The bridal sedan chair, after traversing more than half of Fixed Capital, finally entered Prince Yu's Manor.
Many guests had already arrived at the gates of Prince Yu's Manor. Although Prince Yu was known for his cruelty and brutality, he was still a member of the imperial family, so the ministers had no choice but to attend. Emperor Wenhui and the princes did not come, but the palace had sent congratulatory gifts.
Perhaps in recent days, Emperor Wenhui's attitude had greatly displeased Prince Yu. When the palace envoy arrived, Prince Yu did not even offer them a cup of celebratory wine or express gratitude. Seeing this, the eunuch sent from the palace sneered inwardly. To others, they might seem like insignificant castrated servants, but in truth, they were the ones closest to the emperor. There must have been some issue between Emperor Wenhui and Prince Yu. While Prince Yu continued to act as he always had, Emperor Wenhui was no longer as tolerant as before. Today’s behavior from Prince Yu would only further anger the emperor.
Only after the palace envoy left did Prince Yu turn to instruct his servants to continue welcoming guests. Dressed in a grand red wedding robe, the fabric and embroidery of which were undoubtedly exquisite, Prince Yu still looked awkward with one empty pant leg swaying. His naturally fierce countenance was forced into a wide smile today, though it was unclear who it was meant for. Regardless, those who saw it couldn’t help but shudder.
The Shen family had also arrived. Shen Gui and Shen Wan had already gone to mingle with their colleagues. Shen Gui, having nothing left to lose, decided to make the best of Shen Qing’s disgraceful scandal—now that she was marrying into Prince Yu's Manor, he might as well use this tenuous marital connection to bolster his own career. As for Shen Wan, his ambitions were even more apparent. Both were ambitious men who wouldn’t let such an opportunity slip by.
Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan sat together as the bride’s family. They looked down on Shen Gui’s behavior. Ren Wanyun had also come, sitting beside Shen Yuan. Her carefully applied makeup concealed her red-rimmed eyes, and she forced a smile to avoid angering Prince Yu, though her expression was laced with suppressed fury. Shen Yuan remained expressionless, occasionally casting meaningful glances at Shen Miao.
Shen Qiu noticed Shen Yuan’s looks and angrily blocked his line of sight each time. Luo Xueyan caught on and asked thoughtfully, “Brat, what’s going on between you and Shen Yuan?”
Unaware of the feud between Shen Qing and Shen Miao, Shen Qiu stammered, “Uh… I just don’t like him. There’s some friction.”
“How impressive,” Luo Xueyan glared at him. “Picking fights with someone who doesn’t even know martial arts. Shen Qiu, how old are you?”
Shen Qiu shot a pleading look at Shen Miao, but she pretended not to notice, silently staring at her teacup.
Meanwhile, the guests exchanged pleasantries, creating an illusion of harmony. Soon, it was time for Shen Qing and Prince Yu to perform the wedding ceremony.
Shen Qing, veiled under her red bridal cover, was supported by her maids Chun Tao and Xue Li. When it came time to bow to the elders, Shen Gui’s expression turned awkward. Prince Yu’s gaze at him was icy, and the thought of Prince Yu bowing to them was unsettling.
Sure enough, the steward of Prince Yu's Manor declared arrogantly, “His Highness is physically inconvenienced. The bow to the elders shall be omitted.”As soon as these words were spoken, the hall fell into a momentary silence. Ren Wanyun gritted her teeth, her facial muscles trembling with anger. They had already bowed to heaven and earth—how could Prince Yu suddenly claim discomfort when it was time to bow to the parents? This was clearly a deliberate refusal to acknowledge Shen Qing and a calculated humiliation of Shen Gui and Ren Wanyun.
Though Shen Gui also felt his face burning, he had always been a bully who feared the strong. Terrified of offending Prince Yu, he immediately said, "Since His Highness is unwell, let’s skip this step."
Some of the younger guests couldn’t help but snicker, their laughter barely concealed, making Ren Wanyun nearly rush forward to confront them. Just as she was about to lose control, Shen Yuan suddenly reached out and gripped her arm, shaking his head slightly at her. Only then did Ren Wanyun calm down. Shen Yuan withdrew his hand, his gaze settling on Shen Gui, who was fawning from a distance, his expression darkening for a moment.
"Second Brother is truly disgraceful," Luo Xueyan said disdainfully. "To let his own daughter be humiliated like this..."
"I thought he was just greedy for wealth and status, but I never imagined he could be so heartless," Shen Xin sighed, his tone full of disappointment. "How did Second Brother become like this?"
