Three days later, the case of Shen Yuan mistakenly killing Sun Cainan came to a close. Sun Tianzheng, determined to avenge the tragic death of his only son, saw Shen Yuan executed at the Meridian Gate.
Countless commoners spread the news, eager to witness how this once-promising young talent had fallen to such a fate. Some sympathized with Shen Yuan, while others cursed Jing Chuchu as a femme fatale, their clamorous voices creating a lively scene.
Shen Yuan had likely never imagined he would face such a day. Proud and ambitious, he had always sought to climb higher, to make his achievements known to all. Yet now, he was being pointed at and mocked by those he once regarded as "lowly commoners," a torment that must have been unbearable.
More people hurled rotten vegetables and eggs at Shen Yuan, the filth and stench covering his body. It was undoubtedly the work of the Sun family. Kneeling on the execution platform, Shen Yuan was flanked by the executioner. Normally, at this time, a condemned prisoner’s family would come to bid them farewell, offering a final meal and drink before their journey to the afterlife. But today, not a single member of the Shen family appeared.
Shen Xin was out of the question—relations with the rest of the Shen family were already beyond repair. Shen Gui, ever the opportunist, avoided trouble, while Ren Wanyun had lost her mind. Old Madam Shen was too frail to move, and even if she had been able, she likely wouldn’t have come. What was strange was the absence of the third branch of the family, known for their performative righteousness. They must have weighed the choice between maintaining their facade and offending the Sun family before making their decision.
The Shen family’s absence spoke volumes to onlookers, leaving them with nothing but sighs.
Shen Yuan raised his head. The blazing sun bathed the Fixed Capital in light. Though the New Year had just passed and winter’s chill lingered, the golden rays were as piercing as summer’s glare. The hour of noon arrived. The executioner spat out a mouthful of wine, raised the executioner’s broadsword, and brought it down with a decisive swing!
The blade fell!
Gasps erupted from the crowd. Women covered their eyes in fright as the severed head rolled off the platform and into the throng. Blood only began to spill moments later. On the ground, Shen Yuan’s eyes remained wide open, a faint trace of confusion lingering, as though the head, now separated from its body, might still utter something in the next moment.
Someone in the crowd quietly turned and disappeared into the masses.
Meanwhile, the Shen Mansion was enveloped in silence.
Ignoring the matter didn’t mean it hadn’t happened. Shen Yuan’s death had dealt a heavy blow to the Shen family. The family’s descendants were not particularly numerous, and Shen Yuan had been one of their brightest. To lose such a promising figure—one who might have upheld the Shen family’s legacy—in such an ignoble manner under the executioner’s blade was undoubtedly painful for the family.
Shen Wan sat in his room as a servant hurried in and reported, "The execution is over. The people at the site have arranged for Second Young Master’s body to be returned."
The Sun family’s agreement to return Shen Yuan’s remains to the Shen family was already a significant concession. Though the Shen family hadn’t openly clashed with Sun Tianzheng and had complied with his demands regarding Shen Yuan’s punishment, everyone knew that the two families were now enemies—the only question was how deep the enmity would run.
"Once the body is retrieved, there will be no wake. Bury him as quickly as possible within the next few days," Shen Wan sighed, his thoughts heavy.
"Are you still troubled by this matter, my lord?" Chen Ruoqiu approached gently. "There was nothing we could do for Yuan’er. After all, the Sun family is no ordinary household.""I just feel..." Shen Wan shook his head. "Something isn't right. Haven't you noticed?" he continued. "Recently, it seems the Shen family has been plagued by misfortune, with one incident after another."
"Could it be something... unclean?" Chen Ruoqiu was startled by her own thought.
Shen Wan froze. "What nonsense are you talking about?"
