Chapter 19: Step by Step
Shen Ahui flicked her sleeve, exuding such an imposing aura that Jiang Jiuyue’s face paled in fear. Still, she clung tightly to Shen Jin’s hand.
“Brother Jin, I…”
Jiang Jiuyue’s fearful appearance stirred a desire to protect her.
Shen Jin furrowed his brows. “When did you become like this?”
“In the palace, one must abide by palace rules,” Shen Ahui replied as she took her seat, her expression stern.
How could Shen Jin not know? Shen Ahui was clearly harboring resentment, venting her anger on behalf of Lu Qingqing.
“I am unfamiliar with the customs of Northern Qi and beg Your Highness’s pardon.”
“Me?” Shen Ahui laughed. “Referring to yourself as ‘I’ before me—Miss Jiang, you have quite the airs. With your brother’s protection, you are indeed cherished. I understand that well.”
“Shen Ahui!” Shen Jin couldn’t hold back from reproaching his sister for making things difficult for someone else, but Shen Ahui was no longer the person she used to be.
With a wave of her hand, the matrons who followed her immediately stepped forward, flanking Jiang Jiuyue on either side.
Their faces were severe, unsmiling. “Please, Miss Jiang.”
Their fierce demeanor was so intimidating that even Shen Jin, a seasoned veteran of the battlefield, felt his breath catch in his chest.
Jiang Jiuyue clutched the corner of Shen Jin’s robe, her eyes reddening as she spoke in a voice full of grievance, “I won’t let you be put in a difficult position, Brother Jin.”
With that, Jiang Jiuyue knelt before Shen Ahui and bowed her head in a respectful salute.
“A humble subject greets the Noble Consort. May Your Highness live a thousand years.”
Shen Ahui held her cup, blowing on the steam without responding, deliberately leaving Jiang Jiuyue kneeling.
“Shen Ahui, that’s enough,” Shen Jin urged. “Jiuyue has already paid her respects. There is no need to go too far.”
“Tsk, you do dote on her, don’t you?” Shen Ahui extended her hand. “Rise, then. Lest anyone say I’m making things difficult for you.”
Jiang Jiuyue replied softly, “How could that be? Your Highness is only observing the rules.”
“Be quiet. Is it your place to speak here?”
“What is it you really want?” Shen Jin suddenly rose, his face flushed with anger but unsure how to vent it.
Three years had passed since he last saw her. Shen Jin had thought all his family in this world were long gone, but when he learned Shen Ahui was still alive, it rekindled his will to live.
But fate had played a cruel joke—Shen Ahui had entered the palace and become Noble Consort.
“I just feel you’ve changed, Brother. I am your sister, not her. After three years apart, I thought you’d care for me even more.”
As she spoke, Shen Ahui began to cry, her voice choked with grievance.
Since childhood, she had always been a crybaby—her tears came as easily as breathing. That pitiful look of hers could outdo even Jiang Jiuyue.
At once, Shen Jin’s heart ached. He could never bear his sister’s tears.
Inwardly, Shen Ahui scoffed: Compete with me? She’s too inexperienced. Controlling my brother is simply second nature.
“You blame me, Brother, but you have no idea—for three years in the harem, every step was a matter of life and death. Only by being cautious at every turn have I gained my position today.”
The implication was clear: she hadn’t relied on Shen Jin, so there was no need to show Jiang Jiuyue any courtesy on his behalf.
Her words were flawless, yet they left Shen Jin heavy-hearted.
Jiang Jiuyue reached out, tugging gently at Shen Jin’s robe and shaking her head slightly, as if to say, don’t quarrel with her because of me.
“I came today to see my brother, not you. All others, leave.”
At Shen Ahui’s command, Jiang Jiuyue dared not linger any longer. She turned and left, her heart still uneasy. In the original story, the Noble Consort Shen met a most tragic end.
Who would have thought that the gentle and lovely Noble Consort from the novel would be so domineering in reality?
Jiang Jiuyue felt troubled, but it didn’t matter—sooner or later, the day would come when she would meet her miserable fate.