"Your humble brother has taken a liking to—a young lady from the Shen family."
A wave of murmurs instantly swept through the hall, and all eyes turned toward the three legitimate daughters of the Shen family. Among them, Shen Qing was already betrothed, leaving only Shen Yue and Shen Miao. Shen Yue was gentle and graceful, renowned for her talents, while Shen Miao had now blossomed into a poised young woman whose demeanor commanded attention. More importantly, Shen Miao had the formidable backing of Shen Xin. And as everyone could clearly see, Prince Yu's gaze was fixed on none other than Shen Miao.
For a moment, the looks directed at Shen Miao were filled with a mix of schadenfreude and pity. The previous Princess Yu had died under mysterious circumstances, and everyone knew there was something fishy about it. As for Prince Yu's demonic temperament, that was common knowledge. Yet, such a man enjoyed the royal family's protection. On one side was the illustrious Grand General of Might, and on the other was the emperor's younger brother, who had once saved the emperor's life. How would the emperor choose?
Shen Xin's expression darkened the moment Prince Yu finished speaking, veins bulging on his forehead. The reputation of the Grand General of Might was not unearned, and a fierce, oppressive aura radiated from him, causing those nearby to pale.
A loyal subject he may be, but if he couldn't even protect his own daughter, Shen Xin was prepared to stake his life and achievements against Prince Yu without fear.
Shen Qiu's lips tightened as he glared at Prince Yu, as if ready to pounce and fight to the death the moment Prince Yu uttered Shen Xin's name.
As for Luo Xueyan, she had already tightly grasped Shen Miao's hand. Her cheerful smile had vanished, replaced by a deep, protective ferocity, like a mother wolf shielding her cub, unyielding in the face of the other's intimidation.
The Shen family's reaction drew hushed exclamations from the onlookers. With Emperor Wenhui seated high above, the tension in the air was palpable. The Shen family's defiance of imperial authority was bold—did they not fear planting seeds of suspicion in the emperor's heart for the future?
Prince Ding's eyes flickered slightly, his gaze at Shen Miao now tinged with surprise.
"It seems the Fifth Miss Shen truly is General Shen's treasure," Su Mingfeng whispered to Xie Jingxing. "The Shen family would go this far for her."
Opposing Prince Yu meant opposing the royal family. Regardless, the Shen family's stance was clear: they would not yield. Even if Emperor Wenhui issued an edict, the Shen family would never comply easily.
Xie Jingxing lazily smirked, offering no comment.
In a corner, Pei Lang's grip on his teacup tightened slightly. What would the girl who had once shot an arrow at a classmate without blinking during the Verification do now?
Emperor Wenhui's smile was inscrutable, his gaze at the Shen family carrying a hidden edge. "Which young lady of the Shen family has caught my brother's eye?" he asked.
All eyes turned to Prince Yu, awaiting his answer. Shen Qing's face lit up with smug delight, but before her smile could fully form, a sharp pain shot through her abdomen. She let out a piercing scream, clutching her stomach as she collapsed to the floor.
"What happened?"
"Qing'er!"
Shen Qing's sudden outburst startled everyone. Ren Wanyun immediately pulled her into her arms. Shen Qing's face rapidly paled, and Shen Yue tugged at Chen Ruoqiu's sleeve. The latter's heart skipped a beat, and for some reason, her gaze instinctively turned to Shen Miao.
There, the girl in purple sat composedly at the table, her expression unshaken. Meeting Chen Ruoqiu's eyes, she smiled faintly before turning to Luo Xueyan with concern. "What's wrong with Eldest Sister? Could she have been poisoned?"
"Poisoned!" The word sent the surroundings into chaos.
Shen Miao pressed on, still looking at Luo Xueyan. "Could there be an assassin among us?"
Now, not only the women but even the men—including the princes and Emperor Wenhui—changed expressions. The banquet was attended by all civil and military officials. If an assassin had infiltrated, the royal family was in danger. Immediately, guards stationed outside rushed in, hands on their swords, vigilantly scanning the surroundings.
Between the potential assassin and Shen Qing's agonized moans on the floor, Prince Yu's earlier proposal was forgotten. Compared to gossip, survival was far more pressing.
