Huai Sheng pushed open the door, and as soon as they stepped inside, an overwhelming stench of alcohol assaulted them. Even with a face covering, Shen Miao couldn't help but frown slightly. Seeing her reaction, Huai Sheng seemed a little embarrassed. He quickly fetched a kerosene lamp from the other side and lit it with a fire tinder.
The flickering flame cast a dim light, revealing a middle-aged man lying on the bed. The man was gaunt, his skin sallow, and he was snoring loudly.
Huai Sheng glanced nervously at the two visitors. The woman said, "Wake him up."
Nodding, Huai Sheng approached the man and gently shook his arm, whispering, "Father, father, we have visitors."
At first, the man showed no reaction, but as Huai Sheng persisted, he grew irritated and instinctively swung a hand to strike, cursing, "What the hell are you howling about in the middle of the night?"
Huai Sheng instinctively closed his eyes, but the expected slap never came. Cautiously opening his eyes, he saw his father's terrified gaze. Following his father's line of sight, he realized the indifferent yet strikingly handsome young man had somehow appeared right in front of them, his slender fingers gripping the man's throat.
"I-Immortal!" Huai Sheng panicked, torn between fear and concern, but he mustered the courage to plead, "My father didn't mean to offend you! Please spare his life!"
Shen Miao glanced at the man, now wide awake from terror, and calmly said, "Let him go."
Only then did Xie Jingxing release his grip.
Huai Sheng was still trembling with fear.
His father knelt on the ground, shaking uncontrollably as he stared at the two figures before him. He seemed to instinctively sense the dangerous aura they exuded, especially from the deceptively beautiful man.
Shen Miao spoke, "Are you Tian Li?"
Tian Li nodded. "Yes, that's me."
Shen Miao studied him. Rumors had it that back in Liuzhou, Tian Li had been a dashing and talented scholar who won Chang Zaiqing's heart, and the two had married. But after repeated failures in the imperial exams, he grew disillusioned and drowned himself in gambling and drinking. Disgusted by such a life, Chang Zaiqing eventually left. Looking at Tian Li now, it was easy to see why she had abandoned him. There was no trace left of his former charm—only a broken, defeated man.
"Is Chang Zaiqing your wife?" Shen Miao asked.
At this, Tian Li shuddered violently and looked up at her. Though he tried to hide it, Shen Miao could see the fury and humiliation in his eyes.
"Don't worry, I'm not her friend. Speak your mind freely," Shen Miao reassured him.
Tian Li scrutinized her carefully, as if verifying the truth of her words. Shen Miao met his gaze unflinchingly. After a long pause, Tian Li spat on the ground and snarled, "That shameless bitch ran off with my money! Disgraceful!"
Huai Sheng flinched, his eyes filled with sorrow.
Shen Miao turned her gaze to Huai Sheng. "Huai Sheng, go wait in the courtyard. I need to speak with your father alone."Huai Sheng glanced at Shen Miao, then at Tian Li, but ultimately said nothing. Silently, he took a blanket and left the room.
Only after Huai Sheng had gone did Shen Miao allow Tian Li to explain the whole story in detail.
It was much the same as what Shen Miao’s people had uncovered. Chang Zaiqing’s husband had originally been Tian Li. Their marriage had once been considered a happy union—Chang Zaiqing was a talented woman from Liuzhou, and Tian Li was a scholar with some literary gifts. The Tian family also owned several shops. Though not fabulously wealthy, they were comfortably well-off.
But later, the Tian family’s business was challenged, and their shops were mortgaged. The couple couldn’t bear the blow, and both passed away one after another. Tian Li was also affected, failing the imperial examinations that year, and his circumstances worsened with each passing year. By then, Chang Zaiqing was already pregnant and gave birth to Huai Sheng, which only increased their financial burdens. Poverty strained their marriage, and they quarreled endlessly. Tian Li took to drinking and gambling, while Chang Zaiqing grew resentful of their miserable life. One day, she sold the last remaining deed to their property, took the money, and fled.
Tian Li had sent people to search for her, but Chang Zaiqing had vanished without a trace. It seemed he had no knowledge of the slight connection between Chang Hu and Old General Shen, so he never guessed she had gone to Fixed Capital.
Even now, Tian Li spoke of Chang Zaiqing with venom. “That viper sold the deed that was meant to secure Huai Sheng’s future marriage. She didn’t even spare a thought for her own son—she’s nothing but a vile woman.”
