Senior Sister Chapter 15
Ten years apart (Returning to hometown)
Since the age of seventeen, Zi Yan bid farewell to her family and left Jiangnan pretending to work as a maid in a wealthy household. Now, ten years have passed.
Walking hand in hand with Song Shuqing amidst the bustling streets, Zi Yan felt everything was both unfamiliar and familiar.
“Here, it didn’t used to be like this…” Exiting the inn, Zi Yan looked at the lively scene before her, feeling somewhat lost. “It’s completely different from what I remember.”
“That’s perfect.” Holding the woman’s delicate hand tightly, Song Shuqing turned her head with a relieved expression, then smiled. “I was worried you’d find everything back home not fresh enough, unwilling to be a tourist like me.”
“Now like this, you can accompany me. We can explore together.”
Listening to these words, Zi Yan simply leaned her head gently on the shoulder of the shadow guard and responded after a moment, “The houses in my hometown are still quite far from here, it will take about half an hour to walk.”
“Oh, half an hour is quite long, my feet will get sore.” Pretending to be fragile, Song Shuqing placed the back of her hand on her forehead and lifted one corner of her mouth, asking, “Has Dear Zi Yan ever ridden a horse?”
Blinking, Zi Yan shook her head, “Never.”
Never having considered such a thing before, Zi Yan’s tone was somewhat nervous, “Riding a horse, I… I don’t know how.”
Coming from humble beginnings, she had never learned how to ride a horse, and after becoming a courtesan, she had never engaged in such ostentatious activities.
“Is that so? It’s okay, don’t worry.”
Leading Zi Yan to the inn’s stable, Song Shuqing handed a few copper coins to the errand boy, indicating for him to bring out the horse she had brought. “Riding a horse isn’t difficult, I’ll teach you.”
With palms slightly sweaty, Zi Yan looked at the horse that had previously pulled the carriage. It was a stallion standing at about □□ hands high, glossy black all over, with only the fur near its four hooves presenting a snowy white hue, about five fingers wide.
“Ta Xue is very obedient, and the officials in Shu have also raised him well.” As she approached to saddle the horse, Song Shuqing continued speaking. “Although he’s good at pulling carts usually, he still loves to gallop freely the most.”
“He’s… so tall.” Rubbing her hands nervously, Zi Yan’s throat felt dry, unconsciously swallowing.
“After all, he used to be a horse exclusive to the Shadow Guard Camp before retirement. He’s fast, has good endurance, and is combat-ready; those are their characteristics.” Song Shuqing patted her companion, who had followed her all the way from the capital, then turned to the woman and extended her hand. “Come.”
Though still feeling anxious inside, Zi Yan extended her hand nonetheless.
After all, the person in front of her was the most trustworthy individual in the entire world.
If needed, she could entrust her life to her.
Feeling the woman’s soft yet slightly moist hand, the shadow guard reassured her, “Don’t be afraid.”
She held the woman, pointed her toes, and gracefully flipped onto the horse in an instant.
Zi Yan, who had never ridden a horse before, stiffened her body. Song Shuqing, behind her, wrapped her arms around her waist and pulled her close.
“Press closer, relax.”
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“As long as you lean on me.” With one hand holding the reins and the other embracing Zi Yan, Song Shuqing gently patted her. “I’m very skilled at riding, you’ve seen it before, haven’t you? I won’t let you get hurt, I promise.”
“Mmm.” Zi Yan took a deep breath, trying to sit back as much as possible. Feeling the soft warmth on her back, she whispered softly, “I know you won’t.”
“Good girl.” Tilting her head, she brushed her lips against the person’s temple. “Let’s go.” The shadow guard lightly tapped the horse’s belly.
The main street was bustling with people, and even the fastest horse could only move at a slow pace.
Although the local customs were relatively open-minded, the sight of the two riding together still attracted considerable attention. Especially rare was the sight of a woman skilled in riding, accompanied by a tall and majestic horse like Ta Xue.
