Chapter 8: Aphrodisiac — Wouldn’t it be quicker if you begged me?

As soon as Shen Xingwan heard the news, she immediately followed the young maid to Tang Lin’er’s room.

The maid pushed open the door, and the moment Shen Xingwan stepped inside, she saw a length of white silk hanging from the beam and a fallen stool lying askew on the floor.

Tang Lin’er was crying heartbreakingly in Madam Shen’s arms, her thin, frail back trembling as if she had suffered an unbearable grievance.

Madam Shen wasn’t faring much better; her eyes were red as she wiped Tang Lin’er’s tears.

“Good child, this is not your fault. Don’t ever do something so foolish again. It’s our Shen family that has implicated you.”

“Lin’er doesn’t blame Mother,” Tang Lin’er sobbed, “I only blame my own lack of fortune, for not being born to Mother’s side. Because of my lowly birth, I failed to catch the Third Prince’s eye, and now the Shen family is shamed because of me…”

Madam Shen’s heart ached as she hugged Tang Lin’er, offering her much comfort. She even shot Shen Xingwan a resentful glare.

Shen Xingwan silently endured it. She didn’t mind being misunderstood for now. The truth would come to light in due time.

She watched Tang Lin’er’s pitiful act for a moment, then stepped forward to take her hand, speaking softly and sweetly, “Good sister, you’ve been so wronged. With your looks and character, even the Third Prince fails to see your worth—it’s truly his loss. Tomorrow, I’ll find you an even better match.”

“Nonsense.”

Madam Shen rebuked her, “Do you think an imperial decree is child’s play? Your father has already accepted the edict. Lin’er is destined to marry the Third Prince. Even if the Third Prince is unwilling, it’s not up to him. Our Shen family recognizes Lin’er as our only adopted daughter.”

This was exactly what Tang Lin’er wanted to hear. Overwhelmed with joy, she burst into tears again, throwing herself into Madam Shen’s embrace, “Mother…”

Such a touching scene of motherly kindness and filial piety. Shen Xingwan couldn’t help but admire Tang Lin’er’s acting skills.

Just then, the matron by Madam Shen’s side entered after a slight knock, lowered her head, and whispered, “Madam, we’ve just received news that Her Highness the Imperial Noble Consort has summoned the legitimate daughters of the Minister of Revenue and the Grand Commandant to the palace.”

Madam Shen was briefly surprised, then her expression turned knowing, though somewhat unnatural as she glanced at Tang Lin’er. Seeing her weeping bitterly, Madam Shen’s face also grew grave. She raised her hand to signal the matron to withdraw.

Though nothing was explicitly said, everyone understood the implication. At such a critical moment, for the Imperial Noble Consort to summon these two noble ladies likely had ulterior motives.

As expected, by dusk, news spread from the palace. The Emperor, after heeding the Imperial Noble Consort’s advice, intended to appoint the daughter of the Minister of Revenue as the Third Prince’s primary consort and to accept the Grand Commandant’s daughter as his concubine on the same day.

As for the Shen family, they were not mentioned again, as if the matter had been shelved.

Tang Lin’er was devastated, shutting herself in her room with doors and windows closed, her face ashen. Madam Shen sighed repeatedly, but all her efforts to console her were in vain, so she could only order the servants to attend to Tang Lin’er carefully.

Tang Lin’er sank into despair for two days. On the third morning, she appeared at Madam Shen’s room, dressed properly to pay her respects.

In just two days, Tang Lin’er had grown visibly thinner. Dressed in a lotus pink blouse and skirt, with only two plain hairpins, she looked pitifully delicate, her slender waist barely a handful wide, bowing properly as she greeted, “Daughter greets Mother. I’ve caused Mother to worry—truly unfilial of me.”

Madam Shen was at her dressing table. Seeing this, she couldn’t bear it and quickly helped her up, “There’s nothing urgent these days. You should rest well for a few more days, no need to come and greet me.”

“Thank you for your understanding, Mother. Though I haven’t been well these past two days, I must never forget my filial duties.”

Tang Lin’er rose, approached Madam Shen, and took the comb from the matron’s hand to comb Madam Shen’s hair herself.

Madam Shen glanced at Shen Xingwan, who was sipping tea at the side, then sighed heavily and clasped Tang Lin’er’s hand with emotion, “You’ve suffered.”

“It’s my misfortune,” Tang Lin’er lowered her gaze, gentle and serene, “Lately, my luck has been poor. I wish to visit Hanshan Temple to pray for Mother’s health and Sister’s marital bliss.”

Upon hearing this, Madam Shen looked at Tang Lin’er with newfound admiration. Turning around, she patted the back of Tang Lin’er’s hand, “Good child, it’s commendable of you to have such a heart. You did fall into the water recently—perhaps there are some lingering negative influences. Going to offer prayers is a good idea. I’ll order a carriage prepared and have more matrons and maids accompany you.”

