In the teahouse, Ji Yushu felt a momentary daze. Earlier, Shen Miao had spoken of fabricating rumors, but those rumors were targeted at Prince Yu's Manor. Now, the information being sold to the Chen family was also related to Prince Yu's Manor—wasn't this just inciting hatred toward them? It seemed Gao Yang was right after all; the Shen family harbored deep-seated enmity with Prince Yu's Manor. Someone was setting a trap here, waiting for Prince Yu's Manor to stumble.
Yet, as Ji Yushu pondered, he couldn’t help but feel somewhat frustrated. Those who came to Baixiaosheng for business had always been sincere in their transactions, grateful for the information provided. None were like Shen Miao before him, who outright treated Baixiaosheng as a tool—using it to win over the Chen family, using it to deal with Prince Yu's Manor.
Still, Ji Yushu reasoned, even if the Chen family of Jiangnan was wealthy and influential, Prince Yu's Manor had maintained its fearsome reputation for years, backed by the imperial family. Unless it was truly a blood feud, who would willingly charge headfirst into danger?
"Is what Miss Shen says true?" Chen Yueshan's voice was strained. Prince Yu's cruelty was known throughout the court. If the Chen sisters fell into his hands, their fate was unimaginable.
"I have no reason to deceive you."
"But how can you prove your words are true?" Chen Yueshan suddenly raised his voice, agitated—perhaps unable to believe the news, or perhaps unwilling to, his tone turning harsh toward Shen Miao.
"The Chen sisters were peerless beauties, yet the Chen family guarded them meticulously. Prince Yu, ever the thrill-seeker, went to great lengths to abduct them. He swiftly transported them overnight to Fixed Capital. While the Chen family was still searching for the sisters in Yuzhou, they had already arrived at Prince Yu's Manor." Here, Shen Miao paused briefly before continuing, "Afterward, Prince Yu subjected them to horrifying torment. The sisters nearly took their own lives, only to be stopped by him. Later, the elder sister feigned compliance, hoping to secure her younger sister’s escape. In truth, Prince Yu was aware of their plan but pretended ignorance. Eventually, the elder sister was given to his subordinates, tortured, and beaten to death. The younger sister was violated during her escape, losing her sight. She found work as a night-soil collector, clinging to life—because it was the life her sister had fought for her to keep. However..." Shen Miao sighed softly, "She never truly left Prince Yu's Manor. The so-called night-soil work, the neighbors around her—all were arranged by Prince Yu, a cruel game to watch her live in hopeful despair, trapped in a swamp."
Her voice was calm and cool, carrying only a faint trace of sorrow at the end, yet it sent chills down the listeners' spines. Ji Yushu was horrified. Though he had heard of Prince Yu's depraved methods of tormenting women, this was the first time someone had recounted them in such detail. Killing a person was simple, but making them live a fate worse than death—that was difficult. And that younger Chen sister, believing she had escaped, had clung to hope, dreaming of one day seeking vengeance and reuniting with her family. Little did she know her hope had long been crushed in another’s grasp, and everything she did was merely part of Prince Yu’s twisted amusement.Such words left the Chen brothers in silence. Chen Yuehai slowly raised his hand to clutch his head, suddenly letting out a pained howl. His voice resembled that of a wounded beast, heartbreaking to hear. Ji Yushu couldn't help but cast a sympathetic glance his way.
Shen Miao looked at him and sighed inwardly. The Chen family sisters had lived the first half of their lives as pampered jewels, carefree and innocent, destined to become the happiest women in the world. Yet their later years had turned so tragic, worse off than ordinary girls. Was beauty a crime? What sin had the Chen sisters committed?
"Miss Shen," Chen Yueshan, being the steadier of the two brothers, spoke up—though even his voice trembled. "How can we prove what you say is true? All this is merely your account." Even the most composed person, upon hearing news they refuse to believe, would likely react like Chen Yueshan—constantly evading, hoping to avoid facing reality.