Feeling somewhat shy under the gazes of onlookers, Zi Yan subconsciously leaned further into the person behind her, closing her eyes and resting her head on Song Shuqing’s neck. The two pressed closely together.
Sensing the person in front slightly quickening their breath, the shadow guard just chuckled lightly, a hint of smugness in her eyes.
She shook her wrist gently to prompt Ta Xue, and once they left the crowded main street, Song Shuqing gradually increased the horse’s speed.
“Ah…” Zi Yan, who had never ridden a horse before, felt the mount beneath her picking up pace. Though she bit her lip to stifle her own gasps, the grip on the shadow guard’s arm around her waist instinctively tightened.
Glancing at the person in front, who was enduring it all, Song Shuqing chuckled inwardly.
How could she be so adorable?
Dispelling any mischievous thoughts of suddenly accelerating to startle her, Song Shuqing kept Ta Xue steadily at an even pace. She then lightly kissed the white jade pendant hanging from Zi Yan’s earlobe.
“You’re really timid.”
Though the words sounded mocking, the shadow guard’s tone was gentle.
“It’s not… it’s all because of you…” Feeling the warm breath near her ear, Zi Yan softly retorted, her voice tender.
“I know, I know. Only Zi Yan gets like this when she’s with me.” Song Shuqing wore an expression of “I totally understand,” then pretended to be troubled. “Just now, even though I looked at the map, I’ve completely forgotten which way to go.”
“Zi Yan, open your eyes and help me find the way, okay?”
With a pitiful tone, the woman with remarkable memory skills spoke, quietly pulling the reins to slow down the horse’s speed.
“Mmm…” Though Zi Yan felt something was amiss in her heart upon hearing the words from behind, she didn’t want to disappoint her lover. After taking a deep breath, she slowly opened her eyes.
A gentle breeze brushed against her cheeks as Ta Xue galloped through the fields. Surrounded by lush greenery, under the blue sky and white clouds, the distant hills undulated like layers of spilled ink.
“The weather is really nice today.” With the scent of earth and vegetation filling her nostrils, Song Shuqing pointed to a cloud in the distance and pretended to be serious. “Dear Zi Yan, look at that cloud. Doesn’t it resemble Qingqing’s dumplings, the ones that could make people burst into laughter?”
(LP: … Is Qingqing really that… small??)
Looking up at the sky, Zi Yan saw a cloud with no distinct shape, its white color crooked and uneven. She half-opened her mouth, feeling speechless. “…You can’t let the Princess hear you say that.”
“I’m just kidding. Besides, I only say these things to you.” Smiling, as if not wanting the woman in front of her to overthink, Song Shuqing continued, “Look at the shadows in the distant fields. Guess if they’re real people or scarecrows?”
(If you're not reading on littlepandatranslations.com, it means this has been stolen)
As the two exchanged words, Zi Yan on horseback gradually relaxed, feeling the obvious absence of stiffness in her embrace. Behind her, where the woman couldn’t see, Song Shuqing’s lips curved into an exceedingly gentle smile.
With the pace of Ta Xue, in about the time it takes to brew a pot of tea, the two arrived at their destination.
Stopping at a wooden cabin, Song Shuqing helped Zi Yan dismount. The woman, who hadn’t been home for a long time, clenched her fists slightly, her body stiff, hesitating whether to knock on the door.
With hands behind her back, Song Shuqing stood behind Zi Yan, surveying the dilapidated walls, waiting silently.
After an uncertain amount of time, trembling slightly, Zi Yan finally gathered the courage to knock on the door of her long-unseen home.
『Knock, knock, knock』
From behind the door came the sound of someone shuffling. After a while, a boy of about thirteen stuck his head out.
Looking at the two unfamiliar women outside, he tilted his head and asked, “Who are you?”
