The Shen family banquet was set to take place two days later.
The idea for the family banquet had been proposed by Old Madam Shen herself. However, while the annual banquet had always been organized by Ren Wanyun in the past, this year's arrangements had to be handed over to Chen Ruoqiu. With the household management authority now entirely in Chen Ruoqiu's hands, Old Madam Shen believed she was granting Chen Ruoqiu an immense honor. Little did she know that beneath the surface of this seemingly prestigious task lay an exhausting burden.
In the Autumn Water Court, Chen Ruoqiu sat at a table, holding an account book in one hand and clumsily manipulating an abacus with the other. The two maids standing behind her spoke up, "Madam, you've been at this all morning. Perhaps you should rest for a while."
"The accounts just won't balance," Chen Ruoqiu sighed in frustration, shaking her head. "For tomorrow's expenses, I'll have to dip into my own purse." As she spoke, a trace of anger flickered across her face.
Chen Ruoqiu prided herself on being a noblewoman from a scholarly family, aloof and disdainful of anything reeking of vulgar commerce. Back when Old Madam Shen had entrusted the household management to Ren Wanyun, Chen Ruoqiu had been secretly jealous but couldn't bring herself to fight for it, leaving a lingering resentment in her heart. Now, after years of waiting, she had finally become the mistress of the Shen household, only to realize that managing the household finances wasn't as easy as she had imagined.
Ren Wanyun came from a wealthy merchant family. Whenever Old Madam Shen needed extra funds, Ren Wanyun could simply deduct from her own dowry—after all, she was never short of money. But the Chen family were mere civil officials, euphemistically described as "clean-handed" but more accurately as "impoverished scholars." Where would they find extra silver to supplement household expenses? Chen Ruoqiu had assumed that taking over the household management would allow her to skim some funds for her own use. Now, she saw that Ren Wanyun had already taken her fair share over the years, leaving many discrepancies in the accounts. With the family banquet approaching, funds were running short.
In the past, things had been easier. General Shen Xin's annual imperial rewards had been generous, often leaving a surplus. But now, with Shen Xin's relationship with the family strained, he showed no intention of contributing to the household coffers. Chen Ruoqiu felt a headache coming on.
"Knowing full well that the household funds are insufficient, the old madam insists on holding a banquet now. Isn't this just bullying Madam?" Chen Ruoqiu's maid, Shi Qing, grumbled indignantly on her behalf.
"Eldest Master seems unwilling to help either. If Madam is short on funds, perhaps she could ask Master for some?" Hua Yi suggested.
"Nonsense," Chen Ruoqiu snapped. "Master's salary is barely enough for official networking. How can we ask him for more?" She sighed. "I'll think of another way." Shen Wan was determined to climb the bureaucratic ladder, but unlike Shen Gui—who was ambitious yet incompetent, only knowing how to curry favor—Shen Wan advanced steadily, if slowly, through his own efforts. His progress was slower but far more reliable.
Chen Ruoqiu had always known that without a son, her position in the second branch relied solely on Shen Wan's affection for her. To maintain his favor, she played the role of the gentle, understanding wife. If she couldn't even handle household finances, wouldn't that just annoy Shen Wan? With his status, countless women would gladly enter the second branch. She couldn't afford to lose ground.
"Besides, this silver won't be spent in vain," Chen Ruoqiu mused, her eyes glinting. "If it yields results, it'll be worth it."
"Madam means…?"
Chen Ruoqiu smiled. "The old madam chose this particular time to hold a banquet—it's rather odd, don't you think? Moreover, I've heard that the cousin from Suzhou has been frequenting the West Courtyard lately…" Her expression twisted with disgust. "The old madam's methods are rather crude, but… coincidentally, I don't like Shen Qiu either."
Chen Ruoqiu disliked Shen Yuan and Shen Qiu equally. If she feared Shen Yuan to some extent, she outright despised Shen Qiu. Unable to bear a son herself, she resented other families' outstanding sons. As for Shen Qiu, she saw him as nothing more than a brute who only knew how to wield weapons—why did he deserve so much praise? People often sought to destroy what they couldn't possess. Shen Yuan's cunning made her wary, but Shen Qiu, straightforward and naive, inexperienced in the intrigues of the inner household, would be much easier to deal with. Best of all, she wouldn't even need to lift a finger—Old Madam Shen would do the work for her. She could simply sit back and watch.
