"Get out..."
Upon hearing this, Xie Jingxing's lips curled into a smirk as he turned his head with interest toward Shen Miao. "Long time no see. Your temper has grown fiercer."
Shen Miao sat down at the table and replied coldly, "And you remain as fond as ever of barging in uninvited."
If anyone were to see Xie Jingxing in her room, it would cause no end of trouble. Yet this person seemed to take pleasure in such behavior, as if danger were ingrained in his very bones. Shen Miao had already resolved to keep her distance from Xie Jingxing—his secrets were too numerous and too deep. Now that he had come to her again of his own accord, how could she not be furious?
"Passing by, so I thought I'd drop in to see you." Xie Jingxing shrugged and shifted into a more comfortable position. Today, he wore a plain Deep Robe, its collar pristine white. Though it was the season of ice and snow, his striking features seemed to fill the room with the warmth of spring. Stroking his chin, he added, "There's also something I wanted to ask you."
"Speak." Shen Miao had no desire to exchange more words with him than necessary.
Unfazed by her attitude, Xie Jingxing continued, "Does Shen Yuan have anyone in the mansion he trusts?"
Shen Miao glanced at him in surprise. She hadn’t expected Xie Jingxing to ask about Shen Yuan. Though unsure of his intentions, she answered, "No. Shen Yuan has only been back in the capital for a short while and isn’t close to anyone in the mansion. Why do you ask?"
"Just came from a stroll around his courtyard," Xie Jingxing said lazily. "Couldn’t find what I was looking for, so I thought I’d ask."
Shen Miao lowered her gaze in thought. Could it be that Xie Jingxing had searched Shen Yuan’s place for something, failed to find it, and now suspected Shen Yuan had entrusted it to someone else—hence his inquiry?
"What exactly are you looking for?" Shen Miao asked. "Is it the same as what was in Prince Yu's Manor’s secret chamber?"
The moment these words left her lips, the room fell silent. For a brief instant, Shen Miao could feel a chilling cold emanating from Xie Jingxing. But the dangerous atmosphere lasted only a moment before Xie Jingxing smiled again. His smile was as elegant as jade, yet his peach-blossom eyes betrayed an unmistakable sharpness.
Instead of answering her question, Xie Jingxing asked, "You’ve been doing well lately, I hear. The second branch of the Shen family is nearly ruined."
"You seem remarkably well-informed about the affairs of Shen Mansion, Young Marquis. One might almost think you were part of the household," Shen Miao retorted sarcastically.
Xie Jingxing spread his hands. "What can I say? The Guards at Shen Mansion are practically decorations, and the happenings there are too interesting to ignore." He studied her. "Though I underestimated your ruthlessness."
"You’re welcome to test it yourself."
Xie Jingxing grinned at her. "I don’t have that kind of time to spare."
"Sounds like you’re very busy," Shen Miao said, staring at him. "Yet you have plenty of leisure to wander around other people’s mansions." As she spoke, a hint of anger surfaced. Xie Jingxing had a knack for effortlessly stirring up emotions in her that she rarely showed. If Jing Zhe or Gu Yu were to see her now, they would surely be shocked—Shen Miao hadn’t displayed such candid feelings in a long time. Anger and irritation belonged to the Shen Miao of the past.
Xie Jingxing remarked, "Such a fiery temper for a young lady."
"Since you’ve asked all your questions, aren’t you leaving yet?" Shen Miao snapped.Xie Jingxing stood up, patted his clothes, and indeed made to leap out through the rear window. Suddenly, as if remembering something, he turned back and gave her a strange look, asking, "I almost forgot to ask you, Shen Miao, do you admire Pei Lang?"
Shen Miao: "..."
Before she could speak, Xie Jingxing scrutinized her up and down with a critical gaze, his eyes tinged with disdain: "Probably a lost cause anyway." His figure vanished in an instant.
"That bastard..." Shen Miao nearly gritted her teeth. Just then, Jing Zhe knocked on the door outside: "Miss, the water is heating up. I’ll prepare the bath spices for you first." Upon entering, she asked curiously, "Why are you standing by the window, Miss? Be careful not to catch a chill."