"It's simple," Shen Miao replied. "Your sisters are still alive. Prince Yu's Manor is heavily guarded. If you barge in recklessly, you'll only alert them. If you want to know whether my words are true, go to the manor and abduct one of the purchasing servants. Ask if there’s a woman who collects night soil in the residence. Your own sisters—ask, and you’ll know."
At this, both Chen brothers swayed on their feet, their agony unmistakable. Ji Yushu sighed inwardly. Shen Miao had spoken with such detail and certainty—this news was almost certainly true.
"You—" Chen Yuehai suddenly glared at Shen Miao. "If you knew about this, why didn’t you save her? You watched her fall into this pit of fire and did nothing, yet you calmly come here to trade information? You—" He slammed the table. "You’re heartless!"
"Yuehai!" Chen Yueshan scolded him quietly, then clasped his hands toward Shen Miao in apology. "Forgive him, Miss Shen. My brother is just too distraught. Please don’t take it to heart." Though his words were polite, the faint trace of resentment in his eyes did not escape Shen Miao.
After a moment of silence, Shen Miao, instead of growing angry, smiled coldly. She looked at Chen Yuehai and said, "What exactly do you think I should have done, Young Master Chen? I’m just a defenseless girl—what power do I have to pull her from the fire? Should I have risked my life sneaking into the prince’s manor? Or should I have sacrificed myself like her sister did to give her a chance? Let me make this clear today: if she were my own sister, I might have tried. But to me, she was just a stranger. Tell me, Young Master Chen, would you risk your life for a stranger? If you would, then I’d respect you as a true man. But alas, I’m just a cowardly, narrow-minded woman. Why should I be the good person?"
Her words came fast and sharp, leaving the Chen brothers speechless. Ji Yushu gaped, sensing an unexpected fury in Shen Miao’s tone. Her words were undeniably biting—if the world were full of people willing to risk their lives for strangers, life wouldn’t be so harsh. Shen Miao was just a young woman—what could she have done to save the Chen sisters from their plight?Shen Miao gazed coldly at the two brothers across from her. Just moments ago, her emotions had spiraled out of control. What she despised most now was others attempting to coerce her with grand righteousness. Back then, for the sake of Ming Qi's people and for Fu Xiuyi, she had willingly gone to the Qin State as a hostage. Yet upon her return to the palace, what awaited her was the emperor's heartless indifference. Her Shen family had loyally assisted the ruler for the sake of the nation's greater good, only to be rewarded with the extermination of their entire lineage. Why must they always be the ones to sacrifice? Why must she play the savior?
The Chen family sisters were indeed pitiable, but back when she had been confined to the cold palace, driven to desperation, and unable to even protect her own children—hadn't she been just as pitiable? Yet who had extended a helping hand to her then?
In this world, no matter how arduous life may be, one must walk their own path. No one is obligated to save another.
Chen Yuehai fell silent for a long moment before finally speaking to Shen Miao, "My words earlier were too harsh. Miss Shen, I apologize."
Shen Miao steadied her emotions and said, "That is all the information I have."
"My brother and I believe your account, Miss Shen," Chen Yueshan said. "But our most urgent task now is to investigate our sister's whereabouts. If we find her, the Chen family will surely reward you handsomely."
"I've already said I don't need riches—only to forge a favorable connection," Shen Miao replied. "However, I have one more thing to say. I wonder if you two would be willing to hear it."
"We are all ears," Chen Yueshan said with a cupped fist.
"Prince Yu is petty and vindictive. If someone provokes him, he will surely retaliate. Though the Chen family is wealthy and influential, when pitted against imperial relatives, you are still at a disadvantage. I imagine you two don’t just want to rescue your sister—you also seek vengeance for the Chen sisters."
The brothers exchanged glances. Chen Yuehai made no attempt to conceal it, saying, "A debt of blood must be repaid. Our Chen family and Prince Yu’s Manor are irreconcilable. We will demand justice for this bloodshed."