"I'll write a few more invitations later," Chen Ruoqiu said. "Have them delivered to the various madams' residences." The more spectators, the better.
…
Two days later, the Shen family banquet commenced.
Since Ren Wanyun's descent into madness, the noblewomen had severed ties with her. After all, having a daughter who conceived out of wedlock was hardly a glorious matter. Though no one knew what had become of Ren Wanyun, with the tree fallen, the monkeys had scattered—no one even mentioned her.
The madams who had once been close to Ren Wanyun gradually gravitated toward Chen Ruoqiu. Even if Ren Wanyun was no longer an option, maintaining ties with the Shen family was still essential. Among the Shen wives, compared to Luo Xueyan—who was often absent from the capital and had a reputation for coarseness—Chen Ruoqiu, hailing from a scholarly family, was clearly the better choice for currying favor.
Madam Yi and Madam Jiang arrived early. Jiang Xiaoxuan and Yi Peilan chatted with Shen Yue, complaining, "We won't return to the Hall of Extensive Learning until after the New Year. Being cooped up at home these days is so boring."
Their idle chatter made no mention of Shen Qing's death, nor did they recall how close they had once been with her. The friendships among noblewomen in the capital were fickle—ultimately, personal bonds couldn't compete with interests. What mattered wasn't the person but the power they represented.
Shen Yue smiled and responded in kind, and so Shen Qing's memory was silently erased by unspoken agreement. Bai Wei, however, spotted a figure in the distance and asked, "Who's that? The cousin you mentioned?"
She gestured toward a young woman standing not far away, dressed in simple apricot-colored robes, conversing with her maid.
"That's Third Sister Dongling," Shen Yue said sweetly, deliberately emphasizing, "born of a concubine. She was often unwell in the past, so it's natural you haven't met her."
At the mention of "concubine," Jiang Xiaoxuan and the others immediately looked disdainful. Yi Peilan sneered, "Unwell? More like kept hidden. These concubine-born girls are always the most scheming. Yue, don't let her fool you."
Shen Yue smiled. "Third Sister rarely leaves her courtyard. Look, that's my cousin over there."
As Shen Yuan spoke, they noticed Jing Chuchu passing by. She didn't seem to notice Shen Yue and the others, nor did she come to greet them. Bai Wei, sharp-eyed, asked curiously, "Yue, didn't you say your cousin was from Suzhou? But her clothes and jewelry look quite expensive—that bracelet she's wearing is even finer than yours."
Bai Wei's innocent remark made Shen Yue pale. Forcing a smile, she said, "I don't know. Perhaps Grandmother gifted it to her."
"What's there to see?" Jiang Xiaoxuan scoffed. "A girl from Suzhou could never compare to us capital-bred ladies. Clothes and jewelry can be faked, but not refinement and taste. Look at her timid demeanor—utterly lacking in presence."
Shen Yue shook her head. "Don't speak of my cousin like that."
"You're too kind-hearted," Yi Peilan lamented. "You're friendly with everyone, even that incompetent fool from your household. Now that she's made something of herself, does she even acknowledge you? Speaking of which, where is that incompetent one?"
The "incompetent one" naturally referred to Shen Miao. Ever since their verbal clash at the Hall of Extensive Learning, Yi Peilan had regarded Shen Miao as her nemesis, seizing every opportunity to disparage her.
Meanwhile, the "incompetent" Shen Miao was in the West Courtyard, watching Shen Qiu drink tea.
"What is Grandmother thinking?" Shen Qiu frowned. "Why invite so many women? Everywhere you go, it's just endless chatter. So annoying."
"Probably invited all of Third Aunt's acquaintances," Shen Miao said, handing him tea. "Perhaps they're all admirers of the young general's valor."
"Spare me," Shen Qiu groaned, waving his hand. "One is troublesome enough. A whole crowd? Even the battlefield isn't this terrifying."
