In the winter of the sixty-ninth year of Ming Qi, heavy snow fell throughout the night on New Year's Eve. The auspicious snow heralded a bountiful year ahead, filling the common folk with joy as they prayed for a prosperous harvest.
Yet for the General's Manor in Fixed Capital, this was undoubtedly a year like no other.
The second branch of the Shen family had lost a legitimate daughter, and the mistress of the household had gone mad. Meanwhile, the most powerful first branch seemed to have developed friction with the other two branches, no longer as close as before but instead displaying a palpable estrangement.
The Huang family, previously engaged to Shen Qing, had now become bitter enemies of the Shen family over the incident involving her. However, since Shen Xin and his wife were rarely in Fixed Capital, the Huangs did not direct their resentment toward them. As for the Wei family, who had been engaged to Shen Miao, Luo Xueyan personally stepped forward to clarify that it had all been a misunderstanding. The Weis, being honest folk, did not make things difficult for her. Moreover, Shen Xin promised to support Wei’s father in court affairs in the future, so the Weis were naturally happy to oblige.
Thus, for Shen Miao, this New Year passed quite pleasantly. Without Fu Xiuyi, Prince Yu, Ren Wanyun, or Shen Qing around, some things were gradually changing for the better.
Yet while she was content, others were far from pleased.
In the Hall of Glory and Scenery, Old Madam Shen sat in her seat while Shen Yuanbai crawled around her, but she showed little patience. Her withered face twisted with resentment.
"The eldest branch grows more insolent by the day! This year, not a single extra tael was contributed to the family coffers. Even the treasures bestowed by the palace were all locked away in their own courtyard! What do they think they're doing? Do they no longer hold me in any regard?"
Old Madam Shen fumed at the thought. In the past, Shen Xin would always send the palace rewards to the family treasury. Since he and his wife were seldom in Fixed Capital, aside from keeping a few trinkets for Shen Miao, the rest held little use for them. Old Madam Shen had grown accustomed to reaping the benefits. But now, with tensions brewing between Shen Xin and the rest of the family, he had stopped sending even a single coin. To her, this was nothing short of outright defiance.
"Don’t upset yourself, Old Madam," Zhang Mama soothed. "Perhaps once this period passes and the eldest master cools his temper, the gifts will arrive as before. It’s likely his displeasure over how the fifth young lady was treated that’s holding him back."
"How was the fifth girl treated?" Old Madam Shen snapped. "All these years, I’ve fed her, clothed her, and raised her to adulthood—and still the eldest branch isn’t satisfied? I say he no longer acknowledges me as his mother! An ungrateful wretch! And that Luo Xueyan—now even the fifth girl has grown cunning beyond measure. Who knows if someone’s been whispering in her ear?"
Seeing Old Madam Shen’s fury, Zhang Mama hesitated before replying, "The fifth young lady has indeed grown up, and her thoughts have deepened. But she was raised under your care, Old Madam. In the past, she obeyed your every word without question—proof that she still reveres you. Why not summon her one day and speak kindly to her? She’s still just a young girl—easy to coax. The fifth young lady is the lifeblood of the eldest master and his wife. If you secure her favor, won’t you have the eldest branch in the palm of your hand?"This Zhang Mama was also quite a scheming one. In truth, Old Madam Shen, having risen from the brothels, was endlessly resourceful in underhanded and base methods. But when it came to being the matriarch of the household, she was somewhat lacking in capability. Over the years, had it not been for Zhang Mama’s guidance by her side, who knows how many blunders she would have made.
Old Madam Shen sneered coldly, "Do I need to coddle her? The moment I see that little wench, I’m reminded of that vile woman—dead for so many years yet still occupying the master’s heart. Always favoring their eldest branch, and now I’m supposed to fawn over her? The sight of her disgusts me!"
Zhang Mama sighed helplessly and was about to persuade her further when she noticed the maid at the door announce, "Second Young Master, you’ve arrived."
Shen Yuan strode in.