"And now we’re all dragged into this shame. What terrible luck," Shen Qiu muttered gloomily.
On the other side, Shen Yue’s family also felt embarrassed. Though Shen Wan was equally ambitious in his career, he wasn’t as blatant as Shen Gui. Chen Ruoqiu, who prided herself on her scholarly upbringing, held herself to higher standards. Still, as members of the Shen family, Shen Gui’s behavior left them deeply ashamed.
After Prince Yu’s humiliation of Shen Gui, he seemed quite satisfied with the disdainful looks directed at the Shen family. During the couple’s bow to each other, he deliberately prolonged the moment. Whether it was Shen Miao’s imagination or not, the bride seemed to tremble as she passed by them.
For a prince’s wedding, even the customary teasing of the newlyweds was omitted. Since Shen Qing was pregnant, any mishap during the festivities could lead to accusations of harming the royal heir—a risk no one dared take. After Shen Qing was escorted to the bridal chamber, Prince Yu remained outside, feasting and drinking with his guests.
"Congratulations, Your Highness," the ministers fawned as they raised their glasses.
"The pleasure is mutual," Prince Yu replied. On the surface, he appeared genuinely happy, even joining in the revelry with his officials. But Shen Miao didn’t miss the occasional cold glances he cast her way.
Prince Yu had suffered a setback at her hands, and he wouldn’t forget it. When their eyes met across the room, Prince Yu raised his cup to her from afar, then suddenly made a vulgar gesture, licking his lips.
Shen Miao remained unfazed by the malice, calmly watching him. Beside her, Shen Qiu noticed her gaze and followed it. "What are you looking at, little sister?"
Prince Yu had already turned away to drink with others, so Shen Qiu saw nothing. Shen Miao stood up. "It’s a bit stifling. I’ll step outside for some air."
"I’ll go with you," Shen Qiu offered quickly.
"No need. Mo Qing and the others are guarding outside. I won’t go far—just to the entrance." She declined and left the banquet on her own.
Prince Yu’s Manor was vast. Outside, Mo Qing stood watch in the garden and immediately followed when he saw her emerge. But Shen Miao didn’t go far, stopping instead to gaze thoughtfully toward the southwestern corner of the manor.
Until a voice came from behind her: "Fifth Sister."Shen Miao turned her head to find Shen Yuan had followed her out at some point, smiling at her.
Shen Yuan's smile was different from Fu Xiuyi's refined gentleness, distinct from Shen Qiu's simple honesty, and unlike Ji Yushu's playful mischief. His smile always seemed to carry an underlying meaning, making people deeply uncomfortable. When he stared into someone's eyes, it was like a venomous snake sizing up its prey—an icy aura that lingered unsettlingly.
Shen Yuan was truly the most formidable opponent in the second branch of the Shen family.
"The banquet is only halfway through, yet Fifth Sister has slipped out alone. I thought perhaps you had some secret you wished to pursue without your brothers," he said, his words laced with insinuation.
Shen Miao gazed at the bare branches in the garden. It was the depths of winter, and the once-lush flowers had long withered, leaving nothing but skeletal branches weighed down by heavy snow, exuding a desolate chill. She replied, "Then why has Second Brother followed me out? To spy on my secrets?"
"I wouldn't mind spying," Shen Yuan said, "but you hide things too well, leaving me no opportunity. I merely thought that as siblings, if given the chance, I ought to offer you some advice."
Shen Miao turned to face him, staring unblinkingly. "I'm all ears."
"Since returning to the capital, I've noticed Fifth Sister has changed considerably—almost as if you've become a different person. Perhaps you've grown up, or perhaps someone has been guiding you. But having walked a longer path than you, there are things I see more clearly." He paused, glancing toward the banquet hall, where the distant sounds of clinking cups, toasts, congratulations, and flattery could still be heard. Shen Yuan continued, "Qing'er is getting married today. Does Fifth Sister feel happy?"
"To be honest, it's immensely satisfying," Shen Miao replied with a faint smile.
A sharp glint flashed in Shen Yuan's eyes before he chuckled. "Fifth Sister truly doesn't know restraint. Your feud with Qing'er has long reached a life-or-death stage. Now that you've sent her into the prince's manor, you think this is victory—proof that you're still childish at heart." He patted Shen Miao's head as if he were a doting elder brother. "But entering Prince Yu's Manor doesn't mean Qing'er has no chance of turning the tables. Once she weathers this storm, who knows what the future holds for her? But as for you, Fifth Sister, I fear your path will only grow more treacherous."