Shen Miao withdrew her gaze: "It’s nothing. I just chased away a stray cat."
"A stray cat?" Jing Zhe smiled. "This season, it’s common for them to wander about. Though they do disturb one’s sleep. Tomorrow, we’ll have someone drive it away to avoid trouble."
"Arsenic would be better," Shen Miao said. "Dead cats don’t cause trouble."
"Eh?" Jing Zhe was baffled.
On the other side of the Shen Mansion, Wan Yiniang’s eyes were filled with worry and a hint of resentment as she spoke to Shen Dongling: "Who knows what the Fifth Miss said to Madam that day, but the servants from Colorful Cloud Courtyard say Madam’s condition has been improving day by day. Now she recognizes people, doesn’t throw tantrums, and can even manage tasks—even having her maids prepare congee for the Master. It seems she’s trying to regain his favor. If that day comes, we’ll be the ones suffering again." Wan Yiniang complained, "It seems the Fifth Miss really intends to help Madam, even curing her illness."
Shen Dongling was at her dressing table, combing her long hair. Letting it cascade down, the lamplight softened her pale complexion, accentuating her delicate features—large eyes and a pointed chin, making her look like a radiant little beauty. She said, "Aunt, you worry too much. Even if Fifth Sister had the greatest skills, she couldn’t perform miracles. It seems Madam was only pretending to be mad all along. Fifth Sister must have said something to make her drop the act."
"What?" Wan Yiniang was startled. "Ling’er, you’re saying Madam has been feigning madness all this time? Then all the care the Master has shown us must have been under her watch. Once she gets the chance, she’ll surely make us pay."
"Why worry, Aunt?" Shen Dongling lazily combed her hair with a silver brush. "Because of Eldest Sister and Second Brother’s affairs, Father already holds Madam in contempt. Even if she truly recovers, at most, he’ll tolerate her superficially—his heart will still despise her. Madam knows she can never regain her former status. You needn’t fret."
Wan Yiniang frowned. "If Madam knows the Master won’t forgive her, why stop pretending? What exactly did the Fifth Miss say to change her mind?"
"Madam has nothing left except Seventh Brother. Fifth Sister likely used him as leverage. Aunt, you should also strive to bear Father a son. Whether legitimate or not, once you have a son, you’ll secure your footing here. No one would dare step over you then."Wan Yiniang gave a bitter smile. How could she not want to bear a son? In the early years, she had been thoroughly suppressed by Ren Wanyun. If Shen Dongling had been born a son back then, she and her daughter might not have survived to this day. Now that Ren Wanyun had gone mad, Shen Gui had always been heartless and ungrateful. Wan Yiniang was no longer a young maiden—how could she retain Shen Gui’s affection? And how could she possibly be so fortunate as to conceive a son now?
Her thoughts in turmoil, Wan Yiniang changed the subject. “Why talk about such things? Ling’er, why don’t you guess what Fifth Young Lady is really up to? Helping the madam means opposing us.”
“Not necessarily,” Shen Dongling shook her head. “Fifth Sister is no simple person. Our standing in the second branch isn’t high to begin with, yet things are already good enough as they are. In any case, we shouldn’t get involved in these matters. Live our own lives quietly—otherwise, we might accidentally invite disaster.”
Wan Yiniang’s heart pounded with fear. Hesitantly, she asked, “So…?”
“Don’t look, don’t ask, don’t speak.” Shen Dongling gazed at her reflection in the mirror. “Let things take their course. One day, we’ll live a good life.”
In Shen Mansion, not only were people in Colorful Cloud Courtyard discussing the matter, but Ren Wanyun’s name was also brought up in Autumn Water Court.
Chen Ruoqiu, dressed in plain white undergarments, sat on the bed and said, “Second Sister-in-law’s health is gradually improving. Husband, what does Second Brother say about it?”
Shen Wan rubbed his temples. Because of Shen Yuan’s incident, their colleagues in the court had been criticizing the Shen family, and even he had been implicated. These days had not been easy for him. He shook his head. “Second Brother hasn’t mentioned it.”