"Yuan’er." Seeing Shen Yuan enter, Old Madam Shen’s demeanor softened considerably. On the couch, Shen Yuanbai also grinned at his second brother.
Shen Yuan didn’t reach out to hold Shen Yuanbai, merely smiling as he said, "I came to see Grandmother."
"What’s there to see about me?" Old Madam Shen chided, though her face betrayed her delight. Among all her grandsons, Shen Yuan was her favorite. Young as he was, his talents surpassed others, and he had already entered officialdom. Everyone praised him, bringing her immense face. Naturally, he was the most valued in Old Madam Shen’s eyes.
"I happened to acquire a jar of Jade Snow Cream and brought it especially for Grandmother. You mustn’t spurn your grandson’s goodwill," Shen Yuan said with a smile, handing the small bottle to Old Madam Shen.
Old Madam Shen was pleasantly surprised but feigned anger, "At my age, what use do I have for such things? Are you deliberately trying to provoke me?" Despite her words, her expression showed she couldn’t bear to part with it.
After all, Old Madam Shen had once been a songstress. Even in old age, she never abandoned her love for cosmetics. Shen Yuan knew exactly how to please her, instantly dispelling the gloom in her heart.
"Grandmother is still young. Such fine things are meant for you," Shen Yuan flattered without batting an eye. The two continued their conversation, with Shen Yuan—ever shrewd—deliberately steering the talk to topics that pleased Old Madam Shen. The atmosphere in the Hall of Glory and Scenery became exceedingly harmonious, leaving even Shen Yuanbai on the couch neglected.
After a while, Shen Yuan suddenly seemed to recall something and remarked casually, "Speaking of which, Grandmother, isn’t it true that our cousin and her brother will be arriving in a few days?"
Old Madam Shen stiffened, then replied coldly, "What cousins? They’ll only stay a few days before leaving." Before becoming a songstress, Old Madam Shen had had a family—likely the ones who sold her into the brothel. Her ancestral home was in Suzhou. Later, after General Shen brought her to the Fixed Capital and made her his wife, she naturally severed ties with them. This year, however, that family somehow learned of her whereabouts and sent their grandchildren to the Fixed Capital under the pretense of visiting her. Everyone knew it was merely an attempt to sponge off her.
For someone as mercenary as Old Madam Shen, who hadn’t seen them in decades, there was no familial affection to speak of. Hearing Shen Yuan bring it up now, she had no desire to discuss it further.Shen Yuan smiled and said, "I've never met this pair of cousins before. I suppose they're about the same age as Fifth Sister." He sighed, "Speaking of which, I heard that Uncle and Aunt are currently selecting a suitable match for Eldest Brother now that he's returned to the Fixed Capital. It seems they're starting to worry about his major life events."
"Shen Qiu is choosing a wife?" Old Madam Shen immediately straightened up. "How come I didn't know about this? Yuan'er, do you know which family's daughter they're considering?"
"That I don't know," Shen Yuan thought for a moment. "But given Uncle and Aunt's status, naturally they should choose a daughter from a prominent and powerful family to add luster to their splendor. With Eldest Brother's current promising future, having his wife's family support would only add wings to a tiger, taking him to greater heights."
The more Shen Yuan spoke like this, the uglier Old Madam Shen's expression became. After a long pause, she finally said sourly, "That would depend on whether the girl would even look at him!"
Pretending not to notice, Shen Yuan casually remarked, "But the most important thing is that Eldest Brother likes her. If he does, even without an illustrious family background, it wouldn't matter. Who knows, maybe our little cousin might catch Eldest Brother's eye—that would truly be adding kinship to kinship."
"What nonsense are you spouting?" Old Madam Shen frowned and instinctively refuted Shen Yuan's words. "What status does she have? How could the eldest branch possibly fancy her?"
"I was just speaking offhand, Grandmother. Don't take it to heart." Shen Yuan smiled and changed the subject. After a few more words, he took his leave, but not before giving Zhang Mama a subtle glance.