Su Mingfeng gaped before muttering in admiration, "What a masterstroke."
With just a few words, Shen Miao had shifted everyone's focus. The ensuing chaos and tension made Prince Yu look like a fool.
Xie Jingxing glanced at the "concerned" girl and let out a soft snort.
Shen Miao's eyes gleamed. After years of dealing with the Fu family, no one understood their paranoia better than her. Shen Qing's condition, paired with a mention of assassins, was enough to make Emperor Wenhui—who had survived countless assassination attempts—jump at shadows.
"Mother, we should call a physician for Eldest Sister," Shen Miao said. "This can't go on."
Luo Xueyan snapped out of her daze, frowning at Ren Wanyun. Despite Shen Qing's obvious pain, her own mother hadn't thought to summon a doctor. What kind of mother was she? Luo Xueyan immediately bowed to Emperor Wenhui. "This humble woman begs Your Majesty to summon a physician to examine Qing'er and save her."
Before Shen Qing could speak, Ren Wanyun shrieked, "No!"
All eyes turned to her.
Realizing her mistake, Ren Wanyun forced a smile under the scrutiny. "This humble woman... merely meant that Qing'er shouldn't trouble the imperial physician... nor disrupt the banquet. I'll take her away—"
"Nonsense," Luo Xueyan said sternly. "Nothing is more important than life. Do you, as her mother, value the banquet over Qing'er's life?"
The onlookers' expressions grew odd. Here was Ren Wanyun, the birth mother, unwilling to call a physician, while Luo Xueyan, the aunt, was fervently concerned for Shen Qing's survival.
Among the men, Shen Gui glared at Ren Wanyun, wishing the troublesome mother and daughter had nothing to do with him. If this displeased Emperor Wenhui, how would his career fare in the future?
"Madam Shen is right," the Empress said coolly, eyeing Ren Wanyun. "Miss Shen's condition is urgent. The banquet pales in comparison to life."
Ren Wanyun panicked. If a physician examined Shen Qing, her pregnancy would be exposed. "Your Majesty, perhaps—"
"I'm fine..." Shen Qing gasped, her face deathly pale, sweat pouring from her forehead. Though in excruciating pain, she knew she couldn't let the physician come. Suppressing her agony, she forced out the words.
"Eldest Sister, this isn't just about you," Shen Miao said calmly. "If you were poisoned, it means an assassin is among us, endangering everyone. Even if you don't care for yourself, think of His Majesty."
At her words, Emperor Wenhui's gaze darkened.
Shen Qing nearly spat blood at Shen Miao's words. Dragging the emperor into this—how could she dare not consider him?
The Fu princes caught Shen Miao's implication. Prince Li paused before remarking, "This Miss Shen certainly has a sharp tongue!"
"Summon the imperial physician," Emperor Wenhui said without hesitation. "Since Miss Shen fell ill in the palace, We must investigate thoroughly."
"Eldest Sister, don't move recklessly," Shen Miao added mildly. "The culprit might be among us. The physician should examine you here. Moving might worsen your condition."
Before Ren Wanyun could protest, Emperor Wenhui nodded. "Agreed."
With that, all avenues of escape were sealed.
A public examination meant Shen Qing's pregnancy would be exposed before the entire court. At the thought, Ren Wanyun trembled uncontrollably, her terror spreading to Shen Qing.
Clutching her stomach in pain, Shen Qing's fear mounted. "Mother, don't..."
But what could Ren Wanyun do? Emperor Wenhui had spoken. She couldn't defy an imperial order. A mere woman, she was adept at scheming in the inner quarters but helpless before the emperor and his officials. Desperate, she looked to Shen Gui, only to meet his furious, reproachful glare.
Ren Wanyun's limbs turned to ice, despair flooding her heart. She couldn't even comfort Shen Qing, collapsing limply to the floor.
"What's wrong with your aunt?" Feng Anning whispered to Shen Miao. "She looks terrified."
Shen Miao smiled. Luo Xueyan frowned, puzzled by Ren Wanyun's odd behavior but unable to pinpoint the reason. Her gaze shifted to Chen Ruoqiu and Shen Yue instead.