Shen Miao lowered her gaze. Xie Jingxing stood with his arms crossed by the window, seemingly indifferent to Tian Li’s words. Yet, even standing there casually, his chilling presence was impossible to ignore.
Finally, Tian Li asked, “Someone said if we came here, we’d see that woman. Miss, was it you who brought us to Fixed Capital?” He could tell at a glance that these two were no ordinary people—especially the man. No commoner carried such an air of authority. And barging into someone’s home in the dead of night? Only someone with extraordinary audacity would dare.
“It was me,” Shen Miao said. “I know where Chang Zaiqing is.”
Tian Li froze. When he spoke again, his voice trembled slightly. “Where is she?”
Shen Miao frowned imperceptibly. Beneath the anger in Tian Li’s voice, there was a trace of longing. Perhaps because Chang Zaiqing had once been his wife for many years, or perhaps because she was, after all, Huai Sheng’s mother. It seemed Tian Li wasn’t as hardened against her as his words suggested.
This was not something Shen Miao wished to see.
She said, “Chang Zaiqing is now in the original residence of the Grand General of Might in Fixed Capital. She has become the concubine of the third master of the Shen Mansion, Shen Wan, and is already with child. Shen Wan dotes on her immensely, showering her with favor. It won’t be long before she gives birth to his heir. Since Shen Wan has no other children, once the baby is born, Chang Zaiqing may even be elevated to the status of his official wife. Even if not, the child will live a life of luxury and privilege.”Tian Li's expression became extremely vivid. It was a mix of anger as if he'd been cuckolded, humiliation, and unwillingness, all tangled together in a complicated mess. That tiny bit of softness in his heart had also completely dissipated after Shen Miao's words.
The child Chang Zaiqing bore could live a life of luxury and wealth, while Huai Sheng didn't even have the only land deed left for his future marriage—everything was gone. Years later, two children who came from the same womb would lead vastly different lives, as different as clouds and mud. What people fear most is comparison, and Tian Li's heart would never be reconciled to this.
Shen Miao smiled faintly: "Not only that, but Third Master Shen even divorced his lawful wife for Chang Zaiqing and took her to court. It seems he truly dotes on Chang Zaiqing. Now the former Third Madam Shen has become a rat crossing the street that everyone shouts to beat—truly pitiful."
Tian Li sneered: "This Third Master Shen is also brainless." Tian Li couldn't muster any goodwill toward Shen Wan either. The hatred of having one's wife stolen was irreconcilable, and as a poor man, he naturally harbored hostility toward the wealthy. Especially since Chang Zaiqing often expressed her longing for wealth in front of Tian Li, his resentment toward Shen Wan grew even stronger.
"To be frank, I was entrusted by Third Madam Shen," Shen Miao said. "Third Madam Shen has been cornered by Third Master Shen and Chang Zaiqing with no way out, and currently has no means to fight back. She's prepared to go down fighting—to make Third Master Shen and Chang Zaiqing suffer—and thus she found you."
"Me?" Tian Li looked at Shen Miao, gradually realizing something. "Your Excellency means..."
"At the appropriate time, tell Third Master Shen that Chang Zaiqing is your wife. Let Third Master Shen end this mistake as soon as possible."
Tian Li said, "I—"
Shen Miao didn't give him time to hesitate. She continued, "Do you truly wish to watch your wife grow old with another man? Do you still have lingering feelings for her and want to spare her? Has she ever considered you for even a moment? If she had any conscience left, never mind you—she would at least care about Huai Sheng. But in reality, she even took away the last bit of savings meant for Huai Sheng's future. Chang Zaiqing only cares about herself. She has never spared a thought for you or your son. To suffer such injustice and still repay kindness with kindness—Tian Li, are all the men from your Tian family disciples of the Bodhisattva, so compassionate they can't distinguish right from wrong?"
This series of cutting remarks was quite merciless. Xie Jingxing, listening nearby, curled his lips slightly and gave Shen Miao a meaningful glance. Tian Li's face flushed red with anger, yet he didn't dare—nor could he—refute Shen Miao's words.
"Most importantly, why should Huai Sheng live in such hardship while Chang Zaiqing and Shen Wan's son gets to live freely? If one day Huai Sheng meets this half-brother of his, the younger brother would be a man of status while Huai Sheng could only serve him like a lowly servant. And if Chang Zaiqing only acknowledged the younger brother and not him, how would Huai Sheng feel? Tian Li, think carefully—are you really willing to accept this?"Shen Miao's words always carried a faint allure, making people unconsciously follow her train of thought. And what she said clearly touched upon Tian Li's greatest concern. No matter how flawed Tian Li was, no matter how rough he was even with Huai Sheng, he still had a shred more conscience than Chang Zaiqing. Otherwise, despite being a gambler, he wouldn't have kept that last piece of land deed for Huai Sheng's future marriage.