“Even if Second Sister-in-law truly recovers, the second branch only has Seventh Young Master left,” Chen Ruoqiu said. “Second Brother’s temperament is… If he keeps bringing in concubines one after another in the future, I fear…” At this point, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of shared sorrow. The difference between her and Ren Wanyun was that Chen Ruoqiu could firmly hold Shen Wan’s heart. But the third branch still had no son, and now that Shen Yuan was dead, Old Madam Shen was likely eager for her two sons to expand the family line. Shen Gui was already a lost cause—he was never a devoted man to begin with. But if Shen Wan were pressured too much… Chen Ruoqiu couldn’t help but panic. How long could a man’s favor last? Yet her belly remained uncooperative.
Noticing Chen Ruoqiu’s troubled expression, Shen Wan asked, “What’s wrong? Are you unwell?”
Chen Ruoqiu forced a smile and shook her head. “I was just thinking about Eldest Brother and Eldest Sister-in-law.” After a pause, she continued, “Eldest Brother and his wife are determined to split from the family, even threatening to involve the clan elders. It seems they aren’t afraid of being labeled unfilial.”
“Mother wasn’t careful enough in this matter,” Shen Wan said. “She left herself vulnerable. If Eldest Brother is pushed too far and exposes Mother’s scheme against Qiu Shui, the entire capital would scorn us.”Chen Ruoqiu nodded: "Indeed. It's likely because of this that Elder Brother and Sister-in-law are so resolute." She continued, "We've coexisted peacefully for so many years. Why must they insist on dividing the family at this critical juncture?" She couldn't help but think of Shen Miao again. Ever since Shen Miao's temperament changed drastically, many things within the Shen Mansion had quietly shifted. In the past, Shen Xin and his wife treated the rest of the Shen family well because Shen Miao was kind to them. Now that Shen Miao has shown clear dislike and dissatisfaction, their attitude changed immediately.
Shen Wan sighed. Chen Ruoqiu asked, "Husband, is there still room for negotiation in this matter?"
Shen Wan shook his head: "If it were us, we wouldn't accept it either. Elder Brother's family are people who cannot tolerate any wrongdoing, and they value Xiao Wu the most. The Jing family and Mother conspired to scheme against Qiu'er and Xiao Wu, which has already crossed Elder Brother's bottom line. Merely dividing the family is already them showing mercy. If it were Elder Brother's temper from before, he might have overturned the entire Shen Mansion."
"But..." Chen Ruoqiu said, "Dividing the family now is not good for us."
Shen Wan looked out the window: "Now that the second branch has suffered heavy losses, Second Brother and I are both hindered in our official careers. In the past, we could still rely on Elder Brother's influence. Once the family is divided, everyone will know the Shen family is at odds. To curry favor with Elder Brother, they won't associate with us. The Shen family's path will only become more difficult."
"Not only that, but the family funds..." Chen Ruoqiu reminded him. In the past, Shen Xin bestowed countless rewards. Since he was stationed in the northwest year-round and couldn't spend the money himself, he handed it all over to the family funds. Old Madam Shen spent lavishly, and Ren Wanyun occasionally had to subsidize herself just to maintain their current lifestyle. Now that the family is dividing, even if Shen Xin doesn't claim the property left by the old general, their lives will only become increasingly difficult.
"If it were just this, it would be manageable," Shen Wan said, a trace of gloom flashing in his eyes. "After the division, with Elder Brother's military power and reputation, his branch will only prosper more, eventually overshadowing us. Comparing the two outcomes, we have no choice but to take this step."
Chen Ruoqiu was startled by his words. Having married into the Shen Mansion for so many years, she was well aware of the underlying discord within the family. While Shen Xin and his wife were often away from the mansion and unaware, she and Ren Wanyun knew the truth all too well. Within the Shen Mansion, Shen Xin and Shen Gui were not born of the same mother, so their brotherhood was never genuine. The better Shen Xin's life became, the worse it was for the other two branches. Eventually, they would inevitably reach a point of confrontation, but she hadn't expected it to come so soon.
"Husband, even if it's just for Yue'er's sake, we can't let ourselves be overshadowed," Chen Ruoqiu said, massaging his shoulders. "But how should we deal with them?"
