“Get lost.”
Hearing those words, Xie Jing Xing’s lips hooked up and he looked at Shen Miao from the side with interest, “Have not seen for a long time and your temper has become even more violent.”
Shen Miao sat down in front of the table and said coldly, ” You however still like to come uninvited as usual.”
If others saw Xie Jing Xing in her room, one did not know how much troubles would be attracted and unfortunately this person liked to do such things, as if risking dangers was ingrained in his bones. Shen Miao had already decided to stay far away from Xie Jing Xing as that person has numerous secrets which were so deep. But now Xie Jing Xing came over himself, so how could she not be angry?
“Passing by this place, so one came to look at you in passing.” Xie Jing Xing shrugged and changed into a comfortable posture. He was wearing plain dark robes today with a white collar. It was originally an icy and snowy season but because of his excellent facial features made the room filled with a spring atmosphere (Translator: Like seriously? *Roll eyes*; Editor: *Jaw drop* Wth author!). He stroked his chin and said, “There is also a question that one want to ask you.”
“Speak.” Shen Miao was not willing to say any additional sentences to him.
When Xie Jing Xing saw Shen Miao’s attitude, he was not annoyed at all and said, “When Shen Yuan was in the residence, was there any one he trusted?”
Hearing this, Shen Miao was somewhat surprised as she looked at Xie Jing Xing. She did not expect that the person he wanted to ask about was Shen Yuan. Even though one did not know about Xie Jing Xing’s motives, she still said, “None, Shen Yuan’s time after returning to the capital was short and was not close with the residence’s people. Why do you ask about him?”
“Just came over from circling his courtyard.” Xie Jing Xing said lazily, “Was unable to find the stuff so one came over to ask.”
Shen Miao hung her eyes down and pondered, could it be that Xie Jing Xing wanted to search for something at Shen Yuan’s, but was unable to find it so he thought that Shen Yuan has passed the thing to a trusted person, thus he came over to her place to enquire.
“What exactly are you looking for?” Shen Miao asked, “Is it similar to the thing in the Prince Yu’s residence’s secret room?”
When the words were out, the room suddenly quietened. In that moment, Shen Miao could feel that there was a burst of chill from Xie Jing Xing. But that dangerous moment was only for a fleeting moment as Xie Jing Xing very quickly smiled. When he smiled, he was as elegant as jade but that pair of peach shaped eyes were unable to conceal the sharp edge.
Xie Jing Xing did not answer Shen Miao but asked, “These days you also live well. One heard that the Second household of the Shen family is almost defeated.”
“Little Marquis is really well aware of the matters in Shen residence. Those who do not know would think that you are one of the Shen residence’s people.” Shen Miao ridicule.
Xie Jing Xing spread out his hands, “No choice, the Shen residence’s guards are like furnishings but it so happens that the events that happened here are interesting so it is difficult not to know about them.” He sized up Shen Miao, “It is just that I have underestimated your viciousness.”
“You can also give it a try.”
Xie Jing Xing was at all smiles as he looked at her, “I do not have so much free effort.”
“It sounds like you are very busy.” Shen Miao stared at him, “But still have so much leisure time to wander in other’s residence.” When she was saying those words, she started to show a little anger. Xie Jing Xing was always able to easily extract some tiny sentiments from her heart and if it was seen by Jing Zhe, Gu Yu and the rest, they would be totally surprised by Shen Miao’s current expression. It was because Shen Miao had not revealed such an open emotion for a very long time. Be it anger or resentment, they were something that only Shen Miao had previously.
Xie Jing Xing said, “Little girl’s anger is always so heavy.”
Shen Miao said in a bad mood, “The questions are all asked, you are still not leaving?”
Xie Jing Xing stood up, patted his clothes and opened the window at the back with the intention to flit over it, when he suddenly thought of something and turned back. He looked at her weirdly and asked, “Almost forgot to ask you. Shen Miao, you love Pei Lang?”
Shen Miao, “…”
She did not have time to speak when she saw Xie Jing Xing looking at her with a gaze that seemed to be looking down, “Should also be of no answer.” With a turn, his shadow disappeared.
“This scoun…” Shen Miao almost grinded her teeth but saw Jing Zhe knocking on the door, “Young lady, the water has began to boil. This servant will put in the fragrance for you.” When she entered she also asked strangely, “Why is Young Lady standing by the window? Be careful not to catch a cold.”
Shen Miao withdrew her gaze, “It is nothing, only chased away a wild cat.”
“Wild cat.” Jing Zhe laughed, “It is not uncommon for wild cats to be out this season, but it still disturb one’s dreams. One will let others chase them away tomorrow and reduce the troubles.”