Huai Sheng said, "Noble lady, I know... I'm unwilling, but she is still my mother after all. I just want to bring her back. If she were beaten to death, Huai Sheng would be heartbroken."
"Just don't let Huai Sheng know about this matter," Shen Miao said. "After it's done, Third Madam Shen will pay you and your son a large sum of silver. This amount will be far greater than that land deed. With this money, you can leave and start anew somewhere no one knows you. Without Chang Zaiqing, Huai Sheng still has you as his father. If you treat him well, his life might not be worse than it is now. There are two things in this world that cannot be retrieved—spilled water and departed people. Chang Zaiqing voluntarily left your lives. Now she lives in luxury, doing extremely well. How could you possibly bring her back? With your sincerity? Or with Huai Sheng's mother-son bond with her? Do you really think that's possible?"
Tian Li closed his eyes in pain.
Shen Miao was right. Chang Zaiqing was living so well now—there was absolutely no reason for her to return to that miserable past. If she had truly cared about him or her maternal bond with Huai Sheng, she wouldn't have sold the land deed and fled.
The veiled woman before him continued calmly, "Heaven destroys those who don't look out for themselves. She was heartless first—why should you cling to righteousness? Right now, you have an opportunity to change your life. Miss it once, and there won't be a second chance. Whether you step over Chang Zaiqing's life to move forward or not, you wouldn't be in the wrong. Because this is what Chang Zaiqing owes you and your son. Will you do it?"
As Shen Miao spoke, countless images flashed through Tian Li's mind—Chang Zaiqing's disdainful, disgusted gaze, the neighbors' gossip after she fled, Huai Sheng always sitting alone in a corner lost in thought, and the tattered clothes they could never escape... If one day he could change his fate, if he could give Huai Sheng a good life like those wealthy families... Tian Li suddenly raised his head, as if making a firm decision. "I'll do it! I'll follow your orders. But you must give me enough silver so my son and I can leave this place and live comfortably."
Shen Miao arched an eyebrow. Rumors weren't always reliable—they painted Tian Li as some shameless ruffian, yet today he proved surprisingly straightforward. He wasn't as difficult as expected. Perhaps because of Huai Sheng, this man, though incompetent and ill-tempered, still had a sliver of conscience left.
"The silver will be yours." The voice came from Xie Jingxing, who leaned lazily against the door in the shadows. "Don't get any other ideas. Otherwise—"Tian Li trembled violently and quickly lowered his head, speaking fearfully, "This lowly one wouldn’t dare." For some reason, facing this man always filled him with an indescribable terror. Even though it was the masked woman who had been speaking from the start, the presence of the man in purple robes permeated every corner of the cramped room.
Shen Miao glanced at Xie Jingxing. He was quite useful—if one wanted to intimidate someone, there was no need for harsh words. Simply having Xie Jingxing stand there would make the other party wilt on their own.
By the time Xie Jingxing and Shen Miao left the house, Huai Sheng approached them. Looking at Shen Miao, he timidly asked, "Can you find my mother?"
Shen Miao gazed at Huai Sheng, her expression softening slightly before she said, "Go to bed early." Then she walked ahead without another word.
Her steps were noticeably hurried. Xie Jingxing caught up with her, and once they left the alley in the eastern part of the city, they reached the streets outside. Noticing Shen Miao’s expression, Xie Jingxing remarked, "You feel guilty toward that child?"
"Even if I do, I must continue," Shen Miao replied. "I’m a selfish person too."
"You’re not wrong," Xie Jingxing said carelessly. "You’re not a disciple of the Bodhisattva, after all."
He was using Shen Miao’s earlier words to Tian Li against her, clearly intending to offer some comfort. Shen Miao glanced at him and said, "But you are."
Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow. "How so?"
"Accompanying me on this late-night trip, helping me threaten Tian Li to eliminate future troubles—aren’t you a disciple of the Bodhisattva? Otherwise, why would you be so kind?"
Xie Jingxing chuckled lightly. "You don’t seem the least bit grateful."