"Elder Brother is already wary of us now, so it won't be easy to act against him," Shen Wan shook his head. "Moreover, his soldiers are no ordinary men—finding weaknesses will be even harder. We'll have to wait for the right opportunity." He added, "The most pressing matter now is to find a good match for Yue'er. Keep an eye out in the coming days."
Chen Ruoqiu tentatively suggested, "Husband, what about Prince Ding...?"
"Don't set your sights on Prince Ding just yet," Shen Wan said sharply. "After the incident with Yuan'er, everyone in the court is afraid of being associated with the Shen family, and the imperial princes must be even more cautious. Thinking of Prince Ding at this time would only displease him."Chen Ruoqiu nodded and said, "I understand. You should rest early too, my lord."
...
Early the next morning, Shen Miao had just finished breakfast when Shuangjiang rushed in breathlessly from outside. As soon as she entered, she exclaimed, "Miss! Something terrible has happened!"
"Speak slowly. What's the point of being so frantic?" Gu Yu scolded. Shuangjiang stuck out her tongue but couldn't contain herself, blurting out in a torrent of words, "A few days ago, the Jing family set off to return to Suzhou, didn't they? Today, the local authorities came to inform us that the Jing family encountered bandits on their way back to Suzhou. The entire family was slaughtered, and not a single survivor was left. Knowing that the Jing family had some connection with the old madam, the authorities came to notify us." Shuangjiang patted her chest, still shaken. "These bandits are becoming more and more brazen, daring to commit such murders in broad daylight without leaving any witnesses. If they had known this would happen, the Jing family would surely regret ever coming to Fixed Capital."
Shen Miao lowered her eyes. Whether the Jing family was truly killed by bandits depended on how one chose to interpret it. However, Shen Miao knew that Sun Tianzheng's methods were always swift and decisive, just like his actions in the imperial court. This incident had started because of Jing Chuchu, and Sun Cainan had lost his life. How could Sun Tianzheng possibly accept this? Shen Miao believed that if possible, Sun Tianzheng would have loved to wipe out the entire Shen family as well. But the Shen family was, after all, not the Jing family.
The Jing family met the same fate as in her past life—doomed by Jing Chuchu's greed. Now, Jing Chuchu was still in Sun Tianzheng's hands, and he wouldn't let her die easily. Living in utter despair might be more painful than death.
But this had nothing to do with her anymore.
Shen Miao turned to Gu Yu and asked, "Are the preparations ready?"
Gu Yu replied, "They're in the chest, but..." She hesitated. "Miss, are you really going to...?"
"Fetch them," Shen Miao interrupted.
Half an hour later, four figures emerged from the side gate of Shen Mansion's West Courtyard.
Among the three, the leader was a delicate-looking young master dressed in moon-white robes and wearing a hat, presenting quite the dashing figure—though somewhat short in stature, he had an almost doll-like cuteness. His bright eyes were exceptionally clear, the kind of beauty that would earn admiration even in a male brothel.
Following closely behind him were two attendants, though their movements were awkward and hesitant. Behind them walked a guard, who appeared much taller and sturdier compared to the other three.
"Don't be afraid," Shen Miao said. "Be bold and don't give yourselves away."
These three were none other than Shen Miao, Jing Zhe, Gu Yu, and Mo Qing.
Jing Zhe and Gu Yu were unused to wearing men's clothing and looked miserable, even a little scared. Shen Miao, however, was perfectly composed, to the point where even Mo Qing found it puzzling. He didn't know that during her time as a hostage in the Qin State, she had been forced by the royal family to dress as a boy for several months as a prank. Now, she slipped back into the role effortlessly.
Once the three boarded the carriage, with Mo Qing personally driving, Gu Yu asked Shen Miao, "Miss, are we really going to the Precious Fragrance Brothel?"
"Of course."
"But..." Gu Yu hesitated. "Couldn't we talk outside? What if someone sees you visiting a brothel...?" She trailed off, unsure what consequences a woman visiting a brothel might bring."The Fragrant Treasure Pavilion is a place of business. In business, all that matters is silver. Those who frequent pleasure houses don't care about etiquette or morals—it's inherently a place to indulge freely. Everyone's just playing their part; no one pays much attention."
