The eastern courtyard of the General's Mansion was naturally bustling with activity. Guests came and went, offering birthday wishes and gifts. Even before the banquet officially began, the atmosphere was already one of joyous harmony.
Old Madam Shen had always put on a show of extravagance in front of outsiders. Whenever young ladies came forward to offer birthday wishes, she would casually present them with expensive gifts. Seeing this, the smiles on the faces of the noblewomen grew more genuine, but Ren Wanyun secretly gritted her teeth.
Ren Wanyun managed the household funds and was responsible for the affairs of the three branches of the family. The more the old madam squandered, the less she could embezzle for herself. Moreover, Shen Gui often needed funds for official dealings. With the old madam's extravagance, their finances would likely be stretched thin in the coming days.
While one side was lively, the other was not. The ancestral hall in the southwest corner of the Shen Mansion was desolate and quiet. Yet, outside the courtyard gate stood several guards. An ancestral hall naturally didn’t require such a heavy guard. The reason for this was simple: these men were tasked with ensuring Shen Miao didn’t escape.
The ancestral hall was located in a cold, shadowy place, untouched by sunlight year-round. In winter, stepping inside felt like being pierced by icy winds. The scent of incense ash permeated the air, and the faint smoke rising from the incense burners lent an ethereal quality to the cold ancestral tablets.
"Miss," Gu Yu rubbed her hands together, "today is Old Madam’s birthday, yet they deliberately locked you here. This is truly bullying!"
Not only had Shen Miao not been invited to the celebration, but no one had even come to check on her. It was as if she were being treated like a servant who had committed some grave offense.
"No need to rush," Shen Miao stood by the window, gazing at the leafless trees outside. The bare branches looked particularly bleak in winter.
"How can you not be anxious, Miss?" Gu Yu, unable to hold back any longer after days of frustration, burst out, "They’ve locked you here to force you into marriage! By the time Master and Madam return, you’ll already be married into the Huang family. Even if they try to protect you then, your life will already be ruined!"
Jing Zhe had been quietly tending to the charcoal brazier in the corner—the only source of warmth in the freezing hall. A small cot had been set up in the inner room. Shen Miao shook her head. "Take the quilts from this room and air them outside for an hour."
"Miss!" Gu Yu stomped her foot, frustrated by Shen Miao’s seemingly indifferent attitude. But under Shen Miao’s calm gaze, she swallowed her anger and did as she was told, carrying the quilts outside to air them.
"Today is a rare fine day," Shen Miao murmured, watching the sunlight outside. Though it couldn’t reach the ancestral hall, it bathed the courtyard. She couldn’t leave the hall’s grounds, but she had no intention of stepping outside either.
"Miss," Jing Zhe finally stopped fiddling with the charcoal and spoke up, "are you certain Master and Madam will return today?"
Shen Miao had told Jing Zhe not to worry, as Shen Xin and his wife would return to the capital on Old Madam Shen’s birthday. This claim seemed absurd—there had been no messengers announcing their return, and the New Year was still some time away. How could Shen Miao, locked in the ancestral hall day after day, have obtained such information? Yet, Jing Zhe found herself unable to question it. There was something different about her mistress now—an air of authority that made her words unquestionable.
Shen Miao said, "Later, find a way to distract the guards outside. Get them to move further away from the courtyard. They won’t leave entirely, but distance will help."
"I understand," Jing Zhe replied. Though she didn’t know why Shen Miao wanted this, she had spent these days with her in the ancestral hall and noticed her mistress wasn’t panicked in the slightest. When someone remained calm in a dire situation, it was either because they were foolishly unaware or because they already had a plan. Jing Zhe didn’t believe Shen Miao was foolish. So, despite sharing Gu Yu’s worries, she trusted Shen Miao unconditionally to handle the situation.
Shen Miao noticed her gaze and sighed inwardly.
Among her four maids, Gu Yu was the cleverest, Bailu the steadiest, Shuangjiang the most loyal, and Jing Zhe—the boldest.
In her past life, to help Fu Xiuyi win over a powerful minister, Jing Zhe had used her beauty to become his concubine. Though the minister was infatuated with her, Jing Zhe was cunning. Even after being beaten to death by the minister’s wife, she had managed to send out evidence of his corruption, ensuring Fu Xiuyi’s success.