Chen Ruoqiu quickly apologized, "Forgive my thoughtless words, husband." She felt a pang of regret. Shen Wan detested superstitious talk, and her careless remark might have upset him. She hurried to agree with his earlier point: "You're right, though it seems all the misfortunes have befallen Second Brother's family—first Qingjie, then Second Sister-in-law, and now Yuange..." The more she spoke, the more uneasy she felt. Though she had once looked down upon and envied Ren Wanyun, after Ren Wanyun's madness, there seemed to be no one left in the mansion who stood on her side. Luo Xueyan? Shen Xin and Shen Wan weren't even born of the same mother—how could they truly be united?
"Exactly," Shen Wan said. "Who knows whom Second Brother has offended in his official duties? Looking at it now, it all seems like a carefully planned scheme."
"Second Brother's position in the court inevitably makes him enemies," Chen Ruoqiu replied. "But why is everything happening this year? If you think about it, it all started after Fifth Sister woke up from her fall into the water—one incident after another..."
"You're not suggesting Fifth Sister is behind this, are you?" Shen Wan chuckled. "If Fifth Sister had such capabilities, the world would be in chaos." He patted Chen Ruoqiu's hand reassuringly. "I know you've been under strain lately, but don't let your imagination run wild. A young girl like Fifth Sister couldn't possibly orchestrate such things. If anything, it would be more plausible if Eldest Brother and his wife were behind it—but they would never use such slow, torturous methods. They've always been direct..." Shen Wan added, "I'll keep an eye on this matter. Don't dwell on it. Instead, focus on Yue'er's marriage prospects. She's reaching the age for betrothal."
At the mention of Shen Yue's marriage, Chen Ruoqiu set aside her suspicions about Shen Miao. Unlike Shen Gui, Shen Wan valued his children deeply and had never resented Shen Yue for being a daughter, genuinely doting on her. Chen Ruoqiu smiled. "As you say, husband."
In the West Courtyard, Shen Miao was draping a robe over her shoulders while Jing Zhe tidied her hair. "Second Young Master's coffin has been brought back," Jing Zhe said. "I heard they plan to bury him soon, and the funeral won't even be grand."
Apart from the main branch, the Shen family had always cared about appearances—like when Old Madam Shen's birthday was celebrated with lavish banquets that the whole city knew about. Yet now, Shen Yuan, the eldest son of the second branch, was to be buried without much ceremony. While part of it was to avoid scandal, the bigger reason was likely that few in court would risk offending Sun Tianzheng for Shen Gui's sake. Even if they held a grand funeral, few would come to pay respects, making it a laughingstock instead.
"Second Master hasn't been in the mansion during the day these past few days," Gu Yu added. "Even when he returns, he stays in Wan Yiniang's courtyard. How heartless—this is his own flesh and blood, after all."Shen Miao smiled. "During the day, he's busy trying to win back the court officials who've distanced themselves from him. As for the nights, if he's not resting in Wan Yiniang's chambers, would he be sharing a bed with his second aunt?"
Originally intending to criticize Shen Gui's heartlessness, Gu Yu was instead taken aback when Shen Miao bluntly mentioned "sharing a bed." She felt awkward, unsure why Shen Miao had become increasingly bold. Though her manners and etiquette were impeccable, why did she show no shyness regarding matters between men and women? Even pretending would be better—otherwise, men might only be shocked by her boldness, deterring any potential closeness.
Unaware of Gu Yu's thoughts, Shen Miao simply asked, "What news have we gathered from the Sun family?"
"The Sun family is keeping things tightly concealed, and the servants know very little," Jing Zhe quickly replied. "We only know that the young mistress must be suffering. It's said that on the first day... the first day..." She couldn't continue.
"What happened on the first day?" Shen Miao turned to look at Jing Zhe.
Jing Zhe stammered, "It's said that on the first day, they drugged the young mistress and the horses in the stable, making them... At the time, Master Sun even had all the servants watch outside the stable."
Gu Yu nearly choked on her own saliva. "A person and a horse?"
Jing Zhe's face flushed crimson. Gu Yu pressed on, "Are the Sun family members all perverts?" The union between a person and a horse—how much agony Jing Chuchu must have endured, not just physically but the unbearable humiliation of being seen in such a state by so many servants. It must have been worse than death.
