Chapter 19: The Informant

Upon hearing this, Shen He quickly rose and bowed, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. She wondered how much of their earlier conversation had been overheard by Consort Liang and Xiao Jingchi.

“Greetings, Consort Liang, greetings, Sixth Prince.”

“Miss Shen, no need for such formalities.” For some reason, Consort Liang’s gaze held a newfound gentleness toward Shen He.

“I was unaware that the Empress Dowager was speaking with Miss Shen. I made some walnut pastries, and Jingchi remembered that His Majesty’s grandmother enjoys them, so I thought to bring some to the Empress Dowager,” Shen He explained.

The Empress Dowager smiled warmly. “Jingchi is such a thoughtful child, always caring for his grandmother.”

Xiao Jingchi, upon seeing Shen He, joyfully ran to her side. “Sister, you’re here too!”

The Empress Dowager glanced at Xiao Jingchi and asked tentatively, “Does Jingchi like you very much, Sister He?”

“Jingchi likes Sister He very, very much! Jingchi wants to be with Sister He forever!” he exclaimed with delight.

The Empress Dowager nodded approvingly.

Xiao Jingchi grasped Shen He’s hand with excitement.

Yet Shen He suddenly realized that despite his constant touch, she could not hear any thoughts from him. Perhaps Xiao Jingchi was too pure-hearted, with no hidden intentions.

“Jingchi wants to go out and play. Sister He, will you accompany me?” he pleaded.

Looking toward Consort Liang and the Empress Dowager, he added in a coaxing tone, “Mother Consort, Jingchi likes Sister He. Let us go play, please, Mother Consort!”

The Empress Dowager chuckled. “Go ahead, but be careful. I also have matters to discuss with your mother.”

“Your Majesty, Consort Liang, I shall take my leave now.” Before Shen He could finish, Xiao Jingchi tugged her along, running out of the hall.

“Sixth Prince, where shall we play?” Shen He asked casually, letting him lead.

“To the Imperial Garden! Mother Consort said the plum blossoms have bloomed!” Xiao Jingchi said excitedly, pulling her along.

Shen He smiled faintly, her mind already turning over possibilities.

This was a good opportunity.

With Xiao Jingchi’s status, moving about the palace would attract little notice.

“Sixth Prince, shall we visit the Laundry Department?” she asked.

Xiao Jingchi tilted his head in puzzlement.

Standing taller than Shen He by more than a head, his smile under the sunlight looked exceptionally handsome. His prominent nose gave him an air of nobility; his slender waist was cinched neatly, his attire simple yet vibrant.

He was truly a striking figure, Shen He thought with admiration.

“The Laundry Department? What for?” he asked.

“I embroidered a sachet earlier, but it got stained. I want to ask if any palace maids there know a good way to clean it,” Shen He hurriedly explained.

A sharp glint passed through Xiao Jingchi’s eyes before he immediately assumed a docile expression and followed Shen He to the Laundry Department.

Inside, the palace maids busily scrubbed garments.

Shen He immediately spotted Cui Ya among the crowd.

Cui Ya lowered her head, diligently washing the clothing in her hands.

“Which one is Sister Cui Ya?” Shen He asked, her gaze never leaving her.

Cui Ya looked up in surprise upon seeing Shen He and Xiao Jingchi.

“Sixth Prince? And this, is this Miss Shen of the Shen family?”

Shen He took Xiao Jingchi’s hand and approached Cui Ya.

“The Sixth Prince wanted to see how the palace maids do the laundry,” Xiao Jingchi nodded in agreement.

The other maids, recognizing Xiao Jingchi, quickly set aside their work and knelt down.

Xiao Jingchi raised his hand. “Rise.”

The head maid hurried forward. “Your Highness, Miss Shen, what brings you to this humble place today?”

Shen He smiled. “I have a sachet that got dirty. It’s not important, but this sachet was a birthday gift from Miss Chen, embroidered with the finest Yun brocade threads. I fear washing it might damage the stitching, thus offending Miss Chen’s kindness. I heard that Aunt Cui from the Laundry Department used to be an embroidery worker and must know how to clean Yun brocade. I came to ask for advice.”

The head maid carefully examined the sachet and confirmed the exquisite brocade threads. Such craftsmanship was precious indeed; damaging it would be a grave loss.

She promptly called out, “Cui Ya, come quickly, see what Miss Shen has.”

Cui Ya rose swiftly, drying her hands with her skirt, then took the sachet gingerly for inspection.

“It is a bit soiled but not beyond saving. I know a washing method that will restore it,” she assured them.

“Thank you, Aunt Cui.” Shen He turned to the head maid. “Please accompany the Sixth Prince for a walk. I have a few details to discuss with Aunt Cui.”

Xiao Jingchi’s eyes sparkled, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Yes, yes! I’ve never been here before!”

The head maid carefully led Xiao Jingchi away.

Once they were gone, Cui Ya said, “Miss Shen, what is it that you wish to say? Speak quickly.”

“You are indeed clever.”

“You brought the Sixth Prince here with great effort and even sent them both away just to speak with me alone. You must have something important to say.”

“Dealing with intelligent people is convenient. I won’t waste words. I can help you resolve the debts your husband left behind.”

Cui Ya’s expression changed.

“Miss Shen, you went to such lengths just to assist me?”

“Yes. Aunt Cui is loyal and righteous. Though your husband has passed, he acknowledged the debts and still supported his parents. Such loyalty commands my respect.”

Cui Ya clearly doubted this explanation. “People in the palace help others only with ulterior motives.”

Shen He answered straightforwardly, “Indeed, I have a purpose. Once your debts are cleared, I will find a way to bring you out of the Laundry Department and into service before the Emperor. Whether you advance beyond that depends on your own abilities.”

“You want me to be your informant?” Cui Ya guessed swiftly.

Shen He nodded. “Exactly.”

“Why me?”

“I’ve learned you are diligent and smart but blunt, often offending the head maid. Yet, the current Emperor cherishes such honesty and genuine character. So I’m willing to wager: if I lose, I consider it a charitable act to clear your debts; if I win, you become my most secret, most valuable pawn. Will you take the bet?”

Seeing Cui Ya’s shocked expression, Shen He knew she was wavering.

“In the Laundry Department, even if you spend your entire life in the palace with no patron, advancement is unlikely. I know you don’t want to remain a laundry maid forever. You have talent and insight, but here you are buried.”

At that moment, Xiao Jingchi and the head maid were returning, watching Shen He closely.

“No need to answer now. I will first resolve your husband’s debts as an invitation. If you accept, you decide later.”

After a moment’s thought, Cui Ya agreed. “Very well. I await your good news, Miss Shen.”

Shen He smiled faintly. This step was secured.