For a maid to have such courage—Jing Zhe was no ordinary girl. That was why, in this matter, Gu Yu, Bailu, and Shuangjiang weren’t suitable. Only Jing Zhe could be of some help. But if Jing Zhe learned what Shen Miao truly intended to do, would she still assist? Shen Miao couldn’t be sure.
After all, what she planned to do was utterly shocking.
"Actually," Jing Zhe hesitated before speaking softly, "if Miss wishes, we could ask Mo Qing to find a way to sneak you out."
Mo Qing’s martial skills surpassed those of the mansion’s guards. Though one couldn’t fight against many, it wasn’t impossible for him to find an opening and escape with Shen Miao.
"And then what?" Shen Miao countered. "Where in this vast world could I go to find peace? The four of you have your contracts in the old madam’s hands. If I leave, what happens to you?"
Jing Zhe immediately knelt. "This servant knows Miss stays here for our sake. But if you suffer because of us, this servant would deserve death ten thousand times over. When Master and Madam chose us to serve you, it was so we could care for you—not for you to care for us in return!"
A flicker of emotion passed through Shen Miao’s eyes. Shen Xin had indeed chosen well. In her past life, even in her darkest moments, these four maids had never betrayed her. But people weren’t objects. The world operated on simple principles—repay kindness with kindness, vengeance with vengeance. To win loyalty, one couldn’t abandon even the servants at their side.
"Don’t worry," Shen Miao said. "None of us will come to harm. Today is Old Madam’s birthday. I heard Second Sister painted a Guanyin scroll for her. Since they’ve forgotten me here, I can’t just sit back and do nothing." She smiled faintly. "I, too, have a grand gift for the old madam. I wonder if she has the fortune to receive it."
...
Dozens of miles outside the capital, horses drank from a frozen stream. The withered grassland looked bleak and barren as soldiers rested briefly.
Seated apart from the others was a middle-aged man with weather-beaten, bronze skin—evidence of years spent on the battlefield. His powerful frame resembled a small mountain, and his thick brows and beard gave him an air of rugged heroism.
Beside him, a woman stroked the head of a horse nibbling at grass roots. She was also middle-aged, dressed in a short blue jacket and embroidered riding pants, her hair tied in a simple bun. Her striking eyes and spirited demeanor were captivating, and the silver bangles on her wrists jingled as she moved.
"Wife, we’ll reach the capital in about an hour," the man said cheerfully. "After being stuck in the northwest for so long, even the air here smells sweet."
"What’s wrong with the northwest?" the woman retorted sharply. "I grew up in that bitter cold. If you like sweet things so much, why did you marry me?"
The man quickly backpedaled. "You’re right, wife. This capital is too sweet for rough men like us. The northwest is better—in winter, we can still hunt in the mountains, chase silver foxes, and make robes for you."
The woman finally smirked. "Smooth talker!"
These two were none other than Grand General of Might Shen Xin and his wife, Luo Xueyan. They had rushed back to celebrate Old Madam Shen’s birthday, having secured the enemy’s surrender earlier than expected. Their early return was meant to be a pleasant surprise for the capital.
"We’ve never attended Mother’s birthday before," Luo Xueyan mused. "In past years, we’d return for the New Year and give her the Emperor’s rewards as gifts. This time, we’re in such a hurry—I wonder if that Fire Rat Fur Cloak will please her."
"Why wouldn’t it?" Shen Xin protested. "That’s a treasure! Even on the battlefield, it’s invaluable—impenetrable to blades and arrows. I spent seven days and nights hunting that fire rat. If not for your insistence on giving it to Mother, I’d have..." His voice trailed off. The words bordered on disrespect, but the heart wasn’t a scale—it naturally tilted toward those closest. Though Old Madam Shen had treated him well, she wasn’t his birth mother. Blood ties couldn’t be faked, and Shen Xin naturally favored his wife. Moreover, Luo Xueyan had fought alongside him for years. The Fire Rat Fur Cloak would have served her far better than the old madam. If not for Luo Xueyan’s insistence, Shen Xin would have given it to her first.
"You don’t understand," Luo Xueyan glared. "You’ve missed Mother’s birthday every year. Even if we give her the Emperor’s rewards afterward, who truly notices? Last time we returned, I heard rumors in the capital accusing you of neglecting your stepmother. I’m doing this for you. If you don’t care about your reputation, our Jiaojiao shouldn’t have to bear the stigma of an unfilial father."
