Transmigrated into a Scummy Alpha Playboy in Ancient Times (GL) - Chapter 14

The argument and sounds of crying from the main room had finally quieted, but in the side chamber, Cui Zhu was already crying in panic. She desperately wanted to rush in to check on her lady, but was held back by the other maids. Yiliu, too, tried to calm her down.

“If it’s just a quarrel, you rushing in will only make things worse,” Yiliu explained patiently. “You’re just a servant—if you make Her Grace angry, you’ll only hurt your lady more.”

Cui Zhu, wiping away her tears, paced the small chamber anxiously, occasionally pressing her ear to the door in hopes of hearing something—anything. But now that things had quieted down, she couldn’t make out a word.

Back inside the room, Su Muyu hesitated for a moment, then spoke softly:
“I’ll tell you, but you have to promise not to get angry.”

“I won’t get angry. Go ahead,” Shen Xingyue said with a smile.

Su Muyu observed her expression. Seeing that Shen Xingyue seemed to be in a relatively good mood, she figured it might be now or never. Who knew how long it would take to get another opportunity like this?

After all, the matter involved the Su family—and Shen Xingyue despised them. She didn’t know if she would be willing to help.

“My mother and younger sister are still in the Su residence. They’ve barely been allocated any firewood for heating. Could you send them some charcoal… and warm clothes and bedding?”

She watched Shen Xingyue closely, afraid she’d catch even the faintest flicker of annoyance on her face.

But Shen Xingyue just smiled and said,
“I thought it was something serious. Of course—I’ll have it prepared right away. I should’ve thought of them sooner. That was my oversight.”

“You’re serious?” Su Muyu blinked in disbelief, unsure if she’d heard correctly. “You’ll really help?”

“Of course I will. I keep my promises. Here, put your pants back on—you’ll catch cold.” Shen Xingyue handed her the underpants, and without waiting for a reply, pulled on her cloak and headed out of the room.

Su Muyu’s cheeks flushed hot as she quickly pulled her pants back on. But deep down, a wave of confusion gnawed at her.

All that anxiety, all that preparation—even releasing her xinxiang… And yet Shen Xingyue agreed so easily? Was all that effort for nothing?

She pulled the blanket over her head, sulking a little. She still didn’t fully trust Shen Xingyue. Would she really follow through on this promise?

After the emotional morning, Su Muyu’s throat was dry. She got up, put on her robes, and reached to tug the bell cord.

But before she could, Cui Zhu—who could wait no longer—had already come rushing in, trailing Yiliu and two other maids. The moment she saw her lady standing there unharmed, her tears flowed again.

“Miss, are you alright?!”

Su Muyu glanced at the others and calmly said,
“I’m a little thirsty. Bring some hot tea. Cui Zhu, stay.”

“Yes, Your Grace.” Yiliu nodded, quickly ushering the others out of the room.

Once they were gone, Su Muyu turned to Cui Zhu.
“What are you crying for? I’m fine.”

Cui Zhu dropped to her knees in guilt.
“It’s my fault, Miss—I didn’t protect you. I should’ve done something. I’m useless…”

Su Muyu blushed slightly, remembering the earlier scene. She had been humiliated… but compared to what she’d feared, the outcome had been much better than expected.

“I’m alright. We just had a bit of an argument. Don’t worry about me.”

“Please don’t try to comfort me, Miss. I should’ve barged in earlier, but they stopped me…” Cui Zhu sobbed harder.

Su Muyu bent down and gently helped her up.
“It’s a good thing you didn’t. Coming in would’ve only made things worse. I’m really okay. Besides—she agreed to send charcoal and warm clothing to my mother and sister. So stop crying, alright?”

Cui Zhu stared at her, tears still clinging to her lashes.
“She did? She agreed?”

“She didn’t seem like she was lying.” Su Muyu nodded.
“Now get up—the floor is cold.”

Cui Zhu finally stood, still sniffing, but visibly calmer. When Yiliu returned with the tea and pastries, Cui Zhu had already composed herself.

—

On the other side of the estate, Shen Xingyue had summoned the steward, Steward Li, to her study.

Steward Li’s daily workload was nearly identical to Lord Shen Zhengchu’s—most of his time was spent cleaning up the original Shen Xingyue’s messes. Whether it was compensating victims, smoothing over social disputes, or issuing apologies, he handled it all.

So when Shen Xingyue summoned him, he immediately began to sweat.

Still, he had no choice. He worked for the Prince’s Manor, and this was his job.

After a polite knock and receiving permission, he stepped inside the study.

“Your Grace, is there something you need?” he asked, his professional smile firmly in place, though his heart thudded with dread.

“There is something I’d like you to take care of,” Shen Xingyue said casually.
“Yu’er’s mother and sister are not doing well in the Su residence. Prepare some quality charcoal, warm clothing, and bedding. Deliver it to the Su estate. And make sure it reaches them personally.”