Shen Miao found his dread of women amusing, though understandable. Surrounded by scheming women in the Shen household, his straightforward nature must have felt like navigating a den of monsters.
"Not all women are like that," Shen Miao consoled him. "When you meet the right one, you'll change your mind."
Shen Qiu stared at her as if she'd grown a second head. After a moment, he shook his head. "Little Sister, just now, you sounded exactly like Mother."
Shen Miao: "…" Now that he mentioned it, she had indeed treated him like Fu Ming.
Before she could respond, a commotion outside caught their attention. Exchanging glances, they stepped out to find someone shouting at the courtyard gate, "What's the meaning of this? I just came to see Shen Miao—let me in!"
Shen Miao blinked. "Feng Anning?"
Hearing her voice, Feng Anning—despite being restrained by guards—waved frantically. "It's me, Shen Miao! Tell them to let me go!"
"Release her," Shen Miao said. "She's the Feng family's young miss."
Freed, Feng Anning dusted herself off indignantly and snapped, "What's wrong with you? Why are there so many guards outside your own courtyard? I thought something had happened to you! Honestly, Shen Miao, are you out of your mind?"
This was likely the first time Feng Anning had ever been barred entry. Her temper flared, and she launched into a tirade, unknowingly stepping on Shen Qiu's sore spot. He stepped forward, glowering. "And who are you? Shouting in someone else's residence—where are your manners?"
Shen Miao: "…" Coming from Shen Qiu, the question of "manners" was rich.
Caught off guard by the reprimand, Feng Anning looked up to retort but froze upon seeing Shen Qiu. With his striking features and military bearing, Shen Qiu cut a very different figure from the delicate capital gentlemen. His usual cheerful demeanor made him seem boyish, but when stern, he exuded the intimidating aura of a battlefield commander.
Feng Anning's haughtiness instantly deflated. "And who are you?" she asked meekly.
"This is my elder brother," Shen Miao said.
Shen Qiu was somewhat renowned in the capital. The saying "Xie in the south, Shen in the north" often compared the young Marquis Xie and the young General Shen as the finest of their generation. If only Xie Jingxing had entered officialdom, the two might have been the most outstanding military talents of their time.
"Why are you here?" Shen Miao asked, noting Feng Anning's awkwardness.
Feng Anning immediately complained, "I came to talk to you! Ever since those at the Hall of Extensive Learning found out we're friendly, they've been excluding me too. As if I care! So here I am."
Shen Qiu's expression softened slightly. He knew Shen Miao was often isolated at school, but with his frequent absences, he couldn't always protect her. Now that she had a friend—albeit a spoiled, ill-mannered one—it was better than nothing.
Neither he nor Feng Anning realized that this "friendship" existed solely in Feng Anning's mind. Shen Miao had no interest in making friends.
"Since your friend is here, you two can chat," Shen Qiu said, clearing his throat. "I'll go find Father to discuss something."
Shen Miao agreed. Once Shen Qiu left, Feng Anning whispered, "Your brother is so scary! He nearly gave me a heart attack."
Scary? Shen Miao couldn't be bothered to explain. "Yes, he's quite the bloodthirsty one."
Feng Anning patted her chest in relief. "Good thing I apologized quickly. Next time, I won't charge in like that."
…
Before long, the banquet began.
Men and women were seated separately—the women in the Hall of Glory and Scenery, the men hosted by Shen Gui and Shen Wan. Shen Xin, uninterested in the banquet and the capital's sycophantic socializing, drank alone.
Few male guests attended, and those who did were civil officials friendly with Shen Gui and Shen Wan, leaving Shen Xin and Shen Qiu conspicuously isolated. Shen Qiu, however, remained unbothered, eating heartily. In contrast, Shen Yuan mirrored Shen Gui's ingratiating manner, his smooth-tongued sociability making Shen Qiu's appetite wane.
At the women's table, Luo Xueyan and Shen Miao were similarly sidelined. As Chen Ruoqiu's allies, the women naturally bolstered her standing. While they couldn't openly mock Shen Miao in front of Luo Xueyan, pointed neglect sufficed. Thus, Chen Ruoqiu and Shen Yue fielded endless questions, Jing Chuchu and Shen Dongling received perfunctory attention, and Shen Miao was deliberately ignored.