"Even if you don’t seek retribution, once your sister is taken, Prince Yu will inevitably trace it back to your family. Either way, you will clash with his manor. In my opinion, to eliminate future troubles, you must uproot the entire Prince Yu’s Manor."
"Miss Shen, what exactly do you mean?" Chen Yueshan asked hesitantly.
"The martial world is vast, with connections far and wide. Though Prince Yu’s Manor is noble, in terms of sheer strength, exterminating them wouldn’t be too difficult."
Ji Yushu, who had been idly listening on the side, nearly spat out his tea at the word "exterminating." He stared at Shen Miao in astonishment. For a young girl to utter such a word so calmly was downright chilling.
The Chen brothers were also stunned. Chen Yueshan studied Shen Miao, a chill creeping into his heart. Having traveled the martial world, he had encountered many ruthless individuals, but this young girl before him was undoubtedly among the most formidable. A single sentence from her implied leaving no survivors—utterly merciless.
Yet they couldn’t deny there was some truth to her words. As long as even one survivor remained, the threat would persist. Sooner or later, the trail would lead back to the Chen family in Jiangnan.
"Extermination wouldn’t be difficult," Chen Yueshan admitted with a bitter smile. "But to oppose the current emperor..." As brothers, they longed to tear Prince Yu apart, and they had the means to do so. But the Chen family had others—women, children, the elderly. If the imperial family retaliated, they couldn’t risk dragging the entire Chen clan into ruin."I have a way to ensure His Majesty doesn’t pursue this matter, as long as you have the courage to raid Prince Yu’s stronghold," Shen Miao said.
"You—" Chen Yuehai spoke up, "Miss Shen, we know you’re capable. Otherwise, the information we’ve been searching for three years wouldn’t have ended up in your hands. But matters involving the royal family aren’t so simple. One misstep could bring disaster upon us."
"By the time I leave, you’ll likely uncover my identity. I am the legitimate daughter of the Grand General of Might from the General’s Manor in Fixed Capital. With such a status, do you think I have a say in court affairs?"
The Chen Brothers were stunned, their expressions shifting to surprise—clearly, they hadn’t expected Shen Miao to hold such a position. Then they fell silent. Though they had risen from humble origins and amassed great wealth, in the hierarchy between officials and merchants, merchants always stood beneath. Court matters were beyond their grasp, and Shen Miao’s casual persuasion had already swayed them.
"Why are you helping us?" Chen Yuehai asked warily. "Going to such lengths—what’s in it for you?"
"You’re quite strange. Earlier, you blamed me for not helping. Now that I’m offering assistance, you’re suspicious. I don’t understand."
Shen Miao’s mocking tone irritated Chen Yuehai. Chen Yueshan raised a hand to calm him and smiled at Shen Miao. "Miss Shen is straightforward, but this matter is of great importance. If it were to implicate you—"
"It’s not just about helping you," Shen Miao said coolly. "I, too, have a blood feud with Prince Yu’s Manor. My cousin is about to be married into the Prince’s household, and she is one of those being tormented. If you ever wipe out the Prince’s Manor, I ask that you spare her life."
Hearing this, the Chen Brothers’ doubts mostly dissipated. They cupped their hands toward Shen Miao. "In that case, we thank you."
"You two should first investigate the whereabouts of your sister. Once you find her, don’t act rashly. Return here in three days, and we’ll discuss the details."
The Chen Brothers nodded, recognizing the dismissal in Shen Miao’s words. Without hesitation, they stood up promptly. Chen Yueshan said, "Once we find our sister, Miss Shen will have done our Chen family a great favor. If you ever need our help in the future, the Chen family will not refuse. For now, we thank you." With that, he hurriedly left with his sword, likely to search for their sister.