After Shen Yuan left, Old Madam Shen kept thinking about his words. On one hand, she knew his suggestion was absurd—no matter how open-minded Shen Xin and his wife were, they would never consider someone from such a lowly family. Moreover, Shen Qiu wasn't the type to be swayed by beauty, making this idea nearly impossible. But on the other hand, she was tempted by Shen Yuan's words. If Shen Qiu married a daughter from a noble family, wouldn't his influence grow even stronger? Old Madam Shen couldn't stand to see Shen Qiu prosper. How could she just watch him gain more power? If he married her grandniece, not only would he not benefit, but it might even drag down the eldest branch of the Shen family and hinder Shen Qiu's progress—now that would be ideal.
As Zhang Mama massaged Old Madam Shen's shoulders, she softly said, "Madam, this servant also thinks the Second Young Master's words earlier made some sense." After a pause, she continued, "Think about it—if the Eldest Young Master and our young mistress were to marry, strengthening family ties, the young mistress being from your side would make things much easier." She lowered her voice, "If the marriage happens, matters concerning silver would become effortless. Wouldn't the young mistress's silver be yours as well?"
Hearing this, Old Madam Shen's eyes lit up. Indeed, if Shen Qiu married her grandniece, the girl would naturally be on her side. Controlling Shen Qiu would mean controlling the eldest branch.
Zhang Mama went on, "If the young master and Fifth Young Lady were to marry, that would be even better. In the future, all the silver and property of the eldest branch would belong entirely to you, Madam."Old Madam Shen felt a stirring in her heart. Mama Zhang's words hit every mark, speaking directly to her desires, making her utterly delighted. The thought of scheming to seize the wealth of the main household and secretly causing internal chaos within it filled her with joy. But her excitement quickly turned to worry as she said, "Easier said than done. My grandnieces and grandnephews come from humble families. The head of the main household isn't inexperienced—how could they possibly take a liking to them?"
"My dear Madam," Mama Zhang chuckled, "you've forgotten your old tricks. Matters between men and women aren't so complicated. With a little clever maneuvering, nothing is impossible."
Her words sparked a flicker of imagination in Old Madam Shen. After a moment, the old woman also began to laugh, attempting a coquettish expression that only made her aged, faded beauty appear grotesque. The sight of an old woman feigning youthful flirtation was particularly unseemly. "You're right," she said. "The affairs of men and women are just that simple." Exchanging a knowing glance with Mama Zhang, she called out, "Someone, fetch the chest from my room. It's been too long since I've seen my grandnieces—they deserve some gifts."
Outside the Hall of Glory and Scenery, Shen Yuan listened to the low laughter drifting from within, a cold smirk flashing in his eyes before he slowly walked out of the courtyard.
...
In the West Courtyard, Shen Miao handed ten silver notes to Mo Qing.
"Go to the Fragrant Treasure Pavilion and find a girl named Liuying. I've already inquired—a hundred taels will buy her for one night. Take the silver, sit with her for the night, but do nothing. Return every three days," Shen Miao instructed.
Mo Qing's face paled at the mention of the Fragrant Treasure Pavilion, then flushed red when he heard Shen Miao wanted him to seek out this Liuying. He hesitated to take the silver notes, staring at her in disbelief. "Young Miss, are you jesting with this subordinate?"
"When have you ever seen me jest with anyone?" Shen Miao's expression was stern and unyielding. Mo Qing thought for a moment—since he had known her, she had always been rigidly proper, never one for pranks or jokes.
But... sending him to a brothel was beyond outrageous. Mo Qing shook his head, his face burning as he stammered, "Miss, this... why must this subordinate go to the Fragrant Treasure Pavilion?"
Shen Miao studied him. In her past life, he had followed her for years, yet she had never seen him involved with any woman. She had assumed his celibacy was due to the strict palace rules, but now, watching him fumble and hesitate, he hardly seemed like a seasoned guard captain.
"Do as you're told," she said. "If Liuying asks why you're behaving this way, say nothing. Just remember—play the mute."
Mo Qing: "..."