Annoyed by Gu Yu's relentless questioning, Jing Zhe hesitated. She had wanted to avoid sullying Shen Miao's ears with such filth, but when she glanced over, she saw Shen Miao's calm expression—no trace of embarrassment or shock. Instead, Shen Miao uttered something utterly jaw-dropping: "Master Sun was too lenient. He could have used a bull."
"Young... young mistress..." Jing Zhe gaped.
Shen Miao glanced at her. "What's so shocking about that?" In the imperial harem, disobedient women were often punished this way. Shen Miao herself had never resorted to it—she preferred straightforward execution to unnecessary complications. But she had once seen Mei Furen discipline a palace maid who had been intimate with a eunuch by feeding a bull aphrodisiacs and throwing the maid into its pen, torturing her to death.
Thus, Sun Tianzheng's methods didn't faze her. Little did she know how scandalous her reaction seemed to Jing Zhe and Gu Yu.
After a long pause, Jing Zhe finally found her voice. "Where is the young mistress going now?"
"To the Colorful Cloud Courtyard."
"Why go there?" Gu Yu asked in surprise. "Second Master isn't there now. Are you looking for Wan Yiniang?"
Shen Miao shook her head. "I'm looking for my second aunt."
"But Second Madam has gone mad..." Gu Yu reminded her.
"That may not be the case."
The Colorful Cloud Courtyard had undergone a complete upheaval.
In just a few short months, the entire Shen Mansion—or more accurately, the second branch of the Shen family residing in the Colorful Cloud Courtyard—had experienced earth-shaking changes.Once the most triumphant, Second Madam Ren Wanyun was now a madwoman. The dignified and intelligent eldest young miss had become a wanton woman who committed suicide in prison out of guilt and was rumored to have engaged in illicit affairs. Even the outstanding and prodigious second young master became a prisoner before the eyes of the entire city, meeting his end under the executioner's broadsword. Life was indeed like a play, but the drama unfolding in Colorful Cloud Courtyard was far too tragic.
The only consolation was that Second Madam Ren Wanyun still had her legitimate younger son, Shen Yuanbai. Though Shen Yuanbai was being raised by Old Madam Shen, if Ren Wanyun hadn't lost her mind, she could have temporarily maintained her position as the principal wife by relying on him. But it would only have been temporary—who knew if Shen Gui would take in more concubines in the future? After all, Shen Gui had always had a weakness for women, and it wasn't impossible for him to father more sons.
In stark contrast to Ren Wanyun's relentless streak of misfortune, Wan Yiniang, who had lived in obscurity for many years, seemed to have finally welcomed spring. After years of submission and keeping a low profile—even her own daughter had been hidden away for so long—she now found herself miraculously favored. Though Shen Gui was indifferent to familial bonds, he treated women well. As long as Wan Yiniang could firmly secure his affections and regain his favor, Shen Dongling's status would naturally rise as well.
"Dongling, in a few days, I'll ask the master to move you to a different courtyard," Wan Yiniang said cheerfully as she worked on her embroidery. Perhaps because Shen Yuan was already dead, Shen Yuanbai was still young, and Ren Wanyun could no longer threaten her, joy radiated from Wan Yiniang's every expression, her voice tinged with delight.
"Move to where?" Shen Dongling looked up from her book behind the screen.
"You've been sharing this cramped courtyard with me all this time. Other young misses your age have long had their own separate quarters. You should move out—this place is too small after all."
"They are legitimate daughters. I am a concubine-born daughter," Shen Dongling replied calmly.
Wan Yiniang's heart ached at her words. Shen Dongling's birth status was an unchangeable fact, one that had always weighed heavily on her. She firmly believed Shen Dongling was no less capable than Shen Qing or Shen Yue, yet for over a decade, she had no choice but to endure humiliation. Now that they had finally gained some footing, how could she bear to watch Shen Dongling continue treading so cautiously?
