The Princess’ Shadow Guard – Chapter 48
by Little PandaTruly, I Really Want to See Yanyan (Ming Qin’s Perspective)
Even if it was the height of summer, it was still slightly cool upon entering the night.
In a hutong2 not far from the fireworks and willow alley3, there was a teahouse that had quietly opened at the beginning of the year.
Completely mismatched with this simple and unadorned shop, the wooden plaque was written with the three large characters 『Houshengtang』4 in a vigorous and wild cursive script.
“Ai.”
The doorway could catch sparrows5; a woman was propping up her head and sighing at the shop’s entrance, “This is truly too idle.”
A man in the courtyard behind heard her words but was only silent, sweeping the floor with one hand. The evening wind blew up his sleeve, and the sleeve on his left side was actually empty.
“Ah ah, I so want to go to the small pavilion to listen to music,” the woman wailed loudly, seeming unable to hold back as she abruptly stood up.
Only then did the man speak in a gentle voice, “Song-shimei6, this month the teahouse is still at a loss.”
Finishing his words, he raised his eyes, the movement of his hands paused, and he silently stared at Song Shuqing, making the woman’s hair stand on end.
“Alright, alright, alright! Ah Yun, you can stop looking, I won’t go! I won’t go!” Song Shuqing spread her hands, resignedly sat down, and sullenly flicked the abacus7 in front of her, unable to resist this rigorous and uncommunicative gourd-like8 shixiong9.
“Shijie10! Ah Yun-ge11!” In the distance, a tall figure pushing a flatbed cart walked over in the night. The woman’s face had several whitish knife scars, which, paired with a hearty smile, did not appear frightening, but instead added a bit of wild air to her originally delicate and pretty features.
“Qinqin, you’re back! You’ve worked hard.” Song Shuqing waved her hand, got up and came to the front of the flatbed cart, looking at Ming Qin who was carrying tea leaves and said with some worry, “Are you okay? Is it too heavy? Why don’t you rest a bit before moving it? Or wait and let me move it?”
Her attitude changed from its usual laziness.
“No, no, Shijie, you worry too much.” Ming Qin smiled and waved her hand, on one hand telling her shijie not to worry, while on the other hand picking up two large boxes of tea leaves in one go, her expression unchanging as she went upstairs.
Actually, it wasn’t Song Shuqing’s fault for being a little nervous.
It was because in early spring, after receiving a request for help from Ming Qin via carrier pigeon, she had left Cao Yun, who was recuperating from his injuries at the teahouse, and hurriedly galloped all the way to a remote mountain village, only to not see her shimei’s figure.
As she paced back and forth nervously with her medicine box on her back, a man who looked honest and was dressed as a hunter patted her and led Song Shuqing to a stone house in a forest.
There, she saw the tattered and torn Ming Qin.
Yes, tattered and torn.
Lying on the bedboard, Ming Qin’s face was completely devoid of blood, the right side of her ear had been sliced off by half, leaving only a dark hole hanging next to her head. The knife wounds on her body crisscrossed—slashed, cut, pierced—mixed with bluish-purple bruises. Although most had already scabbed over, some deep wounds were still seeping blood, faintly showing a tendency to fester.
All over her body, there wasn’t a piece of intact flesh larger than a palm. The whole person was like a broken rag, lying there unable to move.
“…Shijie, you’re here.”
Seeing the familiar Song Shuqing, Ming Qin’s dry lips managed to force a smile that was uglier than crying, squeezing out a voice from her lungs, she said, “The mission… is complete.”
Song Shuqing looked at her beloved shimei before her, a complete mess, and only felt as if her chest was blocked solid, her throat choked with a sour bitterness.
Her lips pressed tightly together without speaking, she threw down the medicine box with a heavy thud, as if venting her anger, opened the bundle, took out clean bandages and a needle and thread, and with her head lowered, began to stitch up the broken body before her.
“…Shijie, don’t be silent.” Watching the woman’s silence, Ming Qin propped open her half-open eyelids, “…It’s kind of scary.”
“Shut up!” Song Shuqing couldn’t help but scold the person in front of her, but the movements of her hands remained gentle, “You stupid donkey.”
Ah ah, I knew Shijie would definitely be angry.
Ming Qin looked at her shijie’s rare anger and obediently stopped talking, letting her fuss about, while thinking to herself.
However, it’s not like I did it on purpose.