Luo Xueyan seethed. The old Shen Miao might have sulked, but now, as the women chattered around her, Shen Miao ate and drank with composed dignity. Her every movement exuded an unshakable nobility, creating the illusion that she wasn't being snubbed—she simply deemed them unworthy of her attention.
Their barbs met only yielding cotton. After several attempts, the women lost interest.
Madam Yi smiled. "They say Suzhou nurtures exceptional beauty. I never believed it until I saw the old madam's cousin. Our capital could never produce such a delicate flower."
Old Madam Shen had gone out of her way to elevate Jing Chuchu at the banquet. Though her motives were unclear, the women weren't fools. Flattering Jing Chuchu couldn't hurt.
Jing Chuchu blushed furiously, lowering her head. Old Madam Shen chuckled. "Madam Yi flatters me. Your daughter is just as lovely—I adore her."
Yi Peilan thanked Old Madam Shen, eyeing Jing Chuchu with renewed curiosity. "The old madam really dotes on your cousin," she whispered to Shen Yue.
Shen Yue nodded vaguely, equally puzzled.
Meanwhile, Shen Dongling sat quietly in a corner. As a concubine's daughter without her mother's support or Old Madam Shen's favor, she was easily overlooked. Yet she showed no resentment, meekly eating her meal like the obedient, neglected half-sister she was.
Old Madam Shen continued praising Jing Chuchu's virtues to the skies until a maid accidentally spilled tea on her. Scolding the maid, Old Madam Shen fretted, "Careless girl! What if you scalded Miss Jing?"
"It's fine," Jing Chuchu said. "The tea wasn't hot."
"But your clothes are soaked," Old Madam Shen clucked. "You can't wear wet garments in this cold. Xi'er, take Miss Jing to change." She urged Jing Chuchu, "Don't catch a chill."
Jing Chuchu examined her damp bodice. Winter fabrics were thick, and tea soaked into the padding uncomfortably. Without protest, she thanked Old Madam Shen and excused herself.
Madam Jiang remarked, "Miss Jing is fortunate to have the old madam's favor."
"The fortune is mine," Old Madam Shen beamed. "Such a sweet, clever girl—how could I not adore her?"
The women showered her with more compliments. Chen Ruoqiu glanced at Old Madam Shen, then at Shen Miao, who met her gaze with mild curiosity.
Chen Ruoqiu smiled, lowering her head with quiet satisfaction. She missed the fleeting amusement—and faint excitement—that replaced Shen Miao's puzzlement the moment she looked away.
Only Shen Dongling noticed, her eyes darting to Shen Miao before she resumed eating.
At the men's table, the atmosphere was rowdier. Though Shen Xin and Shen Qiu were largely ignored, a few colleagues toasted them. After several cups, Shen Qiu grew dizzy.
"Useless boy, drunk already?" Shen Xin grumbled.
Shen Qiu rubbed his temples. "Don't know why." As a soldier raised on strong liquor, capital wine had never fazed him. Yet today, a few cups had done him in.
"Pathetic," Shen Xin muttered.
"Uncle, don't blame him," Jing Guansheng explained. "Cousin mixed Futou wine with Yinguang wine." He pointed to Shen Qiu's cup, where the two wines had blended. "Futou and Yinguang together knock most men out cold. That he's still conscious is impressive."
The men laughed. "The young master holds his liquor well enough, General Shen. No need to scold him."
Shen Yuan eyed Shen Qiu. "Brother shouldn't drink more. Best take him to rest."
Shen Qiu waved vaguely, clearly drunk.
"Let me help him," Jing Guansheng offered.
Though Shen Xin distrusted him since the incident with Shen Miao, Jing Guansheng had behaved since guards were posted. "Very well. You and A Zhi take him back."
As Jing Guansheng moved to assist, Shen Qiu grabbed Shen Yuan's arm. "A Zhi, take me."
Shen Yuan froze. Shen Xin frowned. "Fool boy, that's your second brother."
Shen Qiu didn't budge. Shen Yuan's eyes gleamed. "Cousin and I are the same. I'll take him." He hoisted Shen Qiu up and left before Shen Xin could object.