Ji Yushu stared at Shen Miao. He had thought her performance that day was remarkable enough, but today, she still managed to astonish him. People in the martial world were often proud, and the Chen family was a prominent one. What should have been a straightforward transaction had, with just a few words from Shen Miao, turned into the Chen family owing her a debt. The Chen Brothers’ attitude toward her was now one of respect. As they had said, if Shen Miao ever faced difficulties in the future, the Chen family would support her. Gaining the favor of the Chen family was no easy feat.
"Shopkeeper Ji, now we can discuss the deal between us," Shen Miao said, looking at him."I've thought about your conditions from that day," Ji Yushu said, stroking his chin in an exaggerated manner, putting on an air of reluctance. "To be honest, this information of yours is far too dangerous. If successful, everyone would be happy. But if it's ever discovered, my Fengxian Pawnshop wouldn't just close—I'd lose my head as the shopkeeper, and all the servants here would perish along with me. So in this deal, what you're risking is the Shen family and silver, while I'm risking actual lives. When you think about it, I'm the one at a disadvantage."
Shen Miao gave him a light glance and said, "In that case, it seems this deal won't happen. I understand. I've troubled Shopkeeper Ji for so long—farewell."
Ji Yushu hadn't finished his rehearsed speech and was startled when Shen Miao suddenly turned cold and prepared to leave. Dropping his act, he hurriedly called out, "Wait, wait! I haven't finished speaking. Young ladies these days are so impatient! Miss Shen, though I find this extremely perilous, from the moment I first saw you, I felt an instant connection between us. A beauty like you—no man could possibly refuse any request you make. I, for one, can't bear to see a lady distressed. If we don't proceed with this deal, you'd surely be unhappy. To see you happy, I'd even risk my life. So, this deal—I'll take it."
In the secret chamber nearby, upon hearing Ji Yushu's nauseatingly sweet words, Gao Yang couldn't help but glance at Xie Jingxing. "Is he out of his mind? Daring to provoke such a venomous woman—this isn't Miss Shaoyao, this is a man-eating flower!"
Xie Jingxing smirked. "He has a death wish."
Meanwhile, after listening to Ji Yushu's speech, Shen Miao remained composed under his eager and fervent gaze. "Since that's the case, let me explain my plan to Shopkeeper Ji."
Ji Yushu immediately straightened up. "Very well, Miss Shen. Please proceed."
"Everyone in Ming Qi knows that ten years ago, His Majesty was nearly assassinated, and Prince Yu shielded him with his own body, saving the emperor at the cost of his leg. The assassin, however, escaped."
"Correct."
Shen Miao smiled faintly. "The rumor I want you to spread is simple: recently, Prince Yu executed a personal guard of his—one who, coincidentally, looks exactly like the assassin from ten years ago, albeit slightly older."
"Wha—" Ji Yushu froze momentarily before nearly dropping his teacup in shock.
"Please ensure this news reaches His Majesty's ears," Shen Miao added with a smile.
"Is this... true?" Ji Yushu ventured cautiously.
"True or false, Shopkeeper Ji, you just need to make it true," Shen Miao replied with a laugh.
"You—" Ji Yushu stared at her, speechless for a long moment. He couldn't help but think this girl, who looked much younger than him, was truly a monster.
"Now that our deal is settled, I should take my leave," Shen Miao said, rising to her feet. "Shopkeeper Ji, you must act quickly—at least before the massacre at the prince's residence."
With that, she turned and left without another glance at him. Outside, Hongling had been waiting and, seeing her emerge, knew the deal was done. She led Shen Miao away.
In the secret chamber, Gao Yang was silent for a while before speaking. "The Shen family is formidable, but I don't see that as a good thing. With too many mouths and too little porridge, I believe the Shen family won't last long.""Whether to spare them or not is my decision," Xie Jingxing said lazily. "Using the Shen family to deal with that old dog Prince Yu isn't a bad idea."
"Perhaps one day the Shen family will turn against you like this."