Tang Lin’er hesitated, “I don’t wish to trouble everyone because of me, nor do I want to attract attention. I’d rather go by myself.”

Her demure attitude only made Madam Shen feel more pity. Assuming she was ashamed due to the Third Prince’s matter and afraid of gossip, Madam Shen immediately decided, “You are a young lady of the Shen family. You must maintain proper decorum. If you are concerned, let Xingwan accompany you. I’d like to see who dares to gossip.”

Shen Xingwan sneered inwardly. Before she had even said a word, everything had already been arranged for her.

She glanced coldly at Tang Lin’er. With her viperous heart and the kind of person who had once incited Wei Zilin to slaughter Shen Xingwan’s entire family in the past life, how could she suddenly be so benevolent as to pray for their safety at a temple?

Most likely, she was plotting some new scheme.

Without revealing any emotion, Shen Xingwan lowered her head, sipping her tea while contemplating the underlying motives. The more she thought, the more a certain incident from her previous life came to mind.

Back then, she had also gone to Hanshan Temple with Tang Lin’er to offer prayers. At that time, she treated Tang Lin’er like a real sister and had no defenses against her.

On the way up the mountain, Tang Lin’er invited her to try a cup of Hanshan Maojian tea. Yet, after drinking it, Shen Xingwan suddenly felt dizzy and anxious, her whole body burning uncomfortably. She had no choice but to lock herself in a private room, where she fell into a deep sleep for a long time before recovering.

When she woke up, Tang Lin’er was waiting anxiously outside, apologizing profusely for not knowing the tea had aphrodisiac ingredients, leaving Shen Xingwan unable to blame her further.

Fortunately, nothing irreversible had happened, and Shen Xingwan had gradually forgotten about it after returning home.

But thinking back now, did Tang Lin’er really not know what was in that tea?

And during the time she was unconscious, if she hadn’t locked the doors and windows, what might have happened? It had remained an unanswered question.

Realizing this, a chill crept up Shen Xingwan’s spine.

“Would Sister be willing to accompany me to Hanshan Temple to pray?” Tang Lin’er, having finished combing Madam Shen’s hair, looked pitifully at Shen Xingwan.

Before Madam Shen could speak, Shen Xingwan stood up, walked over, and affectionately took Tang Lin’er’s arm, smiling sweetly, “Of course I’ll go. Whenever Sister wants to go, I’ll accompany you.”

Tang Lin’er was briefly surprised, but quickly put on a smiling face again.

“Tomorrow morning, then. I checked the almanac, and it’s a good day for offering prayers.”

Shen Xingwan readily agreed, staying to chat idly for a while before returning to her own room.

As soon as she entered, she summoned Feiyun and instructed, “Spread the word that I will be going to Hanshan Temple tomorrow to offer prayers. Make sure the Third Prince hears of it.”

Feiyun took the order and left.

As the most sought-after young lady in the capital, Shen Xingwan had countless admirers. Even her maids were frequently approached by noble sons hoping to learn of her whereabouts and create “chance” encounters.

Feiyun merely went out to buy some rouge and casually chatted with the shopkeeper’s wife. Not long after, news that Shen Xingwan would visit Hanshan Temple the next day reached Wei Zilin’s ears.

The next day, as promised, Shen Xingwan accompanied Tang Lin’er to Hanshan Temple. The carriage sped along the suburban paths outside the capital. Lifting the curtain, she saw layers of forests dyed in autumn hues, the scenery picturesque.

When they reached halfway up the mountain, there was no longer a road for carriages, so they had to ascend on foot. Shen Xingwan stepped down from the carriage and, supported by Feiyun, slightly lifted her skirt as she slowly continued forward.

Shen Xingwan glanced sideways at Feiyun, who lowered her voice and replied, “Just as Miss predicted, the Third Prince came to Hanshan Temple early this morning. He is now in the meditation room behind the temple.”

Shen Xingwan lowered her eyes and said nothing. She only turned back to glance at Tang Lin’er, who was following behind them.

As they passed by a mountain pavilion, Tang Lin’er complained of exhaustion, inviting Shen Xingwan to stop for a cup of tea and rest their feet for a while.

Shen Xingwan readily agreed and sat down with her in the pavilion.

Tang Lin’er’s maidservant brought over tea, fruits, and pastries. Tang Lin’er personally picked up a teacup and offered it to Shen Xingwan.

“Elder Sister, you’ve worked hard. Please have some tea. This is Hanshan Maojian, it’s very refreshing and rare. Please give it a try.”

Shen Xingwan accepted the cup, brought it to her nose, and took a deep breath. Indeed, it was the same familiar scent.

The corners of her lips lifted slightly, but she said nothing. She took a light sip, then raised her gaze to look into the distance, asking casually, “What flower is that? It looks quite unique.”

Tang Lin’er turned to look, then smiled, “No wonder Sister doesn’t recognize it. That is the hibiscus mutabilis, also called the ‘frost-resisting flower.’ It often grows in mountain streams, loves warmth and sunlight, and can change into three different colors in a single day.”