Shen Xin fell silent. Though the capital lacked the harsh conditions and enemy ambushes of the northwest, it was no peaceful haven. With him and his wife absent, slanderous rumors ran rampant—infuriating.
Luo Xueyan continued, "You know I don’t understand the twists and turns of inner household politics. The Luo family has fewer rules. I can only use the simplest method—the Fire Rat Fur Cloak is precious. If it pleases Mother, others will see, and the rumors will die on their own."
After a long pause, Shen Xin sighed. "You’re more thoughtful than I am."
"I’m not doing this for you—it’s for Jiaojiao." Luo Xueyan snorted, then her expression darkened. "We’ve spent years away from the capital. Though the northwest is too dangerous for a child, leaving Jiaojiao behind... We’ve failed her by not being there to raise and accompany her."
Shen Xin’s head drooped, pain flashing in his eyes.
No parent was heartless, and none lacked love for their children. But he and Luo Xueyan were destined for the battlefield, while Shen Miao could not follow. In war, enemies often targeted loved ones. They had no choice but to leave their daughter behind, at least ensuring her safety in the capital.
Luo Xueyan grew increasingly sorrowful. "I often wonder—is Jiaojiao truly safe in the capital? Without us, is she happy? Every New Year, she treats us coldly, but it’s our fault. So no matter what she does, we can’t blame her."
Shen Miao was distant from Shen Xin, Luo Xueyan, and even Shen Qiu—her so-called family, who had never been there for her. She was closer to Ren Wanyun, Chen Ruoqiu, and Old Madam Shen, who had raised her. To her, they were her true "family." Yet Shen Xin and his wife doted on their daughter unconditionally. No matter how notorious Shen Miao’s foolishness became in the capital, they never scolded her—because they had sown this seed.
Shen Xin patted Luo Xueyan’s shoulder. "One day, Jiaojiao will understand."
"Will she?" Luo Xueyan smiled bitterly. "Sometimes, I wonder who’s truly responsible for Jiaojiao’s waywardness. The Shen Mansion—" She cut herself off, shooting Shen Xin a guilty glance.
Shen Xin understood her implication. His expression tightened momentarily before he sighed and squeezed his wife’s hand. "You’re overthinking it. Mother and our sisters-in-law have raised Jiaojiao well. If they hadn’t, she wouldn’t be so close to them."
Shen Miao’s affection for her two aunts was enviable—so much so that darker suspicions seemed inappropriate.
"I must be overthinking," Luo Xueyan conceded. As the beloved youngest daughter of the Luo family—a military household—she had grown up sheltered, surrounded by doting parents and three elder brothers. The Luo family’s straightforward, honorable ways had spared her the scheming of noble households. Had she known the truth, she might have preferred to keep Shen Miao by her side, dangers and all, rather than leave her alone in the treacherous Shen Mansion.
Just then, a voice called out, "Father! Mother!"
Shen Xin’s face darkened. "When others are around, call me—"
"General Shen!" the speaker hastily corrected.
"Don’t mind your father," Luo Xueyan rolled her eyes. "Such posturing."
The speaker was a young man in his early twenties, handsome with a wheatish complexion and dimples that lent him a boyish charm. He resembled Luo Xueyan—this was Shen Xin’s legitimate son, Shen Qiu.
At twenty-two, Shen Qiu had been training on the battlefield since age ten under Shen Xin’s strict tutelage. He had proven himself brave, earning several military honors, and now held the rank of minor general.
"Father, Mother, you’ve prepared gifts for Grandmother. What should I give?" Shen Qiu scratched his head, perplexed.
"You fool! Why ask us? A man should decide such things for himself. If you can’t handle this, how can you fight?" Shen Xin seized the chance to lecture his son.
"It’s just... I haven’t attended Grandmother’s birthday in so long," Shen Qiu mumbled. "I don’t know what to give. I can’t exactly report how many enemies I’ve killed—that’s inauspicious for a birthday."
Luo Xueyan laughed. "It’s fine. Didn’t the Emperor reward you with a bolt of celestial silk brocade? Give that to Grandmother. I hear it’s extremely rare in the capital now—even imperial consorts lack it. She’ll be delighted."
"But that was for Sister!" Shen Qiu protested.