Shen Yue, frightened by Shen Qing's state, clung to Chen Ruoqiu's sleeve. Chen Ruoqiu stared fixedly at Ren Wanyun. Having been sisters-in-law for years, she knew Ren Wanyun always handled situations with ease. Today's lapse could only mean one thing: Ren Wanyun had been outmaneuvered.
"Could Eldest Sister really have been poisoned?" Shen Yue whispered. "Mother, is Fifth Sister—"
"Yue'er!" Chen Ruoqiu cut her off sharply, glancing at Shen Miao. Though separated by several people, she couldn't see Shen Miao's expression clearly, but the faint upward curve of her lips sent a chill down Chen Ruoqiu's spine. She sensed Shen Miao's hand in today's events, but could the girl truly be bold enough to poison someone in the palace? Regardless, Shen Qing's reputation was beyond salvaging.
Prince Yu, too, was unsettled by the sudden turn of events. Though reckless, he knew when to prioritize. Now was not the time to revisit his earlier proposal. A mocking smile curled his lips. Did Shen Miao think escaping today meant she was safe? Whether or not she'd poisoned Shen Qing, delaying him was futile. He could always bring it up with Emperor Wenhui later. Some things couldn't be avoided.
The physician arrived swiftly. Surprisingly, while most imperial physicians were elderly veterans, this one was in his early twenties, strikingly handsome, drawing the gazes of many noble ladies.
At the sight of him, Shen Miao's heart skipped a beat. She studied him closely. The young physician carried his medical kit, bowing to the emperor and empress before approaching Ren Wanyun. When she tried to block him, he said politely, "Please let me examine Miss Shen." His voice was pleasant, soothing to the ears.
Under the watchful eyes of the imperial couple, Ren Wanyun dared not resist. Shen Qing had fainted from pain. Stepping back, Ren Wanyun could only watch as the physician placed two fingers on Shen Qing's wrist.
As Shen Miao stared at the physician, Feng Anning teased, "Don't tell me you've taken a liking to him too? Not a bad choice, if so."
Shen Miao blinked. "You know him?"
"Huh?" Feng Anning was surprised. "This is the first time you've shown interest in such things. Fine, I'll enlighten you. This physician is new to the Imperial Hospital, but his skills are extraordinary. He even cured Consort De's chronic heart condition. The emperor holds him in high regard, making him the youngest official in the hospital. Handsome too, so many ladies fancy him."
Shen Miao asked, "Do you?"
"Me?" Feng Anning scoffed. "Though he's skilled and good-looking, he's just a physician with no family backing. How could he match my status? Even if you like him, he's still beneath you." Spoiled by her family, Feng Anning believed her future husband would be a great man. A mere physician was beneath her notice.
"What's his name?" Shen Miao asked.
"Do you really like him?" Feng Anning eyed her suspiciously before answering. "Gao Yang. But there's no prominent Gao family in the capital." Meaning, he wasn't from a noble house.
Shen Miao watched the young physician intently, even forgetting about Shen Qing and Ren Wanyun. A strange familiarity tugged at her, as if she'd seen him before. Yet in her past life, she'd never encountered a Gao Yang in the Imperial Hospital.
If not there, where had she met him?
As she pondered, Gao Yang finished his examination. Turning, he met Shen Miao's scrutinizing gaze and paused briefly before regaining his composure. He bowed to Ren Wanyun.
"Physician Gao," the Empress said coolly, "has Miss Shen been poisoned?"
Gao Yang glanced at the unconscious Shen Qing and the ashen-faced Ren Wanyun before bowing. "Your Majesty, Miss Shen was not poisoned. She merely consumed lotus tea." He paused. "The tea itself was harmless. Miss Shen is not poisoned."
"Oh?" Emperor Wenhui looked at Shen Qing. "Then why is she like this?"
"Your Majesty," Gao Yang sighed, "lotus tea is cooling. While harmless to most, it can disturb the womb in pregnant women... Miss Shen is with child."
Miss Shen is with child.
