"They're here."
With Xie Jingxing's words, Gao Yang's previously teasing expression immediately turned serious as he looked at him and asked, "You mean they've come to Fixed Capital?"
"Be on your guard these next few days." Xie Jingxing frowned. "Things from Prince Yu's Manor might have leaked out. To avoid exposing your identity, none of you should go out during this period."
"But how can you handle it alone?" Before Gao Yang could speak, Ji Yushu anxiously interjected, "You've already drawn their attention. Now that they've entered Fixed Capital, they'll surely come for you first. And you can't alert others in the capital either."
"No need to worry." Xie Jingxing stretched lazily, his smile suddenly revealing a hint of ruthlessness. "I've been waiting for them for a long time."
"Third Brother Xie, are you going to teach someone a lesson again?" Ji Yushu's eyes sparkled as he looked at him. "Can I join you this time?"
"Sure," Xie Jingxing said casually. "You can be the target."
Gao Yang: "..."
...
The matter concerning Prince Yu and the Shen family in Fixed Capital was soon overshadowed by the approaching New Year festivities. With the celebrations, everywhere was filled with a lively atmosphere. The brutal massacre on that stormy night and the desperate suicide in the gloomy prison seemed to have been forgotten.
Nothing was more important than welcoming the new year. Time would not stop—new snow covered the old, new gossip replaced past discussions, and new hopes always brought more joy than the past.
Even the emperor in the palace showed no signs of melancholy over the incident. Instead, he spent lavishly on a grand banquet to celebrate the New Year with his consorts. Clearly, the death of his younger brother brought no grief to Emperor Wenhui, reinforcing the people's belief in the cold-heartedness of royalty. However, only the truly astute understood that Emperor Wenhui had rid himself of a potential threat so cleanly and efficiently that he was naturally pleased. Thus, even when the authorities failed to identify the perpetrators of the massacre, leaving the case unresolved, Emperor Wenhui did not press the matter further.
Shen Qing was buried alongside Prince Yu in the royal tombs. However, since Shen Qing had committed suicide and her status had been too awkward at the time, the imperial family offered no compensation. This left Old Madam Shen fuming for quite a while.
In the West Courtyard of Shen Mansion, Bailu and Shuangjiang were taking Shen Miao's books outside to air in the sun.
Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan had left early in the morning for the training grounds to drill new recruits. With the New Year approaching, fresh soldiers had been conscripted and needed training. Shen Qiu had tagged along for the excitement, leaving Shen Miao alone in the West Courtyard.
"Eldest Young Master sent over several more books the other day. Should we take those out to air as well?" Gu Yu asked Shen Miao.
"No need. I still need those." Shen Miao replied. Ever since Shen Qiu had discovered numerous military strategy books in her room, he had excitedly reported it to Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan. However, as Shen Miao had never shown any interest in military tactics before, her parents assumed it was just a passing fancy. Nevertheless, they had still gathered many more books on the subject for her.To an outsider, it might seem like the Shen family was raising a little female general. Of course, Shen Miao had no intention of becoming a female general, but the Shen Family Army would face many dangers in the future, and she could only rely on her knowledge from her past life to help them navigate these potential challenges. There was no harm in learning more.
Bailu flipped through the pages of a book as she said, "Tomorrow is the Jade Rabbit Festival. I heard there will be a grand spectacle of ten thousand lanterns by Wanli Lake this year. Will you go, Miss?"
The Jade Rabbit Festival was a celebration in Ming Qi, held on the eve of the New Year. People would leave their homes to fill the streets, admiring lanterns and solving riddles, creating a lively atmosphere. Among the lanterns, there would always be an especially large jade rabbit, symbolizing blessings for a prosperous and harmonious year ahead in Ming Qi. This year’s festival was unique because the jade rabbit lantern would be displayed on the water, allowing people to float their own handmade lanterns on the lake to make wishes. The sight of lanterns on the water promised to be breathtakingly beautiful. Both Bailu and Shuangjiang were young women at heart, naturally drawn to fun and novelty.