Shen Miao slowly curved her lips into a smile. Without realizing it, the dynamic between her and Xie Jingxing had gradually changed. There was no need for confrontation, as the other was equally intelligent, making their interactions more straightforward. It felt as though many things were easier when not done alone. Like now, walking side by side on the deserted snowy streets at night, as if they were simply taking a stroll. She still carried the essence of Empress Shen within her, yet there was something new—something she hadn’t possessed before.
"Do you need my help with Chang Zaiqing’s matter?" Xie Jingxing asked lazily. "If you beg me, I might consider it."
"No need to trouble Prince Rui with that," Shen Miao replied with a smile. "Let’s avoid unnecessary complications."
"You have another clever plan?" Xie Jingxing glanced at her, his tone teasing. "Sometimes I wonder when the world will present a problem even you can’t solve. Maybe then you’ll beg me."
"Such a thing probably doesn’t exist," Shen Miao answered.
"What a pity," Xie Jingxing said, feigning regret.
Shen Miao laughed.
Fixed Capital saw new events every day, and each new happening quickly overshadowed the last. For instance, the lawsuit between the Shen family and the Chen family had been nothing more than a joke to the public—something to laugh at before promptly forgetting. Within Shen Mansion, life went on as usual for the servants, with one exception: Autumn Water Court now had a new mistress, one who had won Shen Wan’s favor almost as much as the Third Madam Shen had when she first entered the household.Compared to Chen Ruoqiu, Chang Zaiqing was far more adept at managing relationships with those around her. Lacking Chen Ruoqiu’s air of self-righteous aloofness, she was bright, elegant, and made others feel at ease in her presence. Not only did Shen Wan adore her, but even Shen Gui and Old Madam Shen found her truly commendable, further solidifying their belief that Shen Wan’s decision to divorce Chen Ruoqiu had been wise.
Shen Wan treated Chang Zaiqing well, and Old Madam Shen even went so far as to invite a renowned monk to divine the gender of the child in Chang Zaiqing’s womb. The monk assured them it would undoubtedly be a boy, erasing the last trace of Old Madam Shen’s reservations about Chang Zaiqing’s background. The pressing matter for Shen Mansion now was to swiftly produce a male heir; otherwise, outsiders might mock them for having no descendants to carry on the family line.
Shen Wan was in high spirits every day. Chang Zaiqing not only offered him strategic advice but also managed household affairs with remarkable efficiency, as if she were born to the role. This left him free to enjoy his leisure. Such a capable partner—one who could compose poetry, write calligraphy, and oversee the family business—was undoubtedly every man’s dream.
One day, Chang Zaiqing and Shen Wan were chatting in the courtyard again. Bundled in a thick fur coat with a brazier at her feet and a Warm Stove in her hands, Chang Zaiqing was meticulously attended to by maidservants under Shen Wan’s orders to ensure she wouldn’t catch a chill.
“My lord seems rather idle today,” Chang Zaiqing remarked.
Shen Wan took her hand in his and smiled. “Not just today. Court affairs have been quiet lately, so I can spend more time with you and our child.”
“How wonderful,” Chang Zaiqing replied with a smile. “The child will have more chances to bond with his father.”
Pleased by her words, Shen Wan pulled her into an embrace and sighed. “All I wish for now is for you to give birth safely. Only then will my efforts feel worthwhile.”
Chang Zaiqing, perceptive as ever, noticed the lingering tension in Shen Wan’s brow and asked, “My lord, are you still troubled by the matter concerning Fifth Miss Shen from the other day?”
Whether it was arranging Shen Miao’s marriage to Prince Zhou or fostering a scandal between them, neither had yielded even a whisper of progress. Though Chang Zaiqing didn’t know why Shen Wan was so insistent on this, she understood it must be tied to his political ambitions.
Shen Wan shook his head with a bitter smile. “Lately, General Shen has been keeping Shen Miao under tight watch. She hasn’t left the mansion at all, leaving no opportunity to act. It’s like trying to crack an iron barrel—impossible to breach.” His expression darkened. “This can’t go on.”
Chang Zaiqing’s eyes gleamed with an idea. “Why make it so difficult? If Fifth Miss Shen won’t leave the mansion, then we must make her leave willingly. Truthfully, if she steps out, General Shen will surely assign her a retinue of guards. Given his military background, his men are all highly skilled. Forcing the issue might not succeed. Instead, it would be far easier if Fifth Miss Shen left on her own—secretly, without General Shen’s knowledge.”