"There's a courtyard that belonged to the eldest young miss—it's vacant now. You wouldn't have to stay in her room, just another one in the same courtyard. The eldest young miss's courtyard has good sunlight and beautiful scenery. It's a shame to leave it empty. The master treats us well now—I'm sure he would agree to this request."
"There's no need, Yiniang," Shen Dongling refused. "This isn't the right time to stand out. We've endured for over a decade—what's the rush now? Though Father treats us well at the moment, you know his true nature better than anyone. Let's wait until things are more stable before bringing this up."
Wan Yiniang was about to press further when her personal maid, Luhua, suddenly rushed in, exclaiming, "Yiniang, the Fifth Young Miss has come to our courtyard!"
"The Fifth Young Miss?" Wan Yiniang stood up abruptly. "What does she want with me?"
Shen Dongling also turned to look at Luhua.
Luhua shook her head. "She's not here for you, Yiniang. I saw her heading toward Second Madam's resting quarters."
"The Fifth Young Miss is visiting Second Madam?!" Wan Yiniang's voice rose sharply. "What would she want with Second Madam? Second Madam has already lost her mind!""I originally wanted to eavesdrop secretly, but the Fifth Young Lady had several maids blocking tightly, keeping everyone else far outside the room where they couldn't hear or see anything." Cai Ju asked anxiously, "Madam Wan, what should we do now?"
Wan Yiniang paced restlessly around the room, muttering to herself, "What's going on? Could the Fifth Young Lady be visiting the Second Madam? But there's been longstanding animosity between them—how could the Fifth Young Lady be so kind-hearted?" She turned to Shen Dongling, "Dongling, what do you think?"
Shen Dongling lowered her gaze in thought before replying, "Since eavesdropping isn't possible, we should stay put and not attempt to pry. Fifth Sister is no simple person—if she's acting, she must have thorough preparations. No matter what methods we try, we likely won't uncover anything."
"Are we just going to let it go?" Wan Yiniang said unwillingly. "What if she and the Second Madam are conspiring about something?"
"Neither Second Madam nor Fifth Sister are the type to let bygones be bygones with a smile," Shen Dongling said calmly. "Besides, we've never opposed Fifth Sister before. Even if she's plotting against someone, it wouldn't be us." She looked at Wan Yiniang, "We just need to wait and watch the show."
Outside the Colorful Cloud Courtyard, Gu Yu, Bailu, and Shuangjiang stood guard several steps away from the room while Jing Zhe followed Shen Miao inside. The other maids in the courtyard went about their duties obediently. Since Ren Wanyun had gone mad, the servants no longer needed to flatter or curry favor with her. People naturally gravitate toward those in power, and compared to Ren Wanyun's harsh treatment of servants in the past, they much preferred the gentle and virtuous Wan Yiniang.
Thus, when Shen Miao arrived with the backing of the main branch, none of the maids dared to stop her.
However, not everyone was like this. Over the years, Ren Wanyun had her own loyal confidants—her personal maids Xiang Lan and Cai Ju. Inside the room now, Xiang Lan and Cai Ju glared fiercely at Shen Miao.
Unfazed by their hostile gazes, Shen Miao paid them no mind. Since these two refused to leave, it didn't matter if they overheard.
On the bed, a woman wrapped in blankets sat curled in the corner, her gaze vacant. Her hair, though neatly combed earlier, was now disheveled from her own tugging, and her clothes were stained with drool. Her lips moved faintly, not addressing anyone, as she stared blankly upward, muttering incomprehensibly.
"Fifth Young Lady, as you can see, our Madam is still unwell. Your disturbance will only worsen her condition," Xiang Lan said.
"I came today to tell Second Aunt something," Shen Miao smiled faintly. "I imagine she already knows—even in illness, news must still reach her. Second Brother was executed at noon today. His body now lies in a coffin, soon to be buried."
