Chapter 25: A Short Rest — You’re tired too, let’s rest together.

Tang Liner’s figure was soft and supple, kneeling lightly on the ground, trembling slightly like a forsythia flower touched by cold dew, fragile and pitiable.

“Third Master, you must stand up for Liner.”

Wei Zilin put down the vermilion brush in his hand, displeased in his eyes, but patiently asked, “What’s the matter? Get up and tell me.”

Tang Liner refused to rise, lying against his knee, her eyes brimming with tears as she looked up, “Third Master, I see you laboring over state affairs day and night, and worrying over Shen Yunchao’s case, so I wanted to ease your burden. Earlier, I secretly went to the Chancellor’s residence to gather some information.”

Wei Zilin was a little surprised, his brows slightly furrowing. “Did you find anything useful?”

Tang Liner straightened her posture, her cherry lips close to Wei Zilin’s ear, quietly and thoroughly relaying everything Chancellor Shen had told her.

Wei Zilin’s eyes darkened gradually; he narrowed them and glanced down at Tang Liner. “Not bad, you still have some use. Keep a close watch on the Chancellor’s residence. I want to know their every move.”

“Yes.”

Tang Liner lowered her head, a trace of resentment flickering across her face, but she quickly raised it again, her eyes full of grievance.

“I had planned to come back early and tell you quickly, but unexpectedly…” At this, Tang Liner couldn’t help but sob softly, truly pitiful, like pear blossoms in the rain.

“Unexpectedly what?” Wei Zilin grew impatient.

Tang Liner bit her lower lip.

“It was unexpected that the Crown Princess got wind of it and maliciously accused me of sneaking out late at night to secretly meet with a man. Just as I was about to explain, she… she… hit me.”

As she spoke, Tang Liner deliberately turned the injured side of her cheek toward Wei Zilin so he could see the damage more clearly.

Wei Zilin frowned, his expression calm and unreadable. He raised a hand to stroke her fair cheek, his cool fingertips brushing over the faint scratches, his tone indifferent.

“She’s a bit spoiled, but I doubt she would strike without cause. You sneaking out at night could have caused the misunderstanding.” Tang Liner looked at Wei Zilin in shock, tears instantly flooding her eyes. “Third Master, Liner truly acted out of concern for you, rushing overnight to the Chancellor’s residence, only to be treated like this by her…”

“Enough, don’t mention it again. Don’t let the wounds on your face scar. Take this healing ointment,” he said, picking up a box of ointment from the side table and casually tossing it to Tang Liner.

Tang Liner looked at the so-called “reward” in her hand, her heart growing bitter.

“Third Master…”

She wanted to argue further, but Wei Zilin had already turned and sat back down at his desk, opening official documents and ignoring her.

Tang Liner stood frozen there, tears silently falling and landing on the ointment box.

After standing silently for a long time, she slowly turned and staggered out of the study.

As soon as she returned to her room, Tang Liner violently threw the ointment box to the ground and collapsed onto her pillow, crying loudly.

She recalled her days in the Shen residence. Although she was dependent on others, Madam Shen was kind and gentle. She remembered once when she was seriously ill, Madam Shen personally stayed by her side all night, never sleeping, changing her cloth, feeding her medicine, showing endless care.

Shen Xingwan never acted like a noble lady either; she usually read and embroidered with her and even gave her her most treasured silk flower, treating her like a sister.

The Shen family’s brother was even more…

But now, in this Eastern Palace, seemingly glorious but actually difficult to survive, Wei Zilin’s coldness made her feel even more chilled inside.

“Shen Xingwan, Lu Yuzhi, why were you both born into such good fortune!”

Tang Liner clenched her teeth, her eyes full of resentment and unwillingness.

She vowed secretly that, no matter what means she used, she would fight for a place in this deep palace, making everyone look at her with respect.

---

At dawn, the first light of morning scattered through the thin clouds and fell upon the courtyard of the Chancellor’s residence.