"Nonsense," Gu Yu scolded. "The streets will be packed tomorrow. What if something happens to Miss?"
"But we’ve gone every year before," Bailu retorted.
"That was then, this is now!" Gu Yu snapped. Bailu wasn’t wrong—in previous years, Shen Xin and his wife would have already returned to Fixed Capital by this time, and the entire Shen Mansion would go out together to enjoy the festivities. But this year, after the major incident involving the Shen Mansion and Prince Yu's Manor, with the mastermind still at large, Shen Miao’s safety was far more precarious. No spectacle was worth risking her well-being.
"It’s fine," Shen Miao said with a faint smile. "I actually do want to see the festivities. With Father, Mother, and Eldest Brother by my side, nothing dangerous will happen."
"But—" Gu Yu tried to protest.
"That’s settled," Shen Miao interrupted, walking back into her room. Gu Yu could only suppress her worries. At some point, Shen Miao had developed a decisive streak, a far cry from her former self, who would seek help from the second and third branches of the family at every turn. While it was good that she now had her own mind, her stubbornness could be exasperating at times.
Back in her room, Shen Miao sat at her desk, her gaze lingering on the plum branches outside. The branches were dotted with red blossoms, reminding her of the letter she had received earlier.
The Chen Brothers had already returned to Jiangnan. After the massacre at Prince Yu's Manor, all contact between them had ceased. Shen Miao was extremely cautious—all communication with the Chen family was conducted through Mo Qing, who delivered letters to Fengxian Pawnshop. Since Mo Qing’s indenture was no longer held by the Shen family, no suspicion would fall on her.
This time, Mo Qing had brought back another piece of news: the whereabouts of Liuying, the woman Ji Yushu had been asked to inquire about, had finally been confirmed. She was now in Fragrant Treasure Pavilion, the largest Money Pit in Fixed Capital, and was one of its most renowned beauties. Rumor had it that on the night of the Jade Rabbit Festival, she would perform as the Jade Rabbit Fairy, dancing by Wanli Lake. Shen Miao very much wanted to see her—and this was the perfect opportunity to do so.As for Gu Yu's concern about potential retaliation, Shen Miao found it utterly insignificant. The Chen Brothers were merely her collaborators—where was the talk of revenge? As for the Shen Mansion, Old Madam Shen was now so furious that she refused to see anyone except her two sons and the grandchildren from the second branch. The second branch of the Shen family had effectively collapsed. Shen Yuan was too busy currying favor with officials to bother with her at the moment. The third branch had always kept a low profile and wouldn’t stir up trouble at such a critical juncture.
Looking back, no New Year had ever been as pleasant as this one.
With this thought, Shen Miao’s lips curled slightly, startling Gu Yu, who was watching her from outside. Before Gu Yu could recover, Jing Zhe’s voice rang out as she entered, saying, “Miss, Wan Yiniang from the eastern courtyard wishes to see you.”
Wan Yiniang? Gu Yu frowned and whispered, “Why is it her again?”
“Why does this Wan Yiniang keep coming to our courtyard?” Shuangjiang and Bailu also murmured. “She’s practically throwing herself at us.”
The maidservants were none too welcoming toward Wan Yiniang. In truth, ever since the incidents involving Ren Wanyun and Shen Qing, they had harbored nothing but disdain for anyone from the second branch. Regardless of Wan Yiniang’s intentions, she was still part of the second branch, and her frequent visits were deeply unsettling.
On previous occasions when Wan Yiniang had sought to visit, Shen Miao had found ways to decline. But today, she said, “Let her in.”
Jing Zhe paused in surprise before complying and stepping out. Meanwhile, Gu Yu and the others wore expressions of concern, fearing that Wan Yiniang might be up to no good.
Moments later, Wan Yiniang followed Jing Zhe inside, and Shen Miao lifted her gaze to observe her.
