The Princess’ Shadow Guard – Chapter 77

Senior Sister Chapter 7

Stop daydreaming (move in to the teahouse)

The day Zi Yan left the Chunfeng Tower, the sky was slightly overcast.

But as she looked at the shadow of the black-robed woman waiting for her outside in the carriage, the 『former』 courtesan’s mood remained unaffected.

When the other girls at the Chunfeng Tower found out that Zi Yan was leaving, some looked at her with envy, while others whispered behind her back, thinking that in less than half a year, she would once again step into the dust.

Zi Yan didn’t know if their words were right or wrong, nor did she know where her future self would settle. The road illuminated by the sun in front of her was incredibly glaring for a woman who had spent years in the Qinglou.

But as long as she could stay by Song Shuqing’s side, she was willing to give it a try.

Catch up.

Even if bare feet are burned by the sun.

Helping to lift the somewhat heavy guqin onto the carriage, Song Shuqing took over the woman’s belongings, looking surprised, “You have so few things, originally I planned to close the shop with Ah Yun to help you move, luckily we didn’t do that.”

She opened the door and naturally helped the woman into the carriage.

“These are gifts from customers, what truly belongs to me is very little.” With lips unpainted, Zi Yan took her belongings and looked towards the entrance of the Chunfeng Tower, showing no nostalgia in her eyes.

“Is that so? It’s okay, they will gradually increase later.” Smiling, she closed the door, Song Shuqing moved to the front seat, lightly flicked the reins, and the wheels turned slowly.

In less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the two arrived at Houshengtang, parked the carriage at the back door, bypassed the crowd in front of the shop, and Song Shuqing led the woman upstairs.

Unfortunately, the extremely strong Qinqin was absent; this kind of heavy lifting activity was simply not suitable for her delicate self.

Carrying Zi Yan’s guqin, who was not actually delicate, the casually talkative Song Shuqing climbed up to the attic and complained while trying to suppress her habitual humming, carefully placing the items in her hands.

“This place here, will be your residence from now on.” Turning aside to let the woman pass, Song Shuqing pointed to the room where Ming Qin had lived before, then suddenly remembered something and continued, “Your wardrobe will have to be assembled when Ah Yun is free tomorrow, the wood hasn’t been cut in the yard yet.”

Moving houses could be done with some compassion, but woodworking was really beyond Song Shuqing’s skills.

Entering the immaculately cleaned room, Zi Yan looked around.

The quilt on the single bed was washed to a dazzling white, neatly spread out. A handcrafted desk and chair were placed at the other end of the room, with some paper, ink, and an inkstone on top. In the corner against the wall, a brand-new dressing mirror was carefully placed along with a few small drawers.

The unsealed window allowed bursts of gentle breeze to blow in, causing the bamboo curtain to sway lightly.

“…Although this place may not be as spacious as your spot in the Chunfeng Tower, this whole floor is yours. In terms of design, you can arrange it however you like.” Seeing no reaction from the woman, Song Shuqing added, “…Just be careful not to set it on fire.”

“This place… is nice.”

Zi Yan’s eyelashes trembled lightly as she replied faintly.

There was no bothersome scent of powder, no foul smell of alcohol, and no choking smoke; the only scent present was a faint aroma of tea.

Clean and neat, it was good.

“Is that so, as long as you like it.” With arms crossed, Song Shuqing leaned against the door frame, tilted her head slightly downwards and gestured, “I live on the second floor, right next to the warehouse. Ah Yun’s room is on the first floor, but he never comes upstairs.”

“Every evening when I cook, I’ll heat some water for you to use for bathing in the tub behind the kitchen.”

“Ah Yun and I both agree that you can use the water after dinner, especially as the weather is getting colder. Your body is so frail, and if you catch a cold accidentally, it will be troublesome.”

Suddenly recalling something, Song Shuqing helplessly shrugged and smiled bitterly, “Oh, I mentioned earlier that we provide meals here, right? I wasn’t lying. Ah Yun and I take turns cooking dinner every night.”

“Just… Ah Yun’s cooking skills are passable, but mine, well, if you can eat it, go ahead. I won’t blame you if you don’t want to eat.”

No matter how much time had passed, she, accustomed to using a gas stove in the 21st century, just couldn’t learn how to light a fire the traditional way. Every time she cooked, the food would either be half raw or completely burnt, and she could only be thankful that Qinqin and Ah Yun weren’t picky eaters and could stomach anything.

However, for Zi Yan, a normal woman who had never been trained in the Shadow Guard Camp, it might be a different kind of torture for her stomach.

“Anyway, rest well today.” Waving her hand, Song Shuqing closed the door, “Work hard tomorrow, new employee miss.”

In less than half a month, Zi Yan had already gotten the hang of working at the teahouse.

Not only did she know each type of tea like the back of her hand, but her skills in brewing tea and boiling water were even better than Song Shuqing, who had been at the teahouse for a year and a half.

The only flaw that could be pointed out was that Zi Yan’s expression was too stiff and cold. She always maintained a serious and solemn demeanor, making many guests who visited the teahouse hoping to make her smile feel a sense of regret when faced with her.