"Fifth Young Lady, Madam is ill! She cannot hear such things!" Cai Ju snapped sharply. Though Xiang Lan and Cai Ju wore stern expressions, they lacked the courage to physically remove Shen Miao. By now, they all knew Shen Miao was no pushover—much of the Second Branch's downfall had been silently orchestrated by her. Shen Miao could practically be considered the Second Branch's enemy, yet not only was she cunning herself, she also had the support of Shen Xin and his wife. With the Second Branch dwindling in numbers, no one truly dared to oppose her.Shen Miao ignored the two maids, smiling faintly at Ren Wanyun. "Second Aunt must already know that when Second Brother was executed today, not a single person from the manor went to see him off. Second Uncle, Third Uncle, Third Aunt, even Old Madam—none of them were there." She gazed at Ren Wanyun. "I imagine if Second Aunt hadn’t fallen ill, you would have surely gone to send Second Brother on his final journey. But now, alas, he walks the Yellow Springs road alone. How pitiful."
"Fifth Young Lady!" Xiang Lan couldn’t help but exclaim again.
"What are you afraid of?" Shen Miao’s lips curled slightly. "Second Aunt is ill now and can’t understand my words. Are you worried I might provoke her?"
"Of course not," Xiang Lan hastily denied.
"Then you’d best stay quiet and keep your mouth shut," Shen Miao challenged with a raised brow. "Otherwise, I have ways to ensure you’ll never serve your mistress again."
Xiang Lan and Cai Ju shuddered inwardly. The certainty in Shen Miao’s tone sent an involuntary chill down their spines.
"Second Aunt fell ill before Second Brother left, so you never got to see him one last time. I suppose Second Brother must have been heartbroken—to depart without seeing his parents. Truly tragic."
Ren Wanyun continued staring blankly at the ceiling, her expression vacant. Yet the fingers of her hand, resting by her side, curled almost imperceptibly.
"A few days ago, Wan Yiniang came to see me," Shen Miao said lightly. "She must be eager to curry favor with me. If I put in a good word for her before Old Madam in the future, the chances of Second Uncle elevating her to a full wife would increase significantly."
At this, Xiang Lan and Cai Ju paled. Everyone knew Wan Yiniang had regained favor in the Second Household. In the past, Ren Wanyun had forced Wan Yiniang into a life of endurance. If Wan Yiniang ever rose to power—even becoming a full wife—wouldn’t she exact revenge with everything she had? Already estranged from Shen Gui and disfavored by Old Madam Shen, how miserable would Ren Wanyun’s future be?
"Naturally, I wouldn’t want that," Shen Miao tilted her head thoughtfully. "Second Aunt is the rightful wife of the household, so of course I’d stand by her side. But Wan Yiniang seems unwilling to accept her position. Besides, Seventh Young Master is still under Old Madam’s care now, but once he grows older and Wan Yiniang is elevated, with Second Aunt still ill, wouldn’t Seventh Young Master end up being raised by Wan Yiniang? Tsk tsk. Could Wan Yiniang’s overtures to me be part of this calculation?"
"If you dare scheme against my Seventh Young Master, I’ll make sure you suffer a fate worse than death!" From the corner, Ren Wanyun let out a hoarse roar. Her voice, roughened for some unknown reason, was gratingly unpleasant. Those eyes, which had been fixed on the ceiling since they entered the room, were now locked onto Shen Miao, gleaming with a vicious light like that of a rabid wolf.
"Why would I scheme against Seventh Young Master?" Shen Miao smiled gently. "If Second Aunt doesn’t believe me, I can swear an oath—if I ever plot against Seventh Young Master, may I be struck by lightning and die a wretched death."
As soon as the words left her mouth, the gazes in the room turned astonished. Jing Zhe, who had remained silent until now, looked anxious. How could Shen Miao make such a severe oath? They had always held vows in the highest regard. Shen Miao had spoken so calmly that Jing Zhe hadn’t even had a chance to stop her.Ren Wanyun did not let her guard down against Shen Miao because of this. She sneered, "You went through all this trouble to come here and provoke me with these words, trying to see if I've truly gone mad. Surely it wasn't just to make this venomous oath." She continued, "Shen Miao, I couldn't defeat you—I underestimated you. If I could start over, I would have killed you before you grew to what you are now, without the slightest mercy!"