Wan Yiniang wore a deep-blue padded jacket with a green horse-face skirt, a plain silver bracelet adorning her wrist—an ostensibly modest appearance. Yet upon closer inspection, tiny white flowers were embroidered on the jacket, the hem of her skirt was tailored into delicate waves, and her fair hands were painted with striking nail polish, swaying alluringly to catch the eye. The fitted waist of the jacket further accentuated her already graceful figure, inviting imagination. Her oval face, large eyes, fair skin, and red lips completed the picture. Though she tried to restrain herself, an innate coquettishness seeped through when she smiled.
This was a woman who knew how to conceal—evident from her years of staying hidden for Shen Dongling’s sake—yet also one who lacked patience. The moment Shen Qing died and Ren Wanyun went mad, she couldn’t resist flaunting herself. Shen Miao had seen plenty of such women in the imperial harem in her past life—clever in petty ways, relying on their looks, believing they could effortlessly ensnare a man’s heart. Little did they know that the world was teeming with fresh-faced beauties, while a man’s heart remained the most elusive. Had they exercised restraint, they might have secured a unique place in his affections. But impatience turned their cunning into laughable folly.
Wan Yiniang was clearly one such fool.Wan Yiniang curtsied to Shen Miao and seated herself on the small stool opposite Shen Miao. She sat sideways, her legs slightly tilted, accentuating her graceful and supple figure—befitting a renowned flower-dan actress. Shen Miao regarded her calmly, wasting no words and cutting straight to the point: "What brings Wan Yiniang to see me?"
Wan Yiniang hadn’t expected Shen Miao to be so direct, and it momentarily left her at a loss. She had heard that in the current Shen Mansion, Shen Xin and his wife held the most power, and the previously most incompetent Fifth Miss had now become formidable. She had come intending to ingratiate herself, but Shen Miao’s bluntness, devoid of even the usual pleasantries, left Wan Yiniang uncertain—was Shen Miao truly ignorant of social niceties, or was she deliberately being enigmatic?
In truth, Wan Yiniang was overthinking it. Shen Miao ignored her simply because a mere concubine wasn’t worth her attention.
Wan Yiniang forced a smile. "With the New Year approaching, this humble one came to visit Fifth Miss and offer my blessings." She continued, "It seems there was some unpleasantness earlier over the matter concerning Eldest Miss. I’ve come on behalf of the master and madam to apologize to Fifth Miss."
Shen Miao looked at her with a faint, mocking smile. "Wan Yiniang, does Second Uncle and Second Aunt know you’re ‘apologizing on their behalf’?"
Wan Yiniang stiffened slightly but maintained her smile. "This humble one is of lowly status, of course, but I did hear the master mention that he acted impulsively that day. So I took the liberty of coming to seek Fifth Miss’s forgiveness."
Shen Miao stared at her unblinkingly. Under such scrutiny, Wan Yiniang’s expression flickered with unease, though she quickly suppressed it. She smiled again. "Actually, Third Miss also wanted to visit Fifth Miss. After all, you are sisters. But Third Miss has been feeling unwell lately, afraid of catching a chill. She said she’d come to speak with Fifth Miss once she recovers."
Shen Dongling? Shen Miao raised an eyebrow.
Aside from the three legitimate daughters, the Shen family also had a bastard daughter—Shen Dongling of the second branch, born to Wan Yiniang. In the Shen Mansion, the third branch, Shen Wan and Chen Ruoqiu, had only Shen Yue as their daughter, while Shen Xin and his wife had Shen Miao and Shen Qiu. The second branch’s Shen Gui, however, had taken in many concubines, some of whom had borne bastard daughters, though most died young. This was why the rankings of the Shen family’s legitimate daughters seemed somewhat irregular.
