Chapter 24: The Admirers of Chen Suixin

"The debt he owes totals two thousand taels. That is all. Please, let there be no more interest accruing. Over these many years, you have already earned quite a lot. I will strive to pay it off in one lump sum; I certainly will not let you suffer a loss."

Mu Qizhi pondered for a moment. Indeed, compared to letting the debt go bad, receiving a full repayment now would mean he had already made a tidy profit.

"Very well, I agree. Is there anything else?"

"Do not go looking for Zuo Pengyun's parents again. Since I have given you my word, I will not go back on it. I feel no pity for his parents, but I do care for my friend."

Mu Qizhi was taken aback, then burst into hearty laughter.

"Interesting, truly interesting." He looked at Shen He, his eyes filled with intrigue. "You are just a young girl, yet your tone is quite bold."

"I simply do not wish for my friend to suffer," Shen He replied calmly.

"Very well, I agree." Mu Qizhi stopped laughing. "Young lady, you haven't told me your name yet." As he spoke, Mu Qizhi lightly brushed a white jade hairpin in Shen He’s hair and asked.

Shen He looked up at him. "My name is Linglong."

***

Leaving Mu Qizhi’s place and returning to the Shen residence, A-Liang heaved a deep sigh.

As he helped Shen He down from the carriage, A-Liang couldn't help but say, "Miss, you are far too daring. How could a young lady like you just walk into such a place?"

In her past life, she had walked through places far more dangerous than this alone; this encounter was a minor affair by comparison. Shen He said lightly, "Fortunately, everything went smoothly. That Brother Zhi was reasonably easy to talk to."

"I kept my hand on my blade the entire time I was following behind you. Miss, if there is a next time, could we bring a few more people?"

Shen He smiled. "I hope there won't be a next time."

"Yes, yes, you are right, Miss. Let there never be a next time."

Shen He’s footsteps suddenly paused, and she warned A-Liang, "Do not mention this to anyone, do you understand?"

A-Liang quickly replied, "Good heavens, Miss, how would I dare speak of it? If the General were to find out, he would surely peel my skin off."

Shen He smiled and walked into the estate.

Back in her quarters, Guyu and Xiaoshu informed Shen He that Shen Yan had already been taken away by the palace carriage for her first selection. It was said that Shen Yan was so nervous she didn't even know which foot to step with first.

The servants seemed to be mocking her, as expected of a concubine-born daughter who had never seen the world.

Shen He said nothing.

A few days later, word came from the palace: Shen Yan had been selected.

Lady Lin was so excited she nearly wept, while Shan Zhuyu and Shen Jiao secretly rejoiced.

Shen Huaian nodded. "At least she hasn't disgraced our Shen family."

It was said that women selected for the final round had to remain in the palace for training from the day they were chosen.

Shen He prepared some light snacks—vegetables and pastries that would not cause one to gain weight—and went to the palace to visit Chen Suixin.

Before long, she arrived at the palace. As Shen He stepped into the training hall of the Music Bureau, the soft sound of strings and bamboo flutes drifted out.

Chen Suixin was dressed in a crimson dance costume, her long sleeves fluttering like a dancing butterfly as she spun through the air.

"Suixin, your 'Apsara Dance' is becoming increasingly masterful."

Chen Suixin landed, fine beads of sweat dotting her forehead, and gave Shen He a radiant smile. "A-He, you’re here!"

Shen He nodded. "I brought you some small pastries this time. I guarantee they won't make you gain weight."

Chen Suixin’s smile was like a spring breeze. "A-He is always so thoughtful. Mingyue, take these quickly."

Chen Suixin’s maid, Mingyue, took the food box from Guyu’s hands. "Thank you, Miss Shen."

"I won't talk to you for now; I’m going to practice one more time. Wait for me." Chen Suixin wiped the light sweat from her brow and turned back to find the matron of the Music Bureau.

Just as Shen He was looking for a place to rest, she saw Yan Qingyi walking with his hands behind his back toward the stage where Chen Suixin was practicing. His gaze followed Chen Suixin closely, filled with worry.