Jing Zhe and Gu Yu exchanged glances, both seeing the helplessness in each other's eyes. Shen Miao had an iron will—once she made up her mind, not even nine oxen could pull her back. And she always had a slew of seemingly justifiable reasons. Now that things had come to this, they could only go along and see how it played out.
In the private chamber of the Joyful Pavilion, someone lifted the curtain and entered. Ji Yushu said, "Third Brother Xie, you're just in time. There's something I need to tell you—Prince Ding..."
"Hmm," Gao Yang suddenly interjected, pausing with his wine cup in hand and muttering to himself, "Why is it different this time?"
"What's different?" Xie Jingxing replied as he took a seat by the window, pouring himself a cup of tea and following Gao Yang's gaze.
Below the Fragrant Treasure Pavilion, a carriage had just come to a stop. Several people stepped out, led by Mo Qing. Behind him followed three youths.
"Mo Qing usually comes alone. Why so many today? Did Shen Miao order this?" Gao Yang mused, resting his chin on his hand as he observed.
"Let me see." Ji Yushu craned his neck for a better look, then had a sudden realization. "Maybe Miss Shen is rewarding her servants with silver for good work. Those who perform well get a day out at the Fragrant Treasure Pavilion. I’d love to be a servant in Miss Shen’s household."
"Get out of here." Gao Yang shoved Ji Yushu's head aside. "Why do these people look familiar?"
Before he could finish, Xie Jingxing spat out his tea with a "pfft."
"Third Brother!" Ji Yushu yelped, jumping up in a fluster as tea dripped from his face and clothes. "What was that for?"
Xie Jingxing ignored him, his gaze fixed on the figures below with unexpected interest. "She actually came herself."
"Herself?" Gao Yang caught the implication and scrutinized the scene below. When he finally recognized the figures, he nearly toppled over in shock.
The delicate young master at the front—who else could it be but Shen Miao?
Under the heavens, there really were women who disguised themselves as men to visit pleasure houses. If not for seeing it with his own eyes, Gao Yang would have thought such things only existed in operas.
Shen Miao followed Mo Qing into the Fragrant Treasure Pavilion. The hostess at the door, recognizing Mo Qing, greeted him with practiced ease. "Master Mo, will it be Liuying again today?"
Mo Qing nodded, and the woman seemed to notice the others behind him for the first time. Hesitating, she asked, "And these gentlemen...?"
"They're with me," Mo Qing replied.
The woman blinked, then seemed to grasp something, giving Mo Qing a teasing look. "Didn’t expect Master Mo to have such tastes... No matter, more people means more fun."
Jing Zhe and Gu Yu flushed instantly, and even Mo Qing looked uncomfortable. The only one entirely unruffled was Shen Miao.
The woman led them toward the Firefly Abode. Mo Qing had become such a regular at the Fragrant Treasure Pavilion that none of the women batted an eye at his presence. However, young masters as refined as Shen Miao and her companions were a rare sight—especially Shen Miao, whose delicate features drew playful glances from the women as they passed.Upon arriving at Firefly Abode, the guiding girl knocked on the door and called inside, "Liuying, Master Mo is here to see you." Then she turned to Mo Qing and the others, saying, "This servant will take her leave now."
Mo Qing pushed the door open and entered. A woman sat before the dressing mirror, her robe loosely draped over her shoulders, her long black hair cascading like a waterfall as she attended to her makeup. Hearing the commotion, she spoke without turning her head, "You're early today."
Jing Zhe and Gu Yu exchanged a strange glance at Mo Qing, who cleared his throat lightly and said, "I'm not alone."
Liuying's hand paused mid-stroke. She turned her head and, upon seeing Shen Miao and the others, was momentarily stunned before a trace of anger colored her pretty face. "What do you mean by this?" she demanded.
"I—"
Before Mo Qing could finish, Liuying sneered coldly, "If this is how you want to play, fine—but you'll have to pay double the silver!"
As soon as these words were spoken, not only Jing Zhe and Gu Yu, but even Shen Miao cast strange glances at Mo Qing.
Mo Qing felt somewhat embarrassed, unsure why Liuying, who had been treating him with much more warmth in recent days, was suddenly furious today, and that icy detachment had resurfaced.