"If they dare, I won't mind rooting them out completely." Xie Jingxing's beautiful dark eyes flickered with intensity. "Any leads on that item yet?"
Gao Yang shook his head.
"I'll personally visit on the day of the extermination." Xie Jingxing straightened up, toying with a jade cup in his hand. "I don't believe it can simply vanish."
"Do you really think Prince Yu's Manor can be wiped out? Shen Miao's plan is clever, but unexpected things always happen during execution."
"Unexpected?" Xie Jingxing chuckled lightly, his half-lowered peach blossom eyes as intoxicating as rice wine. Yet beneath those long lashes, his gaze was sharp as a blade, carrying the playful cruelty of a cat toying with its prey. "Ever since I met her, nothing unexpected has ever happened to her."
Time always seemed to pass particularly quickly.
The General's residence was a peculiar place. Before the incident, everything had appeared harmonious on the surface, with all parties maintaining proper appearances. At least from the outside, the relationship between the different branches of the family had seemed amicable. But after the fire that burned down the Shen family ancestral hall, it also burned away any trust Shen Xin and his wife had for the second and third branches. At the very least, relations with the main branch had become strained.
Now that Shen Qing had lost her virtue and was to marry Prince Yu, any sensible person knew this wasn't a good match. Yet Chen Ruoqiu and Shen Yue were still happily preparing for Shen Qing's wedding. While it was true that imperial decrees required an appearance of joy, as family members, they needn't have gone to such lengths to display happiness. Their behavior appeared particularly heartless.
Ren Wanyun had quarreled with Shen Gui over Shen Qing's situation, and Old Madam Shen, favoring Shen Gui, grew increasingly dissatisfied with her daughter-in-law. There was no talk of returning household authority to Ren Wanyun. With Chen Ruoqiu gaining the old madam's favor, she naturally became even more diligent. Furious, Ren Wanyun couldn't help but show resentment toward Old Madam Shen, who retaliated by keeping Shen Yuanbai in the Hall of Glory and Scenery, refusing to let Ren Wanyun see him.
Thus, Ren Wanyun became truly isolated within the vast Shen Mansion. Even some of her former servants had secretly switched allegiance to Wan Yiniang, who was currently in favor. In the Colorful Cloud Courtyard, Ren Wanyun spent her days either cursing wildly or weeping bitterly with Shen Qing, appearing genuinely deranged.
None of this had anything to do with the western courtyard.
Shen Xin and his wife consciously maintained distance from the second and third branches, their attitude neither warm nor cold. Through these events, they had likely seen the cold-hearted nature of the other branches. At least in Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan's view, if what happened to Shen Qing had befallen Shen Miao, they would never have swallowed their anger quietly—they would have fought tooth and nail to get justice for their daughter. Moreover, now that Shen Miao had become more sensible and no longer treated them with the previous aloofness, they felt their request to Emperor Wenhui for permission to remain in the Fixed Capital had been well worth it.
In the room, Bailu reported, "The young master just sent over some more precious jewelry for you, miss, along with several banknotes. I've stored them in your case."Shen Miao nodded. Ever since Shen Qiu found out she had gone to Fengxian Pawnshop, he assumed she was short on money. Insistently, he would pick out delicate trinkets from the palace rewards to send her daily, or simply give her silver directly, saying, "Little sister, if you're short on money, just tell your brother. I'll give it to you. There's no need to visit any pawnshop. The sister of Shen Qiu has no need to exchange items for silver at a pawnshop."
Shen Miao couldn't be bothered to explain and, since one could never have too much silver, she accepted it gladly.
Two days had passed since meeting the Chen Brothers. Tomorrow, she would need to visit Fengxian Pawnshop again, wondering if Chen Yueshan and Chen Yuehai had managed to uncover any leads about the Shen family's younger sister.
