The next day.
The morning sun crept through the curtains, pale and quiet.
Shen Miao woke slowly, her body still heavy with sleep. For a moment, she simply lay there, listening to the birds outside her window. The night had passed without incident, but something felt different.
It was quiet.
Maybe too quiet.
She slowly rose, got dressed, and made her way to her courtyard's outer room.
Seeing her miss space out for a while, Bai Yue sighed helplessly.
"Young Miss, the young master was summoned to the palace late last night. He returned late and hasn't woken up yet." Bai Yue explained as she placed her miss's breakfast on the table.
Snapping out her thoughts, Shen Miao immediately she nodded before taking a seat.
"Is he alright"
She knew her brother well enough even back then after he got injured, he still woke up early for his daily routine.
Bai Yue paused for a bit before continuing what she was doing.
"Physician Li mentioned he had a slight cold that's all"
Shen Miao felt her chest tighten.
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
She stood up flustered preparing to leave for her brother's courtyard later.
Seeing her hurried movements Bai Yue stepped forward to block her.
"No, Miss. We can't go right now."
"Why not?" Shen Miao asked looking worried
"Young master's situation is better now"
"When he came back, he was given some medicine before resting so right now. He's still resting"
Then as if remembering something
"And we were told not to disturb the young master's rest"
"Oh"
Shen Miao took a step back feeling a bit dejected.
She sat down slowly; her hands folded in her lap.
She waited.
I hope brother feels better soon
---
After a while of being cooped up in her room nervously waiting for her brother.
She finally couldn't bear staying in one place and decided to take a walk instead.
Finding herself in the garden, sitting on the stone bench beneath the oak tree. The same bench where she had sat with Old Shen the day before. The koi pond was calm, its surface still and clear.
She watched the water, but her thoughts were elsewhere.
He's always protecting me, she thought.
Always watching over me. And when he needs help, I can't do anything.
Her hands twisted in her sleeves.
She was still sitting there when she heard footsteps.
Wei Lin appeared at the edge of the garden, his sharp eyes scanning the courtyard before landing on her. He paused hesitating for a bit, before walking closer.
"I heard what happened," he said.
She nodded.
"I suppose it is surprising."
"But.... what I'm really curious about is why he was summoned to the palace to begin with?"
He sat down beside her—not too close, but close enough.
"Curious?... huh " Wei Lin said quietly. "You know what I've noticed since I've met you."
"What?"
"You're too nosy for your own good" Wei Lin smiled
"Too nosy and too curious"
"Really?"
"Or else ...why would you follow a total stranger around an unknown place and need I mention employing that very stranger to work for you"
"If that not nosy then what is"
Shen Miao frowned slightly in thought she opened her mouth to reply but she couldn't anymore. As she watched Wei Lin get dragged away by the ear and next to him reprimanding him was his sister. Wei Mei who had appeared at some point.
"How many times have I told you to watch your mouth?"
"Sister...ow"
"Be gentle..."
"You little...you never learn"
"But Jie jie I'm I wrong"
Wei Mei snorted
"No one asked" She replied as she dragged the little troublemaker away afraid, he'll cause issues.
Watching all of this Shen Miao shook her head helplessly her lips curving slightly something close to a smile forming.
---
Later that afternoon.
Shen Miao spent the rest of her time in the garden deep in thought.
She was so focused on her own thoughts that she didn't notice when the outer gates of her courtyard opened.
After a goodnight's sleep, Shen Yao felt much better than he did yesterday. His robes were neat, his expression calm. As he walked towards her with Xi Shu following closely behind.
Hearing the sound of footsteps, Shen Miao immediately turned around to see her brother walking toward her.
She rose quickly, her heart pounding.
"Brother—"
He stopped a few paces away and looked at her. His gaze softened, just slightly.
"I'm fine," he said not really knowing why
Looking at him, Shen Miao couldn't see any signs of exhaustion in his eyes.
She had her worries but from the looks of it. Her brother seemed fine.
Seeing him like this, she didn't push.
She simply nodded and said, "I'll get someone to bring your breakfast here, brother."
"No need " Shen Yao replied
"Then I'll have someone brew you some tea and get you some snacks as you wait"
Shen Yao nodded before following her inside.