“It is better to fed arsenic.” Shen Miao said, “It is cleaner when dead.”
“Huh?” Jing Zhe was somewhat puzzled.
At the other end of the Shen residence, Wan YiNiang’s eyes were filled with anxiety and seemed to also have some resentment as she spoke to Shen Dong Ling, “Do not know what did Fifth Young Lady said to Furen. These few days, one heard from the servants in Cai Yun Yuan that Furen is getting better from her illness day by day. Now she was able to recognise others and did not lose her temper. She even let her personal maids cook porridge for Master to drink, one fear that she want to regain being valued by Master. At that time, one fear that the days of suffering will come again.” Wan YiNiang was somewhat grumbling, “Seemed like Fifth Young Lady really helped Furen and even cured Furen’s illness.”
Shen Dong Ling was combing her long hair in front of the mirror and when her long hair was loose, it was set against the light and her pale face eased up as her face got sharper with her big eyes, making her look like a little beauty. She said, “YiNiang worry too much, no matter how great Fifth Younger Sister’s ability is, one could not bring the dying back to life. It seemed that Furen had all the while feigning madness and Fifth Younger Sister said some things to her, so she figure it out to no longer feign madness.
“What?” Wan YiNiang was surprised, “Ling-er, you say that Furen was feigning madness all along. All this time Master have been taking additional care of us and if this was seen by Furen’s eyes. When Furen has the opportunity, she would definitely not let us off.”
“What is YiNiang worried about.” Shen Dong Ling used the silver comb to brush her hair as she said, “Because of Eldest Sister’s and Second Older Brother’s matters, Father cannot see eye to eye with Furen. Even if Furen is really clear headed, Father will only at the most be tolerant on the surface but his heart will be disgusted. It is already impossible for Furen to regain her status of the past, and Furen herself know about this so YiNiang should relax.”
Wan YiNiang still doubted, “Since Furen knows that Master will not forgive her, why not continue to feign madness? What did Fifth Young Lady say exactly to make her change her mind?”
“Currently Furen does not have anything else other than Seventh Younger Brother, so Fifth Younger Sister most likely made an issue out of him. YiNiang also have to work hard to give Father a son, be it a Su son or Di son, as long as a son is delivered, there will be a firm foothold here in the future and no one would dare to step on your head.”
Wan YiNiang smiled bitterly, when did she not thought about giving birth to a son? In the early days it was because Ren Wan Yun suppressed her tightly and if she had not gave birth to a daughter, Shen Dong Ling, both of them would have long be dead. Now Ren Wan Yun was crazy but Shen Gui was not one who valued relationships, and moreover she was not a young woman anymore so how was she able to keep Shen Gui’s heart? How could she possibly give birth to a son?
As thoughts swirled in her heart, Wan YiNiang changed the topic, “What is there to speak about. It is better for Ling-er to guess what Fifth Young Lady is planning to do. By helping Furen means going against us.”
“That might not necessarily be.” Shen Dong Ling shook her head, ” Fifth Younger Sister is not a simple person, and currently we do not have high status in the Second household and even so, the current situation is already good. In short, do not be involved in the matters and let us live our lives well else one will accidently get into trouble.”
When Wan YiNiang heard this her heart was alarmed and her body leaped as she probed, “So…”
“Do not see, do not ask, do not speak.” Shen Dong Ling looked at herself in the mirror, “Let nature take its course. There will always be a day when we can live well.”
In the Shen residence, not only the people of Cai Yun Yuan were discussing about the matter, in Qiu Shui Yuan, Ren Wan Yun’s name was also mentioned.
Chen Rou Qiu wore a plain white mid-clothes and spoke as she was sitting on the couch, “Second Sao’s health is getting better. Master, what did Second Older brother say?”
Shen Wan rubbed his chest. Because of Shen Yuan’s matter, the colleagues in court now were quite critical of the Shen family and even he was implicated. These days were not easy at all. He shook his head, “Second Older Brother did not mention about the matter.”
“Even if Second Sao is really well, there is only the Seventh son in the Second household.” Chen Rou Qiu said, “Second Older Brother’s character is like that… In the future when the concubines are brought in by households, one fear…” Speaking till there, there was a feeling of the fox grieving when the rabbit died. The difference between her and Ren Wan Yun was that Chen Rou Qiu was able to firmly grasp onto Shen Wan’s heart, but there were no sons in the Third household and now that Shen Yuan was dead, in Old Shen Furen’s eyes, one fear that she was anxious for them to spread the branches and scatter the leaves. Nothing needs to be said at Shen Gui’s end since he was not one who was devoted, but at Shen Wan’s end, if one keep pressing… Chen Rou Qiu could not help but be flustered. How long could a male’s favour last? But her stomach did not live up to expectations.
