Ever since Jing Chuchu and Jing Guansheng arrived at the Shen Mansion, an extremely subtle atmosphere had settled over the household. Everyone knew Old Madam Shen was selfish and stingy by nature, far from warm or generous. Yet faced with these distant relatives from her maiden family—whom she hadn’t seen in years and who had come seeking favors—she displayed not a trace of coldness. Instead, she treated them with great kindness, frequently giving them silver and gifts.
Strangely enough, the two seemed intent on staying long-term, showing no signs of leaving. Since Old Madam Shen treated them courteously, the servants, ever observant of their master’s moods, followed suit and treated them with equal respect.
In the East Courtyard of the Shen Mansion, in a side room of the Colorful Cloud Courtyard, Wan Yiniang sat at a table weaving decorative knots. The colorful threads swiftly took shape in her hands as she spoke to Shen Dongling, who was practicing calligraphy behind a folding screen: "Has the old madam changed her temperament? She’s treating the young mistress and young master so well—it’s almost overshadowing you, Ling’er."
"The old madam’s schemes are never mistaken," Shen Dongling replied from behind the screen. Her complexion had improved significantly compared to before; at least she no longer looked deathly pale. Recently, Shen Gui had taken to visiting Wan Yiniang more often, and by extension, he had also begun paying more attention to Shen Dongling, sending her many medicinal herbs. Shen Gui’s shift in attitude immediately made the servants of Colorful Cloud Courtyard take notice. However, some remained cautious—though Ren Wanyun had lost her mind, Shen Yuan was still the legitimate heir. Even if Wan Yiniang regained favor, Shen Dongling was merely a daughter.
"Ling’er also finds it suspicious?" Wan Yiniang paused her weaving. "But what could the old madam possibly gain by currying favor with these two?"
Shen Dongling smiled faintly. "Young ladies and gentlemen—naturally, the old madam hopes someone will use charm to lure them."
Wan Yiniang stiffened, suddenly understanding. She looked at Shen Dongling. "Who does the old madam want them to get close to?"
"People from a humble family, powerless and insignificant, yet still her maiden relatives," Shen Dongling carefully finished a stroke. "Whoever the old madam hates the most—that’s who it must be."
Just as Shen Dongling had said, in the training courtyard of the West Courtyard, Shen Qiu and Shen Xin had just finished a round of sword practice and were taking a break while their subordinates continued training. At the far end of the courtyard, a young woman in yellow robes approached gracefully.
The girl was exquisitely beautiful, delicate and timid, with a bamboo basket hanging from her wrist—a picture of pitiable charm. She stopped nearby, bowing her head shyly as she called out, "Cousin, Uncle."
It was Jing Chuchu.
Luo Xueyan was on the other side instructing the soldiers, but Shen Xin and Shen Qiu were taken aback by the sight. Shen Qiu stepped forward and asked, "What brings you here, Cousin?"
He stumbled slightly over the word "cousin"—after all, he hadn’t seen Jing Chuchu in over a decade. Suddenly having a cousin thrust upon him was hard to accept.
Jing Chuchu blushed demurely and placed the bamboo basket on a nearby stone table. Softly, she said, "Chuchu made some pastries. I thought you might be tired from training, so I prepared some snacks. I hope you and Uncle won’t find them unworthy." With that, she lowered her head again and lifted the lid, revealing several plates of exquisitely crafted pastries. The treats looked delicate and smelled sweet. Before Shen Xin could say anything, Shen Qiu—ever the glutton—swallowed hard.Shen Xin also felt somewhat relieved. Jing Chuchu appeared timid and delicate, seemingly sincere in her interactions, though a bit timid. Regardless, a skillful girl who could make pastries would be welcomed anywhere, especially one as pretty as her. Luo Xueyan was a female general who had no idea how to cook, so a young lady who could prepare meals left a very favorable impression on both Shen Xin and his son.
Jing Chuchu said, "I've been imposing on you for so many days, and I feel quite uneasy. Chuchu has no special talents, so I made some pastries to express my gratitude."
