Before transmigrating into the novel Cherished, Shen Wan had been an orphan,
raised in a welfare home since childhood.
She had stumbled her way to adulthood, meeting many people along the way.
Though they all had their small flaws, most were kind at heart. Because of that,
Shen Wan had never encountered someone like Qin Ning—someone who appeared polite
and friendly on the surface, but whose real intention was to humiliate others.
What surprised Shen Wan even more was that Liu Mu, whom she had only met once,
still remembered her—and had even helped her thoroughly slap Qin Ning in the face.
Qin Ning admired Lu Zhan and deliberately brought up the matter of Liu Mu having
once saved him. She had even affectionately linked arms with Liu Mu in front of
everyone, clearly trying to show that she was close to Liu Mu so she could latch
onto the Prince of Yong.
The Shen family happened to belong to the Prince of Yong's faction. If it could
be proven that Shen Wan was unaware of this matter, it would only make Qin Ning
look even more impressive.
After all, if even the Shen family didn't know about it, yet Qin Ning not only
knew but could even invite the person involved, how could that not be a show of
status?
But what Qin Ning hadn't expected was that Liu Mu didn't cooperate at all.
The moment she opened her mouth, she revealed that she and Shen Wan had already
known each other for some time—and even expressed her gratitude, saying Shen Wan
was her benefactor.
Having her face slapped so publicly, Qin Ning could barely keep it together.
Still, after only a short moment, she adjusted herself and plastered a smile
back on her face, as if nothing had happened.
"So what a coincidence. What fate this must be."
Shen Wan sat quietly in her seat, watching Qin Ning change expressions at lightning
speed, amazed—and a little more worried.
If someone like her were thrown into an inner-courtyard or palace-intrigue drama,
would she even survive one episode?
Seeing Qin Ning brush the incident aside so lightly, Shen Wan had no intention of
tearing her face off in public. Qin Ning had just been embarrassed, and it was
unlikely she would stir up trouble again so soon.
Just as Shen Wan was about to let her thoughts wander, a voice suddenly interrupted
her.
"It really is quite a coincidence. I never expected Miss Qin and Miss Shen to be
friends as well."
Liu Mu naturally picked up the conversation. Noticing the empty seat beside Shen
Wan, she smiled.
"I happen to want to speak with Miss Shen privately. I won't disturb Miss Qin any
further."
Without waiting for Qin Ning's response, Liu Mu withdrew her arm, curtsied, and
walked toward Shen Wan.
Qin Ning was left standing alone, momentarily stunned. The noble ladies present
immediately began whispering among themselves.
Wu Jiao, who already disliked Qin Ning, nearly shook with laughter.
"Wanwan, where did you meet such an interesting person? Look at Qin Ning—her face
has gone completely dark."
Shen Wan had no desire to make enemies, but she wasn't afraid of them either.
Qin Ning's unreasonable hostility had already guaranteed resentment, and with
the Qin family supporting Prince Shun, they were never going to be on the same
side anyway.
Having made up her mind, Shen Wan no longer bothered maintaining surface harmony.
"At Huguo Temple," she replied with a faint smile.
Liu Mu had already arrived at their side. Shen Wan stood to greet her. Up close,
she noticed that Liu Mu looked somewhat worn.
After a moment's thought, she asked gently, "May I ask—Miss Liu, you don't seem to
be in good spirits. Have you not been resting well lately?"
With so many eyes on them, Liu Mu hesitated.
"There are many people here… some things aren't convenient to say."
Wu Jiao, who had been listening intently, immediately lit up.
"Wanwan, why don't we ask the steward to rent another courtyard? I don't feel like
dealing with Qin Ning either. If I hadn't heard you were coming, I wouldn't have
come at all."
Shen Wan nodded. Before she could speak, He Bai took the initiative.
"Miss, I'll inform Miss Qin. Please accompany the two young ladies ahead."
Shen Wan met He Bai's calm gaze. After a brief hesitation—and remembering He Bai's
identity—she nodded in agreement.
Once they left the courtyard, Wu Jiao finally reacted.
"Wanwan, that maid of yours looks unfamiliar—and she's so bold. Aren't you afraid
Qin Ning will take it out on her?"
"She wouldn't dare," Shen Wan replied. "He Bai is a medical attendant bestowed on
me by the Prince of Yong."
Wu Jiao instantly exploded with excitement.
"The Prince of Yong?! Since when? We left too early—we should've stayed to see
Qin Ning's reaction!"
Watching Wu Jiao chatter excitedly, Shen Wan finally understood how the original
Shen Wan had ended up befriending her.
After renting a quiet courtyard, the three sat down in a pavilion.
Only then did Shen Wan notice Liu Mu frowning in thought.
"Miss Liu, please." Shen Wan handed her a cup of tea. "Is there something troubling
you?"
Shen Wan's gentle tone carried an inexplicable sense of reassurance.
Wu Jiao fell silent, tilting her head to look at Liu Mu.
"Actually… I came to the capital to look for the Prince of Yong."
Liu Mu hesitated, then took out a small jade pendant.
"I once saved someone at Huguo Temple. Later, the Prince of Yong's guards found me
and explained his identity. That's when I learned it was His Highness."
Shen Wan blinked in disbelief.
Only now did she realize—this time, the guards had found the right person.
Everything she had worried about had been for nothing.
Just as she began to smile, Wu Jiao tugged her sleeve.
"Wanwan, she asked you something."
Shen Wan snapped back to attention.
"Sorry—I got distracted."
"It's nothing," Liu Mu said softly. "His Highness's people gave me compensation,
and this jade pendant. They said the Prince owes me one favor."
Wu Jiao's eyes widened.
"No wonder Qin Ning was trying so hard to please you—she wants that pendant so she
can marry into the Prince of Yong's household!"
Liu Mu smiled helplessly.
"She did deceive me a bit. She said she could help me meet His Highness."
"She's terrible," Wu Jiao muttered. "The Qin family supports Prince Shun—everyone
knows they're not on good terms."
After a pause, Shen Wan asked gently, "Do you intend to have the Prince fulfill his
promise?"
Liu Mu flushed and nodded faintly.
Shen Wan instantly understood—and was thrilled.
If she could pair Liu Mu with Lu Zhan, avoid the original plot, and keep him alive,
the Shen family would be safe.
Perfect.
Suppressing her excitement, she asked, "Is there anything I can help with?"
Wu Jiao nodded eagerly.
"Yes! Wanwan's father and brother serve under His Highness."
Liu Mu looked up.
"Miss Shen, are you very familiar with the Prince of Yong?"
Shen Wan shook her head quickly.
"He Bai was bestowed on me because of my brother. I've only seen His Highness from
afar."
At that moment, He Bai returned.
Shen Wan continued, "If you wish to meet His Highness, you could stay at our
residence for a while. My brother went with him out of the city. When they return,
he can introduce you."
Liu Mu was both surprised and delighted.
"That wouldn't be too much trouble?"
"Not at all," Shen Wan said warmly.
Wu Jiao nodded enthusiastically in agreement.
Liu Mu finally relaxed.
"Then I'll take my leave from Miss Qin. Thank you for your kindness."
Shen Wan smiled sincerely.
She hadn't expected a simple outing to yield such a perfect opportunity.
Author's Note:
Wanwan: Allow me to introduce myself—my strength is analysis.
Lu Zhan: And I'd like to clarify—I only jump to conclusions when there's solid
evidence.
(Liu Mu is not a villain and does not like Lu Zhan. She's actually a huge assist.)
TL:
I want to know when exactly in the text Liu Mu met Lu Zhan too, but I have taken all the raws there are.