Shen Wan noticed Chen Rou Qiu’s unsightly expression and asked puzzled, “What is wrong? Is there any discomfort?”
Chen Rou Qiu barely managed to smile and shook her head, “Only thought about the matter of Eldest Brother and Eldest Sao.” After pausing, Chen Rou Qiu then spoke, “Eldest Brother’s and Eldest Sao’s had already firmed up their intention to separate from the family, and even threatened to invite the family elders. One fear that they are not afraid of carry the reputation of being unfilial.”
“Mother did not carry out this matter cautiously.” Shen Wan said, “To even let others grasp the leverage. If Eldest Brother is provoked and speak of how Mother’s planned to harm Qiu-er, the entire capital will break our back.”
Chen Rou Qiu nodded her head, “Correct, it was most likely because of this point that made Eldest Brother and Eldest Sao confident.” Chen Rou Qiu said, “Since one have lived together in harmony for so many years, why would one be so insistent in separating from the household at this time.” She could not help but think of Shen Miao. Ever since the big change from Shen Miao, many matters in the Shen residence had also quietly changed. Previously Shen Xin and wife would treat the other Shen family well, and that was because Shen Miao treated them well. But now that Shen Miao showed disgust and dissatisfaction, Shen Xin’s and wife’s attitude immediately changed.
Shen Wan sighed as Chen Rou Qiu asked, “Master, is there still room to turn around the situation?”
Shen Wan shook her head, “If it was us, we will also unable to accept it. Eldest Brother is one that cannot withstand a grain of sand in his eyes and most value Little Five. The Jing family and Mother ganged up together to scheme against Qiu-er and Little Five, and that in itself have already offended Eldest Brother’s biggest taboo. Just separating from the family is considered being merciful of them. If it was still Eldest Brother’s previous temper, one fear that he will raze the entire Shen residence.”
“But…” Chen Rou Qiu said, “For them to separate from the family now, is not a good thing for us.”
Shen Wan looked out of the window, “Now that the Second household have suffered heavy losses, Second Older Brother and my career are also blocked. Previously one could still depend on Eldest Brother’s influence but once the family is separated, everyone will know that the Shen family is in discord and would not associate with us in order to please Eldest Brother. The Shen family’s road would only become harder to walk.”
“Not only that, the money in the public fund…” Chen Rou Qiu reminded. In the past Shen Xin had numerous rewards, and because he would often be at the Northwestern region and could not spend them, he would give all of it to the public fun. Old Shen Furen would spend the money generously and Ren Wan Yun would occasionally use it to supplement her expenditure. Now with the separation, even if Shen Xin did not want the inheritance from Old General Shen, their future days would only get more difficult.
“If it was only like that then it is alright.” There was a trace of gloom in Shen Wan’s eyes, “After the separation, with Eldest Brother’s military strength, he would only become better and at the end will suppress us. This is the route to take when comparing both ends.”
When Chen Rou Qiu heard those words, her heart was shocked. Shen had married into the Shen family for so many years, and naturally knew that the Shen family had the appearance of unity but divided at heart. Shen Xin and wife were often not in the residence all year so they did not know, but both her and Ren Wan Yun were well aware of it. In this Shen residence, Shen Xin did not crawl out from the same stomach as his Shen brothers, so naturally one would not be sincere. The better Shen Xin live his days, the other two household would not be good, thus there would naturally be a day where both sides would end up in an opposing situation. But one did not expect that this situation would come this quickly.
“Master, even if it is for Yue-er, we cannot be pressed down like this.” Chen Rou Qiu massaged his shoulders, “But how does one deal with them?”
“Now that Eldest Brother is vigilant towards us, it is not easy to take any action.” Shen Wan shook his head, “Moreover, his troops are not ordinary people so it would be even harder to find any loophole. It is better to wait for the proper time.” Shen Wan said, “The most imperative thing is to find a good family for Yue-er, so you must pay attention these few days.”
Chen Rou Qie tried to sound out, “Master, His Highness Prince Ding…”
“First, do not have any ideas on Prince Ding.” Shen Wan said sternly, “Yuan-er’s matter just passed, thus the people in court are afraid to be linked with the Shen family, and even the princes need to pay more attention. Prince Ding will not be happy if one were to thinking about him at this time.”
Chen Rou Qiu nodded her head, “This wife understands. Master do rest early.”
In the morning on the second day, Shen Miao just finished her meal when she saw Shuang Jiang panting as she ran over. When she entered the room she immediately said, “Young Lady! Something happened!”