Shen Wan’s gaze flickered thoughtfully, but after a moment, he shook his head again. “Shen Miao has no secrets to exploit. Luring her out won’t be easy.” Even Shen Miao’s close friend, Feng Anning, had been staying quietly at the Feng residence lately. Using Feng Anning’s name to summon Shen Miao would only raise her suspicions."A young girl, no matter how composed she usually is, will always be timid at heart and have lingering fears," Chang Zaiqing said with a gentle smile. "Master might consider taking an unconventional approach—perhaps using Fifth Miss Shen's parents or elder brother as leverage, claiming they're in danger or something similar. When one's heart is flustered, judgment falters. No matter how calm Fifth Miss Shen normally appears, when it concerns her own flesh and blood, she's bound to panic. Master could seize this opportunity."
Upon hearing this, Shen Wan first pondered carefully, then tightly grasped Chang Zaiqing's hand and said, "Though there are still some flaws, this is indeed a good strategy. With further refinement, it might truly prove useful." He looked at Chang Zaiqing with unconcealed admiration in his eyes and added excitedly, "You always manage to surprise me."
Chang Zaiqing lowered her head slightly and smiled. "Master flatters me too much. Now that I've pledged myself to you, I'll naturally devote all my efforts to your cause. Though this method may not be entirely honorable, I understand that in the court, even father and son stand apart. I will always prioritize Master's interests."
In truth, scheming against Shen Miao was indeed a ruthless tactic. Although Shen Wan currently admired Chang Zaiqing for devising such a clever plan, he might later recall it and inevitably feel that Chang Zaiqing was too cruel. However, Chang Zaiqing preemptively addressed this herself. First, she justified it with the reasoning that "in court, there are no fathers or sons," and then she emphasized that she always put Shen Wan first. Far from making Shen Wan think poorly of her, this only deepened his admiration. He found her broad-minded and rare in her single-minded devotion to him, truly an extraordinary woman.
Thus, Shen Wan gazed at Chang Zaiqing with deep affection and said, "With such a beauty by my side, what more could I ask for?"
Chang Zaiqing replied meekly, "Meeting you, Master, is my greatest fortune. I dare not forget the kindness you've shown me." The more she humbled herself, the more Shen Wan doted on her, failing to notice the fleeting look of triumph in Chang Zaiqing's eyes.
In Chang Zaiqing's view, men and emotions were nothing more than fleeting clouds. Only those who had truly experienced poverty understood the value of wealth. She intended to cling tightly to Shen Wan—not because of the man himself, but because of the comfortable life he could provide. Unlike Chen Ruoqiu, who genuinely loved Shen Wan and thus could lose her rationality over his actions, Chang Zaiqing coveted the wealth of Shen Mansion and the status of an official's wife. This clarity of purpose kept her sharp and calculating.
Men like Shen Wan—even someone as clever and refined as Chen Ruoqiu—couldn't escape their current fate. Chang Zaiqing knew that poetry, romance, and idle pleasures alone weren't enough to hold such a man's heart. She had to demonstrate her usefulness, making Shen Wan feel that she was indispensable, ensuring he would never abandon her.
And she succeeded brilliantly.
Shen Wan stayed with Chang Zaiqing for a while longer before rising to leave. He had official duties to attend to and gave careful instructions to her attendants before departing with his own servants.
Upon returning to his study, his personal attendant approached slowly, holding a letter. "Master, the gatekeeper said someone delivered this letter addressed specifically to you, but they didn't know who sent it."
Shen Wan took the letter. The envelope was blank, clearly meant to avoid revealing the sender. As an official, he occasionally received confidential correspondence, so he wasted no time in opening it.
The first line of the letter froze him in place.
It read: "Does Third Master Shen know that his beloved concubine is a used shoe?"
Shen Wan nearly staggered. Steadying himself against the desk, he took a moment to compose himself before quickly scanning the rest of the letter.
The contents were brief but explosive. It claimed that Chang Zaiqing had previously been married in Liuzhou and even had a son. Now, as Shen Wan's favored concubine, the most damning detail was that she had never formally divorced her first husband. If pressed, Shen Wan could even be accused of stealing another man's wife—a crime punishable by law.Shen Wan initially didn't believe it and looked at the letter with disdain, even wondering if it might be evidence of Chen Ruoqiu's Challenge. But when he reached the last line, his body trembled, and he froze abruptly.
Chang Zaiqing had a tiny red mole in a private place.
This was an indisputable fact.
－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－
"Sometimes I wonder when there will be a problem you can't solve, and perhaps you'll come to me for help."
"Such a thing probably doesn't exist." Coolly setting up a huge flag for oneself... (〒〒) Wind and rain...
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