Chen Suixin was tying a silk cloth around her waist. To reduce the strain on the dancer's waist, Yan Qingyi had suggested replacing the rope with a wide strip of silk, which was both attractive and comfortable.

Yan Qingyi watched her as he said, "Remember what I taught you. Do not put the force on your arms and legs; use your core strength so you won't arch your back too much. If you have any trouble, do not panic. I am watching over you."

"Alright, don't worry," Chen Suixin replied with a smile.

Shen He felt as if she had discovered a great secret. She walked up to Yan Qingyi with a smile. "It seems Magistrate Yan is quite amenable to reason. Have you set aside your vital duties at the Jinling Guard just to watch a dance?"

"Aren't you worried? This Music Bureau is also lacking; there are no other safety measures whatsoever." Yan Qingyi was clearly anxious, his eyes never leaving Chen Suixin.

Shen He didn't know why, but she couldn't suppress the smile on her lips. How had she never noticed this silly fellow's true feelings before?

Just then, several people spoke in unison: "Greetings to the Fourth Prince and the Sixth Prince."

Shen He turned to look. The Fourth Prince, Xiao Jingchen, was dressed in a brocade robe. Though not tall, he possessed the confidence and composure of imperial royalty. He led the way into the Music Bureau, with Xiao Jingchi following behind like a child.

Xiao Jingchen’s slightly authoritative voice rang out. "Everyone rise. There is no need for such formalities. My younger brother and I are just here to have a look; we will not disturb your rehearsals."

"Sister! You are here too!" Xiao Jingchi ran happily to Shen He’s side.

Shen He bowed to Xiao Jingchen and Xiao Jingchi. "Greetings, Your Highnesses."

"Sister, why are you being so formal today?" Xiao Jingchi pouted.

"Sixth Prince, behave. There are many people here today; one must not neglect etiquette." Shen He took Xiao Jingchi’s hand to soothe him.

Xiao Jingchen, however, had no mind for such things. He walked to the matron of the Music Bureau, Matron Dong, and said with his hands behind his back, "Matron, the 'Apsara Dance' carries a high degree of danger. You must be extra careful." Xiao Jingchen spoke with a solemn expression.

"Rest assured, Your Highness. This servant will certainly do her utmost to protect Miss Chen," Matron Dong replied respectfully.

"Only do your utmost? General Chen is a man who holds the fate of the nation in his hands. If any harm were to come to the Chen family’s only daughter within this Music Bureau, it is not a responsibility anyone could bear."

Matron Dong was so startled that she shuddered. The Fourth Prince usually paid no mind to such matters; the fact that he had come specifically to say this today made her even more afraid to be negligent. "Your Highness, rest assured, this servant understands. This servant understands."

Xiao Jingchen nodded with satisfaction. His gaze fell upon Chen Suixin, a flash of imperceptible tenderness passing through his eyes.

So, both Xiao Jingchen and Yan Qingyi were smitten with Chen Suixin.

Shen He shook her head with a smile. Suddenly, her gaze inadvertently swept across the side of the training stage and caught sight of a familiar figure: it was Shen Yan.

Shen He walked over. "A-Yan, how is your practice going?"

Shen Yan was clearly startled, her eyes flickering. "Eldest Sister, when did you arrive? I didn't even see you."

"I just arrived a little while ago. I had Guyu bring some pastries. Practicing is hard work, and Father asked me to tell you to take care of your health."

For some reason, Shen Yan seemed flustered. Her eyes wandered, and she stammered, "I... thank you, Eldest Sister, and thank you, Father."

"What is wrong? Are you exhausted?" Shen He frowned as she looked at Shen Yan.

Only then did Shen Yan meet Shen He’s gaze. "I am fine, Eldest Sister. I am just a bit tired from dancing; I will go back to rest now."

"Very well, I will have Guyu send the pastries to you shortly."

"Thank you, Eldest Sister."

With that, Shen Yan walked toward the inner room, looking back with every step.

Shen He’s suspicions grew deeper. Shen Yan’s evasive words were clearly not right.

Suddenly, a violent sound of silk tearing echoed through the hall—*Rrrrip...*

"Suixin!" Yan Qingyi cried out in alarm!