Transmigrated as the Villainess, Troubled by the Cuteness!-Chapter 30 - 26: So What If You’re Cute? You Still Have to Go to School
Shi Wang was taken to the Ministry of Justice for interrogation, and Shen Jingxian hasn’t seen him since.
The matter with Wen Ranchen’s eyes remained unresolved, so the Empress and Emperor dared not send Shen Jingxian to the Imperial College for classes.
As for the previous notion of letting Shen Jingxian directly join Yiyun Hall, the Emperor also rejected it.
Entering Yiyun Hall at the age of four was too conspicuous; their Little Princess had already become a target, with the enemy in the dark and them in the open. Until the unknown threat was understood, it was best not to place the Little Princess in the spotlight.
The Guards were reportedly replaced with a new batch, though Shen Jingxian hadn’t seen them. She speculated that they might be Hidden Guards.
And so Shen Jingxian found herself with ample time to give strength to the poor Wen Ranchen.
Shen Jingxian had also been blind for a while; she saw nothing, no colors, not even black.
As soon as everything around her went still, the fear, anxiety, and loneliness could easily swallow a person whole.
But as long as someone was by her side, those feelings lessened significantly.
Shen Jingxian felt very grateful for Wen Ranchen’s companionship during that period. Her quick acceptance of him wasn’t just due to the stories he told but more so because of the time he shared with her.
Because of Wen Ranchen— even if she couldn’t see the world temporarily—none of the colors faded from her mind.
"Brother Ranchen, this is for you!"
Shen Jingxian placed a stress ball in Wen Ranchen’s hand, earnestly instructing, "If you feel unsettled or sad, just squeeze it. Don’t worry about breaking it; this ball can’t be broken."
Feeling the texture in his hand, Wen Ranchen suddenly asked, "Is this the ball you hit Song Yan over the head with?"
Shen Jingxian: ?
Suddenly feeling offended, she wasn’t aiming for Song Yan! She had just tripped...
Shen Jingxian loudly explained, "I didn’t mean to hit her! I just fell..."
Wen Ranchen nodded. That indeed was quite coincidental, but his deep impression wasn’t due to that detail, "Your Highness, you are a valuable person. Even if you accidentally harm someone, restitution should never come at the cost of harming yourself."
Feeling slightly embarrassed by Wen Ranchen’s sudden advisory tone, Shen Jingxian knew he was showing concern.
To keep Wen Ranchen from feeling lonely, Shen Jingxian also had books for the blind ordered.
However, as preparation took time, Shen Jingxian stayed in Wen Ranchen’s room, reading him stories daily.
They started with stories, but later at Wen Ranchen’s request, she switched to the "Nine Strategies•Military Competition Chapter."
It was agonizing for Shen Jingxian, who never imagined Wen Ranchen to be so diligent, forcing her to study with him.
Initially, the Emperor and Empress were discontent seeing Shen Jingxian spending so much time with Wen Ranchen. But upon discovering they studied military tactics together, they stopped interfering, simply instructing the servants to watch the two’s interactions closely.
The investigation at the Ministry of Justice progressed rapidly, seemingly without obstacles, presenting the Emperor and Empress with preliminary findings in just ten days.
Apparently, Wen Ranchen’s extraordinary talent had caused envy, prompting someone to bribe a famous Poison Old Man from the Jianghu to poison him.
It was still uncertain who was behind it, but preliminary suspicions pointed to Aunt Qiao from the General Mansion.
Goodness, upon hearing this, Shen Jingxian couldn’t help but remark that those doubting the capabilities of the Ministry of Justice were nearly hitting bullseyes with the reality.
But who was the Poison Old Man? Right in front of them, yet they searched everywhere...
Shen Jingxian never suspected Shi Wang. He seemed so young, after all.
With the results upon them, the Emperor and Empress, seeing little relation to the Princess, prepared for Shen Jingxian’s return to studies.
They investigated Shi Wang’s identity as well, finding no issues.
His affection toward the Princess likely stemmed from his late daughter.
Shi Wang had a daughter, but, unfortunately, both she and his wife had met tragic ends.
Thus, on the eleventh day of Shen Jingxian’s immersion in caring for Wen Ranchen, she was informed she must return to the Imperial College; moreover, Shi Wang became her personal Guard.
This was the proverbial adding insult to injury.
Clinging to the side hall’s doorframe, Shen Jingxian loudly protested, "I won’t go, I want to read to Brother Ranchen!!!"
The Empress, with a cheerful face but firm hand, said, "Er Ya, the books for Ranchen have been prepared. Even if you attend the Imperial College, he can read on his own."
"Brother Ranchen needs company! If I leave, no one will accompany him!"
"Palace Maids will keep him company."
"Brother Ranchen can’t eat on his own. I need to have meals with him!!!"
"Palace Maids..."
"No Palace Maids! I want to have meals with Brother Ranchen!!!" Shen Jingxian amped up her crying and fussing.
Although Wen Ranchen couldn’t see, just the sounds alone painted the picture clearly, making him unconsciously smile.
Finally overwhelmed by Shen Jingxian, the Empress conceded, agreeing to pick her up twice daily, bringing her back at noon for meals with Wen Ranchen.
After much effort in sending Shen Jingxian off, the Empress sighed, realizing how little control she had over her daughter.
Having expressed her sentiments, the Empress suddenly realized something crucial.
Shen Jingxian was only four years old.
She was startled, habitually thinking her daughter was eight because of Shen Jingxian’s early admission to the Imperial College.
Hastening to share this revelation with the Emperor, they realized their daughter was only four, not eight!
The Emperor was equally surprised upon hearing, leading the couple to sit and reflect together for quite a while.
...
Upon returning to the Imperial College, Shen Jingxian received a warm welcome, with Mr. Zhao leading the way with a greeting poem for her, its eloquence and rhythm far beyond Shen Jingxian’s comprehension.
Yet it felt remarkably impressive.
The other children presented the return gifts they prepared for Shen Jingxian, even including Song Yan!
But Shen Jingxian doubted Song Yan’s sincerity, likely just following suit with everyone else.
Yet unexpectedly, after Song Yan handed her gift, the other children eagerly urged, "Your Highness, open it! Sister Yan put a lot of thought into preparing this gift for you."
Sister Yan?
Children, do you realize what you’re saying? Isn’t Song Yan younger than you?
It also illustrated the compelling plot; if Song Yan was now Sister Yan, then was she at risk of being ostracized too?
Not to boast, but Shen Jingxian couldn’t even picture herself being alienated; she was too adorable after all.
As these thoughts roamed, Shen Jingxian opened the box to find a lifelike doll within, its big eyes, fair skin, and twin-bun hairstyle adorned with a little red flower, though dressed in green.
Clearly modeled after her, she didn’t find it appealing.
Not due to flaws in the doll or its maker, but rather... her fear of human-like dolls, the more lifelike, the more terrifying.
Especially this one, its face made of some material closely resembling human skin.
Despite controlling her emotions, her body’s reaction betrayed her.
Song Yan’s expression was inscrutable, sadness mixed with something else. She softly asked, "Your Highness, do you not like it?"
