Chapter 24: Dying on the Spot: Leaving Evidence of Sin on Young Master Pei’s Lips

Aunt An couldn't wait to find the Old Madam, who felt a surge of spirit upon hearing the news. In her joy, even her heavy frame felt remarkably light.

The Old Madam hurried to the west wing, but upon seeing Shen Shuyi still in a deep slumber, she could not help but be surprised. "Was it not said that Yier's health had improved? Dr. Yang, why has she not yet awakened?"

The estate physician, Yang Sheng, quickly replied, "It seems the effects of the sedative have not yet worn off. Once the medicine passes, the young miss will naturally wake up."

The Old Madam did not see that Ajian was also unconscious. However, before the Old Madam arrived, Pei Dongzhou had already questioned Yang Sheng, who told him that both Ajian and Shen Shuyi were asleep due to the sedative.

He had previously suspected that Shen Shuyi and her maid were feigning sleep, but he had not expected them to truly lose consciousness.

Logically, he should have dismissed the suspicion that Shen Shuyi had drugged him, yet he remained convinced that this woman harbored improper intentions toward him. It had been the same last time at Dajue Temple, and it was the same again now. Aside from Xia Nianchu, Shen Shuyi was the primary suspect.

The Old Madam, buoyed by the good news of Shen Shuyi's recovery, appeared rejuvenated, like a withered tree meeting spring.

Pei Dongzhou looked at the girl sleeping so obliviously, his gaze inadvertently falling upon her lips. In that erotic dream of his, the woman had kissed him over and over, even licking him. If it were merely a vivid dream, why did he remember it so clearly even after waking?

Just as he was lost in thought, Shen Shuyi slowly stirred, her eyes meeting his scrutinizing gaze. Having just awakened, she was still a bit dazed. When she locked eyes with Pei Dongzhou’s sharp, piercing stare, she was startled, and her sleepiness vanished instantly.

"Yier, you're awake? Do you feel any discomfort?" the Old Madam asked repeatedly upon seeing her wake.

Shen Shuyi replied in a hoarse voice, "I am alright, just weak. I cannot even lift my hands, and I don't think I can get out of bed."

This was a roundabout way of telling Pei Dongzhou that she was so frail—even more so than Lin Daiyu—that she, a sickly woman, could not possibly have carried him to the west side room.

Hearing this, Pei Dongzhou suddenly smiled. Seeing the Heir of Pei smiling at her, Shen Shuyi felt her scalp tingle. Why was he smiling for no reason? Was what she said funny?

The Old Madam looked toward Pei Dongzhou at the sound, her gaze suddenly freezing. She stared fixedly at his lips. "Dong'er, what happened to your mouth?"

At once, everyone looked at Pei Dongzhou’s lips, Shen Shuyi included. Upon seeing the small cut on his thin lips, she was dumbfounded.

*No way? Did I cause that? Was I really that rough when I kissed him?*

Pei Dongzhou had not expected such a question from the Old Madam. He touched his own lips, the slight stinging sensation hitting him like an electric shock. His sharp gaze swept toward Shen Shuyi. Feeling guilty, she quickly averted her eyes, pretending to be too weak to stay upright, and collapsed back into her pillows. "Grandmother, I am a little tired. May I sleep for a while longer?"

*Let me just die right here.* The plan had been perfect; how could she have accidentally left such incriminating evidence on the Heir of Pei’s lips?

She only prayed that Pei Dongzhou didn't know someone had kissed him. But since he had been moved from the west wing to the west side room, he would surely be suspicious of her. If it were just a matter of being moved, it wouldn't be so grave, but if he knew he had been kissed again, would he be so enraged that he would condemn her on the spot?

Before the Old Madam could speak, Pei Dongzhou suddenly offered a gentle smile. "My cousin is fatigued because she has not eaten on time. Have the small kitchen prepare a few dishes and bring them over; I shall look after my cousin myself."

Everyone stared at Pei Dongzhou, their expressions as if they had seen a ghost.

Xia Nianchu was the first to object. "That must not happen. He is unmarried and she is unwed; the Heir must not personally tend to Cousin Shen, lest it invite gossip."

For the first time, Shen Shuyi agreed with the female lead. She nodded vigorously. "Yes, yes. The Heir is a man of great importance; how could we trouble you with such trivial matters?"

The Old Madam also felt that Pei Dongzhou was not the type to be so warm-hearted. The Heir of Pei appeared gentle and polite, but in reality, he was ruthless and not a man to be trifled with. Usually, he avoided Yier as if fearing contamination; that he would offer to look after her now was completely contrary to reason.

"The patient comes first. Grandmother is getting on in years and should not have to handle everything herself. I wouldn't be at ease leaving her care to others. I am family; I will certainly take good care of Cousin Shen." As he spoke, Pei Dongzhou sat on the edge of the bed and gently tucked the quilt around Shen Shuyi.

His eyes were filled with a smile, gentle and refined, as if he were radiating kindness toward her. Only Shen Shuyi felt the overwhelming malice emanating from him. Seeing him still gripping the edge of the quilt, she feared that in the next moment, he would use it to cover her head and smother her to death.

"I dare not trouble you, Cousin. I just want to sleep for a while," Shen Shuyi said, looking at the Old Madam for help.

Seeing the pitiful look the child gave her, the Old Madam’s heart softened completely. Just as she was about to speak up for her, she heard Pei Dongzhou say, "Cousin can sleep; there is no need to mind me. Since I said I would look after her, I cannot break my word."

With that, he rose to see his guests out. "Aunt An, you take Grandmother back to rest first. I will look after my cousin here; nothing will go wrong. As for the rest of you, you may all disperse. Cousin Shen is in poor health and needs peace and quiet."

Shen Shuyi tried one last desperate struggle. "Grandmother, don't..."

"Cousin should be more sensible and not always cling to Grandmother," Pei Dongzhou said, looking back at Shen Shuyi with a blatant threat in his eyes.

Shen Shuyi didn't care about that; she felt that with Pei Dongzhou sending everyone away, he might very well be out to take her life.

"I want Grandmother to stay with me," she pleaded, reaching out a frail hand toward the Old Madam.

The Old Madam looked at Shen Shuyi, then at Pei Dongzhou.

Pei Dongzhou walked directly to the Old Madam and said, "I will see you out, Grandmother."

And so, the Old Madam was escorted out of the west wing by Pei Dongzhou. Still uneasy, she instructed, "Yier may have made mistakes in the past, but I see her as a kind-hearted soul. Be lenient with her; she seems a bit afraid of you."

"Do not worry, Grandmother. Since my cousin is ill, I will naturally yield to her," Pei Dongzhou replied submissively.

The Old Madam’s eyes flickered, but she said no more and walked away, accompanied by Aunt An.

Once they were far enough, Aunt An remarked, "This servant feels there is something unusual between the Heir and the young miss, though I cannot say if I am mistaken."

"It is indeed unusual, but I can see that the feelings Yier once held for Dong'er have vanished," the Old Madam mused.

From her observations, Yier was clearly avoiding him.

—

Shen Shuyi: Heir, please have mercy.

Heir Pei: Cousin, let me kiss you one more time...