The words sent shockwaves through the hall. Shen Gui's mouth fell open, his face purpling with rage as he glared at Ren Wanyun, who remained limp with despair.
"How dare you!" Madam Wei sprang to her feet, disregarding decorum as she pointed at Ren Wanyun. "You betrothed your daughter to my Wei family, intending to saddle us with another man's bastard? Ren Wanyun, have you no shame?"
The uproar intensified. Shen Qing's betrothal to the Wei family had been widely known. Now, before the entire court, she was revealed to be pregnant. An unmarried noblewoman with child—was this adultery? And she'd planned to marry into the Wei family like this? It was a scandal unprecedented in Ming Qi's history.
Ren Wanyun remained motionless, as if all strength had left her. She half-crawled to Shen Qing, cradling her.
"Madam Shen," the Empress said icily, "We would like an explanation."
Though Ming Qi was relatively liberal regarding relations between men and women, premarital pregnancy and adultery were disgraceful offenses punishable by drowning. The Shen family was a pillar of the nobility. Though Shen Gui's rank paled next to Shen Xin's, it was still considerable. The higher Shen Qing's status, the greater the scandal. As overseer of the inner palace, the Empress despised such filth, her voice dripping with frost.
Ren Wanyun's mouth was bitter, words failing her. What could she say? That Shen Qing hadn't committed adultery but was violated? Either way, her virtue was ruined. And as for Prince Yu—mentioning him would be disastrous. The man was vindictive; implicating him would only bring worse retribution.
"If Madam Shen won't speak, then Miss Shen shall." The Empress's gaze sharpened as she ordered her maids, "Wake Miss Shen. We have questions."
Ren Wanyun started, but the maids were already moving. Before she could stop them, they roughly pinched Shen Qing awake. Groggy and still in pain, Shen Qing heard the Empress demand coldly, "Shen Qing, who is the father of the child in your womb?"
Shen Qing froze, looking desperately to Ren Wanyun, who subtly shook her head, signaling silence. Later, Ren Wanyun would find a way to save her.
Misunderstanding, Shen Qing stammered, "This humble girl... this humble girl..." but couldn't continue.
Shen Miao sighed softly. "Eldest Sister, you must confess. Since the crime is grave, why bear the punishment alone? The father should share the consequences."
Ren Wanyun shot Shen Miao a venomous glare, wishing she could tear her mouth apart.
Trembling, Shen Qing's eyes filled with terror. Shen Miao's words implied she faced certain death. Between life and death, self-preservation took over. Suddenly, she shrieked, "No... no... my child is Prince Yu's! The child in my womb is Prince Yu's blood!"
One storm had barely passed when another arose. The celebratory banquet had spiraled into chaos. Prince Yu... The crowd turned to him, only to find his eyes narrowed, his expression dark.
"Qing'er, don't spout nonsense!" Ren Wanyun lunged to cover Shen Qing's mouth, but the words were already out, impossible to retract.
Shen Qing stared fixedly at Prince Yu. Her reasoning was simple: if premarital pregnancy meant certain death, then claiming the child was Prince Yu's would link it to the royal bloodline, granting her a lifeline. Surely the emperor wouldn't order his own nephew's death!
Shen Miao almost laughed at Shen Qing's naivety. Did she truly believe the child would protect her? In the palace, there was a saying: "Remove the mother, keep the child." A tactic used endlessly in the harem. Did Shen Qing think a scrap of royal blood would save her? It would only hasten her demise.
The emperor and empress's expressions darkened. Involving Prince Yu complicated matters immensely.
Among the men, Shen Qiu and Shen Xin exchanged glances. While Shen Xin was merely stunned, Shen Qiu clenched his fists. Shen Miao had refused to name Shen Qing's violator—now he understood why. Prince Yu. The thought that Shen Miao could have suffered Shen Qing's fate filled him with rage.
Prince Yu neither confirmed nor denied, but his silence was telling. The crowd's gazes turned pitying. Prince Yu was notorious for abducting young women, even noble daughters. Today, Shen Qing was the unlucky one.
In the silence, Shen Miao's voice rang out softly. "No wonder Prince Yu proposed to marry a Shen daughter earlier. He meant to legitimize Eldest Sister."
