Such a major incident occurred in Fixed Capital that the entire city was abuzz with discussions about the tragic massacre at Prince Yu's Manor. Rumors snowballed, growing increasingly outrageous with each retelling. Speculations of all kinds emerged, with some even suspecting that the perpetrator behind the annihilation of Prince Yu's Manor was the newlywed Royal Consort's secret lover—a man who, in a fit of rage for his beloved, had the entire manor slaughtered as a sacrifice for her. This particular rumor added a touch of scandalous allure, as if a hint of romance had been woven into the brutal truth.
Such rumors were rampant, and to those involved, they likely meant little. Yet, amidst the vast river of gossip, one stood out as particularly shocking.
This rumor suggested that the overnight massacre of Prince Yu's Manor was actually orchestrated by the Shen family. As for why the general's household would do such a thing—well, the waters ran too deep, leaving it to the audience's imagination.
While the earlier rumors merely subjected Shen Qing and her family to mockery and scorn, this conspiracy-laden speculation truly thrust the Shen Mansion into the spotlight.
Prince Yu's Manor had been wiped out, leaving not even a single animal alive—except for the newlywed bride. What virtue did this bride possess to be spared by the ruthless assailants? Unless, of course, she had some connection to them. If she were from the Shen family, everything would make sense. But why would the Shen family oppose Prince Yu's Manor? On the surface, it might seem like dissatisfaction with the marriage, but delving deeper—given the undercurrents of political turmoil in the court—who knew if the Shen family was acting on someone else's orders or making a statement? Common folk might not grasp it, but seasoned officials wouldn't miss the implications. In no time, the Shen family found itself at the center of the storm.
Early in the morning, Bailu and Shuangjiang came to invite Shen Miao for some pastries. The Shen Mansion was in no state to attend to other matters, with even the daily meals from the small kitchen being hastily prepared. Apart from the Hall of Glory and Scenery, most people fended for themselves. Bailu and Shuangjiang simply bought pastries from outside and served them with sweet soup to warm Shen Miao up.
After breakfast, Shen Miao finished her grooming and glanced at her reflection in the mirror, frowning slightly. She then turned to Gu Yu and said, "Go fetch the fox fur scarf my elder brother sent."
"Oh, so the young lady remembers that scarf now!" Gu Yu exclaimed as she dug it out from the bottom of the chest and moved to wrap it around Shen Miao, only to be stopped. "I'll do it myself," Shen Miao said.
The scarf was made from pure white fox fur, without a single stray hair, a prized pelt Shen Qiu had hunted in the northwestern mountains. Recognizing its value, he had it tailored into an exquisite scarf for Shen Miao. However, Shen Miao had never been fond of wearing it, so it had been buried at the bottom of the chest. Today, for some reason, she suddenly remembered it, much to Gu Yu's delight—after all, such a beautiful pelt deserved to see the light of day.
Once Shen Miao had wrapped the scarf around her neck, Gu Yu couldn't help but admire it. "The young lady looks absolutely stunning with this scarf—it makes her skin appear even fairer. And it looks so warm and cozy. Just perfect."Shen Miao lowered her gaze, her fingers lightly brushing over the soft fur, yet her thoughts lingered on the bruise she had just seen on her neck in the mirror—a mark left by Xie Jingxing when he had gripped her throat the day before. The man had shown no mercy, and though she hadn’t noticed it yesterday, today it stood out glaringly. Even though winter clothing had high collars, if someone were to catch a glimpse of it by accident, Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan would surely not let the matter rest. Better to avoid trouble and wrap it up tightly.
Setting down the bronze mirror, Shen Miao opened the door and stepped outside, just in time to see Shen Qiu standing beneath a tree in the courtyard, giving instructions to a young soldier beside him. Shen Qiu’s guards were all men from the military, different from ordinary guards, exuding an air of martial prowess and iron will. Noticing Shen Miao, Shen Qiu exchanged a few more words with the soldier before turning to her with a smile. "Little sister."
"What’s happened?" Shen Miao asked. Normally, at dawn, Shen Qiu would be steadfastly practicing his swordplay or spear techniques in the courtyard. The West Courtyard’s best feature was this spacious yard, where Shen Qiu and Shen Xin had always loved to spar. Occasionally, Luo Xueyan would join in when the mood struck. Shen Miao had grown accustomed to seeing Shen Qiu training the moment she opened her door these past days. The unusual silence today could only mean something was amiss.
Shen Qiu chuckled awkwardly. "It’s nothing. Why are you up so early, little sister? Shouldn’t you be sleeping in?"