The plight of that Shen family sister was undoubtedly pitiable. Yet, Shen Miao had only learned of this in her previous life—after marrying Fu Xiuyi, just as he ascended the throne. At that time, Fu Xiuyi had grown quite impatient with Prince Yu. After all, Fu Xiuyi was not Emperor Wenhui, and Prince Yu held no life-saving favor over him. For a newly enthroned emperor, having a troublesome uncle who only brought him headaches was hardly a cause for joy.
In Jiangnan's Yuzhou, the Chen family finally learned of the fate of the Chen family sisters three years later. At that time, they also attempted to assassinate Prince Yu. The two brothers were indeed bold—they crippled Prince Yu's other leg, but unfortunately, he still managed to survive. Enraged, Prince Yu demanded to uncover the culprits and threw this thorny problem to Fu Xiuyi.
Tracking down assassins across the vast land was no easy task, but Fu Xiuyi had advisors everywhere, including some from the martial world. One of them informed him of Fengxian Pawnshop's covert dealings.
Fu Xiuyi did not act personally but sent someone to spend a fortune buying information about the assassins who targeted Prince Yu. Strangely enough, Fengxian Pawnshop accepted the job but never delivered, claiming they had no leads. When the pawnshop failed, Fu Xiuyi later uncovered the truth himself, and thus, the Chen family of Jiangnan met their doom.
In this life, Shen Miao had foreseen this early on. As soon as Prince Yu developed ulterior motives toward her and began dealings with Ren Wanyun, she had already set this trap in motion. Everything moved according to her plan—Shen Qing's humiliation, Ren Wanyun's retaliation, even Shen Qing's unexpected pregnancy. Naturally, the pregnancy was exposed during the palace banquet, forcing Shen Qing to marry Prince Yu, which enraged him further.
Prince Yu would now focus all his energy on her, allowing the Chen family to secretly plot their revenge. As for the imperial court, it was even easier to manipulate.
Shen Miao had long suspected that, given Fengxian Pawnshop's capabilities, they might have known the Chen family was behind the assassination attempt in her past life. Yet Fu Xiuyi's men never received any information—perhaps the pawnshop deliberately withheld it. Could there be some grudge between Fengxian Pawnshop and Prince Yu?
That was why, in the pavilion of Immortal by the River, Shen Miao had deliberately tested Ji Yushu by mentioning the word "annihilation." Ji Yushu's stunned expression showed no satisfaction, clearly indicating no enmity between him and Prince Yu's Manor.
Yet those who had died once sometimes had terrifyingly accurate instincts. Ji Yushu's reaction not only failed to dispel Shen Miao's suspicions but also planted another doubt in her mind. If her guess was correct, everything could still be explained.
Perhaps the true master behind Fengxian Pawnshop wasn’t Ji Yushu after all.
Who, then, was the one pulling the strings?
Shen Miao couldn’t figure it out. She had thought that in her past life, as the Empress and Fu Xiuyi's confidante, she had uncovered all the secrets of the court. But now, it seemed the waters ran deeper and more treacherous than she had imagined.
Regardless, Prince Yu's Manor must fall, and Prince Yu must die. As for Shen Qing, she deserved to live a life worse than death. In her past life, Shen Qing had visited her in prison—this time, she would return the favor in kind.
Shuangjiang walked in carrying a flowerpot, smiling. "The sun was strong yesterday, so I took the pot outside to bask. Miss said it might snow these days and told me to cover it with a cloth umbrella. I didn’t believe it, but sure enough, it snowed this morning. Thanks to Miss’s foresight, these flowers were spared, or I’d have been in trouble.""Speaking of which, Miss seems to really enjoy making these preparations," Bailu said with a smile. "Preparing things early, anticipating possible mishaps in advance—every time a critical moment arrives, we pass through it with ease. Miss's temperament is extremely steady, which is excellent."
Shen Miao smiled faintly, her bright eyes reflecting the light from outside as firm as a boulder. She said, "It's nothing. I just don't like surprises."
－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－
Empress: I don't like surprises.
Young Marquis: Well, I'm that surprise<dd>
...
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