Transmigrated into a Scummy Alpha Playboy in Ancient Times (GL) - Chapter 29
Shen Xingyue finally quieted down after having her mouth covered for a while. Once Su Muyu’s hands were warm from her touch, she gently tucked them back under the blanket, wrapped her arms around her, and drifted into a peaceful sleep.
At that same time, Yang Qi was reporting Shen Xingyue’s activities for the day to Shen Zhengchu and Zhou Yunqing.
“Did the Eldest Princess cause any trouble during the plum blossom viewing today?” Shen Zhengchu asked. In the past, whenever Shen Xingyue attended such events, something always happened—big or small.
“Your Highness, this time the Princess behaved appropriately. The trouble actually came from the Su family. Someone tried to pick a fight with her, and the Princess responded firmly. Specifically, Su Muxue—the younger sister of the Princess Consort—spoke rudely to her. The Princess ordered her to be slapped,” Yang Qi reported every detail clearly.
Shen Zhengchu nodded in satisfaction. He had never thought highly of the Su family and had long wanted to give them a warning. His eldest daughter had handled things well this time.
Zhou Yunqing then asked, “Was Su Muxue the only one who went from the Su family?”
Yang Qi understood what she meant and replied respectfully, “Su Muqiu, the Su family’s legitimate daughter, was there too. But the Princess made it clear that she wanted to protect the Princess Consort. She didn’t even bother to look at the others from the Su family. In the end, because they were disrespectful to the Princess Consort, the Fifth Prince had them thrown out of the estate.”
“Well done,” Shen Zhengchu said. “Yue’er finally did something to make me proud. That Su family needs to be kept in check. If Yue’er hadn’t stopped me before, I would’ve driven Su Changyuan and his whole family out of the capital by now.”
Zhou Yunqing nodded as well. “To be honest, Yue’er really has matured lately. She hasn’t been sneaking out or causing trouble, and she hasn’t brought any shady people back to the palace. Your Highness, do you think she’s truly changed?”
“Hmph, I hope so,” Shen Zhengchu replied, taking a sip of tea. “As long as she doesn’t stir up trouble, I’ll count myself lucky.”
Now that his daughter wasn’t causing chaos, he had only court matters to deal with. Things at home had finally become easier.
Seeing that they were finished speaking, Yang Qi added, “Your Highness, Your Grace—there’s one more thing.”
Shen Zhengchu noticed his hesitance and urged him, “Go ahead. Did Yue’er do something else?”
“When the Princess and the Princess Consort returned, the Princess carried the Princess Consort straight from the carriage into the bedroom,” Yang Qi said quickly, lowering his head and not daring to look at Shen Zhengchu’s expression.
Shen Zhengchu let out a soft snort and sighed. “Well, she is her own wife. If she wants to carry her, let her. At worst, we’ll just have a few more granddaughters. We can afford it.”
Rather than being angry, Shen Zhengchu actually smiled. Just the other day, the Minister of War’s family had welcomed a new granddaughter, and the old man had been boasting about her to everyone. Their Yue’er wouldn’t be any less. She and Su Muyu had been very affectionate lately. If this continued, maybe he’d soon be holding a granddaughter of his own to proudly show off.
“Right, we should send something over to Muyu,” Zhou Yunqing added. “Since Yue’er wants to be with her, we must treat her properly.” She ordered Nanny Wang to prepare some gifts and take them to Su Muyu.
Su Muyu was still asleep when Shen Xingyue woke up. Her health had always been delicate. Not wanting to disturb her, Shen Xingyue didn’t move. She just lay there quietly, gazing at the woman in her arms.
There was no denying it—Su Muyu really was beautiful. Her skin was pale and smooth, her eyes and brows naturally elegant, her nose delicate, and even her lips were a soft pink. The more Shen Xingyue looked, the more she liked what she saw. For someone who had always considered herself straight, it was surprising how she could stare at Su Muyu like this and not get bored.
She noticed Su Muyu’s eyelashes—long and thick like tiny brushes—and couldn’t help reaching out to gently touch them with the tip of her finger.
Su Muyu didn’t wake up until the sound of people outside stirred her. Zhou Yunqing had sent servants to deliver the gifts.
“Her Grace asked me to deliver some gifts for the Princess Consort,” Nanny Wang said as she arrived outside the bedroom with a group of maidservants.
Yi Liu stepped forward politely and greeted Nanny Wang, exchanging a few respectful words. Then she knocked and quietly entered to report.
“Your Highness, Her Grace has sent some gifts for the Princess Consort. They’re waiting outside,” she said softly.
Even though Yi Liu kept her voice low, Su Muyu still woke up. She instinctively nestled closer in Shen Xingyue’s arms and asked in a soft, sleepy voice, “What’s going on outside? It’s so noisy…”
Shen Xingyue gently ran her hand along Su Muyu’s back and said softly, “Mother sent someone to bring you some gifts. Wake up for a bit and come greet Nanny Wang—she’s the steward who works closely with Mother.”
“Mm,” Su Muyu nodded, still a little confused about why the Princess Consort would suddenly send her gifts. Thinking back to how she had just spoken to Shen Xingyue—it sounded almost like she was being coquettish—her ears flushed pink again. Why would she act that way toward Shen Xingyue? She had never liked acting spoiled, even as a child.
Shen Xingyue gently helped Su Muyu sit up, coaxing her softly, “Let’s go see what my mother sent. If you’re still tired, you can go back to sleep afterward.”
