Chapter Two: I Fell on My Own

The estate of the Prince of War sprawled over nearly a hundred acres, a testament to opulence. Because of this, court officials had once impeached Xiao Huaijin. Yet Xiao Huaijin was the Regent of Great Yu; those who dared to impeach him often found themselves ordered to dash their heads against the golden throne, a gesture of his unwavering resolve. These officials resembled modern experts—adept at verbal sparring, but when it came time to truly risk their lives to prove their convictions, none possessed such courage.

Shen Yi, accompanied by Liuer, walked gracefully toward the pavilion in the garden. Before the pavilion, a man-made lake shimmered; the water was clear, and koi darted joyously within.

Jiang Nansheng was indeed a beauty. Though born in the countryside, her features were as if painted, dignified and graceful, her medical skills exceptional—one might easily mistake her for the daughter of a noble family. Oh, and it seemed she was a grade ten pianist as well. Alas, in this world, there was no piano for her to display her talent.

Upon seeing Shen Yi approach, Jiang Nansheng grew warm and lively. “Sister, I heard from the servants you like chicken! So I sent Huan’er to Cuiyun Tower early this morning to buy Yunying chicken and stewed it for you. Come, have a taste!”

Shen Yi’s anger nearly shook her. Elder sister, could you speak a little more civilly? But at this moment, Shen Yi felt some confusion. Last night, she had meant to embarrass Jiang Nansheng at the wedding banquet. Was Jiang Nansheng truly so forgiving? Had she stewed chicken for her? Or was she possessed by some demon? Retreat, retreat, retreat!

Shen Yi scrutinized Jiang Nansheng and spoke calmly, “Princess, if you have something to say, just speak frankly.”

Indeed, Jiang Nansheng’s demeanor made Shen Yi uncomfortable.

Jiang Nansheng waved her maidservants away with a gesture. Liuer, seeing this, sensibly withdrew as well, lest she be thought ill-mannered—being accused herself was one thing, but to implicate her own mistress would be far worse.

Jiang Nansheng moved closer, placing Shen Yi’s hands in her own. “Sister, I know you care for the Prince. But he has now married me. I also know he feels deeply sorry for your brother, which is why he brought you to raise in the Prince’s household. If you are willing to give up on him and cease causing trouble, I promise to find you a suitable match, and when the time comes, you will depart in bridal glory with a procession stretching ten miles!”

Hmph, Shen Yi, hearing this, shouldn’t you be furious? Then, deliberately fall into the water, and later tell the Prince I pushed you!

Shen Yi was startled. She could hear Jiang Nansheng’s words, though her lips hadn’t moved. She was stunned!

Of course—Jiang Nansheng in the original story was a transmigrator; she must have read this novel. But according to the laws of gravity, conservation of energy, and typical TV conventions, shouldn’t only Xiao Huaijin be able to hear Jiang Nansheng’s thoughts? What was she, to hear them herself?

Shen Yi could no longer conceal her shock. Yet to Jiang Nansheng, it looked as if Shen Yi was furious, desperately scheming to win Xiao Huaijin’s sympathy and drive Jiang Nansheng out of the Prince’s residence. Jiang Nansheng gripped her hands tighter, her face full of anticipation.

Quick, Shen Yi, don’t disappoint me!

Shen Yi felt annoyed—was she mad? Was she supposed to pretend to fall into the water? That would be real water! She couldn’t swim; if she fell in, it’d be certain death.

With this thought, Shen Yi forced a smile. To Jiang Nansheng, it seemed she had thought of a plan.

Shen Yi was about to pull away, but her body suddenly moved against her will. She leaned on Jiang Nansheng and, just as Jiang Nansheng desired, toppled into the lake.

Shen Yi truly couldn’t swim; she flailed, calling for help.

Jiang Nansheng was not alarmed. She knew Xiao Huaijin was nearby and would certainly rescue Shen Yi.

But the first to panic was Liuer. Though she too couldn’t swim, seeing her mistress fall in, she didn’t hesitate to leap after her. Thus, both of them thrashed about in the water, shouting for help.

At that moment, Xiao Huaijin hurried over with his guard Chongming. He glanced deeply at Jiang Nansheng, then jumped into the lake. Like picking up two chicks, he lifted Shen Yi and Liuer out and hauled them ashore.

Soaked and bedraggled, Shen Yi and Liuer coughed and thumped their chests.

Xiao Huaijin ordered Chongming, “Go fetch the imperial physician.”

He then picked up Shen Yi and strode quickly to her chambers. Liuer was less fortunate, rising quietly to follow behind.

Jiang Nansheng and Huan’er followed as well. After all, Jiang Nansheng knew that without her presence, the drama could not continue.

Once in Shen Yi’s boudoir, Xiao Huaijin laid her on the bed. Shen Yi was still savoring the feel of his chest muscles.

There was nothing for it—Shen Yi was a slave to beauty, with values of her own.

Xiao Huaijin knelt at her side, asking with concern, “Yi’er, what happened?”

Jiang Nansheng watched Shen Yi with a half-smile, knowing the moment she most anticipated was at hand.

Shen Yi, though you fell in yourself, hurry up and tell the Prince I pushed you. After all, you must play the innocent, so the Prince will take out his anger on me.

Xiao Huaijin turned to glance at Jiang Nansheng, his expression odd.

Who was speaking? Was it Nansheng? But she hadn’t opened her mouth. Was he hallucinating? No, it wasn’t an illusion.

Shen Yi too noticed the shifting confusion on Xiao Huaijin’s face. It seemed he could hear Jiang Nansheng’s thoughts as well.

Of course—as the villainess, she could hear the heroine’s voice; as the male lead, with deeper ties, it made sense for him to hear it too. Otherwise, it would be a girls’ love story, not a boys’ love one.

Xiao Huaijin gazed at Shen Yi and asked, “Yi’er, tell me—who pushed you? Whoever it was, I will not forgive them!”

Shen Yi, quickly say it was me! Otherwise, how can I quietly watch you perform?

At that moment, Xiao Huaijin realized he truly could hear Jiang Nansheng’s inner voice. But would Yi’er really wrong Nansheng so?

After all, Shen Yi was the one he had watched grow up.

Shen Yi hesitated, then said, “Brother Jin, I fell in by accident.”

Hearing her response, Jiang Nansheng began to smile, but quickly froze.

Liuer, surprisingly indignant, exclaimed, “Your Highness, it was clearly...”

“Silence!”

Before she could finish, Shen Yi interrupted, speaking seriously, “Brother Jin, it truly was I who slipped.”

Jiang Nansheng, now back to herself, was unwilling. She turned to Shen Yi, angrily saying, “Shen Yi, you should have said I pushed you—why did you claim you fell in yourself?”