See, she even knew how to show gratitude. The Shen father and son valued courteous and sensible people the most. As military men who prized loyalty, Jing Chuchu's behavior was indeed commendable.
Shen Qiu said, "Cousin, don't worry about it. Just treat this place as your home. Family shouldn't speak of imposing."
Jing Chuchu shyly lowered her head. Shen Qiu picked up a pastry with a smile and said, "Then I won't stand on ceremony." Just as he was about to take a bite, he suddenly heard a voice from behind: "Elder Brother."
Shen Qiu turned around and saw Shen Miao standing at the edge of the courtyard, having arrived at some unnoticed moment. Behind her stood four maids, their gazes icy as they stared at him. For some reason, Shen Qiu felt an inexplicable guilt and instinctively put down the pastry in his hand, asking, "Little Sister, what brings you here?"
Shen Miao didn't answer. She stepped forward toward them, and as she drew closer, Shen Xin noticed the four maids—Gu Yu, Jing Zhe, Bailu, and Shuangjiang—each holding a basket. He asked, "Jiaojiao, what's in those baskets?"
"The weather is chilly today. Thinking everyone might be tired and thirsty from sword practice, I made some soup." Shen Miao cast a cool glance at Shen Qiu, sending a shiver down his spine. She continued, "Have the soldiers come over for some soup. It's mushroom and chicken broth, simmered all morning—good for warming the body."
"I'll call them!" A Zhi, standing beside Shen Qiu, was overjoyed and immediately ran to the training grounds. In no time, dozens of soldiers had gathered in the courtyard.
Shen Miao instructed Jing Zhe and the others to serve the soup. These soldiers were Shen Xin and Shen Qiu's most trusted subordinates, which was why they were stationed directly in the general's residence. Delighted at the prospect of soup, the soldiers grinned and said, "The young lady is so thoughtful! She truly has a kind heart!"
Rough men were actually the easiest to win over, a fact Shen Miao understood well. A Zhi took a sip and exclaimed, "This soup is amazing!" He finished it in a few gulps and handed the bowl to Jing Zhe. "Another bowl, please!"
Jing Zhe rolled her eyes at him. "Of course it's good—our young lady made it herself."
Shen Xin and Shen Qiu were taken aback. Shen Qiu asked, "Little Sister, you made this yourself?"
"Yes," Shen Miao replied calmly.
"Damn it, stop drinking!" Shen Xin bellowed. "No more!" He shouted at Gu Yu, "Bring me a big bowl!"
Luo Xueyan, who had just tasted the soup served by Bailu, was equally astonished. "Jiaojiao, you made this soup yourself? When did your cooking improve so much?"The aroma of the soup wafted out, naturally making everyone's mouths water. Shen Miao lowered her eyes and smiled. "I just threw it together." In the early years of her past life, she had honed her culinary skills in every possible way to please Fu Xiuyi. Later, when she went to the Qin State, she learned many rare dishes under the torment of those people. To put it bluntly, she had at least experienced the delicacies of two royal courts, so her vision and skills were far superior to ordinary people. As for that girl from a humble family who had never even been to Fixed Capital before... Shen Miao's gaze swept over Jing Chuchu, who stood behind Zhuzi. This time, she didn't lower her head but bit her lip, tears welling in her eyes as she stared at the group of rough men drinking merrily, looking thoroughly wronged.
The legitimate eldest young miss personally brewing soup was far more precious than the pastries made by the cousin. Moreover, Shen Miao had even distributed portions to all the soldiers in the courtyard. In comparison, Jing Chuchu, who only made pastries for Shen Xin and his son, appeared far too stingy and unsophisticated.
Jing Chuchu was both humiliated and furious, her gaze toward Shen Miao now tinged with a trace of hatred.
Shen Qiu also wanted a bowl of soup, but Gu Yu and the others refused to give him any. Sensing something amiss, he guessed Shen Miao was angry with him but couldn't figure out why. He could only stare at her longingly. Shen Miao waited until almost everyone had finished drinking before finally instructing Bailu to take out a bowl from the bottom layer of the basket. "You like it sweet, so this bowl has honey added. Go ahead and drink."