Seeing his continued reluctance, Shen Miao snapped sharply, "Are you refusing to obey my orders?""This subordinate wouldn't dare!" Mo Qing quickly replied. As soon as the words left his mouth, he felt a pang of frustration. Here he was, a full-grown man standing eight chi tall, considered nearly unmatched under Shen Qiu's command—how could a single shout from Shen Miao send his heart racing? Logically, even though he was currently responsible for Shen Miao's safety, he was still Shen Qiu's subordinate. He had never been this cautious even around Shen Qiu. Had serving Shen Miao somehow conditioned him to such servility?
Puzzled as he was, Shen Miao continued, "I've heard that this Liuying possesses an innate seductive charm, with countless admirers falling at her feet. Though she may not be the Fragrant Treasure Pavilion's star attraction, she's certainly a sought-after courtesan. I chose you because I know you're an upright gentleman with unshakable resolve. Sit through the night if you must, but don't take advantage of the situation—if you botch this, you can forget about staying in the Shen Family Army."
Mo Qing's face flushed red and paled by turns. Never had he felt so mortified. Not only was Shen Miao speaking so bluntly, but she was also scrutinizing him from head to toe, her gaze lingering pointedly near his waist. If she weren't his superior, he might have stormed off in outrage. Helpless, he wondered how Shen Miao had grown into such a character. Under her brazen inspection, he felt like a slab of pork on a butcher's block.
Only when Mo Qing's face turned purple with embarrassment did Shen Miao relent, waving him off. "Go on. Remember what I said."
Mo Qing bolted out the door. Jing Zhe, who had just returned from outside, blinked in surprise. "What happened to Guard Mo? He looked like he was in agony—did something go wrong?" Mo Qing was always composed and steady; this was the first time she'd seen him so flustered.
"Nothing, just shyness," Shen Miao replied. "What about the information you were gathering?"
Still puzzled by Shen Miao's remark about shyness, Jing Zhe answered, "It's confirmed. Old Madam Shen's niece and nephew from her maternal family will arrive in two days."
"Oh?" Shen Miao smiled faintly. "Is the niece's name Jing Chuchu, by any chance?"
"How did you know, Miss?" Jing Zhe gasped.
Shen Miao didn't answer, lowering her gaze to conceal the flicker of killing intent. Of course she knew. That woman had been her... sister-in-law in her past life.
...
Two days later, the skies cleared. Shen Miao rose early and stepped into the courtyard to watch Shen Qiu and Shen Xin spar with swords. Despite the cold, both men were drenched in sweat, their duel drawing cheers from the surrounding guards. Just as the excitement peaked, Xi'er, Old Madam Shen's maid, came running over, announcing that everyone was to hurry to the Hall of Glory and Scenery—the niece and nephew from the maternal family had arrived.
Shen Qiu scratched his head in confusion. "What niece and nephew? I've never heard of them."
Luo Xueyan caught on quickly. "They must be relatives from the old madam's side. We've never met them before—I wonder why they're visiting so suddenly."
Shen Xin remained indifferent. Old Madam Shen was his stepmother, but her lowly origins had always kept her from prominence. Over the years, there had been no word from her maternal family, only that they hailed from Suzhou. Still, since they had traveled all the way to the Fixed Capital as younger relatives, and Old Madam Shen seemed to value them, they had no choice but to put on a polite front.Shen Qiu set down his sword and went back with Shen Xin to change clothes. When he turned around, he saw Shen Miao standing at the door, her expression cold and stiff. He couldn't help but walk over and ask, "Why is little sister suddenly unhappy? Weren't you fine just now?"
Shen Miao snapped out of her thoughts, glanced at Shen Qiu, and smiled. "It's nothing."
When the group arrived at the Hall of Glory and Scenery, Old Madam Shen's laughter could be heard from afar. Since Shen Qing's incident, Old Madam Shen had been gloomy every day—when had she ever been so cheerful? Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan were both surprised. As they stepped into the hall, they saw Chen Ruoqiu's family and Shen Gui's family were already present. Standing before Old Madam Shen were a young man and woman. Seeing Shen Xin's arrival, Old Madam Shen said to the pair, "This is your uncle's family." Then she turned to Shen Xin and said, "These are my brother's grandchildren, Guansheng and Chuchu."