Shen Miao remained silent as Shen Yuan added, "If I were you, I wouldn't have left Qing'er even a sliver of opportunity. I would have eliminated my opponent early, taken her life. So-called pride, so-called prolonging her suffering—those only create future troubles." He smiled warmly at her. "But you're still young and don't yet understand the folly of sparing a foe. When dealing with an adversary, only their death guarantees victory."
Shen Miao studied Shen Yuan quietly, her heart stirring slightly. Shen Yuan was indeed the shrewdest in the second branch—he cared nothing for process, only results. If crossed, he would use the simplest method to end a life—ruthless, direct, and without lingering consequences. A man like this, cold and rational, unmoved by external influences, could never be provoked into recklessness.She smiled and said, "Second Brother is right. After all, I am still young and not as cold-hearted as you." Such sarcastic words fell upon Shen Yuan's ears, yet he remained unfazed, merely smiling in response. However, what followed was Shen Miao's calm voice: "Though I may not be as cold-hearted as Second Brother, there is one thing we share—I also dislike leaving loose ends. Do you think Eldest Sister will be able to turn her fate around after marrying into the Prince's household?"
Shen Yue stared at her. "You think she won't?"
"Will she?" Shen Miao countered. Her tone had always been steady and demure, but these two words—"Will she?"—were laden with unmistakable provocation and mockery. The lofty disdain in her voice made even the usually unflappable Shen Yuan's pupils contract abruptly.
After uttering these words, Shen Miao let out a soft chuckle. Without another glance at Shen Yuan, she turned and left the garden, heading back toward the banquet hall.
Would Shen Qing truly turn her fate around? The corners of Shen Miao's lips curled slightly, her genuine delight causing Mo Qing, who followed behind her, to pause in surprise. Having spent so much time by Shen Miao's side, Mo Qing had gradually come to understand her. He had seen her ruthless side, but more often, she issued commands with calm composure. Occasionally, she would smile, yet even then, her smiles carried an air of quiet authority. But now, her eyes crinkled with mirth, as though she were utterly delighted. Mo Qing couldn't fathom what could bring her such joy. Glancing back at Shen Yuan, still rooted in the garden, he wondered—could a mere exchange with Shen Yuan have pleased her so much?
Even the grandest of banquets must eventually come to an end. As the wine flowed and faces flushed, guests began to depart in twos and threes. Shen Miao, too, boarded the carriage back to the mansion.
Inside the carriage, Luo Xueyan remained silent for a long while. Lost in thought, she suddenly grasped Shen Miao's hand and asked, "Jiaojiao, what kind of man do you fancy?"
For a mother to ask her unmarried daughter such a question was somewhat unconventional. But perhaps Shen Qing's wedding today had stirred something in Luo Xueyan's heart. Having spent years away on the battlefield, she realized now how little she knew of Shen Miao's thoughts. She only knew that Shen Miao had once admired Prince Ding—a man Luo Xueyan had also met. He was indeed outstanding among his peers, exuding brilliance and charm. Yet such a man surely harbored lofty ambitions. How much weight could he truly place on matters of the heart? Marrying someone like him might not guarantee happiness.
Shen Miao was taken aback but soon smiled at Luo Xueyan. "What kind of man does Mother wish me to marry?"
Luo Xueyan hadn't expected Shen Miao to turn the question back on her. In that moment, she overlooked the fact that Shen Miao showed not a trace of shyness, treating the question as casually as if it were the simplest matter. After a pause, Luo Xueyan replied, "I hope you marry a man of upright character. It would be best if his rank isn't too high, his wealth not too vast, his ambitions not too grand, and his household not too complicated. Your father and I will provide you with power and riches. A man with modest ambitions will cherish you sincerely. A simple household means you can live peacefully after marriage. Above all, he must respect and love you wholeheartedly."Shen Miao lowered her eyes with a faint smile. Luo Xueyan and Shen Xin's hopes seemed never to change—they wished for Shen Miao to marry the most ordinary man possible, with the only requirement being that he would cherish and love her. Unfortunately, in her past life, she had been blinded by foolishness. Among countless men in the world, she had chosen the one who loved her the least.
"However," Luo Xueyan chuckled as she spoke, "Mother knows that girls your age don’t fancy such men the most. What you probably admire are those who stand out in a crowd. When I was your age, I too adored dashing young heroes. But in the end, I married your father, and I’ve never regretted it."
"Then, I’ll listen to Mother," Shen Miao said softly.
Luo Xueyan froze. "What?"
Shen Miao looked at her and enunciated each word clearly: "To marry an ordinary man who will cherish and respect me—isn’t that Mother’s wish? Then, when the time comes for me to marry, I’ll choose such a person."