Shen Xingwan had not slept all night, sitting in the main hall. Though extremely tired, she persevered in discussing rescue strategies for her brother with Chancellor Shen.

“Master, Miss, the Prince has arrived.” Feiyun led Yan Jinghuan toward the main hall, announcing from afar.

Shen Xingwan raised her eyes and quickly stood to greet him.

Yan Jinghuan strode into the hall, looking somewhat fatigued, red veins visible in his eyes, clearly also sleepless through the night.

He took Shen Xingwan’s hand and sat down with her, concernedly asking, “You look exhausted. Didn’t you sleep?”

Shen Xingwan nodded slightly, her voice hoarse, “I’m fine, just worried about my brother.”

“Rest assured, I have already arranged matters at the prison. They have not tortured Yun Chao, so his life is temporarily safe.”

Shen Xingwan’s eyes grew moist. “Thank you.”

Chancellor Shen also hurried over, respectfully cupping his hands, “Thanks to the Prince’s assistance, the Shen family is deeply grateful.”

Yan Jinghuan looked at Chancellor Shen, “Yun Chao is Xingwan’s brother. I will do my best.”

Yan Jinghuan glanced aside, and Xing Zhou immediately entered from the door, holding a dossier in both hands and handing it to Chancellor Shen.

Chancellor Shen opened the dossier, and Shen Xingwan leaned forward to look. Inside was detailed background information on the people who had impeached Shen Yun Chao.

At the head of the group was a man named Wu Chuan, originally a little-known minor official in the court, but who had rapidly risen within a few months. His patron behind the scenes was the Elder Brother of the Imperial Noble Consort, the immensely powerful National General.

“As expected, it’s related to the Imperial Noble Consort,” Shen Xingwan ground her teeth.

Yan Jinghuan nodded, “Not only that, Xing Zhou also found that before Wu Chuan impeached Shen Yun Chao, he had close dealings with several stewards of the Imperial Household Department. It’s very likely they conspired to frame Yun Chao.”

Chancellor Shen frowned deeply, “If that’s the case, to overturn Yun Chao’s case, the key is to find ironclad evidence of their collusion and proof of Yun Chao’s innocence.”

Shen Xingwan pursed her lips, “If only we could get hold of the Imperial Noble Consort’s private treasury accounts…”

Prime Minister Shen paced back and forth. “It’s not that easy. The Imperial Noble Consort’s palace is heavily guarded by the imperial guards; ordinary people simply cannot get close. We should think of other methods first.”

Shen Xingwan’s shoulders sagged. After much thought, she finally spoke, “Since the ministers in court all fear the Imperial Noble Consort and the General and dare not speak out, then I will contact my father’s old subordinates and earnestly ask them to help gather evidence to clear my brother’s name.”

The Prime Minister still shook his head. “It’s too difficult. They would also fear the Crown Prince and the Imperial Noble Consort, and won’t dare cause trouble.”

“I know it’s hard,” Shen Xingwan bit her lip. “But if there is even a sliver of hope, we have to try.”

“Sigh…” The Prime Minister clenched the dossier tightly and sighed helplessly.

If it were any other crime, he could have contacted familiar court officials to petition together, but this is a charge of treason. Everyone is fearful for their own safety. If they get even slightly involved, it’s easy for malicious people to accuse them of forming factions and plotting rebellion.

That is a crime punishable by extermination of nine generations. Every family involved is huge, with dozens or even hundreds of people. Who would dare wade into such dangerous waters now?

Both wore worried expressions, anxious but unable to find a solution.

“I will find the evidence,” Yan Jinghuan suddenly spoke.

“If Xingwan wants to contact her father’s old men, then let her go,” he continued. “I will assign some undercover guards for her to command. They are agile and discreet and will surely protect her well and help gather information.”

Shen Xingwan looked at Yan Jinghuan in surprise.

Yan Jinghuan just smiled gently and reached out to smooth back the strands of hair that had fallen around her temple. “I didn’t want you involved, but if I don’t let you do something, you won’t be able to rest peacefully.”