His clumsy attempt to divert the conversation didn’t even make Shen Miao blink. "Is it about Eldest Sister and the Shen family?"
Shen Qiu coughed hastily, pulling Shen Miao back inside. Once they were in the room, he shooed the servants out and closed the door before turning to her. "Little sister, don’t mention this outside."
"What exactly is going on?"
Shen Qiu scratched his head. "It’s nothing major. Leave it to Father, Mother, and me. These days, just stay indoors and don’t get involved."
His vague response was clearly an attempt to brush her off. But if even Shen Qiu could fool Shen Miao, then she wouldn’t have survived in the Shen family for long. She fixed him with an unwavering gaze. "Enough, Eldest Brother. There’s no need to hide it from me. It’s about the massacre at Prince Yu’s Manor, isn’t it? People suspect Eldest Sister, and now they’re pointing fingers at the Shen family."
Shen Qiu froze, staring at Shen Miao, suddenly overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness. He increasingly felt he couldn’t live up to the role of an elder brother in front of her—Shen Miao knew everything. When she had been naive, he worried she might be bullied. Now that she was sharp, there was simply no way to handle her.
Seeing Shen Qiu remain silent, Shen Miao pressed on. "Is this what’s troubling you, Eldest Brother?"
"Little sister," Shen Qiu said solemnly, "you’re still young and don’t understand court affairs. Though this matter may seem straightforward, those behind the slander have ulterior motives. One misstep, and the entire Shen family could be implicated." He hesitated for a moment before tentatively asking, "Little sister, do you know about the case of Prince Yu’s Manor?" Before she could answer, he quickly added, "You probably don’t. How could a young lady like you have any involvement in such a major incident?"Ever since Shen Miao told Shen Qiu about how the second branch of the Shen family and Prince Yu had conspired against her, Shen Qiu had been unable to swallow his anger. If not for Shen Miao forbidding him from telling their parents and forcing him not to act rashly, Shen Qiu would have long sought revenge for her out of sheer indignation. From beginning to end, Shen Miao assured Shen Qiu that she had her own ways of handling everything.
What followed was a series of misfortunes that seemed to plague the second branch. Shen Qiu had already been astonished when Shen Qing’s pregnancy was exposed at the palace banquet and her eventual marriage to Prince Yu’s Manor was orchestrated by Shen Miao. But this time, the entire Prince Yu’s Manor had been exterminated. If Shen Miao had any involvement in this, Shen Qiu couldn’t help but feel a growing chill in his heart. To make a princely manor vanish without a trace from this world—even if Shen Xin were to act, it would likely require considerable effort. How could Shen Miao, a delicate young girl, possibly achieve such a thing? Yet the more impossible it seemed, the stronger Shen Qiu’s intuition grew that there was enmity between Prince Yu’s Manor and Shen Miao. If they had now met such a fate, what if Shen Miao had played a part in it?
Shen Miao glanced at Shen Qiu and sighed. "Does Big Brother suspect me of doing this?"
"No, no, of course not, little sister. How could I suspect you? A young girl like you—if you really had such capabilities, people would laugh themselves silly if word got out," Shen Qiu hurriedly refuted, afraid of upsetting her.
The cautious look on his face made Shen Miao sigh inwardly. She couldn’t tell him the truth. The main branch of the Shen family was upright and kind-hearted, loyal to their principles. If they knew such ruthless deeds had come from her, they would surely be deeply distressed. She could only lie to Shen Qiu. Shen Miao smiled faintly. "I truly don’t have such abilities, Big Brother. There’s no need to suspect me. But as for what you’re worried about now, there’s really no need to be overly concerned."
Shen Qiu looked at her. Unconsciously, when speaking with Shen Miao, he had begun to adopt a tone of inquiry. "Why do you think so, little sister?"
"The world isn’t full of fools. How can mere rumors convict anyone? If they truly want to assign blame, they’ll produce irrefutable evidence. Besides, what does Eldest Sister have to do with our branch? Father and Mother are rarely at the manor—no matter how much mud is slung, it won’t stick to us. Even if the situation is a hundred times more chaotic, it’s not our concern. Naturally, there are ‘capable and shrewd’ people who will resolve these issues."
"Capable and shrewd people?" Shen Qiu frowned. "Who?"
Before he could finish, Bailu’s voice rang out loudly from outside: "Second Young Master, what brings you here?"
"You see?" Shen Miao turned, a fleeting smile in her eyes. "The capable and shrewd one has arrived."