The words were spoken lightly, yet they brought sudden realization to everyone present. No wonder—when Prince Yu had earlier expressed his desire to marry a Royal Consort and his fondness for a young lady of the Shen family, it turned out to be Shen Qing all along. And now, she was even carrying his child. In an instant, the gazes directed at Shen Qing shifted once more. Under these circumstances, it no longer seemed as though Prince Yu had forced himself upon her, but rather that Shen Qing had willingly aspired to become the Royal Consort.
"Fifth Miss Shen is truly formidable," Su Mingfeng remarked in astonishment. "Her ability to twist the truth is unparalleled."
While most were led by the nose, not everyone was fooled. Those with clear minds still vividly recalled that when Prince Yu had spoken of marrying a young lady from the Shen family, his gaze had been fixed on Shen Miao.
Xie Jingxing stood with his arms crossed, watching the purple-robed young woman opposite him with an amused smirk. Unbeknownst to many, from some point onward, everyone at the palace banquet had been dancing to Shen Miao's tune. The current situation had unfolded entirely within her calculations. Yet, this was not without its dangers—she had gambled boldly, striking with precision, anticipating every reaction and playing a masterful game.
Given this, he saw no harm in adding fuel to the fire. With that, Xie Jingxing chimed in, "Such deep affection and righteousness—how admirable."
The Emperor's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. While Prince Yu had always been unruly, he had never before brought such matters into the open. Whatever happened in private could always be resolved discreetly, but now that it had been laid bare before the court, how should he handle it? Punishing his younger brother would only breed resentment, while letting it slide would set a poor example for the officials. Yet Shen Miao and Xie Jingxing's words had deftly provided a solution—if this was the result of mutual affection between the two, then it could hardly be condemned. The Emperor glanced at the Empress, who understood his meaning and said, "So the young lady my brother spoke of earlier was Miss Shen. But the two of you have acted far too recklessly. After causing such a scandal, how do you intend to proceed?"
Shen Qing, relieved beyond measure, ignored the pain in her abdomen and scrambled to her knees, kowtowing as she pleaded, "This is all my fault, but I cannot bear to part with the child in my womb. I beg Your Majesties to spare me for the sake of this unborn life."
A wave of murmurs spread through the crowd. In this moment, Shen Qing had abandoned all dignity, casting aside both pride and propriety. The Empress shot her a disdainful glance but replied coolly, "You cannot escape blame, but since today is a celebration of the court's return, let us focus on joyous matters. My brother has been widowed for many years—today, I shall play the matchmaker. A royal decree shall unite you two in marriage, a union as precious as gold and jade."
Shen Qing, having narrowly escaped disaster, hurriedly expressed her gratitude. "Thank you, Your Majesties, for your mercy." Unbeknownst to her, her actions appeared utterly disgraceful in the eyes of others. Once, she had mocked Shen Miao for lacking refinement, but now, she herself had become the Shen family's most shameful daughter.
Prince Yu glared at Shen Qing with a sinister gaze before shifting his attention to Shen Miao. From his elevated seat, the Emperor shot him a warning look, forcing Prince Yu to bow slightly and mutter, "Thank you, Elder Brother and Sister-in-Law, for your kindness."
But the icy venom in his voice was known only to those involved.
Shen Miao's lips curled into a smile as she met Prince Yu's gaze fearlessly. Her clear eyes sparkled with delight, yet beneath that joy lurked a trace of ruthlessness, like that of a savage beast.
Today was merely the appetizer—the true reckoning for Prince Yu's Manor still lay ahead. To dismantle his carefully laid plans right before his eyes—Prince Yu must be seething with rage by now.
When consumed by fury, people were most prone to mistakes. And the slightest misstep on the chessboard could be exploited—pressing the advantage, eliminating pawns and chariots, until the general was cornered.
She tilted her head slightly, her eyes gleaming with an eerie brightness. A closer look at the smile on her lips would reveal a chilling, unsettling terror.
It begins, Prince Yu.
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Young Marquis Xie just loves to stir the pot. (´∀｀)
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