“Alright,” Su Muyu replied softly, then lightly pushed Shen Xingyue. “Let go of me—I need to get dressed.”
Shen Xingyue chuckled and murmured, “When you were cold just now, you clung to me so tightly. But now that you don’t need me, you’re pushing me away. Rain’er, you really are fickle.”
Through the canopy of the bed, Su Muyu could see that Yi Liu was still standing outside. Her ears turned even redder. She shot Shen Xingyue a glare—unsatisfied with that, she reached out and kicked her twice with little force, pretending to threaten her, “Don’t talk nonsense.”
Shen Xingyue gladly played along, smiling gently. “Alright, I don’t dare anymore. I’ll do whatever Rain’er says.”
Su Muyu found her mock-pitiful expression amusing. While getting dressed, she grabbed the quilt and tossed it over Shen Xingyue’s head, covering her face.
Shen Xingyue hadn’t expected this little kitten to grow bolder—now she was even starting to tease her. She smiled helplessly. “You’re bullying me again. Rain’er is turning wicked.”
“If I’m wicked, I must’ve learned it from you,” Su Muyu replied casually. She didn’t pay any more attention to the woman hiding under the blanket. Instead, she let Cui Zhu help her pin a few simple hair ornaments before letting Nanny Wang bring the others in.
Shen Xingyue also got dressed and stood beside Su Muyu.
Nanny Wang bowed respectfully to both of them before saying, “These are gifts from Her Grace, prepared especially for the Princess Consort. I was ordered to bring them here. Your Highness, Princess Consort—please have a look.”
The maidservants behind Nanny Wang entered the room in an orderly line, each carrying a tray. On them were sparkling gold and silver ornaments, elegant jade pieces, and a variety of valuable medicinal herbs.
“These are tokens of Her Grace’s care,” Nanny Wang said with a smile after bowing again. “She’s thinking of the Princess Consort and hopes you’ll take good care of your health.”
Su Muyu hadn’t expected the Princess Consort to send so much. She quickly said, “Nanny, please thank Her Grace on my behalf. I’ll visit to pay my respects first thing tomorrow morning.”
“Very well. Since the gifts have been delivered, I’ll take my leave now,” Nanny Wang said with another bow, then left with the servants.
Looking over the many treasures her mother had sent, Shen Xingyue smiled and said, “Rain’er, you’re practically a little rich lady now. These ginseng roots and deer antlers are perfect for building your strength.”
Su Muyu looked at her and asked, “And what about the rest of it?”
Shen Xingyue replied, “It’s all yours to decide. The jewelry and jade can be worn anytime. As for these gold and silver ingots, you can put them in a small chest and take them out whenever you need them. The medicinal herbs can stay here—let Zhou Miao look through them and see which ones suit you. The ones you don’t need right away can be stored in the treasury.”
Su Muyu pressed her lips together, saying nothing. Shen Xingyue was kind to her now, but what about later? If she ever went back to the way she was before, then Su Muyu wouldn’t be able to keep any of this.
Noticing her hesitation, Shen Xingyue smiled gently and added, “All of this is yours. But if it makes you feel better, we can exchange the gold and silver ingots for silver notes and keep them with you.”
Su Muyu looked at her for a while before whispering, “Then let’s switch to silver notes.”
Shen Xingyue let out a light laugh and nodded, leaning in to tease, “I didn’t expect my Rain’er to be such a little money-grubber.”
Su Muyu lightly slapped her arm. “I’m not. It’s called being prepared for the worst.”
“You’re right,” Shen Xingyue agreed, still smiling. “Shall I have Wen You go exchange it for you?”
“Mm, have Cui Zhu go too,” Su Muyu added.
“Alright. Let your maid keep an eye on things. Wen You will just be helping—would that be acceptable?” Shen Xingyue said gently. She understood Su Muyu’s caution. After all, the way the original Shen Xingyue had treated her had left scars. It was only natural that she’d want to protect herself.
Cui Zhu quickly left with Wen You, along with a young servant boy carrying the chest. The three of them worked efficiently and soon returned with the silver notes.
Su Muyu glanced at Shen Xingyue, tugged on her sleeve, and said quietly, “I need to speak to Cui Zhu alone. Can you give us a moment?”
Shen Xingyue put on a dramatic tone of mock hurt. “Rain’er, how heartless! I just helped you, and now you’re casting me aside like a used bridge after crossing the river.”
She leaned in close, staring at Su Muyu with an exaggeratedly pitiful look.
Cui Zhu was still standing nearby, and Shen Xingyue’s sudden display of affection made Su Muyu a little embarrassed. Her ears turned red again as she pushed Shen Xingyue away, mumbling, “It’s not that I don’t want you. I just need a minute.”
Hearing that, Shen Xingyue finally chuckled and agreed. She draped on a cloak and headed toward the study. The picture book she had been reading a few days ago was already finished. She figured she might as well pick out a few more to read in the bedroom.
Once Shen Xingyue had left, Su Muyu held up the silver notes and said to Cui Zhu, “Let’s split this one thousand taels. Half will stay in your room—make sure you hide it well. I’ll take care of the other half myself. Life is good for now, but we have to plan ahead. That way, even if Shen Xingyue goes back to how she used to be, we’ll have something to fall back on.”
Cui Zhu didn’t think things were quite as bleak as her mistress made them sound. Everyone had seen how well the Princess had been treating her lately. Just today, she carried her all the way home, not to mention the gentle tone she used every time they spoke. In her heart, Cui Zhu felt that her young mistress’s true good fortune was only just beginning.