"Never mind," Shen Xin waved dismissively. "Have you ever seen your sister appreciate such fine fabric?"
Though Shen Xin knew little about women’s fashions, he knew his daughter disliked elegant materials, preferring gaudy gold and silver—the more ostentatious, the better. Though exasperating, he indulged her. Celestial silk might be exquisite, but Shen Miao wouldn’t value it.
Shen Qiu, realizing his father was right, slumped dejectedly. "We rushed back this time without bringing Sister a gift. I feel guilty."
Once, Shen Qiu and Shen Miao had been close, supporting each other as siblings should. But after years apart—with Shen Qiu away at war and meeting his sister only once a year—Shen Miao’s temperament had worsened until they barely spoke. No matter how Shen Qiu tried to reconnect, she remained aloof.
Shen Miao knew why. Shen Yue, Shen Qing, and Granny Gui had subtly poisoned her mind, whispering that Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan favored Shen Qiu because he could carry on the family line, while she—a daughter—was neglected. Young and impressionable, Shen Miao had believed them, resenting her brother for "stealing" their parents’ love.
"Enough," Shen Xin dusted himself off and stood. "Rouse the men. We ride at once—we must reach the capital within the hour!"
...
Time passed swiftly. The birthday banquet at the Shen Mansion was about to begin. Noblewomen and young ladies had taken their seats—a full dozen tables. Old Madam Shen’s reputation was grand indeed, drawing nearly every titled lady in the capital. Of course, their attendance wasn’t out of respect for the old madam, but for the Shen family’s influence. Regardless, the banquet was as lively as ever.
Shen Yue wore a pleated moon-white skirt that accentuated her gentle, refined beauty. Delicately made up, she radiated the charm of a young lady coming into her own. With Shen Qing and Shen Miao already betrothed, the noblewomen eyed Shen Yue speculatively, calculating the benefits of marrying the second daughter of the Shen family’s third branch.
After presenting their gifts, the male guests were hosted separately by Shen Gui and Shen Wan, who seized the opportunity to curry favor, chatting and laughing boisterously.
Master Su nursed his wine cup, inwardly sighing. His family was close to the Marquis of Lin'an, while the Shen and Xie families were longstanding rivals. Yet the Shens had sent him an invitation. As a peaceable man, he couldn’t refuse outright and thus attended reluctantly. He envied his eldest son, who had "fallen ill" and avoided this gathering of scheming old foxes exchanging toasts and veiled probes.
"Father," Su Minlang blinked. Dressed meticulously by his mother, he resembled nothing so much as a well-groomed dumpling. He tugged Master Su’s sleeve. "I want to walk around."
"Don’t wander off," Master Su warned. Though his elder son had skipped the event, his younger—who usually showed no interest—had clamored to attend. Master Su didn’t understand why, but Su Minlang had thrown such a fit that Su Furen relented, leaving him stuck with this little tagalong.
Su Minlang pouted. He’d heard this was Old Madam Shen’s birthday banquet—Shen Miao’s grandmother’s celebration. Having not seen Shen Miao at the Hall of Extensive Learning for so long, he was worried. Hoping to meet her here, he’d been disappointed to find her absent. Though told she had a rash and couldn’t appear, Su Minlang still longed to see her. With few friends—most found him simple-minded—Shen Miao’s kindness had made her his only true companion.
At the women’s banquet, Lady Jiang teased, "Madam Huang, Madam Wei, shouldn’t you offer Old Madam a special toast? After all..."
After all, they would soon be family.
The words remained unspoken, but the ladies at the banquet understood them all too well. Lady Huang, an exquisitely made-up noblewoman, merely smiled in response, her expression unreadable. She likely knew as well that this marriage was merely a transaction of mutual benefit, hardly a good match. If the Shen family truly cherished their daughter and were as upright as they appeared on the surface, they would never have agreed to this union. Their so-called righteousness was nothing more than a facade. Thus, her gaze held a trace of mockery.
Lady Wei, on the other hand, seemed somewhat uneasy. The Shen family was indeed of good standing, and aligning with them could be considered climbing the social ladder. However, Shen Miao had once been too foolish to be a worthy matriarch. But after the Verification ground incident, rumors spread that Shen Miao had seemingly gained wisdom, her temperament becoming much steadier. That was why Lady Wei had proposed the marriage for her son.