Tears gradually filled Shen Xingwan’s eyes.

“Alright,” Yan Jinghuan’s gaze softened even more, and he used his thumb to wipe the tear that slid down her cheek. “This matter requires long-term planning. Right now, the most important thing is for you to get some sleep, okay?”

The Prime Minister looked at the two of them and agreed, “With the help of Your Grace, there is still a glimmer of hope for Yun Chao. You two haven’t slept all night. If you exhaust yourselves, how can you save him? Go and rest now.”

Seeing Shen Xingwan hesitate, the Prime Minister urged her, “Go. Since Your Grace has arranged everything, Yun Chao’s life is safe for the time being. You’ve all worked hard all night—go rest.”

Shen Xingwan looked up at Yan Jinghuan. His eyes showed signs of exhaustion from staying up all night, with faint shadows under his eyelids. Yet his straight nose and tightly pressed thin lips still conveyed an innate firmness and noble dignity that made it impossible to look away.

Her heart softened. She nodded in agreement and softly asked, “Shall we rest in my courtyard?”

“Hm.”

As the sun rose higher, light filtered through the carved window lattice, scattering golden patches across the tiled floor of Shen Xingwan’s boudoir.

Upon entering the inner chamber, the first thing that caught the eye was a carved pearwood dressing table, on which were placed several delicate hairpins. The heads of the pins were set with smooth jade stones, along with a small rhombus-shaped mirror that gleamed brightly.

In a vase on the desk, a few freshly bloomed begonia flowers stood, their pale pink petals unfolding layer upon layer, emitting a faint and elegant fragrance.

Yan Jinghuan’s gaze settled on a hanging scroll on the wall — a landscape painting. Although the brushwork was somewhat naive, it was full of spirit. This was one of Shen Xingwan’s pastimes in her spare time.

Below the scroll was a yellow pearwood desk, neatly arranged with various books. The pages were slightly yellowed, showing they had been frequently read.

Shen Xingwan walked to the bedside, carefully spread out the brocade quilt, then turned to Yan Jinghuan. “You’ve been running around all night. Lie down and rest now.” Saying this, she turned to prepare tea for him.

Yan Jinghuan grabbed her hand.

“You’re tired too. Let’s rest together.”

Shen Xingwan’s cheeks flushed faintly. After a moment’s hesitation, she slowly sat on the edge of the bed.

After lying side by side, Yan Jinghuan turned over and gently wrapped his long arm around her, pulling her close. Shen Xingwan buried her head in his chest and heard his steady, strong heartbeat.

The anxiety and fatigue from recent days surged like a tide, suffocating her breath. But now, nestled in Yan Jinghuan’s embrace, those emotions seemed to gradually dissipate and soften.

Yan Jinghuan gently stroked her hair. Shen Xingwan’s eyelids grew heavier, sleep creeping over her like a fine silk net, and she slowly drifted off.

Yan Jinghuan lowered his head. Seeing the young lady asleep, he frowned as if she was not resting well. He reached out to smooth her furrowed brow gently and adjusted his posture slightly so she could lean more comfortably.

His gaze wandered slowly around the room, taking in every corner of the decor — all traces of her life.

The scent of sweetness on her body mingled with the quiet breath of the room. He slowly closed his eyes and fell asleep holding her.

Sunlight quietly spilled and flowed, casting a soft halo around their figures. It was as if time itself stopped at this moment, leaving only the warm beat of their hearts and even breaths.

When she woke, Yan Jinghuan had already left.

As Feiyun helped Shen Xingwan change clothes, she smiled and said, “Master is really considerate of Miss. He specially instructed not to wake you, so you could rest longer. He didn’t even eat and rushed back to the prince’s mansion to discuss matters. It seems there’s some new lead.”

Shen Xingwan nodded. “Then we shouldn’t waste time either. Let’s quickly change and go visit my father’s old men.”