Shen Qiu’s eyes darted, and he strode to the door in three quick steps, flinging it open. Sure enough, Shen Yuan stood at the threshold. Shen Yuan had always been meticulous about his appearance, but now, after what must have been a night of frantic activity, he looked somewhat haggard. Unlike his usual pretenses, the gaze he directed at Shen Miao and Shen Qiu was openly hostile. "Fifth Sister," he said, "I’d like to speak with you alone."
"My sister has nothing to say to you," Shen Qiu blocked Shen Miao, deliberately emphasizing the words "my sister.""It's alright, big brother," Shen Miao said. "Actually, I also have a few words I'd like to say to second brother."
"Little sister." Shen Qiu said urgently, barely stopping himself from blurting out "that guy is no good." Shen Miao patted Shen Qiu's arm reassuringly: "Don't worry. If you're concerned, you can stand guard outside the door."
"Then I'll stand guard right outside," Shen Qiu quickly agreed.
This display between the siblings made Shen Yuan's face darken several shades. In the past, no matter how much Shen Qiu disliked him, they had always maintained surface harmony. But since this return, it had been open confrontation. Shen Yuan's gaze settled on Shen Miao—many things would have proceeded smoothly if they'd just followed the predetermined path. The reason things had derailed to this irreparable extent was all because of Shen Miao.
She was the greatest variable in the Shen family.
"Fifth sister, come in with me," Shen Yuan said coldly, shooting Shen Qiu a glance. "Big brother, please remain on guard outside." With these words, he strode into the room first.
Under the worried gazes of everyone, Shen Miao followed him inside.
The door closed slowly behind them. When Shen Miao turned around, she was met with Shen Yuan's gloomy expression: "You did this.His tone held absolute certainty, without even a hint of hesitation. Shen Miao smiled faintly: "Which matter is second brother referring to? The extermination of the Prince's household, or the rampant rumors spreading everywhere?"
"Wasn't it you behind all of it?"Shen Yuan sneered." "I truly underestimated you."
"I'm afraid second brother has overestimated me," Shen Miao replied nonchalantly. "I don't possess such capabilities—to commit such atrocities and still emerge unscathed."
"Oh?" Shen Yuan looked her up and down before saying, "Yet you seem to be living quite happily now."
"People will say what they want—I can't control that. Since second brother insists on believing this, I won't bother explaining. You wouldn't believe me anyway. Did second brother come here just to accuse me?"
Shen Yuan struggled to contain his anger. The girl before him smiled with effortless ease, the curve of her lips forming a mocking arc. Her clear eyes reflected his slightly disheveled appearance like still water. Proud and self-assured, he had been outmaneuvered by this girl, leaving him deeply resentful. Yet the situation had reached this point precisely because he had underestimated her.
"Aren't you afraid of dragging the Shen family into this? If this continues, even your uncle's household won't escape unscathed!" Shen Yuan said viciously.
At this, Shen Miao seemed to hear something amusing. She gazed at Shen Yuan with a smile until his anger was barely contained before speaking calmly: "I've done nothing. Moreover, second brother's words are quite strange—even if this matter involves the Shen family, what does it have to do with our main branch?" She continued lightly: "My parents and brother spend the entire year in the northwest. Surely you can't claim that a young girl like me could make decisions for the main branch. Even if the Shen family is implicated, second brother, at least the main branch can emerge completely innocent."
Shen Yuan drew in a sharp breath.He had indeed considered this possibility, but when he brought it up, he assumed Shen Miao knew nothing about court affairs. No matter how clever or cunning she was, her schemes were confined to the inner household. The court was a man's world—who in the Shen Mansion would analyze court politics for her? Shen Gui? Shen Wan? Don’t make him laugh. Yet now, Shen Miao’s sarcastic remarks made it abundantly clear that she understood these dynamics better than anyone.
"So you’ve had a backup plan all along." Shen Yuan’s expression darkened as he sneered, "It seems your branch of the family has no intention of stepping in?"
"We’ve never had the leisure to meddle in others’ affairs." Shen Miao regarded him leisurely. "But Second Uncle and Third Uncle should be the ones explaining themselves now. Though the one who should be most worried is you, Second Brother." She shook her head with feigned sympathy. "Just returned to Fixed Capital to take up your post, and you run into this mess. This is a blatant roadblock to your future."
Her deliberately cadenced tone, likely picked up from spending so much time with Shen Qiu, was infuriatingly composed. It made Shen Yuan clench his fists even tighter.
Suddenly, Shen Miao turned her head, stroking the soft fur of her cloak as she smiled. "But since we all share the Shen name, I do have an idea that might solve this urgent problem."
"Fifth Sister’s ideas? I wouldn’t dare." Shen Yuan glared at her. "One misstep, and I might lose my life without even realizing it."