At that time in the woods, I actually only needed to measure my remaining strength and play for time, using roundabout movements like playing Tai Chi12 to prolong the battle, and I could have ensured I successfully held back the pursuers. Even if I died, my body wouldn’t have been chopped up so brokenly.
After all, since it was for Murong Yan, I was even willing to die.
But, Xiao He…
That damn Xiao He.
『Eleven years ago, I killed the Commandery Princess’s beloved mother, and eleven years later, I killed the Commandery Princess’s beloved guard. This feeling is really quite strange.』
He actually… that damn beast, actually whispered the most despicable words in my ear in such a careless tone.
With a snap, my reason instantly broke.
I only felt as if my chest was ignited by a raging fire, almost about to explode. I couldn’t care less about conserving my strength; the furious emotions drove my exhausted self to swing my blade forward.
I thought that if I could land one blow on the man before me, it wouldn’t matter if my pain-numbed self took two or three of his blows.
The fine knife wounds all over my body, the two of us exchanging blows. With no strength left, I was merely holding on through sheer willpower, gradually falling into a disadvantage.
Finally, bracing myself, like a mad dog, as Xiao He chopped towards my head, I forcefully leaned in. Although my right ear was cut off, I succeeded in my life-risking gamble to sever the man’s hand tendon with my sword.
Afterward, being struck hard by the enraged Xiao He and thrown into the lake, I still felt it was very worth it.
I had thought that since I couldn’t swim, I would surely die.
Besides, the mission was complete, and there was nothing to be attached to. I just closed my eyes and let my body sink into the water.
But who knew that when I opened my eyes again, I saw neither the soldiers and generals of the Underworld13, nor a bird-man with fleshy wings, but only a hunter and his wife with worried faces, flusteredly holding medicinal ointment, not knowing where to start with my wound-covered body.
Unable to make any sound, I was aware of my internal injuries. I originally wanted to let this kind-hearted couple place my body anywhere to wait for my last breath, but then I saw the hunter’s wife carrying their newborn baby, still in swaddling clothes, to my side.
The tiny person flapped its arms, its short five fingers grasping my fingertip.
Tightly, warmly.
A vibrant life, so soft yet so resilient.
It wouldn’t hurt for me to try again.
Ming Qin obediently allowed the warm-hearted hunter couple to clumsily treat her wounds, and with the help of medicinal herbs that were excessively inferior compared to the formulas of the Shadow Guard Camp, she miraculously succeeded in waiting for her familiar shijie to arrive.
Song Shuqing, with a sullen face, snipped the silk thread, glanced at the already sleeping patient before her, and stood up to give a deep bow to the couple standing to the side, “I am truly grateful beyond words for the care you two have given my shimei. I am extremely sorry for such a disturbance.”
She took out the silver taels from her sleeve and was about to hand them over, but the man waved his hands in a flurry, saying, “Don’t be so polite, madam. Miss Ming has been very good to us, and she has already given us money for lodging. It was already too much.”
“That’s right,” the woman holding the child by his side chimed in, “If you don’t mind our humble cabin, please let Miss Ming stay until her injuries are healed before leaving.”
After thanking them again, Song Shuqing turned back to take care of Ming Qin. The two of them stayed in the stone house for a good half a month before setting off for Shu Di to meet up with Cao Yun.
Back in the teahouse, Ming Qin finished organizing the newly arrived tea leaves and went up to the attic where her bed was placed. The faint fragrance of tea still lingered in the air, causing an emptiness to well up in her heart.
It was as if she had been branded by a beautiful silhouette.
Whether it was seeing those tea leaves she could never understand, or the yellowish tea liquor presented in the porcelain cup when water was poured, or even the tea needle and tea scoop placed to the side, all of it could stir up memories in her heart.
The mission is already complete, I should be able to relax and take it easy.
Murong Wan has ascended the throne, there is nothing to worry about in the capital anymore.
Murong Yan has been reunited with Prince Yu and his family, she should be living happily and freely.
But Ming Qin still thought of her.
Touching her heart, Ming Qin only felt a sense of emptiness.
As if no matter how much delicious food she ate, this void could not be filled.
Truly, I really want to see Yanyan.
The author has something to say:
Excuse me, what is the difference between Dada14 and Taitai15? (raises hand to ask)
Because sometimes I’m called this and sometimes I’m called that, so I’m a little unsure, or are they actually the same? (tilts head)
LP: Re-translated on August 17, 2025
Footnotes
- 蜀地 | shǔ dì | An ancient name for the region corresponding to the modern-day Sichuan Province in China. Historically, it was the seat of the ancient state of Shu and is known for its distinct culture, cuisine, and geography, including the fertile Sichuan Basin.