Shen Xin opened his mouth, but Shen Wan approached with a cup. "Elder Brother, a toast!"
…
The banquet's minor disruptions went unnoticed. Guests came and went—nothing unusual. Only when the women gathered in the courtyard afterward did Madam Bai remark, "Why hasn't Miss Jing returned yet?"
After Jing Chuchu's clothes were soiled by the tea spilled by a maid, she went back to change. However, she never returned afterward. Old Madam Shen was taken aback and turned to Xi'er beside her, saying, "Go and ask why the young mistress hasn't come back yet."
"Perhaps she's a little drunk," Shen Yue said with a smile. "She drank quite a bit of honey wine earlier. Though it's sweet, the aftereffects are strong. Cousin has a sweet tooth, and I forgot to stop her earlier. She might be feeling dizzy and resting in her room."
Xi'er acknowledged and went out.
Feng Anning curled her lips and nudged Shen Miao discreetly. "I thought with so many daughters in your household, the family banquet would surely be lively. I even insisted on coming with my mother. But now it seems just as dull as anywhere else." Feng Anning was the treasured daughter of the Minister of Ceremonies' household, without many sisters. Yet even with so many sisters, Shen Miao wasn't close to any of them and was even deliberately ignored. To Feng Anning, it all seemed rather pointless.
"It's always been like this," Shen Miao replied.
Feng Anning glanced around. "I need to use the washroom. I'll be back soon—wait for me."
After Feng Anning left with a maid, Xi'er also returned to Old Madam Shen's side, shaking her head. "Madam, the young mistress isn't in her room."
"Not in her room?" Old Madam Shen raised her voice, drawing the attention of the other noblewomen. She quickly lowered her tone. "Then where is she?"
Xi'er shook her head again. "The servants don't know either."
"That girl," Old Madam Shen grew anxious. "Could something have happened to her?"
Her demeanor naturally aroused speculation among the sharp-eyed noblewomen present.
"Madam?" Chen Ruoqiu happened to approach from the other side. After inquiring about the situation, she smiled and said, "Madam, there's no need to worry. I just came back from my husband's side. It seems Chuchu got drunk. What a coincidence—Qiu also got drunk and was already taken back to his room to rest. The wine at our banquet has a strong aftereffect. Chuchu might have gone to another room."
She deliberately—or perhaps inadvertently—mentioned that "Shen Qiu was also drunk," causing Shen Miao's gaze to sharpen abruptly.
Old Madam Shen shook her head. "Go and have some people look for Chuchu. She must still be in the residence, but it wouldn't be good if she caught a chill." She then turned to the others. "Speaking of which, I recently acquired a Golden Buddha Picture, a double-sided embroidery by Zhang Qiaoxian. It's hanging in my main hall. If any of you would like to see it, I'd be happy to show you."
Zhang Qiaoxian was a renowned embroiderer of Ming Qi, and her works were priceless. Hearing that Old Madam Shen possessed one, the ladies were eager to see it. Shen Miao scoffed inwardly—that double-sided embroidery had been a gift from the palace years ago, given to Old Madam Shen by Shen Xin. Yet, being as stingy as she was, she had never shown it to anyone before. Now, suddenly willing to display it, she must have an ulterior motive.
But... would things really go as Old Madam Shen wished?
The noblewomen and young ladies eagerly followed Old Madam Shen to view the embroidery. The main hall of the Hall of Glory and Scenery was a teahouse-like room for guests to rest in, though it was rarely used since Old Madam Shen seldom entertained visitors.
However, as they approached the door, they noticed something unusual.
From behind the tightly shut door came faint noises—something like objects being knocked over.
The group halted abruptly.
"Who's inside? Where are the guards at the door?" Old Madam Shen demanded.
"Madam, they were here earlier. There shouldn't be anyone in the teahouse," Xi'er said, puzzled.
"Useless servants! Can't even guard a door properly," Old Madam Shen fumed. "Open it!"
Author's Note:
This weather is roasting me alive (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻ It's like being grilled outdoors. Enough said—I'm off to pray to Xiao Jingteng (the Rain God)...
OpenNovel