After eating Cao Yun’s tasteless boiled vegetables with little salt and the tough and sour glutinous rice that Song Shuqing struggled to chew, Zi Yan, with her somewhat acceptable cooking skills, silently took on the responsibility of preparing meals at the teahouse.

With just a few home-cooked dishes she had learned from her mother, the former courtesan suddenly exuded a divine halo in the eyes of the other two, becoming a goddess worshiped by the two shadow guards.

Currently, Zi Yan’s position at the teahouse has skyrocketed like a rocket, second only to Murong Yan, who is traveling abroad and holds absolute control as the major shareholder.

(On a subjective teahouse pyramid: Murong Yan > Zi Yan > Cao Yun > Ming Qin > Hu’er > Song Shuqing. Even though Murong Yan’s position is absolute, Ming Qin can play a role in restraining Murong Yan, and Song Shuqing can subtly restrain both Ming Qin and Zi Yan, making the situation extremely complex.) (LP: KEKW! Why is Hu’er in a higher position then Song Shuqing)

After closing the shop today, Cao Yun was busy with bookkeeping at the counter, while Song Shuqing followed Zi Yan like a little tail, fawning over her.

“Zi Yan, look at this radish I bought early this morning at the market, isn’t it fresh?”

With a pleasing smile, Song Shuqing held out vegetables and meat to Zi Yan, presenting them as if seeking praise. “And this pork belly, I told the butcher it’s for my dear Zi Yan’s braised pork, so it must be the best part. Aren’t I amazing?”

“…You’re so noisy.”

Turning her head away from the approaching woman, Zi Yan rolled up her sleeves and bent down to adjust the braising sauce, “And it’s really bothersome, getting in my way.”

“Hey, how can you reject me, Zi Yan!”

Since it was Song Shuqing herself who had suggested braised pork, she hoped to make at least a tiny contribution, so that her dwindling conscience would feel less uneasy.

“Don’t chase me away, let me help you.”

She stood behind Zi Yan, acting spoiled, with her chin resting on the other person’s shoulder, frowning as if wronged, “You can’t reject me, dear Zi Yan. At least let me stay here to support you and cheer you up.”

“…I’m not rejecting you.” Feeling the warm breath on her neck, Zi Yan blushed under her dark hair. Despite her body stiffening, she spoke in a calm tone, “If you have nothing to do, go wash and chop the vegetables for me. Don’t wander around the kitchen taking up space.”

“As you command.” Song Shuqing, following the instructions, stood up straight with a submissive expression, made a standard gesture of salute from the 21st century, and went to the well with the vegetables.

Once she saw Song Shuqing walk away, Zi Yan sighed in relief, trying to regulate her breathing. However, her heart still uncontrollably pounded.

Subconsciously, she glanced at Song Shuqing outside happily waving a sword to cut meat. Zi Yan gently touched her chest, hoping to quickly calm the overflowing lovesickness in her heart.

If not stopped, it’s feared that in the next moment, the sealed spring water may overflow and burst the dam.

Forcing herself to focus on the task at hand, she dipped her finger into the braising sauce in the bowl, hoping to divert her attention from the unattainable figure outside and wishing that the savory taste in her mouth could counterbalance the bitterness in her heart.

Her thoughts in disarray, the woman continued to admonish herself in her heart.

Zi Yan, what are you doing?

Stop fantasizing.

You are already lucky to be able to stay by her side.

What more are you hoping for?

This is enough.

Stay clear-minded…

Stay clear-minded.

The author has something to say:

Thank you all for supporting Senior Sister Song’s side story! She is really excited, with a smug look on her face in my head, and is asking for a beating (of course, I’m also super happy!). Senior Sister Song’s side story has 17 chapters~ quite a lot, enough to satisfy everyone’s reading cravings! Feel free to recommend it to others who enjoy reading~

As someone with a bit of OCD, I want to extend the side story a bit more, but it will officially end at Chapter 90 or Chapter 100 (feels more complete to stop at a whole number, right?). I hope you won’t find me too long-winded.

Even though it’s a cliffhanger, many familiar old friends still choose to subscribe to the entire story. I am very surprised and grateful for this, as it is a form of affirmation for me, indicating that you all love this story enough to reread it (am I right?).

(PS. I used the money you sponsored to buy a new book cover. I hope we will have a beautiful cover that will make everyone happy to read the new book.)

Also, many lovely people throw thunder and hand grenades (??) at me. In fact, I am already very happy that you can subscribe to the VIP chapters. It’s almost Chinese New Year, so I hope you all have enough money to buy snacks and drinks to make yourselves happy, taking care of yourselves is the most important! It’s great if there’s really extra money from the overlord votes ~ whether or not you vote with an overlord votes, I will write it well. Don’t worry!

I sincerely thank everyone who supports this story~ I am currently working hard to save drafts for the next story! Although real life is still a bit busy, your positive comments really encourage me and keep me motivated in my writing!

Chinese New Year is almost here, is everyone ready to have a fun holiday?

I wish you all receive big red envelopes, not encounter relatives who love to pry, and even if you indulge in feasting, you won’t gain too much weight~

Sincere thanks, sharing joy with you.

LP: Re-translated on April 29, 2024