"You're the best, little sister!" Shen Qiu was overjoyed, snatching it and gulping down the soup. His gluttonous expression made Shen Miao almost unable to bear watching.
The soldiers, moved and delighted by the soup personally made by Shen Miao, naturally showered her with praise. They felt she lacked the haughty demeanor of a typical young miss, finding her approachable and beautiful—simply divine.
Surrounded by the soldiers, Shen Miao left Jing Chuchu completely neglected. Jing Chuchu made several attempts to leave but ultimately gritted her teeth and stayed.
When everyone returned to sword practice, Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan also left. Shen Qiu sat resting on a stone lion, and only then did Shen Miao walk over to Jing Chuchu, smiling. "Cousin, your pastries are quite good. But martial artists training with swords during the day are already exhausted and thirsty. Serving them pastries would only make them even more parched." Shen Miao beamed. "Next time, perhaps make some soup instead."
Jing Chuchu's face turned pale and then flushed. Shen Miao's words clearly exposed her pretense of sending pastries while not genuinely considering the needs of the martial artists—otherwise, she wouldn't have served such dry fare. Though furious inside, Jing Chuchu lowered her head in apparent panic, as if frightened. "Thank you for the advice, cousin. Chuchu will remember." She then cast a pleading glance toward Shen Qiu, hoping he would rescue her.
Unfortunately, though Shen Qiu was sincere and straightforward, he was utterly clueless in matters of romance. Meeting Jing Chuchu's gaze, he only felt baffled. Shen Miao, however, smiled and said, "Elder brother, didn't you want to try cousin's pastries earlier? Have some now."
"Ahem." Shen Qiu waved his hand. "I just had a bowl of soup and am quite full. I'll eat them later."Shen Miao was very satisfied. The bowl of soup she gave Shen Qiu was especially generous—she didn’t believe he could still have room for Jing Chuchu’s pastries after drinking it. Unless, of course, Shen Qiu was a pig in disguise.
Jing Chuchu looked somewhat disappointed as Shen Qiu stood up and said, “I’ll go practice some more,” before heading toward the courtyard.
Watching Shen Qiu’s retreating figure, Jing Chuchu seemed unwilling to give up, biting her lip as if wanting to say something but unable to. Shen Miao smiled faintly and patted her hand. “Cousin, your pastries might not taste as good once they’ve gone cold. If you don’t mind, you could always give them to Second Brother instead.”
“Second Brother?” Jing Chuchu looked at Shen Miao in confusion.
“Yes,” Shen Miao replied with a smile. “Unlike Eldest Brother and the others, who spend all year in the harsh northwest and can’t appreciate delicate treats, Second Brother is different. He entered officialdom at a young age and now serves in the capital. His future prospects are limitless.” She sighed regretfully. “It’s just a shame there’s no one to take care of his daily needs. Men never pay much attention to food and clothing. Your Suzhou-style pastries might just suit his taste.”
Jing Chuchu’s expression flickered uncertainly at these words. Shen Miao continued cheerfully, “Perhaps if Second Brother had a wife someday, he’d get to enjoy such treats often. Who knows which lucky girl will have the fortune of becoming my sister-in-law? You might not know this, Cousin, but Second Brother is the heartthrob of many noble young ladies in Fixed Capital.”
“Second Young Master…” Jing Chuchu hesitated before asking, “Does he not have anyone he favors yet?”
Shen Miao sighed. “Second Brother is always busy with court affairs—when would he have time to meet other young ladies?”
Jing Chuchu fell into thought, and Shen Miao didn’t press further. After chatting a while longer and seeing that Shen Qiu and the others showed no signs of stopping, Jing Chuchu found it awkward to linger and eventually left.
Only after Jing Chuchu had gone did Shen Qiu approach. He studied Shen Miao cautiously before saying, “Little Sister, you’ve been acting strange today.”
“How am I strange?” Shen Miao retorted irritably. “Are you upset because I stopped you from eating Cousin’s pastries earlier?”