- 胡同 | hú tòng | A type of narrow street or alley commonly associated with northern Chinese cities, particularly Beijing. Hutongs are formed by lines of traditional courtyard residences and represent a significant element of urban cultural heritage.
- 煙花柳巷 | yān huā liǔ xiàng | Literally “fireworks and willow alley”. A classical and poetic idiom used to refer to entertainment districts, specifically areas known for brothels and prostitution.
- 後生堂 | hòu shēng táng | The name of the teahouse. Literally translates to “Hall of the Younger Generation” or “Hall of Posterity,” which can imply a place for the young or for future generations.
- 門可羅雀 | mén kě luó què | A Chinese idiom (chengyu) that literally translates to “one can set up nets for sparrows at the door”. It is used to describe a place, such as a business or a formerly influential person’s home, that is deserted and has very few visitors.
- 师妹 | shī mèi | Literally “younger martial sister”. In the context of wuxia and other genres, this is a term of address for a junior female member of the same martial arts sect, school, or master. It denotes a close, sibling-like relationship based on shared training rather than blood ties.
- 算盘 | suàn pán | A traditional Chinese calculation tool consisting of a frame with rods, on which beads are moved. It was used for centuries in East Asia for arithmetic calculations and remains a symbol of commerce and business.
- 悶葫蘆 | mēn hú lu | Literally “a sealed gourd”. It is a metaphor for a taciturn, quiet, or uncommunicative person whose thoughts are hard to guess, or for a matter that is puzzling and mysterious.
- 师兄 | shī xiōng | Literally “older martial brother”. A term of address for a senior male member of the same martial arts sect, school, or master. Seniority is determined by the date of joining the sect, not by age.
- 师姐 | shī jiě | Literally “older martial sister”. A term of address for a senior female member of the same martial arts sect, school, or master. It signifies respect for her seniority within their shared martial lineage.
- 阿雲哥 | ā yún gē | An affectionate form of address. ‘Ah’ (阿) is a common prefix used before names to denote familiarity. ‘Yun’ (雲) is the person’s name. ‘Ge’ (哥) means older brother. Together, it is a warm and familiar way to address a man who is like an older brother, whether related by blood or not.
- 打太極 | dǎ tài jí | Literally “to play Tai Chi”, a traditional Chinese martial art known for its slow, flowing movements. Metaphorically, the phrase means to handle a situation in a roundabout, evasive, or non-committal manner, often to deflect questions or delay a direct confrontation.
- 陰曹地府 | yīn cáo dì fǔ | The realm of the dead in Chinese mythology and Taoism. It is a subterranean court where souls are judged for their deeds in life before being sent to their designated level of hell for punishment or to be reincarnated. It is ruled by Yanluo Wang (King Yama).
- 大大 | dà dà | Literally “big big”. In Chinese internet and fandom slang, this is a term of great respect for a highly skilled or popular creator, such as an author, artist, or video maker. It is a gender-neutral term of admiration for someone considered a master in their field.
- 太太 | tài tai | The literal and traditional meaning is “Mrs.” or “madam”, referring to a married woman. However, in Chinese internet and fandom slang, it is used similarly to ‘Dada’ as a respectful term for a skilled female creator. It can sometimes carry a slightly more reverent or affectionate connotation than ‘Dada’.
Qin Qin is a dumbass so she must have thought yan yan is now enjoying life now that she’s out of the tower. I just wonna grab a newspaper and bonk her head a few times.
Qin Qin is a dumbass so she must have thought yan yan is now enjoying life now that she’s out of the tower. I just wonna grab a newspaper and bonk her head a few times.
I almost forgot
Thanks for the chapter!
If you miss her then go see her you black hole child!
I almost forgot
Thanks for the chapter!
If you miss her then go see her you black hole child!
Go meet your wife qinqin! Lets go!
Go meet your wife qinqin! Lets go!
Aaahh hurry up go see your princess, Ming Qin! 😭
Thanks for the chapter as always
Aww well I’m glad she’s safe. I guess she’s in retirement now? I’m surprised she didn’t visit murong Yan sooner though
Thanks for the chapter!
Aaahh hurry up go see your princess, Ming Qin! 😭
Thanks for the chapter as always
Aww well I’m glad she’s safe. I guess she’s in retirement now? I’m surprised she didn’t visit murong Yan sooner though
Thanks for the chapter!