly say, "Yes."

Yue Rongrong breathed a sigh of relief and took a carriage to Hu Si Alley. Meanwhile, the noble ladies invited by the Grand Empress Dowager followed their mothers into the Azure Blossom Gate of the palace.

Lady Meng got out of the carriage at the Azure Blossom Gate, instantly attracting the attention of many ladies. She ignored them and turned to her confidante, asking, "How are the preparations?"

The confidante, Aunt Qiu Gui, looked around solemnly and cautiously said, "Rest assured, madam, everything is ready. But the young lady..."

"I will talk to the young lady myself," Lady Meng said gravely.

Inside the carriage, Meng Jiayan checked her appearance once more in the mirror before asking Zi Teng, "Is there news from Gusu?"

Zi Teng nodded and whispered, "A note arrived just before we left, but with the madam present, it wasn’t convenient to speak." She pulled a corner of the note from her sleeve.

Meng Jiayan stopped her. "Wait for a chance to look at it later. Don’t keep Mother waiting."

Zi Teng nodded, carefully tucked the note back into the hanging pouch, tied it securely, and helped Meng Jiayan out of the carriage.

Everyone present—the noble ladies and their mothers—knew the purpose of today’s banquet. For a while, the Azure Blossom Gate was a sea of colorful silks, each vying to outdo the other.