“That’s not what I meant.” Shen Qiu’s face flushed with urgency, but Shen Miao waved him off dismissively. “Never mind. But you’re at the prime of your youth—plenty of girls are eyeing you. When the time comes to pick a sister-in-law, you’d better keep your eyes wide open.”
Shen Qiu understood this much. He sighed helplessly. “What are you talking about, Little Sister? Cousin didn’t mean anything by it—she was just bringing pastries.”
“If you really like her, go ahead and eat as much as you want.” With that, Shen Miao turned and walked away without another glance. Since her return, Shen Qiu had never seen her lose her temper with him like this. Stunned, he could only watch as she disappeared into the distance.
On the way back to her room, Gu Yu asked, “Miss, do you dislike Cousin Jing? Otherwise, why would you be so angry?”"Yes, I don't like her." Shen Miao rubbed her temples. She truly loathed Jing Chuchu. To make someone as proud as Shen Qiu break his leg, wear the cuckold's horns, and finally be imprisoned on murder charges—such a viper-hearted woman made Shen Miao wish she could skin Jing Chuchu alive. Yet Shen Qiu was inherently kind-hearted and couldn't fathom how wicked people could be. Seeing him nearly fall for Jing Chuchu's facade again in this lifetime filled Shen Miao with fury.
"Still, didn't Miss mention Second Young Master to the cousin?" Gu Yu said. "Perhaps the cousin will shift her interest toward Second Young Master in the future." Shen Miao hadn't deliberately avoided her maids during her earlier conversation with Jing Chuchu, so Gu Yu had caught the implication in her words.
Shen Miao shook her head. "She's not stupid. If she could be swayed by a few words from me, she wouldn't be Jing Chuchu." A faint smile touched her lips. "Still, it's good to plant some doubts."
The maids were puzzled, unable to understand why their mistress regarded this seemingly timid and delicate cousin with such wariness.
...
The Fragrant Treasure Pavilion was the grandest Money Pit in Fixed Capital. If brothels were ranked in tiers, the Fragrant Treasure Pavilion would undoubtedly be the highest. Any girl plucked at random from its halls could be the star attraction of an ordinary establishment—plump or slender, fiery or gentle, spoiled or charming, innocent or alluring. Whatever one desired, the Fragrant Treasure Pavilion had it.
Consequently, the price of its girls was also the steepest.
At the entrance, beautiful women waved scented handkerchiefs to welcome guests. A man in armor strode in, drawing more than a few glances from the ladies.
Those who could afford the Fragrant Treasure Pavilion were either wealthy or noble—mostly young masters from affluent families or high-ranking officials. Yet this man didn't seem like a scion of privilege. The aura of menace around him made the women shrink back.
Finally, a middle-aged woman in red emerged and smiled at the sight of him. "Young Master Mo, you're here again? Will you be seeing Liuying today?"
Mo Qing nodded and pulled a banknote from his sleeve, handing it to her. The woman accepted it with a pleased grin. "Come with me, Young Master. I'll take you upstairs. Liuying has been waiting for you these past few days."
Suppressing his discomfort, Mo Qing followed her upstairs with an air of practiced ease.
The girls of the Fragrant Treasure Pavilion were the most expensive—and the finest. Though Liuying wasn't the top star, she had earned a reputation for beauty. But that was based on past rumors. In truth, the pavilion welcomed new girls daily, each more stunning and talented than the last. Men were fickle, and Liuying's patrons had dwindled.
Yet recently, the girls had noticed that Liuying, who had been neglected, had landed a lucrative deal. A young man visited her regularly. In the Fragrant Treasure Pavilion, clients who requested the same girl repeatedly were rare. Speculation ran wild that he intended to buy her freedom.
Mo Qing followed the woman to a small residence upstairs. The red-clad madam withdrew with a smile. On the divan reclined a young woman in a sheer, watery-red gauze dress, idly plucking the strings of a zither. Her eyes brimmed with affection, her lips curved in a suggestive smile, and her half-bared shoulders invited the imagination to wander.Mo Qing took a deep breath and walked straight to the table without glancing sideways. He poured himself a cup of tea and began his daily routine as usual—staring blankly into space.