“Oh, truly a flower that defies the frost and dew, yet remains so charming and vibrant, exuding all kinds of allure.”

Tang Lin’er beamed with delight. “If Sister likes it, I’ll go pick some and bring them back for you to put in a vase.”

Shen Xingwan pretended to be reluctant, furrowing her brows, “You are now a young lady of the Shen family. How can you go pick flowers yourself? Let the attendants handle it.”

Tang Lin’er quickly stood up.

“What young lady? Lin’er doesn’t dare think so. Being able to pick flowers to make Sister smile is already Lin’er’s good fortune. Sister, please wait here for a moment, I’ll go pick some now.” With that, she turned and left with her maid.

Shen Xingwan leisurely watched the master and servant duo picking flowers not far away. Quietly, she swapped her own teacup with Tang Lin’er’s.

“Sister, look how beautifully these flowers are blooming.”

When Tang Lin’er returned, holding an armful of flowers, Shen Xingwan’s face was already flushed red, her breathing slightly hurried.

“Sister, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell somewhere?”

A hint of a sinister smile flashed through Tang Lin’er’s eyes as she approached Shen Xingwan, supporting her with apparent concern. “If Sister is unwell, I’ve already reserved a private room ahead for rest. Shall I help you over there to lie down for a while?”

Shen Xingwan waved her sleeve to fan herself. “Perhaps I walked too briskly just now and am feeling a little overheated. It’s nothing serious. You’ve worked hard picking flowers. Come, sit and have a cup of tea.”

“Yes.”

Tang Lin’er smiled, set down the flowers, and returned to her seat. She kept her gaze fixed on Shen Xingwan while lifting her teacup and taking a few sips.

However, just after a few gulps, Tang Lin’er suddenly felt dizzy and lightheaded, nearly fainting. Shen Xingwan immediately moved over to support her, her own previously rapid breathing now calm and steady.

Tang Lin’er’s consciousness gradually blurred. Her cheeks flushed bright red, and she began muttering incoherent nonsense, “Wretched woman… ruined your chastity… let’s see how you marry well… go die…”

Shen Xingwan curled her lips. It seemed she had been a little too heavy-handed with what she had added to Tang Lin’er’s tea.

She called over the waiting maidservants outside the pavilion and instructed, “Miss Tang is tired. Take her to the private room to rest.”

Tang Lin’er’s maid clearly knew what was going on, a flash of panic crossing her face. Shen Xingwan merely smiled as if she hadn’t noticed, and simply ordered her to escort Tang Lin’er to rest.

After sending Tang Lin’er away, Shen Xingwan summoned Feiyun and instructed her to find a way to lure the Third Prince to the private room, while she herself continued up the mountain to offer prayers.

She needed to buy more time and let the situation develop further.

For a long while, she knelt before the Buddha, sincerely praying for a smooth path in her quest for revenge.

Suddenly, a faint scent of cold pine, carrying a chill, intruded upon the temple’s pervasive sandalwood fragrance.

Shen Xingwan did not open her eyes, still kneeling devoutly in prayer.

“If you want something, why not come to me directly? Wouldn’t that be faster?” a voice said.

Shen Xingwan sighed softly and turned to look back. “With the Buddha above, I must not speak deceit.”

Yan Jinghuan let out a light laugh but said nothing more. When his gaze fell upon her flushed cheeks, his smile faded instantly. He bent down, pulled her up, and pressed his palm to her forehead.

“Who drugged you?” His tone was icy and menacing.

Noticing the surrounding people glancing over, Shen Xingwan quickly pulled his hand down and led him outside the hall. “I’m fine.” Seeing his sharp, scrutinizing gaze, she could only change the subject and ask, “Why are you here?”

“Who was it?” he repeated.

Shen Xingwan pressed her lips together, lowered her hand, and after a long silence, finally said, “I’ll handle it myself.”

The atmosphere between them instantly grew tense. Yan Jinghuan stared at her for a long while but ultimately did not press further. He softened his tone. “Do you want me to help you?”

“No need, I can manage on my own…”

Yan Jinghuan raised his hand, his cool fingertips brushing against the nape of her fair neck. Shen Xingwan shuddered and immediately realized what he meant. Startled, she waved her hands frantically and backed away several steps. “No, no, no! It’s just a small dose, I’ll be fine.”

“I… I still have matters to attend to. I’ll take my leave first.”

She dared not look at him again and fled Hanshan Temple in a hurry, rushing towards the private room where Tang Lin’er was.

Before she even got close, she saw from afar the Third Prince’s entourage leaving the vicinity of the private room. The Third Prince’s face was livid as he casually adjusted his disheveled clothes and rode off on horseback.

Shen Xingwan quickened her pace and hurried into the private room, only to see clothes and skirts scattered messily across the floor. Tang Lin’er was lying askew on the couch, barely clothed.

“Lin’er?