"Princess, you are finally awake."
Shen Xihe's astonishment was broken by a surprised voice. She turned her head and looked at the person who shouted "Sister Pearl" sideways.
Just by looking at the side profile, she knew that this was her second-class maid - Zi Yu.
The Sister Pearl she mentioned was one of Shen Xihe's two first-class maids. She was also her wet nurse's biological daughter and grew up with her. The other maid, Linglong, was the one who pushed her off the boat. She was bought into the palace at the age of five and was extremely favored by her.
Zhenzhu had studied medicine since she was young because Shen Xihe was born with a deficiency. She strode over to check Shen Xihe's pulse first. She breathed a sigh of relief when she felt that Shen Xihe's pulse was gradually stabilizing. She looked at Shen Xihe with concern and asked, "Is there anything wrong with the princess?"
Shen Xihe shook her head. She also knew some medical knowledge and knew that the pain in her body would not be completely relieved overnight. She asked hoarsely, "Where's Linglong?"
"Princess, Sister Linglong also jumped off the boat to save you, but she hasn't been found yet..." Zi Yu's eyes turned red as she spoke.
Shen Xihe has six personal maids. The eldest maids are Zhenzhu and Linglong, and the following are Ziyu, Biyu, Hongyu and Moyu. Except Zhenzhu, the other five came to Shen Xihe at the age of five. Biyu and Moyu are family-born children, while Linglong, Ziyu and Hongyu were bought from outside.
They grew up together and are as close as siblings.
"Heh..." Shen Xihe laughed softly, "What a man who died to save his master."
He pushed her into the river with his own hands and then jumped out himself. At that time, there were only two of them on the bow of the boat. Those who didn't know the truth actually thought that she died as a savior. I'm afraid that she had already escaped by now.
Even if she was met by Zhenzhu and the others in the future, as long as Shen Xihe was dead, she would still be a loyal maid, and might even be able to lurk back again.
It was truly a miracle that Shen Xihe, with such a weak body, could survive in the river for a night.
"Princess..." The sneer on Shen Xihe's lips made Zhenzhu's face change slightly. As smart as she was, she immediately understood, "Did Linglong push you off the boat?"
Shen Xihe did not answer directly, but ordered: "Let Mo Yuan report to the government and hunt down the escaped slaves."
Zi Yu's face turned pale. This dynasty was more tolerant towards slaves, unlike the previous dynasty where they could be beaten and killed at will. But it was different for runaway slaves. It was a serious crime for a slave to run away privately, and Linglong also killed her master, which was an unforgivable crime!
"Sister Linglong..." Ziyu immediately changed her words, "Why did Linglong do this?"
In Zi Yu's opinion, Shen Xihe is the best master in the world. He lets them learn literature and martial arts. Even if they are dull and not good at either, they will be educated according to their strengths. Their food, clothing and other expenses are better than those of many girls from official families.
Shen Xihe did not reply, but just closed his eyes gently.
Zhenzhu gently tugged at Ziyu's sleeve and led her out. The answer was obvious. Linglong was a planted spy, and the master behind her was never Shen Xihe.
Hearing that they were going to leave, Shen Xihe suddenly thought of something: "Have you seen what I have in my hand?"
Pearl quickly responded, "I'll get it right away."
Hearing this, Shen Xihe felt relieved for a moment.
When the pearls were brought, Shen Xihe sat up with the help of Ziyu, looking at the three jade-green things in the box that were shaped like heart knots, with a faint fragrance. He couldn't help but reach out to touch them, feeling cool and refreshing: "It really is the Immortal Belt."