"Second Brother jokes. I’m not that terrifying. This suggestion is sincerely for your benefit. Though someone as clever as you has probably already thought of it. Since the Shen family has been implicated, the solution is simply to extricate ourselves. You know as well as I do that rumors are baseless, but the longer they spread, the more doubt they sow. So, while the rumors are still fresh, we should treat them as just that—'rumors.' But to make them truly seem like 'rumors,' Eldest Sister will need to clarify things."
Shen Miao glanced out the window, where Shen Qiu was nervously crouching under a tree with his horse spear, peering toward the house from a distance. She smiled faintly. "I believe the most powerful clarification in this world comes at the cost of one’s life."
"You—!" Shen Yuan’s fist shot out, stopping just above Shen Miao’s head. He stared at her. "For someone your age, to have such a viper’s heart—Fifth Sister, you’re the first I’ve ever met like you."
"Likewise." A flash of triumph crossed Shen Miao’s eyes. "Do you think Eldest Sister would be willing to clarify things for the sake of your future?" Her smile was gentle. "I suppose she would. After all, you’re blood relatives." She paused, then suddenly shook her head. "No, I suppose she wouldn’t. Eldest Sister values her own life above all. You’d only lose your future, but she’d have to pay with her life."
"Shen Miao, your luck won’t hold forever." Shen Yuan gritted his teeth, his tone dripping with hatred, as if he wanted to tear her apart. For the first time, he understood why Ren Wanyun grew nearly deranged at the mention of Shen Miao—because she was truly, undeniably, the kind of person one could hate to the bone."I don't know about constant good luck," Shen Miao looked at him, "but as for you, Second Brother, right now, you've run out of options."
With a loud "bang," Shen Yuan kicked the door open and stormed off without a backward glance. His abrupt departure startled Shen Qiu, who immediately rushed into the room. Only after confirming Shen Miao was unharmed did he relax. Curious, he asked, "What did you say to him? He looked absolutely furious."
"Oh, perhaps he's feeling guilty for being powerless while his sister suffers in prison," Shen Miao replied without turning her head as she picked up a cloak. Seeing this, Shen Qiu asked, "Are you going out?"
"With Eldest Sister in prison, it's only right for sisters to visit her," Shen Miao smiled faintly. "After all, we're family."
...
Such a major commotion in Fixed Capital would be strange if Fengxian Pawnshop remained completely unaware. Even Baixiaosheng's founding ancestor would rise from his coffin to scold them if he found out.
In the Ling Jiang Xian Pavilion, Hongling carefully arranged delicate pastries and teacups on the table before quietly withdrawing. Ji Yushu picked up a pastry, took a bite, then spat it out with a "bleh," exclaiming, "What is this? It's awful!" He then turned to Xie Jingxing with a shameless grin, "Third Brother Xie, could you lend me your chef for a few days?"
Xie Jingxing succinctly replied with a single word: "Scram."
Gao Yang sipped his tea and remarked, "With the entire capital buzzing about the Prince's Mansion affair, you still have the appetite for pastries. Ji Yushu, I truly admire you."
"No need for excessive admiration," Ji Yushu adjusted his collar with flair. "I've always been exceptional. But what does the Prince's Mansion have to do with me? Why shouldn't I enjoy pastries?"
"Don't forget, the Chen Brothers acted based on rumors spread by your Fengxian Pawnshop," Gao Yang reminded him. "Assassins, rebellions—you've fabricated quite the tale."
Ji Yushu bristled at this. "The one who started those rumors was Shen Miao, and she's not skipping meals or pacing anxiously, is she? I heard she even went to visit Shen Qing in prison early this morning. Now that's what I call a heart as clear as glass, facing things head-on. If I were Shen Qing, I'd be fuming to death."
Xie Jingxing chuckled, picking up a pastry to taste. Finding it not to his liking, he frowned slightly and set the remaining half down, refusing another bite.
"You can't compare yourself to her," Gao Yang said coolly. "The Fifth Miss of the Shen family probably wouldn't flinch even if she pierced the heavens. To stab our Third Brother Xie with a hairpin and walk away unscathed—she's the first I've ever seen."
"What?!" Ji Yushu gasped, turning to Xie Jingxing. "Third Brother, you were stabbed?"
Xie Jingxing shot Gao Yang a glance. "Do you want to go home?"
Gao Yang immediately straightened up. "That was nonsense just now."
But Ji Yushu had already latched onto this new amusement and pestered Xie Jingxing relentlessly. "How did she stab you? With a sword? If you couldn't dodge, she must've been lightning-fast. And she got away unharmed? Third Brother, did you lose to her?"
