Shen Qing's gaze was involuntarily drawn to the man standing before her. Xiao Yu possessed a tall, commanding stature and features as striking as a painting. Clad in black robes, he appeared exceptionally cold and aloof.
He walked with measured, unhurried steps, a Purple Snake coiled around his arm, lazily flicking its crimson tongue. Every movement exuded an innate nobility and authority, as though he were born to look down upon the world from on high.
This Purple Snake had apparently saved Xiao Yu's life once, and they had been inseparable ever since—which was precisely why the noble ladies of the capital both adored and feared him.
"Your son is here to pay his respects, Mother," Xiao Yu said, his voice deep and crisp.
Seeing her son, the Grand Princess's smile deepened, and her voice grew warm with excitement. "Yu'er."
Xiao Yu nodded slightly. His gaze swept coolly over Shen Qing, a flicker of curiosity passing through his eyes. "And who is this?"
Shen Qing's heart tightened, and she quickly rose to curtsy. "Shen Qing pays her respects to General Changning."
Xiao Yu's gaze lingered on her for a brief moment before shifting away. His tone was detached. "No need for such formality, Miss Shen."
Feeling the invisible pressure radiating from him, Shen Qing grew inwardly vigilant. She knew the man before her was far from simple.
Five years from now, he would be the Grand Princess's greatest ally in her usurpation of the throne, wielding immense military power and dominating the imperial court.
Although he had yet to reveal his ruthless edge, those deep eyes already concealed a sharp brilliance that ordinary people could scarcely hope to fathom.
The Purple Snake slithered slowly down Xiao Yu's arm, flicking its scarlet tongue. Its cold, dark eyes stared intently at Shen Qing, as if inspecting some novel plaything.
Shen Qing's heart tightened, but her expression remained completely composed, her polite smile unfaltering.
Though she did not fear snakes, this one was clearly out of the ordinary, and she could not help but remain on her guard.
Seeing this, Xiao Yu raised an eyebrow, a trace of amusement in his tone. "Ziyu has always disliked strangers. It is quite a novelty for him to be so interested in Miss Shen today."
Before he could even finish speaking, the Purple Snake suddenly leaped from Xiao Yu's arm, lunging straight toward Shen Qing.
Shen Qing instinctively took a step back, but the snake did not attack. Instead, it wound itself gently around her wrist. The cold, slithering sensation made her shudder slightly.
A flicker of surprise flashed across Xiao Yu's eyes.
Shen Qing looked down at the snake on her wrist. Though she felt helpless, she could not let it show, and could only say softly, "Qing'er is truly flattered."
Seeing this, the Grand Princess could not help but laugh. "Yu'er, your Ziyu usually won't even let me touch him, yet today he has actively cozied up to Qing'er. How extraordinary."
Xiao Yu then turned to the Grand Princess. "Mother, your son went to the palace today to receive my title. The Emperor also bestowed some rare treasures upon me. I will have them brought over for you to look at shortly."
Hearing this, the Grand Princess's eyes filled with pride. "How thoughtful of you, Yu'er. Now that you have been appointed General Changning, my heart is truly overjoyed."
Standing to the side, Shen Qing listened to their conversation and quietly pondered. She knew that Xiao Yu was currently at the height of his influence, and there was no telling how many people in the capital wished to curry favor with him.
Just then, the Purple Snake slithered off her wrist and made its way up her shoulder. It wound itself onto her high hair bun, sitting there like a unique hair ornament.
Startled, Shen Qing let out a helpless laugh. "Is Ziyu planning to stay with me for good?"
At this, the amusement in Xiao Yu's eyes deepened. "It seems Ziyu has set his sights on Miss Shen, abandoning even me, his master."
Shen Qing shook her head helplessly, reaching out to gently tap the Purple Snake's head. "Ziyu, you really are a mischievous one."
The snake flicked its tongue as if offended by her remark, yet it remained stubbornly perched on her head, refusing to budge.
"Ziyu, come back!" Xiao Yu commanded, growing a little impatient. What kind of magic had this Shen Qing cast to make Ziyu so fond of her? Could she have worn some special scented powder just to catch his attention?