"Aunt, you do have a sense of humor," Shen Miao replied. "When have you ever shown me the slightest mercy?"
"You've driven me to this point. The misfortunes of Qing'er and Yuan'er are also tied to you. If not for Seventh Young Master, I would have perished with you," Ren Wanyun said through gritted teeth.
"I know Second Aunt wouldn't risk mutual destruction for the sake of Seventh Young Master, so I also know your illness won't last long."
"What exactly do you want?" Ren Wanyun glared at her. "What other tricks do you have up your sleeve? Just bring them out."
Shen Miao smiled warmly. "Second Aunt, why speak so coldly? I’ve come to offer you a way out."
"A way out?" Ren Wanyun laughed bitterly. "At this point, what way out do I have left?"
"Do you truly believe this is the worst it can get?" Shen Miao feigned surprise. "Second Aunt has always been clever—how could you be so blind now?"
"What are you trying to say?" Ren Wanyun's expression darkened.
"It's simple," Shen Miao said with a smile. "Right now, Wan Yiniang has Second Uncle wrapped around her finger. Have you ever considered what would happen if she bore him a son...? Where would that leave Seventh Young Master?"
Ren Wanyun stiffened.
"Who Second Uncle values more—Wan Yiniang or you—you know better than anyone. So, whether he would favor a son born to Wan Yiniang over Seventh Young Master is anyone’s guess. If one day Wan Yiniang is elevated to equal wife, the second branch would then have two legitimate heirs. But these two heirs wouldn’t be brothers by blood. Guess what?" Shen Miao lowered her voice. "Would they not turn on each other?"
Ren Wanyun’s heart pounded in terror.
"One would have Wan Yiniang’s protection, and Seventh Young Master would have yours. But tell me, Second Aunt—by then, would you still hold the same sway in the second branch as you once did?"
Every word struck a nerve. Ren Wanyun couldn’t help but retort, "That lowly woman never bore a son before—she never will!"
"Second Aunt is indeed sharp," Shen Miao sighed. "That’s precisely my point. Do you really think Second Uncle will stop at just Wan Yiniang? That there won’t be other women in the future?"
Her frank discussion of their elders’ affairs was delivered with such composure it was almost admirable. Ren Wanyun was momentarily stunned. She knew Shen Gui’s character better than anyone—how could a man like him ever be satisfied with just one woman? Even when she was the primary wife, he had brought concubines into the household one after another. If not for the Child-termination drug she had forced down those vixens’ throats, the second branch would have been overrun by now.
"You see, you can guard against one threat, but not all. Stop one Wan Yiniang, and another will take her place. There are countless women in this world who can bear children, and countless more who would gladly enter the second branch’s doors. Unless you can regain control of the inner household as before and force every woman Second Uncle takes in to drink the Child-termination drug—but does the current you still have that power? Even if you did, Wan Yiniang still managed to give birth to Third Sister back then. Who’s to say there won’t be another Wan Yiniang in the future?"
A flicker of panic crossed Ren Wanyun’s face. Shen Miao’s words stabbed at her weakest points. Her only reliance was having borne a son. If even that was stripped away, what then?
"Second Aunt, do you truly wish to watch the household you’ve worked so hard to manage, the family’s wealth, end up not in the hands of Second Brother or Seventh Young Master, but in the hands of another woman’s son? Second Brother is brilliant—everything in the second branch should rightfully be his. Yet now, outsiders have stepped in, and all your efforts will dress another’s bride. Can you bear that?"
Ren Wanyun stared at her. "What are you proposing?"
"I’m offering you a way out." Shen Miao smiled faintly and drew a small packet from her sleeve, placing it in Ren Wanyun’s hand.
"Child-termination drug—for men," she whispered.
－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－
I think Her Majesty is so wicked, she’s a perfect match for the morally questionable young marquis (:3 」∠)
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