She paused, then added:
“Oh, and when you get there, mention that Yu’er and I might visit the Su residence soon. That’ll make sure no one dares misplace the goods. Understood?”

She knew full well the underhanded games that could happen in the inner courtyards. She couldn’t risk the supplies being intercepted or misused.

Steward Li was genuinely surprised by Shen Xingyue’s words.
The princess had summoned him for… an actual, proper matter?

“Yes, Your Grace. I understand. I’ll arrange everything right away and make sure the supplies reach the Princess Consort’s mother personally. Is there anything else you’d like me to do?” he asked, a rare smile tugging at his lips. Frankly, delivering winter supplies was much more pleasant than cleaning up Shen Xingyue’s usual messes.

“Right, also prepare some loose silver and a bank note for 500 taels. Make sure both are given directly to Yu’er’s mother—and discreetly. Don’t let anyone else know. They’ll need it for emergencies. And tell them, if they run into any trouble, they can send someone straight to the manor to find me.”

Shen Xingyue paused, then added with a frown,
“Actually, you should go yourself. It’ll be good to give the Su family a warning—let them know not to go too far with how they treat Yu’er’s mother and sister.”

“Of course. Don’t worry, Your Grace. I’ll handle it personally.” Steward Li bowed deeply again, sneaking a few glances at Shen Xingyue.
Was it just his imagination, or had the princess changed? She seemed… serious? Responsible?

“Finish this as soon as possible. Get it all done by this afternoon.” Shen Xingyue waved him off with finality.

Steward Li bowed once more and took his leave, mind still buzzing with questions about the princess’s sudden personality change—and her unexpected kindness toward the Princess Consort.

—

By the time Shen Xingyue returned, Su Muyu was sitting upright, sipping a bowl of medicinal broth. Physician Zhou had recommended one last dose that morning to fully stabilize her recovery.

Shen Xingyue walked over, picked up a small porcelain dish filled with candied fruit, and set it beside Su Muyu.
“Here—have one after the medicine. It’ll cut the bitterness.” Her voice was soft, almost coaxing.

Su Muyu looked at her, puzzled. Shen Xingyue was smiling again, warm and easy. Did she not get angry after all?

Cui Zhu, standing nearby, observed the interaction carefully. Seeing that Shen Xingyue’s mood remained pleasant, she finally relaxed.
Had she… misjudged the princess?

Shen Xingyue sat down, poured herself a cup of hot tea, took a few sips, and said nonchalantly,
“The matter you mentioned earlier—I’ve already taken care of it. Steward Li will deliver the supplies to your mother and sister this afternoon. Don’t worry.”

Su Muyu set down her bowl, took a sip of warm water, then popped a candied fruit into her mouth. Somehow… it tasted sweeter than usual. Maybe it was Shen Xingyue’s words. Maybe it was hope. Still, she couldn’t help feeling a flicker of unease. Was this really happening?

Shen Xingyue caught the hesitation in her eyes and smiled knowingly.
“Still worried? Then let Cui Zhu go with them this afternoon. That way, someone you trust can oversee it. Would that help?”

Su Muyu’s eyes brightened, though she tried not to show it too obviously.
“Can she really go?”

“Of course.” Shen Xingyue nodded and turned to Yiliu.
“Let Steward Li know that Cui Zhu will accompany him to the Su residence.”

Cui Zhu was overjoyed. She immediately knelt to express her gratitude, but Shen Xingyue waved her off with a chuckle.
“There’s no need to kneel every time. If you have something to say, just say it.”

Cui Zhu blushed and straightened up.
“Thank you, Your Grace. I promise I’ll behave and won’t cause any trouble for Steward Li.”

“Good. If you want Cui Zhu to pass anything along to your mother, now’s the time to tell her.” Shen Xingyue looked at Su Muyu, who was finally showing a hint of a smile. That tiny shift relaxed Shen Xingyue’s heart a little.

“Alright. I’ll write a letter. Cui Zhu, you’ll deliver it to my mother for me.” Su Muyu’s eyes were bright with joy. Ever since arriving at the manor, she’d been completely cut off from her family. Back then, Shen Xingyue had hated her so deeply that she even canceled the customary post-wedding home visit. How could she possibly have allowed her to send a letter?

Su Muyu turned to look at Shen Xingyue. Her shining gaze dimmed slightly, and she spoke with unusual softness,
“There’s no ink or paper in here… Shen Xingyue, could you… not read the letter I write? I have some private words for my mother.”

“Of course. There’s paper and ink in the study—you can use whatever you need. When it’s done, just hand it to Cui Zhu.” Shen Xingyue gave her a gentle smile. “Go ahead.”

Su Muyu’s entire face lit up. For the first time, she looked her age—a seventeen-year-old girl, full of life.

She turned, about to walk out—when Shen Xingyue suddenly called out,
“Wait—”

Su Muyu froze. Her smile vanished, and her eyes turned cold.

Had Shen Xingyue changed her mind already? Was all that kindness just a setup so she could crush her with humiliation again?

Was this all just a cruel joke?