Yet today, Shen Miao was nowhere to be seen, having reportedly come down with a rash. Lady Wei grew worried—what if it was a serious illness? Wouldn’t that ruin her son’s life? These thoughts made her face betray a hint of reluctance.
Chen Ruoqiu observed these expressions coldly. She was no fool; she could see right through Ren Wanyun’s scheme of substituting sisters in the marriage. Old Madam Shen and Ren Wanyun might deceive others, but not her. In fact, this was even advantageous for her. Ren Wanyun, blinded by concern, had no idea how furious Shen Xin would be upon his return. When the conflict between the first and second branches erupted, weakening both sides, her own daughter, Yue’er, could rise above the fray.
Ren Wanyun rose with a smile and said, “In that case, let me propose a toast to both ladies first.”
The crowd’s laughter grew louder, but Feng Anning frowned, her expression displeased.
Meanwhile, in the ancestral hall at the other end, Shen Miao had dismissed all the maids and knelt before the ancestral tablets, watching the sand in the hourglass trickle away. The time she had arranged was nearly up.
She inserted three incense sticks into the burner and bowed lightly.
Just then, she heard a faint sound.
Her years in the Qin State in her past life had honed her vigilance, making her alert at all times. Shen Miao stood up abruptly and demanded, “Who’s there?”
“Little girl, you’re quite sharp,” came a familiar voice. Shen Miao turned to see the youth in the purple robe leaning against the windowsill, smirking at her. Meeting her gaze, he leaped into the ancestral hall with effortless grace.
Even Shen Miao, as composed as she was, couldn’t help but be startled. Xie Jingxing was boldly wandering around another family’s mansion in broad daylight. He couldn’t possibly have been invited—the relationship between the Shen and Xie families was as fragile as thin ice. Unless Shen Gui and Shen Wan had lost their minds.
The courtyard outside the ancestral hall was guarded, so how had he gotten in? Before she could stop herself, Shen Miao voiced her doubt.
“The guards of Shen Mansion are utterly useless,” Xie Jingxing replied. “I walked right in.”
Shen Miao frowned. “What are you doing here?”
Xie Jingxing only smiled, ignoring her question. He began searching the room as if looking for something, but after the time it took for an incense stick to burn, he finished without success. Clearly, he hadn’t found what he was after.Shen Miao watched his every move, her suspicions growing. Xie Jingxing's demeanor suggested he had come to Shen Mansion in search of something. But what in the general's residence could be worth him playing the role of a thief, taking such great risks to personally search? What else was happening here that she didn't know about?
"What are you looking for? Tell me, and I can help you find it," Shen Miao spoke up.
Xie Jingxing paused mid-action and turned to study her with an intrigued expression. "Little Shen girl, I know you're the cleverest among the Shen family. But don't try your schemes on me."
"Then does sneaking into my home in broad daylight to steal count as targeting the Shen family?" Shen Miao remained unmoved. Internally, she was frustrated by Xie Jingxing's watertight defenses. Her apparent submission was merely to uncover what he sought, yet he remained so guarded, giving her no opening at all.
"Steal?" Xie Jingxing's beautiful peach-blossom eyes suddenly gleamed with dangerous amusement, as if he'd heard something laughable. "That was originally this marquis's property. At most, it's reclaiming."
Shen Miao's heart skipped—she felt she'd grasped something, but the thought vanished too quickly to catch.
"However," Xie Jingxing glanced at the ancestral hall, "with so many guards here, I initially thought they were protecting something. Turns out they're keeping watch over you." He crossed his arms and studied her. "What did you do to warrant such confinement? The ancestral hall isn't where a young lady should reside."
"What business is it of yours?" Shen Miao eyed the hourglass—the last grains of sand had trickled down. Time was nearly up, yet Xie Jingxing still hadn't left. Her patience exhausted, she said coolly, "Since the young marquis hasn't found 'your property,' please leave. The Shen ancestors have no desire to witness the gallant figure of a thief."
Her sarcastic jab was likely the first time anyone—let alone a young girl—had dared speak to Xie Jingxing this way. Yet he showed no anger, merely teasing, "Indeed, the Shen ancestors wouldn't wish to see me. But they'd surely enjoy watching their descendant forced into marriage—quite the spectacle."
"You don't want to marry Wei Qian?" he asked.
"What if I do? What if I don't?" Shen Miao countered.