Zi Yan hesitated, unsure how to respond, until she felt a cold hand being grasped. Turning her head, she saw her beloved encouraging her with her eyes. Gathering herself, she said, “You’re Xun’er, right?”
“How do you know my name?” The boy tilted his head, looking surprised. He turned and shouted loudly into the house, “Sister, Sister Zhao, there are two strange guests outside! Come quickly!”
“Stop shouting.” An older girl appeared and looked at her brother, who had turned to the side. “What’s the matter? Why make such a fuss… Is this, Sister?”
“Could it be, Sister Yao?”
“Sister Zhao.” Waving to the girl inside, who was both familiar and unfamiliar, Zi Yan felt her throat dry. “Long time no see, you’ve grown up so much.”
“You’re Sister Yao?!” Xun’er stared at the beautiful and incredible woman at the door, eyes wide with astonishment. “The Sister Yao who worked in Shu and always sent money back?”
Nodding, Zi Yan hesitantly asked, “…And Mother and Hong’er?”
Zhao Zhao, who was nine years old when her sister left, had already memorized the details. Looking at her long-lost sister, who had once taken care of her in place of their sick mother, she felt a lump in her throat. “…Mother will come back when it gets dark. As for Brother Hong, he sent a letter half a year ago saying he found a job in Youzhou and hasn’t returned home since.”
“Is that so…” Swallowing hard, Zi Yan felt at a loss, unsure of what else to say. She could only ask dryly, “Then… is everything okay at home? Is there enough money?”
“Everything is fine at home.” Zhao Zhao clenched her sleeves and smiled at her older sister. “A year and a half ago, Mother became a cook in a wealthy household, and the pay is good. Xun’er and I go to school during the day, and they also provide meals there. After eating, we come back to work in the fields…”
“With Brother Hong not here… there’s no one spending money on alcohol. Plus, with the money you’ve sent back, everything is really good.”
“Oh, I see… Then I can relax.” Zi Yan breathed a sigh of relief and patted her chest, but said nothing more.
As an awkward silence loomed, Song Shuqing suddenly spoke up, “Um, well, standing outside is tiring. Could we come in first? At least offer us a glass of water or something.”
“Oh, right, right.” Reminded by Song Shuqing, Zhao Zhao snapped out of her emotions and gestured for Xun’er to step aside. She welcomed the two with a smile, “Sister Yao and this… Sister’s friend, please come in.”
Gently nudging Zi Yan’s back as if encouraging her, Song Shuqing took out a bag of malt candy and a bundle of cured meat from her backpack, handing them to Xun’er, whose eyes widened in astonishment.
“What’s this?” Seeing Zi Yan’s surprised expression and silent questioning in her eyes, Song Shuqing shrugged and whispered softly in her ear, “When visiting my wife’s relatives for the first time, it’s only polite to bring a little gift. Don’t judge me by my appearance; I know a thing or two about manners.”
Then, she lifted her head high, walked into the door with dignity.
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Zi Yan’s ears turned red, but she couldn’t help but laugh softly at her appearance. The nervousness in her heart vanished, and with a blink of her eyes, she stepped into this place she hadn’t visited for ten years.
The author has something to say:
Oh, right! There’s a new upcoming article in the column~
It’s a story set in a modern urban background, featuring a crazy genius younger partner and a gentle older partner who is deaf.
If you enjoy redemption themes, you might want to check it out. It will probably also have extremely delicate emotional flows, and the number of collections will determine whether it will come into existence.
(Actually, I think readers who like the Zi Yan and Senior Sister CP will also like this one very much.)
Also, the next book is confirmed to be 《The Older Partner Who Often Treats to Meals》. It’s set in a campus and modern urban background, featuring a sincere and silly top student (veterinarian) and a gentle and artistic senior sister (flight attendant).
I’m currently working hard to prepare the drafts, so you might want to bookmark it to avoid missing the opening! (If more people are looking forward to it, I’ll probably write faster…)
LP: Re-translated on May 20, 2024