Xie Jingxing finally snapped. "Shut up!""She's so skilled and quite good-looking too. Suddenly I feel even Shaoyao can't compare to her. Ah, Brother Xie, can you help me think of a way to win her favor? I think such a girl should be secured at home as soon as possible," Ji Yushu continued chattering incessantly.
"One more word, and you'll be going back with Gao Yang," Xie Jingxing said expressionlessly.
Ji Yushu finally shut his mouth resentfully.
Gao Yang fanned himself with his folding fan and steered the conversation elsewhere. "But with Shen Miao making such big moves, I feel this matter with the Prince's residence isn't over yet."
"It's not over?" Ji Yushu said. "Everyone's already dead—how can it not be over? Though now that you mention it, I do find it a bit strange. Why would Miss Shen deliberately spread such rumors when everything was fine? Isn't she afraid of dragging the entire Shen family into this? Others are scrambling to distance themselves, so why is she inviting trouble?"
"Have you ever seen a fisherman stop fishing after catching a big fish?" Xie Jingxing glanced at him, his smile tinged with amusement. "It's all a chain of events. Her plans were never meant to end at the prince's residence."
Meanwhile, in the Colorful Cloud Courtyard of Shen Mansion, Shen Yuan trudged back to his room with heavy steps. Ren Wanyun rushed up to him the moment she saw him, her voice brimming with hope as she asked, "Yuan'er, how did it go?"
Shen Yuan shook his head. "It's quite difficult."
"Yuan'er, you must save Qing'er," Ren Wanyun burst into tears immediately. These days, she had been crying nonstop, her eyes swollen and frighteningly red. She had also neglected her appearance, and a faint odor clung to her. Shen Yuan subtly shifted away, but before he could react, Ren Wanyun grabbed his arm tightly. "She's your sister—you must save her! Qing'er is so pitiful, so innocent. She must be terrified in prison, with none of us by her side. You're the only one who can rescue her now!"
As she spoke, her tears and spittle sprayed onto Shen Yuan. Already irritated, Shen Yuan felt his frustration deepen at Ren Wanyun's hysterics. "I understand," he said curtly and turned to leave for his room.
Seeing this, Ren Wanyun panicked and yanked him back. "Yuan'er, why are you going back to your room? Shouldn't you be at the yamen making arrangements? Or at least pleading with the Emperor? You're so clever, and you know so many officials—surely you can speak up for your sister! Do you need money? I'll go get it for you right now."
"Mother," Shen Yuan suppressed his annoyance with effort, "there's nothing I can do at the yamen right now. Stop meddling."
"Meddling?" Ren Wanyun froze, then shrieked, "I'm trying to save your sister! There isn't a single decent person in this mansion! Your father is heartless, spending all his time with that seductress and ignoring us. And now you're abandoning your sister too? Are you following in his footsteps? After all the hardships I endured raising you, this is how you repay me? Shen Yuan, your father is heartless, and you're just as ungrateful!" Her voice grew louder and more shrill. By now, she had teetered on the edge of madness, and Shen Yuan's words had triggered an outburst, turning her into a raving lunatic.
Not content with just yelling, Ren Wanyun even began shoving Shen Yuan. Gone was the dignified, noble lady of the past—she now resembled a deranged woman from a humble family. Exhaustion suddenly weighed on Shen Yuan. Shen Miao's words echoed in his mind once more.
He had once held such bright prospects. His return to the capital was supposed to mark the beginning of his rise to power. He would serve a wise ruler, become a renowned minister, and trample everyone beneath him, forcing them to look up to him in awe. But now? His mother had turned into a shrew, his father was spineless and useless, and even his younger sister—who could have been an asset to his career—was now a prisoner. All of them had become stumbling blocks in his path.Blood ties are undoubtedly important, but what about his bright future? He had secretly pledged allegiance to Fu Xiuyi for years, taking assignments outside the capital precisely to pave the way for his eventual return. Who could have anticipated such a situation arising now? Shen Miao was right—rumors were just rumors at first, not to be taken seriously. But if they spread too viciously and reached the ears—and hearts—of the imperial family, even if Fu Xiuyi held him in high regard, fear would prevent any further association.
Shen Miao had laid out two paths before him: one of kinship, the other of ambition. Yet, in a way, he truly had no way out.
Shen Yuan turned to Ren Wanyun and spoke calmly, "Even if Mother doesn’t care about me, would she disregard my younger brother’s life as well?"
－－－－－－Author’s Note－－－－－－
Her Majesty is growing darker by the day… The countdown to the trash sister’s demise has begun…
...
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