The sound of the zither abruptly stopped. Liuying's face flushed with frustration as she strode over to Mo Qing and snapped, "Young Master Mo, you've come here several times now, yet you ignore me completely. Are you toying with me? Or do you despise me for being unclean?"
Her sisters envied her, thinking she might finally have a chance to escape this life, since a man was willing to reserve her exclusively. Little did they know this man was all looks and no substance—no matter what tricks she tried, he wouldn't even glance her way, let alone anything else.
Mo Qing shook his head but remained silent, his gaze fixed on the teacup before him. He felt utterly helpless inside. Shen Miao had been right—Liuying was indeed a woman of irresistible charm. When she had teased him earlier with her methods, even Mo Qing had nearly lost control. Now, every moment spent here was torture, yet Shen Miao insisted he stay seated like this.
The angrier Liuying grew, the more seductive her smile became. She plopped herself onto Mo Qing's lap, wrapping her arms around his neck and whispering breathily into his ear, "Young Master Mo, how could you bear to leave me sitting like this?"
With a sharp "thud," Mo Qing shoved her to the ground.
In a private room of the Joyful Pavilion across from the Fragrant Treasure Pavilion, a lavish feast was spread across the table, accompanied by the melodious strains of music. Three men sat inside when a guard-like figure entered and whispered something into the ear of the purple-robed youth seated in the center.
"Speaking of which," Ji Yushu asked curiously, "why would Miss Shen send her own guard to the Fragrant Treasure Pavilion to seek out a courtesan?"
"And the guard only looks but doesn't touch," Gao Yang added.
By now, Gao Yang and Ji Yushu no longer regarded Shen Miao as an ordinary general's daughter. Everything she did seemed to carry deeper meaning. So when they learned she had sent Mo Qing to the Fragrant Treasure Pavilion, their first thought was that she must be scheming against someone again.
Baixiaosheng's men had observed the situation for several days, only to be shocked that the guard had reserved Liuying but did nothing—simply sitting in her room all night before leaving. They investigated Liuying's background thoroughly, but she was just an ordinary courtesan sold into the brothel, nothing special. This only deepened their confusion about Shen Miao's intentions.
"Could it be she's trying to train a eunuch as her confidant?" Ji Yushu's thoughts were always bizarre. "Maybe she's having the guard adapt to a eunuch's lifestyle in advance?"
"Your ideas are always so... unique," Gao Yang mused. "I think she's trying to win over Liuying, perhaps to deal with the other branches of the Shen family. But if that's the case, why choose Liuying? There are far more alluring women in the Fragrant Treasure Pavilion." He turned to Xie Jingxing. "Xie San, what do you think?"
Xie Jingxing had been gazing out the window. At the question, he lazily glanced at the two and said, "Are you both that bored?"
"You at least have some connection with Miss Shen. Aren't you the least bit curious?" Ji Yushu pressed. "Brother Xie San, you're clever—you must know."
"I don't want to know," Xie Jingxing cut him off. "I'll be leaving the city soon."
"Is it for the Jade Rabbit Festival?" Gao Yang frowned."The emperor plans to send Old Man Xie on a campaign come spring," Xie Jingxing said. "We can't wait any longer." The "Old Man Xie" he referred to was naturally Marquis Lin'an, Xie Ding.
Gao Yang was silent for a moment before replying, "If that's the case, I'm afraid time won't be on our side."
"I heard Shen Yuan has been getting rather close to Prince Ding lately," Xie Jingxing's lips curled slightly. "Seems like they're preparing to deal with the main branch of the Shen family?"
"Miss Shen is in trouble again?" Ji Yushu looked surprised. "Why does she always attract these ill-intentioned people? That Prince Ding is no good—those who catch his eye never meet a good end."