Luo Xueyan grasped Shen Miao’s hand, a strange feeling rising in her heart. The girl before her had a sweet, obedient appearance and a gentle temperament, completely different from the defiant and spoiled child she once was. Shen Miao agreed to everything she said, and having such a compliant daughter should have brought her joy. Yet, for some reason, Luo Xueyan couldn’t feel the slightest happiness. It was as if such docility didn’t belong on that face—she should be a little more willful, a little more rebellious, a little more vibrant, rather than this serene submission that inexplicably tugged at her heart.
Luo Xueyan pulled Shen Miao into her arms and murmured, "Even so, at your age, it’s not excessive to like anyone you fancy. Mother knows that whoever our Jiaojiao holds in her heart must be the very best. Our Jiaojiao is so wonderful—he will surely cherish and respect her. If Jiaojiao truly likes someone, even if he isn’t ordinary, as long as he treats you well, Mother won’t stand in your way."
Shen Miao buried her face in Luo Xueyan’s embrace, her voice barely audible. "Thank you, Mother."
On the night of the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, snow began to fall again.
As the New Year approached, the weather had gradually cleared, with several days of sunshine. Yet unexpectedly, that night brought a rare and violent snowstorm.
The streets of Fixed Capital were nearly deserted, with shops tightly shuttered. Only the biting northern wind could be seen, howling as it whipped coarse snowflakes into chaotic swirls in the air.
At the entrance of Prince Yu’s Manor, the red lanterns swayed wildly in the wind. The festive fireworks and colorful banners set up earlier were already buried under the snow, while the two bright red "double happiness" characters pasted on the doors had been half-torn away by the gale. The remaining half hung in tatters, lending an eerie atmosphere to the scene.
The two guards stationed outside had indulged in celebratory wine and were now rather drunk. One of them lifted his gourd and chuckled, "Who would’ve thought our manor would welcome another Royal Consort? Back in the day, I never imagined anyone would dare marry their daughter into this place."
"Tch, don’t talk nonsense. That’s not marrying in—it’s selling in. Royal Consort or not," the other man glanced inside and shook his head, "who knows how long she’ll last?"
"Maybe we’ll get lucky," the first one sneered, his tone laced with malice."That's carrying Prince Yu's child. If you have a death wish, go ahead," another person said.
A "tsk" sound, somewhat muffled in the snowstorm, came from the man holding a gourd of wine as he asked, "Did you hear something just now?"
"What sound?" The other man waved drunkenly. "Just the wind. Don't be so jumpy."
"Today is Prince Yu's joyous occasion. Best not to have any mishaps," the first man said, his drunkenness fading slightly as he straightened up and glanced around but saw nothing.
"Stop worrying," another guard laughed at him. "Where do you think we are? Who would dare cause trouble at Prince Yu's Manor? Unless they're tired of living. Don't overthink—" He paused, feeling something drip onto his face. Wiping it, he muttered, "Why is this snow warm?" Spreading his fingers under the glow of a nearby Fire Tinder, he saw clearly—it wasn't snow at all, but blood.
Warm blood.
Startled, he looked up and saw the corpse of a guard on the eaves, staring wide-eyed at him, blood trickling from its throat.
"Intru—" Before he could finish, a silver flash crossed his vision. A hot spray erupted from his throat, and his body went limp, collapsing into the snow.
As he fell, he saw his companion—who had been speaking to him moments ago—lying motionless in the snow, a vivid red stain spreading across his chest, trailing a gruesome path through the white.
From the eaves, dozens of black-clad, masked figures descended, blending seamlessly into the night. Two more emerged from the shadows, dragging away the bodies by the gate. Moments later, new "guards" stood in their places.
The lead figure signaled, and the group slipped silently into the manor.
Inside Prince Yu's bedchamber, Shen Qing sat trembling on the edge of the bed.
Prince Yu lounged on a divan, flanked by two naked beauties who coyly massaged his legs and fed him delicacies, whispering words that would make ears burn. Shen Qing bit her lip hard, overwhelmed by unspeakable humiliation.
She was the legitimate daughter of a noble family, meant to marry someone as distinguished and handsome as Prince Ding. Yet here she was, trapped in Prince Yu's grasp. As his official wife, she was forced to endure the presence of these lowborn women and witness such debauchery. Fear and fury twisted inside her—but most of all, hatred for Shen Miao.
