"This..." Ren Wanyun hesitated slightly. If she were to stay with Shen Miao, any mishap that befell Shen Miao would make it difficult for her to avoid blame. Before she could think of a better solution, Shen Miao continued, "If Aunt is unwilling, either Eldest Sister or Second Sister could share a room with me."
Shen Yue's eyes flickered, but she remained silent. Although Shen Qing didn't fully understand her mother's plans, she vaguely sensed that this trip was targeting Shen Miao. Coupled with her current loathing for Shen Miao, she couldn't even feign friendliness and coldly said, "I'm used to sleeping alone."
"In that case..." Shen Miao mused lightly.
"Then I'll accompany Fifth Sister to the North Pavilion," Ren Wanyun interjected before Shen Miao could finish. Afraid that Shen Miao might change her mind again, she thought it would be better to stay together but farther away—at least then she couldn't be blamed. With Shen Xin far away and unable to intervene, the truth would be whatever she said it was.
Shen Miao smiled faintly. "Then I must thank Second Aunt for your company."
Her words were polite, but Ren Wanyun couldn't suppress a twitch of her brow before quickly forcing a warm smile. "We're family, after all."
With the lodging settled, the next step was packing. Since Shen Qing and Shen Yue claimed to be tired, they opted not to dine together for the vegetarian meal, having servants bring it to their rooms instead. Upon arriving at the North Pavilion, before Ren Wanyun could speak, Shen Miao said, "I also feel quite exhausted, so I won't join Second Aunt for the meal. I'll retire to my room first."
Ren Wanyun was taken aback but quickly smiled. "As you wish. If you're tired, rest early."
Shen Miao nodded in acknowledgment.
When the young monk guiding them led Shen Miao and her two maids to the room, even Shen Miao couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
Indeed, in the otherwise austere and quiet Crouching Dragon Temple, this room stood out for its elegance. It bordered a small grove of trees, creating a secluded atmosphere. Though the furnishings were simple, every detail exuded refinement, instantly lifting one's spirits.
"The scenery here is truly beautiful," Gu Yu remarked in surprise.
"Respected guest, this room is reserved for distinguished visitors. The lady of your mansion instructed that the finest quarters be prepared for you," the young monk said with a bow.
"Please convey my gratitude to Second Aunt for her kindness," Shen Miao replied calmly, her gaze sweeping the surroundings. This was the innermost room of the North Pavilion—meaning that despite the serene scenery, it was practically isolated. If someone were to cry for help, it would be futile.
They had even sealed off her escape routes. As for the room's exquisite decor, it was likely only to facilitate "that person's" enjoyment.
"What kind of incense is this?" Jing Zhe picked up a few sticks from the small table and sniffed them. "It resembles orchids but is even more fragrant." Her eyes fell on the orchid-shaped incense burner. "This burner is quite unique."
Gu Yu noticed it too and smiled. "It seems the temple inquired in advance. Young Miss always lights scented incense before bed. When you're tired tonight, light it before sleeping—it'll help you rest peacefully."
"Now I think the Crouching Dragon Temple isn't so bad after all," Jing Zhe joked playfully. "No wonder Second Madam insisted on coming here to pray, even though it's deep in the mountains."
Shen Miao frowned slightly and walked over to the small table, taking the incense from Jing Zhe's hand and sniffing it. Her frown deepened.
The two maids hesitated. "Young Miss, is there something wrong with the incense?"
Where there was abnormality, there was deceit. From the moment Shen Miao entered the temple, she hadn't let her guard down for a second. The more perfect things seemed, the more she sensed the danger lurking beneath. It was true that she had a habit of burning incense before bed, and young ladies generally adored delicate trinkets. The adorable orchid-shaped burner was precisely the kind of thing that would tempt any girl to light incense to complement the serene, refined atmosphere.
But for her, it was different. The women who survived the imperial harem employed every possible means to climb higher. Having spent years as the empress in her past life, Shen Miao was no stranger to such schemes. She had seen plenty of underhanded tricks—especially the use of aphrodisiac-laced incense, a tactic concubines had long since exhausted.
If she were an ordinary sheltered young lady, she would never have heard of such things.
"It's nothing good," she said, letting the incense fall back onto the table.
Gu Yu and Jing Zhe exchanged startled glances. After a moment, Jing Zhe asked, "Should I throw it away?"
"No need." Shen Miao's gaze lingered on the table. Ren Wanyun and that person had gone to such lengths to prepare this "gift"—it would be a shame to waste their efforts. A cold smile curled at her lips. "Keep it. It'll come in handy."
...
In another room not far from Shen Miao's, Ren Wanyun sat on the couch, facing a hunched old woman—none other than Granny Gui.
"You know what's happening tonight. If it succeeds, you'll be rewarded handsomely. If it fails..." Ren Wanyun snorted. "You know the consequences without me spelling them out."
Her tone bore no resemblance to her usual amiable demeanor, her chilling gaze sending shivers down the spine.
Granny Gui simpered, "Rest assured, Madam. This old servant will handle everything flawlessly. Tonight will proceed without a hitch."
Ren Wanyun's expression softened slightly. "Naturally, I trust you. After all, you're the closest to Fifth Sister. What we're doing is for the sake of the Shen family. When Fifth Sister matures and understands the stakes, she'll realize you acted in her best interests. She won't mistreat you."
Granny Gui nodded obediently, though inwardly she sneered. Once Shen Miao learned of this, she'd loathe her to the core—how could she possibly see it as "for her own good"? The thought of what was to happen tonight made Granny Gui's heart race. She hadn't expected the ever-smiling matriarch of the Shen family to devise such a vicious scheme. After all, for any unmarried young woman, this would be a fate worse than death.
Just then, she saw Ren Wanyun shoot Cai Ju a meaningful glance. Cai Ju stepped forward with a smile, handing a pouch to Granny Gui. "We'll be counting on Granny Gui's assistance tonight."
Granny Gui discreetly weighed the pouch in her hand—it was far from light. Her face immediately brightened. "This old servant guarantees Madam's satisfaction."
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Granny Gui took her leave.
"Will Madam truly stay here tonight?" Xiang Lan asked. "This room is quite close to Fifth Young Miss's..."
"It's fine," Ren Wanyun waved dismissively. "By tomorrow morning, whatever I say will be the truth. Who knows if she'll even still exist by the time Elder Brother returns? There's nothing to fear." Her smile turned vicious. "Elder Brother, Sister-in-law... you brought this upon yourselves for standing in my Qing'er's way."
Countdown to Release: Three Days Left!
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