"Prince Ding is unfathomable," Gao Yang frowned. "Though he appears indifferent to power, his private military strength is no less than anyone else's. With Shen Xin holding military power, it's a case of 'a common man's guilt lies in his possession of a treasure.' The Shen family's vast wealth has always made the royal family wary. If Prince Ding makes his move, Shen Xin will likely suffer heavy losses."
"Then isn't Miss Shen in danger?" Ji Yushu turned to Xie Jingxing. "Third Brother Xie, how are you going to help her?"
Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow. "Why should I help her?"
"You... you're at least friends, aren't you?" Ji Yushu widened his eyes. "Didn't you save her before? Aren't you going to help Miss Shen?"
Xie Jingxing glanced at him with a faintly mocking smile, his deep eyes like still pools. Though his demeanor was effortlessly charming, his words carried an icy detachment. "I need the Shen family to buy me time. Prince Ding dealing with Shen Xin... works perfectly for me."
Ji Yushu drew a sharp breath.
...
At Prince Ding's Residence in Fixed Capital.
Seated on the high dais was a young man in elegant, light-colored robes. His features were stern, yet when he spoke to those below, his warmth softened that severity by a fraction.
This was none other than Prince Ding, Fu Xiuyi.
Several unfamiliar figures sat in the hall—all trusted advisors of Fu Xiuyi. Known for recognizing talent and humbly valuing wise counsel, he stood apart from other princes who, though generous with silver and land, rarely treated their advisors as equals or spoke to them with such deference. It was precisely this attitude that had drawn many brilliant minds to his side—minds that now helped him conceal his grand ambitions from the world, even from Emperor Wenhui.
Among them, a young man in blue stood out, his youth making him seem out of place amidst the seasoned advisors. Rising to his feet, Fu Xiuyi asked, "Shen Yuan, what are your thoughts? Speak freely."
Shen Yuan clasped his hands in salute. Having privately pledged himself to Fu Xiuyi upon entering officialdom, he was a man of both talent and ambition, enduring the solitude of distant postings—qualities that had earned Fu Xiuyi's favor.
"Right now, everyone is vying for military power in secret," Shen Yuan began. "Whoever controls the troops holds the advantage. In Ming Qi, the military strength lies with the Xies in the south and the Shens in the north. While the Xie family's forces are formidable, His Majesty's decision to send Lord Lin'an to campaign after spring suggests deeper designs. The Xies are untouchable, but the Shens are different." He paused before continuing, "Shen Xin has volunteered to remain in the capital for half a year. Many seek to win him over, but the Shen Family Army is too unpredictable. If we can't secure them, it's better to destroy them. Taking this gamble might align with His Majesty's wishes and prove Your Highness has no ulterior ambitions."
Though a Shen himself, Shen Yuan spoke of "the Shen family" as though distancing himself entirely from Shen Xin. His words were pointedly hostile, yet Fu Xiuyi only smiled, feigning ignorance—after all, Shen Yuan's proposal served his interests. "Your points are sound," Fu Xiuyi said, "but the Shen family currently shows no weaknesses. Even if we sought faults, we'd lack justification."
Shen Yuan remained silent.
Fu Xiuyi's gaze flickered, his tone growing even more amiable. "Still, given your position in Shen Mansion, you must know things others don't." He studied Shen Yuan. "If we can truly subdue the Shen family this time, the credit will be yours above all."Having received the assurance he wanted to hear, Shen Yuan respectfully replied, "Your Highness, my people have already infiltrated their ranks earlier. When the Shen Family Army was fighting in the northwest, some of their actions violated regulations. We are currently gathering evidence, and once it is complete, I will present it to you without fail. I guarantee that this time, even if we cannot completely bring down the Shen Family Army, we will at least deal them a heavy blow."
Fu Xiuyi smiled faintly. "Then I'll leave it to your efforts."
Shen Yuan bowed his head with a smile.
－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－
Finally, it's the scumbag's turn to appear. If he didn't show up soon, everyone would have forgotten how despicable he is... Young Marquis is courting death again—that's your father-in-law's family, and you're actually refusing to save them? Lighting a candle for the Young Marquis's future...
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