"Wei Qian would make a good husband, but you're no virtuous wife. You're the one benefiting here. Such ingratitude is a first for me." His lips curled into a roguish smile so dazzling it was almost blinding as he added flippantly, "Could it be you fancy this marquis, hence your reluctance to wed Wei Qian?"
Shen Miao nearly laughed in disbelief. She turned to glare at him. "Think what you will—I won't argue. But let me advise you, young marquis: some matters are best left alone. Otherwise, when regret comes, it'll be too late."
Her face was pale, likely from poor rest and meals in the ancestral hall, her features more pronounced from weight loss—her chin sharpened, her expressive eyes crystal clear. Yet Xie Jingxing saw flames burning within them.
"Young mistress!" Jing Zhe rushed in, startled at the sight of Xie Jingxing. She immediately shielded Shen Miao, pointing at him. "H-how did you get in here?"
Xie Jingxing merely shrugged, offering no reply."Just pretend he's not here." Shen Miao couldn't be bothered with him and asked Jing Zhe, "How are the preparations going?"
"I had Yingxing from the courtyard buy wine and dishes, saying they were sent from the birthday banquet. They're enjoying themselves now and have let their guard down a bit. But leaving is impossible." Jing Zhe was still wary of Xie Jingxing, glancing at his expression as she spoke.
"Good." Shen Miao looked at Jing Zhe. "Jing Zhe, can I trust you?"
Hearing this, Jing Zhe immediately bowed her head, forgetting even her fear of Xie Jingxing. "This servant is utterly loyal to you, young miss. Whatever you command, I would brave ten thousand deaths without hesitation."
"Then listen carefully. Whether it's you, Gu Yu, Bailu, or Shuangjiang—none of you are to come in no matter what happens later. Don't look for me, and don't try to stop anything." She pressed the hourglass into Jing Zhe's hand. "When the sand flows to this point—" she pointed to a small mark on the glass, "—you must rush out and call for help. Charge straight into the east courtyard's birthday banquet and shout loudly before all the guests. I know you're resourceful and bold. Even if I didn't give instructions, you'd know what to do best."
"This..." Jing Zhe was bewildered, not understanding Shen Miao's meaning. But when she saw the look on Shen Miao's face, she swallowed all her questions and said solemnly, "This servant understands."
"Good. Now leave." Shen Miao added gravely, "Remember, no matter what you see or what happens, don't come in."
Jing Zhe clenched her teeth, glanced at Xie Jingxing, then at Shen Miao, before nodding and turning to leave the ancestral hall.
After Jing Zhe left, Xie Jingxing lazily asked, "So mysterious. What are you planning?"
"What am I planning?" Shen Miao stared at him. Xie Jingxing lounged at ease, but his striking peach-blossom eyes were sharp as blades. Under that gaze, it felt as though all one's thoughts were laid bare.
"If the young marquis doesn't want to be implicated by me, you'd best leave now," she said coldly.
"No one in this world can implicate me," he declared arrogantly, yet with the air of someone who could truly back up his words.
"If you're determined to be buried with me, I have nothing more to say." Shen Miao turned away.
Xie Jingxing frowned. Before he could grasp the meaning of her words, he saw Shen Miao suddenly stride to the incense altar. She paused before the Spirit Tablets of the Shen family ancestors—and the next moment, even he froze in shock.
Shen Miao abruptly gathered up the neatly arranged Spirit Tablets and, without hesitation, threw them into the charcoal brazier on the floor. Wood caught fire easily, and instantly, the previously sluggish flames roared to life, tongues of fire devouring the wooden tablets. The names inscribed on them flickered in and out of view amid the blaze.
"Have you gone mad?" Xie Jingxing looked at Shen Miao, his expression full of disbelief.
Destroying ancestral Spirit Tablets was an act of extreme sacrilege, one that could warrant expulsion from the clan. Such behavior would ensure that even in the afterlife, one's ancestors would never forgive them. Shen Miao's sudden action was utterly baffling—was this an outburst of frustration over being confined? But this would only bring her even greater punishment in the future.Shen Miao gazed coldly at the spirit tablet gradually blackening in the flames. It wasn't that she was being unfilial—the spirits of ancestors certainly shouldn't be casually desecrated. But what mattered most in this world was the present: her future, Shen Xin's future, and the future prospects of Shen Mansion were clearly more important. If their ancestors knew this act of hers could resolve the Shen family's crisis, their spirits would surely be comforted.