"You should be grateful you carry my heir," Prince Yu said coldly, noticing her expression. "Otherwise, today wouldn't have ended so simply for you." He relished her fearful gaze, though another pair of calm, clear eyes surfaced in his mind, sparking sudden rage. Studying Shen Qing, he added slowly, "But once you've delivered my child, I won't neglect you. My manor has many guards—men who risk their lives for me. As my wife, it's only fitting you... reward them."
Shen Qing's mind went blank, nearly fainting. The horror in his words stripped away even her will to live."Hah, this prince will surely treat you well." The gentler Prince Yu's tone became, the more fervent his gaze grew, to the point that even the two maidservants before him began to tremble.
"Why are you trembling?" Prince Yu suddenly frowned in displeasure, just as he was about to speak, the maidservant on his left stumbled unsteadily and fell against him. Her jade-like arms happened to embrace the prince's head against her bosom. Before Prince Yu could react, the other maidservant swiftly pulled a hairpin from her head and drove it into his throat.
Prince Yu let out a howl of pain, but he was no pushover either. With a loud crash, he flung both maidservants to the ground. Skilled in martial arts, his strike was ruthless—the two maids struggled briefly before going limp, lifeless.
Nearby, Shen Qing was petrified with fear, scrambling under a table in panic. Prince Yu pulled the hairpin from his throat. Though it hadn’t pierced deeply, blood still flowed freely. Cursing, he bellowed, “Guards! Guards!”
A guard hurried in at his call. Prince Yu kicked the two corpses on the floor. “What the hell is this? Find out who they are.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” the guard bowed in acknowledgment. But the moment Prince Yu turned his head, a sharp shink pierced the air. He looked down—a gleaming silver blade, slick with blood, had just run him clean through the chest.
The guard who had been so meek moments before yanked the blade free. Prince Yu staggered, as if trying to call for help, but after a few steps, he collapsed with a heavy thud .
The knife gleamed, smeared with thick blood. The technique was flawless—like slaughtering livestock, a single, precise strike, no wasted motion.
The guard glanced at Prince Yu’s corpse, then turned to Shen Qing, who was trembling beneath the table. “You’re Shen Qing?”
“Y-yes! Are you… are you sent by Second Brother to save me?” Shen Qing’s eyes lit up with hope as he looked at the man.
The guard said nothing. He simply turned and walked out.
Confused, Shen Qing hesitated. He wanted to leave but was too afraid to stay in the same room as Prince Yu’s corpse. Gathering some valuables from the table, he wrapped them in cloth and made for the door.
The moment he opened it, he nearly tripped. In the dim glow of a lantern, the sight of multiple guards’ corpses sprawled across the doorway sent a jolt of terror through him. Shen Qing gasped, his eyes darting outside.
In the darkness, shadowy figures darted past. The heavy thuds of bodies hitting the ground echoed, each one sending a fresh wave of dread. Prince Yu’s Manor had become a ghastly hellscape—the blizzard obscured the outside, but the thick stench of blood hung in the air like a suffocating net.
Even the snow seemed dyed crimson.
Shen Mansion, West Garden.
Bailu shut the window again. “The storm outside is terrible—it keeps blowing the windows open. It’s downright eerie.”
“Isn’t it?” Shuangjiang chuckled. “The elders say weather like this is the heavens’ wrath, punishing sinners. Whoever’s being punished this time must have done something truly awful—a blizzard this fierce hasn’t been seen in years.”
“What are you looking at, Miss?” Jing Zhe asked. “Still thinking about the banquet earlier?”
Since returning to the mansion at dusk, Shen Miao had been sitting at the table, lost in thought, unmoving even as night fell. For some reason, Jing Zhe felt as though Shen Miao was waiting for something.
But what?
Shen Miao shook her head. “Just watching.”
Gu Yu and Jing Zhe exchanged puzzled glances. Outside was pitch black—what could she possibly be watching?
Shen Miao lowered her gaze. Inside, the lamplight was serene. Outside, the storm raged. How many lives would be lost before dawn?
Shen Yuan was right—she never left herself a way out, so she never left one for others either.
Her slender fingers tapped rhythmically against the edge of the table, like the eerie tune sung by condemned women in the cold palace.
What song was it?
A song of retribution—that justice would come full circle.
P.S.
Luo Xueyan: “The husband shouldn’t hold too high a rank, shouldn’t be too wealthy, shouldn’t be too ambitious, shouldn’t have a complicated household, should be upright in character, and shouldn’t bully you.”
Xie Jingxing: “Perfect! Not a single one of Mother-in-law’s conditions applies to me! (◣_◢)”
And thus, the textbook bad example, Young Marquis Xie, was swiftly eliminated in the first round. (╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻
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