Chapter 19: Cousin Shen Is Not Worth Mourning

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Inside the dimly lit carriage, Shen Shuyi lay unconscious and unaware.

Pei Dongzhou reached toward her nose; her warm breath brushed over the back of his hand, proving she was still alive.

A Jian sat at a distance, too afraid to come closer, yet her heart was constantly in turmoil.

It was no secret that the young lord disliked the young lady, and she had never expected him to lend her a helping hand today.

“Since Cousin Shen’s health is poor, why venture out? Wouldn’t it be better to recuperate well within the Marquis’s residence?” Pei Dongzhou looked toward A Jian with a tone of reprimand.

A Jian felt the young lord’s gentle features sharpened slightly in the darkness. She dared not meet his gaze and stammered, “M-Miss wished to... to see the commotion.”

“As Cousin Shen’s personal attendant, you are duty-bound to correct her mistakes,” Pei Dongzhou’s gaze shifted to the fainted Shen Shuyi, his tone chilling. “If Cousin Shen suffers any misfortune this time, you will bear full responsibility!”

A Jian opened her mouth but finally only replied respectfully, “Your servant knows her fault.”

That evening, when the young lady left the Marquis’s residence, her condition was already poor; she had been coughing all along, and A Jian should have persuaded her then. Later, the young lady insisted on rescuing someone, exposed herself to the river’s wind, which worsened her illness, causing her sudden fainting. Indeed, it was A Jian’s failure to take better care of her.

“Cousin Shen’s death would be regrettable, but Grandmother must not be shocked because of her.”

Pei Dongzhou’s voice was undeniably pleasant, like his initial impression—a man as smooth and refined as jade.

But for Shen Shuyi, the one involved, hearing such words upon regaining consciousness was far from comforting.

Every life is precious—how could she be considered unworthy of regret? Even if Young Lord Pei disliked her, he had no right to treat her life as worthless.

“Cousin, you speak rightly. I shall live long and well, so Grandmother need not worry,” Shen Shuyi bit her lip and struggled to sit up.

Once she completed the system-assigned task, her health would improve. When well, she could focus on finishing the mission and then distance herself from the male leads to live the life she desired.

“Cousin, don’t be willful again. No one will indulge you,” Pei Dongzhou’s voice was utterly cold.

Suppressing the tickle in her throat, Shen Shuyi replied softly, “Cousin, you speak truly. I am fine now. Perhaps you should dismount here to avoid being seen by anyone at the Marquis’s residence and risking your reputation.”

She was not concerned about Pei Dongzhou’s reputation but simply wished to avoid sharing the same space with such a noble young lord.

Before Pei Dongzhou could reply, Shen Shuyi called out loudly, “Stop the carriage!”

The coachman obeyed, halting the carriage. Pei Dongzhou cast a deep glance at Shen Shuyi and dismounted.

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Once Pei Dongzhou left, Shen Shuyi immediately felt the carriage air freshen. Still dizzy, she beckoned A Jian, “Come, let me lean on you.”

A Jian sat beside her, tears streaming uncontrollably, “Miss, you scared me to death.”

“It’s nothing major, just a faint. Don’t cry. In a few days, I’ll definitely be better,” Shen Shuyi assured, though only if she could smoothly complete the task.

That night’s events had caught her off guard; she needed to ask the system what was happening.

Returning to Fusang Courtyard, after sending A Jian away, Shen Shuyi hurriedly inquired of the system, “What’s wrong with my body? Though I haven’t finished the impromptu task, I’m still in progress, right? Should I be punished like this?”

[Ten days is the time limit for the impromptu task. The longer it takes to complete, the worse the host’s condition becomes.]

Shen Shuyi understood immediately.

Seeing her so calm, the system was puzzled.

[Host, why aren’t you angry this time?]

Shen Shuyi sneered but was too lazy to respond.

However, the system did inspire her: perhaps her poor health could be an advantage.

That night, Shen Shuyi slept unaware, while A Jian, worried sick, hadn’t closed her eyes all night.

The next day, Shen Shuyi rose late, the sun high overhead. She felt groggy and noticed her condition had worsened since yesterday.

“Miss, you’re awake?” A Jian wept tears of joy.

Shen Shuyi laughed, “You have such tearful glands. Someone might think I died and came back to life, given how happy you are.”

A Jian’s tears only flowed more fiercely.

What the young lady didn’t know was that earlier, seeing her sleep so deeply, A Jian had called her name for half an hour without success. Terrified, Dai Mama had been frightened as well and had already summoned the household physician.

The matter of calling the physician at Fusang Courtyard did not escape the old madam’s notice.

After the physician examined Shen Shuyi, he shook his head with a sigh, “Miss Shen’s condition has deteriorated too rapidly. My skills are limited; I cannot cure her...”

Hearing this, the old madam’s anger and anxiety overwhelmed her, and her vision darkened.

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Shen Shuyi hurried forward to support her and said firmly, “Grandmother, don’t listen to Dr. Yang’s nonsense. I’m quite well, just a bit sleepy. If you don’t believe me, I’ll visit Cranes Longevity Hall and bask in your blessing. I’ll be better within ten days for sure!”

Pei Old Madam saw her speak with such conviction, so resolute, and was momentarily unsure whether to believe her.

Given her sister’s condition now, she had to keep the child right under her watchful eye and personally care for her to be at ease.

Following the old madam’s words, Shen Shuyi took up residence at Cranes Longevity Hall. The old madam stayed in the main chamber, while Shen Shuyi occupied the west wing.

That night, seizing a quiet moment, Shen Shuyi confided in A Jian.

A Jian was stunned and incredulous, “Miss, you still intend to drug the young lord?”

Shen Shuyi clapped a hand over her mouth, “Lower your voice! Do you want the whole world to hear? Remember, in the coming days, I will sleep longer and longer. Whenever Cousin Pei comes to visit, you must light this incense—the Soul-Calming incense. Once the young lord smells it, he’ll fall unconscious, feeling only as if he had taken a nap.”

She had tried the Soul-Calming incense herself; after taking it, she slept deeply and didn’t even notice being moved.

This time, nothing would go wrong.

If Pei Dongzhou were deeply asleep, he would never realize he had been kissed.

She hoped this plan would succeed.

Even if he discovered he had been drugged, he wouldn’t suspect a dying woman like herself.

Now that rumors at the Marquis’s residence circulated that she wouldn’t live long, supported by the household physician’s ironclad testimony, who would believe a dying woman could harbor such desires to kiss Young Lord Pei?

“Miss, do you really want to go through with this?” A Jian couldn’t understand.

Why, with her health so poor, did the young lady still want to act so boldly toward the young lord? If he found out, wouldn’t he just strangle her outright?

Leaning close, Shen Shuyi whispered, “I’ll tell you a secret. If this works, my health will improve. You just have to remember—once Cousin Pei loses consciousness, everything else becomes easy. You must, must ensure he loses consciousness. This cannot fail.”

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There will be another chapter coming soon.