Jing Guansheng and Jing Chuchu.
Hearing this, the two promptly turned and bowed to Shen Xin's family one by one.
Shen Miao stood motionless, calmly observing the pair before her.
Jing Guansheng was eighteen this year, and Jing Chuchu sixteen—both in the prime of youth. Jing Guansheng was rather plain-looking, slightly plump, but his fair skin lent him a scholarly air. He wore a brown robe of decent fabric, tailored neatly and appropriately. However, a faint glint of shrewdness in his eyes completely undermined that scholarly demeanor.
Jing Chuchu, on the other hand, was quite lovely. Perhaps the beauty ran in Old Madam Shen's family, for Jing Chuchu bore some resemblance to her in facial structure. She had the delicate charm of a modest beauty, though far more restrained than Old Madam Shen's sharpness in her youth. Dressed in a primrose-yellow pomegranate skirt and an autumn-spice-colored lotus-patterned coat, she was meticulously adorned—her face as lovely as a flower, yet she seemed painfully shy, speaking and bowing timidly, her eyes fixed firmly on the ground, never daring to look up.
When it came time to greet Shen Miao, Shen Miao smiled and said, "Why does cousin only look at the ground? My shadow isn't down there."
Jing Chuchu froze, lifting her head to stare at Shen Miao in bewilderment before glancing at Old Madam Shen. Old Madam Shen immediately frowned and scolded, "Chuchu is just shy since she's new here. Fifth Young Lady, be more courteous."
Old Madam Shen's blatant favoritism instantly darkened the expressions of Shen Xin and the others. They would never let Shen Miao suffer for the sake of some distant, unrelated relatives, and their attitude toward Jing Chuchu cooled immediately.
Old Madam Shen remained oblivious, but Shen Yuan frowned slightly, casting a discreet glance at Shen Miao.
Shen Miao beamed and said warmly, "Shy, is it? That's fine—she'll get over it after staying a few more days. After all, this place will become familiar soon enough."
Her words sounded friendly, even uncharacteristically enthusiastic, but to those listening carefully, there was something off about them. Jing Chuchu gave Shen Miao a bashful smile before lowering her head again, twisting the handkerchief in her hands as if another glance would make her blush. Meanwhile, Jing Guansheng smiled at Shen Miao with refined elegance.
Shen Miao didn't spare Jing Guansheng a single glance. Her gaze remained fixed on Jing Chuchu, though she could practically hear the sound of her own teeth grinding.Jing Chuchu was always like this—shy and timid, utterly guileless, constantly lowering her head as if anyone could bully her. That was why, when the incident occurred and she was found lying drunk on the same bed as Shen Qiu, everyone cursed Shen Qiu as a beast worse than animals. Yet who could have imagined that such a pure, innocent girl would later betray Shen Qiu, cuckolding him and, through the accidental killing of her lover, land Shen Qiu in prison? The frequent military errors after her marriage, Shen Qiu’s leg broken from a fall off his horse—it was all likely connected to Jing Chuchu. And in the end, Shen Qiu’s corpse was found in a pond, while Jing Chuchu absconded with the Shen family’s silver from the main household.
The female heart is the most venomous, but Shen Miao thought the gentle, rabbit-like face before her was more poisonous than a snake. After all, even if Shen Qiu hadn’t liked her, he had treated Jing Chuchu sincerely after marrying her. With Shen Qiu’s honest nature, he would never have let her suffer.
But Jing Chuchu was an ungrateful wretch through and through.
Shen Miao had been staring at Jing Chuchu so intently that even someone as oblivious as Shen Qiu noticed something amiss. He asked in confusion, "Little sister?"
Jing Guansheng also chimed in, "Why is Fifth Sister staring at Chuchu like that?"