Shen Dongling was ranked third and thus addressed as Third Miss. Ren Wanyun was notoriously jealous. After Wan Yiniang gave birth to Shen Dongling, she remained confined to her courtyard, and Shen Dongling herself was sickly and frail. In both her past and present life, Shen Miao had almost no impression of Shen Dongling—she was practically invisible. Even the most neglected bastard daughters of noble families might suffer bullying or scolding, but few were so thoroughly forgotten.
Such a person was either genuinely weak to the point of insignificance or strong enough to endure what others could not. In her past life, Shen Dongling had eventually been used by Ren Wanyun as a bargaining chip for Shen Gui’s political advancement and given away to someone else. In this life, with Ren Wanyun’s influence waning and Wan Yiniang regaining favor, whether Shen Dongling’s fate would change remained to be seen.
"If Third Sister is unwell, she shouldn’t come out," Shen Miao said indifferently. "If she catches a chill because of it, I wouldn’t dare take the blame."Wan Yiniang was displeased upon hearing this, though she still wore a smile on her face. "This is Third Young Miss's affection for Fifth Young Miss. It's all my fault—Third Young Miss was born with an illness and has spent all these years confined to her courtyard, watching other children play. It's all my wrongdoing..." As she spoke, she turned her head slightly, covering her mouth with her handkerchief in a deeply sorrowful manner.
Shen Miao found Wan Yiniang's pretentious display rather unbearable and said coolly, "No one can control their own health. Moreover, staying in the courtyard might not be so bad for Third Sister. Eldest Sister enjoyed all the privileges she could, yet who would have thought she'd meet an untimely end?" The corner of her lips curled slightly. "A person's fortune isn't something you can judge by appearances."
At these words, Wan Yiniang looked at Shen Miao with uncertainty before forcing a smile. "Fifth Young Miss speaks wisely." She suddenly stood up and addressed Shen Miao, "Fifth Young Miss, I just remembered there's something I must attend to. I'll take my leave now. If you ever have time, Third Young Miss would surely love to chat with you. Please be patient with her, given her poor health." With that, she bowed slightly to Shen Miao and gracefully departed—though her steps were noticeably more hurried and flustered than when she had arrived.
Jing Zhe, who had been serving tea nearby, watched Wan Yiniang's hasty retreat with confusion. "What was Wan Yiniang trying to do? Was she here to show goodwill? And Third Young Miss—she hasn't left her courtyard in years and has barely met you. How could she act as if there's some deep bond between you?"
"Exactly," Gu Yu chimed in as she cleared the teacup Wan Yiniang had left behind. "Come to think of it, I can hardly remember what Third Young Miss looks like. She's a young lady of the household, yet she's been hidden away all these years—probably to avoid Second Madam. How pitiful."
"Pitiful?" Shen Miao took a sip of her tea. "In her eyes, you're likely the pitiful ones."
"Her?" Jing Zhe was puzzled. "Are you referring to Third Young Miss?"
Shen Miao smiled faintly. "I underestimated her. It seems there's another clever one in this household."
Wan Yiniang's visit today was clearly a test. Yet for someone as overtly shrewd as her to resort to such a method—seemingly eager to flaunt Chen Gui's renewed favor—was unusual. Upon closer thought, it wasn't so straightforward. The elusive Shen Dongling, who had yet to show her face, was far more cunning than Shen Qing.
However... regardless of whose side she was on, Shen Miao would never regard her as a friend, let alone a sister.
"Stay vigilant," she reminded her maids as she set down her teacup.
Meanwhile, Wan Yiniang hurried back to her own courtyard, shutting the door behind her. She rushed forward in quick strides and addressed the figure seated behind the screen, "Ling'er."The figure behind the screen paused and looked at Wan Yiniang, who let out a sigh of relief and sat down on the wooden chair. She recounted verbatim the conversation she had with Shen Miao earlier that day. Originally a flower-dan opera performer, Wan Yiniang had an excellent memory. As she reenacted the dialogue between the two, it was as if the scene were unfolding right before them. After finishing, Wan Yiniang asked, "Ling'er, what exactly did Fifth Young Lady mean by her words? It sent chills down my spine. Do you think... could Eldest Young Lady's matter be related to Fifth Young Lady?"