He could not help but feel a flicker of disdain for her actions.
Had Shen Qing known what was going through his mind, she would have surely scoffed, *Flattering yourself, aren't we?*
As if it truly understood his command, Ziyu shrank its head and slithered back to him, looking thoroughly dejected. This display made the Grand Princess burst into laughter. "This Ziyu of yours is truly a character."
"Grand Princess, there are urgent matters awaiting me back at the manor, so I must take my leave."
Shen Qing curtsied. The Grand Princess nodded with a smile, her eyes full of maternal affection. "Qing'er, you have worked hard today. Be sure to visit the manor again soon."
Shen Qing murmured her assent and turned to depart.
However, she had barely taken a step when Ziyu poked its head out from Xiao Yu's arm once more, flicking its tongue and gazing at her pleadingly, as if to say, *Don't go!*
Seeing this, Xiao Yu frowned slightly and muttered a soft rebuke, "Ziyu, behave yourself."
Ziyu shrank its head, yet still refused to settle down, its tail swaying gently as it put on a thoroughly aggrieved display.
Shen Qing could not help but chuckle. The little snake was indeed amusing.
Xiao Yu's eyes flickered. "The creature is acting unusually today. I have never seen it take such a liking to anyone."
The Grand Princess teased with a smile, "Yu'er, it seems Ziyu has taken a fancy to Miss Shen."
Despite the jest, Shen Qing would never dare harbor any designs on General Changning. Their social standings were far too mismatched.
Hearing this, Xiao Yu's expression stiffened slightly. "Mother, you must be joking."
Sensing the subtle shift in the air, Shen Qing quickly said, "Grand Princess, General, Qing'er shall take her leave. I will come to pay my respects another day."
***
By the time Shen Qing returned to the Yongan Marquis Manor, it was already late afternoon. She had not eaten all day, and her stomach let out an audible rumble.
She first went to pay her respects to her grandmother. The old matriarch was overjoyed upon hearing that the Grand Princess intended to light an everlasting lamp for Shen Qing's late mother.
This was an immense blessing and honor.
Shen Qing had intended to use this opportunity to bring some posthumous dignity to her mother, who had been buried in haste, and thereby elevate her own standing and reputation within the Marquis Manor.
Just then, Madam Feng arrived with Shen Ying'er in tow. Madam Feng's charm had not faded with age; she was impeccably preserved, exuding an air of gentle elegance and nobility.
She spoke with earnest, motherly concern, "Qing'er, although you did the Grand Princess a favor, it is still best to limit your visits. You wouldn't want to wear out your welcome."
Shen Qing's expression remained placid, her smile soft. "The Grand Princess does not seem to mind. In fact, she asked me to visit often to keep her company."
Standing to the side, Shen Ying'er's eyes flickered with a mixture of envy and jealousy. "Sister was truly the center of attention today. The Grand Princess even sent her own carriage to fetch you."
Madam Feng patted Shen Ying'er's hand and smiled. "What nonsense, Ying'er. The Grand Princess sending for your sister is merely a testament to Her Highness's benevolence."
Turning back to Shen Qing, she continued, "Qing'er, you have a reserved temperament and do not know how to curry favor. I fear you might accidentally cause offense and bring trouble upon the manor. The next time you go to the palace, have your sister accompany you. Only then can I truly rest easy."
A calculating gleam flashed deep within Madam Feng's eyes. Shen Qing sneered inwardly. What a convenient scheme—not only did she belittle Shen Qing, but she also expected Shen Ying'er to ride on her coattails to gain favor.
Shen Qing merely offered a polite smile and let the matter drop. She was far from ordinary, and she knew how to play her cards well.
"Madam, has my Star and Moon Pavilion been prepared?"
She could hardly wait to move in.
Madam Feng's face darkened, a venomous look flashing in her eyes before she quickly masked it.
Squeezing out a strained smile, she spoke in a gentle yet chilly tone, "Qing'er, although the Star and Moon Pavilion is technically your courtyard, Ying'er has lived there for three years. There are quite a lot of belongings inside, and we must give her time to pack them up. Just wait a few more days. Once everything has been tidied, it won't be too late for you to move in."