Jing Chuchu took a step back, nervously positioning herself behind Jing Guansheng to shield herself from Shen Miao’s gaze, as if terrified. Shen Miao smiled faintly. "Cousin is so breathtakingly beautiful—I couldn’t help but stare a little too long."
Shen Yue bit her lip. Lately, Shen Miao’s looks had been flourishing, stealing much of her own limelight, and now with Jing Chuchu added to the mix, her heart twisted with discomfort.
Jing Chuchu flushed and murmured to Shen Miao, "It is you who are truly beautiful, cousin."
Shen Miao smiled without responding.
Old Madam Shen cleared her throat. "Since Chuchu and Guansheng have arrived, they are now guests of our mansion. We are all family. Fifth Girl, Eldest Brother, make sure to show them around in the coming days."
There were still Shen Yuan and Shen Yue—not to mention Shen Dongling—yet the old madam deliberately singled out Shen Miao and Shen Qiu. The corners of Shen Miao’s lips curled slightly as she glanced at the downcast Jing Chuchu, her smile warm and gentle. "I will naturally take good care of my cousin."
Though her features were ordinarily delicate, amidst the gathering of women in the room, she exuded an unshakable composure. The slow, deliberate smile she had just flashed carried an indescribable grace. Jing Chuchu remained unaffected, but Jing Guansheng was momentarily entranced.
Pleased by Shen Miao’s response, Old Madam Shen nodded in satisfaction. "In that case, all of you may leave now. I still have some words to share with Chuchu—it’s been so many years, and I’d like to hear how the family fares." The old madam’s affectionate demeanor stirred something in Chen Ruoqiu, though she merely bowed respectfully and followed the others out of the Hall of Glory and Scenery.
Outside the hall, Jing Guansheng turned to Shen Miao. "What does Fifth Cousin enjoy doing in her leisure time?"
Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan walked ahead, oblivious to the exchange, but Shen Qiu immediately stepped protectively beside Shen Miao, eyeing Jing Guansheng in silence.
Shen Miao smiled faintly. "Nothing much—just reading."
"What a coincidence! I, too, enjoy reading at home," Jing Guansheng said eagerly. "Perhaps we could exchange insights."
Shen Miao swept him with a glance, the disdain in her gaze so palpable even Shen Qiu noticed, surprised by her hostility toward someone they had just met. Then Shen Miao spoke. "No need. I doubt your family’s collection is extensive enough for meaningful discussion. I’ll have some rare books sent to you instead, Cousin."
Her undisguised contempt for his humble origins froze Jing Guansheng’s expression.
Back in the Hall of Glory and Scenery, Old Madam Shen held Jing Chuchu’s hand kindly. "Such a lovely young lady—have you been betrothed yet?"
Jing Chuchu lowered her voice. "Not yet, Madam."
"Not yet?" The old madam’s smile deepened. "With your looks and temperament, you’d make a fine bride for our Shen family."
Jing Chuchu’s face burned even redder, her fingers tightening imperceptibly. The Jing family were mere petty merchants, but upon hearing that a distant aunt in the Fixed Capital had risen to prominence, they had sent her and Jing Guansheng in hopes of gaining favor. The moment she stepped into the Shen Mansion, its opulence had dazzled her. Marrying into the General’s household would guarantee a life of luxury—how could she not be thrilled? Yet she dared not show it.
Old Madam Shen patted her hand. "At your age, you’d be a perfect match for our Qiu’er. He’s already a deputy general, and best of all, he remains unattached."
Author’s Note:
The Poisonous Empress has been ongoing for a while now. Like The Calamitous Consort , it might seem slow at first due to the buildup and foreshadowing, but I personally find this couple delightful. Even if the reception isn’t stellar, I’m still writing with joy—so please, when casting ratings, avoid three or two stars, as they drag down the score. Also, dear readers who pirate this work, kindly refrain from leaving comments here—it’s quite disheartening for the author. A full chapter costs mere pennies—think of it as treating me to an ice pop in this sweltering heat! (づ￣3￣)づ╭～
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