"Auntie, be cautious with your words," the voice from behind the screen replied. "Eldest Sister's matter is already in the past. Whatever people say outside, let it be. Never bring it up again, or you'll only bring harm upon yourself."
"I just feel uneasy in my heart," Wan Yiniang said.
A faint sigh came from behind the screen. The seated figure set down her embroidery, stood up, and walked over to Wan Yiniang's side.
She was also a delicate and beautiful young girl. Compared to Shen Qing's gracefulness, Shen Yue's elegance, and Shen Miao's dignified demeanor, this girl appeared fragile and delicate. Her features somewhat resembled Wan Yiniang's—a heart-shaped face with large eyes. Had her gaze been more lively, she might have been called a "little vixen." However, her pallid complexion and bloodless lips diminished any hint of allure, making her seem rather harmless instead.
She wore a faded goose-yellow padded jacket and skirt, likely a hand-me-down from Wan Yiniang. The girl's figure was less developed than Wan Yiniang's, so the clothes hung loosely on her, further dulling her beauty and making her appear rather plain.
This girl was Shen Dongling, the illegitimate daughter of the Shen family's second branch.
"Things are much better now than before," Shen Dongling comforted her. "At least Auntie and I can go out openly without having to endure Madam's threats anymore."
"Life in Shen Mansion isn't easy," Wan Yiniang looked at her daughter, her heart aching. "Back then, I was greedy for wealth and thought entering the Shen family would ensure a worry-free life. Who knew even those in high society suffer hardships? And I've dragged you down with me. All these years, just to survive under Madam's watchful eyes, we've had to live like this. The people in this mansion are formidable—even that once-silent Fifth Young Lady now seems truly terrifying..."
"Auntie," Shen Dongling shook her head. "Whether Fifth Sister had anything to do with Eldest Sister's matter or not, the person behind it all has helped us in a way. It's very difficult for Madam to make a comeback now. Even if Second Brother is capable, Madam may hold her position, but without her former hopes, she ultimately can't compete with us."
"You're right," Wan Yiniang looked at Shen Dongling with relief. "We've finally made it through. But Ling'er, today you asked me to test Fifth Young Lady, and she was quite cold toward me. It seems she doesn't want our goodwill. What should we do now?"
"If she doesn't accept it, then so be it," Shen Dongling smiled faintly. "Fifth Sister seems to be a clever one. In that case, it's best not to provoke her from now on. If possible, let her deal with Second Brother instead."
"Second Young Master?" Wan Yiniang was stunned. "Second Young Master has already entered officialdom. Fifth Young Lady is just a girl—how could she possibly contend with Second Young Master?""Auntie, set your mind at ease," Shen Dongling said. "Fifth Sister is no ordinary character—she's the sharpest blade in Shen Mansion."
...
The minor maneuvers between the East and West Courtyards of Shen Mansion likely went unnoticed by outsiders. To those beyond the household, the general's residence probably appeared harmonious, filled with familial warmth and filial piety. And so it had been—until this year. But human affairs are ever-changing, and sometimes seeds buried too deep sprout unexpectedly when least anticipated.
Outside the mansion, in the training grounds, Mo Qing was sparring with Shen Qiu's personal guard, A Zhi. A Zhi was currently the most skilled fighter under Shen Qiu's command, yet Mo Qing held his own evenly against him. When Shen Miao had first introduced Mo Qing to Shen Qiu, the latter had been eager to test his abilities. The results proved Mo Qing more than capable.
Naturally, Shen Qiu was delighted. A strong general has no weak soldiers, and the more capable his men, the greater the prestige of the Shen Family Army. Since recruiting Mo Qing, Shen Qiu had repeatedly praised Shen Miao's keen eye, even pestering her to "accidentally" discover more such talents in the city streets. Each time, Shen Miao dismissed him with a roll of her eyes. There had only been one chief guard in her past life—did Shen Qiu think such men grew on trees?