"Young Marquis, there's still time for you to leave." Ignoring Xie Jingxing's surprise, Shen Miao grabbed another armful of spirit tablets and tossed them into the brazier with a clatter. Instantly, the flames leaped higher.
Yet she seemed unsatisfied. After a moment's thought, she walked inside and brought out several quilts that Gu Yu had just sun-dried. The cotton quilts were dry and soft from the sunlight.
"Shen Miao!" Xie Jingxing shouted sharply, "Are you trying to get yourself killed?"
Shen Miao spread all the quilts across the floor. The ancestral hall's structure was mostly wooden and highly flammable. She picked up a half-burned spirit tablet and used it to ignite a corner of the quilts.
Blazing flames shot skyward as thick smoke began billowing through the ancestral hall. Outside, Jing Zhe stood with gritted teeth, her eyes reddened. Only when the sand in her hands had completely flowed to the spot Shen Miao had designated, and only when the guards in the outer courtyard were alarmed by the fire and came running to extinguish it, did Jing Zhe seize the moment of distraction to dash away.
She ran straight to the birthday banquet in the eastern courtyard, where guests and hosts alike were immersed in merriment, seemingly oblivious to this disheveled maid. Jing Zhe's lips curled into a vicious smile as she suddenly cried out at the top of her lungs, "Disaster! Disaster! The ancestral hall is on fire! Fifth Young Miss is trapped inside!"
The announcement sent immediate shockwaves through the gathering.
Wasn't Shen Miao supposed to be recuperating in her own courtyard? How did she end up in the ancestral hall? And how could a fire suddenly break out like this?
Ren Wanyun was also startled. She stood up abruptly, bewildered by how the fire had started in the ancestral hall. Just as she was about to order people to put out the fire, something about Jing Zhe's panting demeanor struck a chord in her heart.
If Shen Miao died in this fire, wouldn't she be able to legitimately have Shen Qing take her place in the marriage? As for the Huang family, she could simply make a formal apology. Shen Miao's death could be blamed on an unfortunate accident—after all, who told her to leave her sickbed and "wander" into the ancestral hall, where she somehow started the fire?
So Ren Wanyun rose to her feet and put on an act: "Everyone, please continue enjoying the feast. The fire can't be that serious—probably just children playing with fire. I'll go check. You there!" She scolded Xiang Lan, "Hurry and fetch the guards to put out the fire!"
The birthday banquet's atmosphere instantly turned peculiar. Old Madam Shen was displeased, resentful that Shen Miao had to spoil her moment even now. Yet she maintained a motherly facade, anxiously instructing Ren Wanyun, "Go quickly and see what's happened to Fifth Sister!"However, there is a difference between feigned affection and genuine care. If Shen Miao were truly cherished, she would not remain so calm in such a situation. The fact that Chen Ruoqiu and Shen Yue didn’t even leave their seats spoke volumes about Shen Miao’s standing in the Shen Mansion. The ladies and young misses present were no fools—they could clearly see the Shen family’s attitude toward Shen Miao, and some even began to feel sympathy for her.
Just then, a loud, clear voice suddenly rang out from outside: "General Shen, Madam Shen, and Young Master Shen have returned to the mansion—open the gates to welcome the general!"
"What?" Not only the women but even the men on the other side were stunned. Shen Gui and Shen Wan exchanged glances—was this a joke? Shen Xin returning to the mansion? The New Year was still quite some time away.
Meanwhile, outside the ancestral hall, now engulfed in flames, a circle of Shen Mansion guards stood by. Though they claimed to be putting out the fire, none dared to step inside. Everyone valued their own life, and with the fire raging so fiercely, who would risk entering to meet certain death?
"Shen girl, do you have a death wish?" Xie Jingxing frowned as he watched the beams begin to burn.
"Young Marquis, you should leave quickly," Shen Miao remained unmoved. "Once more people arrive, you won’t be able to escape even if you want to."
"Enough nonsense," Xie Jingxing grabbed her arm. "Let’s go!"
"Let go." Shen Miao pulled her arm free, her gaze stubborn to the point of obstinacy. "Can’t you see? I’m betting my life for a future."
－－－－－－Author’s Note－－－－－－
Ten thousand words delivered!
...
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