"Miss Liuying, I am Mo Qing's master," Shen Miao spoke up to break the tension, smiling slightly. "We are not here to 'play' today."
Jing Zhe and Gu Yu wished they could cover their eyes, desperately wanting to pretend they knew nothing.
Hearing the word "master," Liuying froze for a moment, then scrutinized Shen Miao from head to toe with wary eyes. Shen Miao walked over, and Jing Zhe and Gu Yu hurriedly moved a stool from the table closer to Liuying, waiting for Shen Miao to sit down.
"Was it you who told Mo Qing to come and request me every day?" Liuying asked.
Shen Miao nodded.
Liuying propped her chin on one hand, her gaze suddenly turning coquettish. "Young master, this behavior of yours has left this humble servant utterly confused. Could it be that you’ve developed genuine feelings for me?"
Mo Qing looked up at the sky. After all, Liuying was a woman of the pleasure quarters, and when it came to playing the part of a seductress, she was a master. Jing Zhe and Gu Yu, however, wore expressions of disdain.
Shen Miao looked at her. "What do you think, Miss Liuying?"
Liuying studied Shen Miao carefully, her gaze pausing before she suddenly laughed. "Is this young lady trying to play out the script of a false romance?"
She had seen through Shen Miao’s female identity at a glance. Shen Miao wasn’t surprised. She had delicate features, and when dressed as a man, her fair skin and refined demeanor made her seem overly delicate. A closer look would naturally reveal the truth.
"I want to redeem you," Shen Miao said.
Liuying’s smile vanished.
She had been sold into the Fragrant Treasure Pavilion for quite some time, and by now, she was no longer the sought-after beauty she once was. Fewer and fewer people inquired about her, let alone offered to spend a fortune to redeem her.
"I don’t understand what the young lady means," Liuying said.
"By chance, I once obtained a handkerchief—a rare piece of double-sided embroidery. In all of Ming Qi, there are only a few dozen people who can do such work," Shen Miao said. "After much inquiry, I learned it was crafted by your hand."
"You!" Liuying clenched her hands. "How did you know it was mine?"
Shen Miao waved her hand. "How I found out isn’t important. What matters is that I own an embroidery workshop and am in need of a skilled embroiderer. Miss Liuying, would you be interested in managing it for me?"
Liuying stared at her in disbelief before bursting into laughter. "Young lady, you’re not trying to reform me, are you?"
Jing Zhe and Gu Yu were displeased by Liuying’s current demeanor, and Mo Qing also frowned slightly. Many women of the pleasure quarters longed to leave their past behind. Liuying was still young—if she shed her current life, she might yet have a bright future.
"I was sold into this place from the start," Liuying said with a flippant air. "What I learned were the arts of the bedchamber, how to please and serve men. You want me to manage an embroidery workshop and toil away? That kind of hard life isn’t for me. Aren’t you afraid I’ll run it into the ground?"
Shen Miao gazed at her and smiled. "Whether it fails or not is my concern. Whether you take the job or not is yours." She spoke lightly. "But... while this is a trivial matter for me, for you, it might be the only path to escape this place.""There are countless people and professions in this world, each with their own way of life. For me, I don't believe courtesans are inherently inferior, yet society views them as such," Shen Miao said. "Take my guard Mo, for example—she's also a servant, yet no one looks down on her. Some even envy my personal maids. Such is the way of the world; people are divided into ranks. Who wouldn't want to be among the elite? Who would willingly endure daily scorn?"
－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－
Everyone thinks the romance is progressing too slowly┭┮﹏┭┮ Actually, the romance in Disaster Consort is more delicate, while Poison Empress has greater emotional fluctuations. The Spoon in Disaster Consort has few desires—he doesn’t want to be emperor, doesn’t care much about earning money, so his approach to love is purer. The Young Marquis, on the other hand, is full of ambitions and many goals, so romance occupies only a small part of his life, making him harder to tame. Moreover, Her Ladyship and the Young Marquis are currently in a phase of being both allies and rivals, still testing each other. The Young Marquis’s efforts to gain favor will intensify after they solidify their alliance. In short, Spoon is an icy sweetheart, while the Young Marquis is a bad boy╭（╯^╰）╮
...
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