A Zhi and Mo Qing finished their sparring session, both drenched in sweat from exhaustion. A Zhi gulped down a large mouthful of water and said, "Fighting with Brother Mo is truly exhilarating! Your swordsmanship is absolutely divine—it makes one's eyes burn with envy."
Mo Qing cupped his hands in modesty. "Brother A Zhi flatters me. My swordplay is far from divine—there are always greater masters beyond the heavens. This world is full of hidden talents."
"Could there really be someone more skilled than Brother Mo?" A Zhi laughed. "Then I must see it for myself!"
Mo Qing fell silent, his mind flashing back to that night at Crouching Dragon Temple—the night he carried Shen Qing and switched rooms with Shen Miao, altering the fates of two people. That night, a black-clad figure had swept in through the window and effortlessly disarmed him within five moves. In that man's hands, he had been as powerless as a child. He remembered Shen Miao calling out to him: Young Marquis Xie.
That young man's swordsmanship was the true definition of divine.
After sighing in admiration, A Zhi finally spoke again. "I can only imagine how thrilling it would be to fight alongside Brother Mo on the battlefield. I'm practically itching for it. What a pity the general has to stay in Fixed Capital for another half year for the young lady's sake. If we want to join forces against the enemy, we'll have to wait half a year." He glanced at Mo Qing. "Speaking of which, our young lady truly has an eye for talent. To discover someone like you is truly rare."
"The young lady is an extraordinary person," Mo Qing replied. Having followed Shen Miao for so long, there were aspects of her behavior he disapproved of. As a woman, she was cruel, ruthless, and devoid of compassion—cold-blooded and unfeeling. Yet, it was impossible to truly dislike her, for those she targeted were always people who sought her life.
Mo Qing remembered that day when Shen Miao lifted the carriage curtain and asked him with a smile, "Would you be willing to pledge your martial prowess to my Shen family of generals?"
A scholar dies for his confidant. In a way, Shen Miao was his benefactor.
A Zhi punched him playfully. "I get it—you were chosen by the young lady, so of course you think highly of her. Just make sure to protect her well during tomorrow's Jade Rabbit Festival."
"Hmm?" Mo Qing suddenly looked up.
"What is it?" A Zhi followed his gaze, baffled. "There's nothing there."
"Perhaps I was mistaken." Mo Qing shook his head, dismissing the strange feeling that had just flickered through his heart.
On the other side of the wall, two figures crouched in hiding. Both wore coarse hemp robes and wide-brimmed hats that concealed their faces completely, making it impossible to discern their features at a glance.
One whispered, "The Shen Mansion truly breeds talent. Even a mere guard has such sharp instincts—he nearly spotted us."
"Indeed," the other replied in a hushed voice. "The mansion is heavily guarded outside, with Shen Xin's soldiers stationed everywhere. Trying to strike from within is far too risky and unlikely to succeed. It would only alert them, making it even harder to act later if Shen Miao is put under impenetrable protection."
"Our superiors have given the order, and we've finally gotten a lead," his companion said. "If we capture her and extract the information, this mission won't be in vain. We'll be rewarded with promotions and titles. How can we give up halfway?""Of course we can't give up," the straw-hatted man chuckled darkly. "Didn't those two Guards just say that Shen Miao will be traveling tomorrow for the Jade Rabbit Festival? With the crowds surging, it'll be easy to do something. One group can distract the Shen family while another takes her away."
"Make it clean and quick," the other voice carried a ruthless chill. "To eliminate future troubles permanently, once we get the information, tie her up and throw her in the lake. Don't get any other ideas."
"Naturally."
－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－
The third branch is formidable, but even more formidable are those raised by concubines!
...
OpenNovel