“Slowly speak about the matter. Look at how anxious you are.” Gu Yu reproached. Shuang Jiang swallowed but still could not hold back and said everything without going through her brain, “A few days back did not the Jing family returned to SuZhou? Today an official came over and said that the Jing family encountered a band of bandits on the way back to SuZhou and was murdered by those bandits. Seeing that there are some relations between the Jing family and Old Furen, the official then came to the residence to inform.” Shuang Jiang patted her chest as she continued, “Now the bandits are really rampant to even murder people in broad daylight and not spare anyone at all. If they had knew that this would happen, the Jing family would definitely regret coming to the Ding capital.”
Shen Miao’s eyes hang down. Whether the Jing family was truly exterminated by bandits would depend on individual thoughts. But Shen Miao knew that Sun Tian Zheng’s methods were always swift and decisive, just like in court. Since the matter originated from Jing Chu Chu, how could Sun Tian Zheng be reconciled with Sun Cai Nan’s death. Shen Miao believed that if it was possible, Sun Tian Zheng could not wait to also exterminate the entire Shen family. But the Shen family was not like the Jing family.
The Jing family’s ending was still the same as in her former lifetime, dying due to Jing Chu Chu’s greed. But now Jing Chu Chu was in Sun Tian Zheng’s hands and he would not let Jing Chu Chu die easily. To live full of desperation was perhaps more painful than death.
However, this matter had nothing to do with her.
Shen Miao spoke to Gu Yu, “Where are the things prepared?”
Gu Yu said, “In the chest. But…” Gu Yu was somewhat hesitating, “Young Lady, you really want to…”
“Go retrieve them.” Shen Miao interrupted her words.
In half a shichen (1 Shichen = 2 Hours), four people walked out of the Western side door of the Shen residence.
Among the three people, the one leading was a young gentleman with delicate features, clad in a moon white robe and wearing a hat. The gentleman was shorter but was somewhat adorable like a carved jade. His pair of eyes had a rarely seen brightness and with this kind of good looks, one would be very sought after in a small hall.
Following him behind, were two people dressed as attendants, but they were walking clumsily. Behind the attendants, there was a guard who compared to these three people, was much taller.
“Do not be afraid.” Shen Miao said, “Have more courage and do not reveal anything.”
These four people were not others but Shen Miao, Jing Zhe, Gu Yu and Mo Qing.
Jing Zhe and Gu Yu were not used to wearing male clothes, and their faces were almost filled with tears as they were somewhat afraid, but Shen Miao was very calm while even Mo Qing’s heart was whispering. They did not know that during the time when she was a hostage in the Qin country, she would be made fun by the Imperial family, and had to wear male clothes for more than a few months. Now playing the role, it was actually quite vivid.
When three of them enter the carriage, Mo Qing personally drove the carriage. Gu Yu asked Shen Miao, “Young Lady, are we really going to Bao Xiang Lou?”
“Of course.”
“But…” Gu Yu said, “Can we not talk outside? If anyone see Young Lady visiting an entertainment house…” She could not go on as Gu Yu also did not know what would happen to females who visit entertainment houses.
“Bao Xiang Lou is a place of business, and in a place of business money talks. The people there would not speak about etiquette and morality as that is a place where one abandon all restraints. No one will pay attention to any show.”
Jing Zhe and Gu Yu glanced at one another and saw helplessness in the other’s eyes. Shen Miao’s intentions were very strong that even nine cattle, would not be able to pull her out of matters she had decided on. Moreover there would always be a variety of high sounding reasons, and now that they have walked to this way, one could only carry on.
In an elegant room in Kuai Huo Lou, someone parted the curtain and walked in. Ji Yu Shu said, “Third Xie Older Brother, you come at the right time. There is a matter that one needs to inform you, Prince Ding…”
“Oh.” Gao Yang who was at the side suddenly spoke and mumbled to himself as he held a wine cup. “Why is this time different?”
“What difference?” Xie Jing Xing spoke as he sat down by the window. He poured himself a cup of tea and looked towards the direction of Gao Yang’s gaze.
One only saw that at the ground floor of Bao Xiang Lou, a horse carriage had just stopped and a few people came out, with Mo Qing leading. Following behind him, there were three youths.
“In the past that Mo guy would be coming and going alone, so why is there so many people today? Is this instructed by Shen Miao?” Gao Yang supported his chin to contemplate.
“Let me see.” Ji Yu Shu stretched his neck out for a look at and a divine light appeared on his face, “Could it be that Shen Young Lady is one that is generous to servants and when the servant do a good job, she will reward them with a trip to Bao Xiang Lou. I also want to be a servant in Shen Young Lady’s residence.”
“Go away.” Gao Yan pushed Ji Yu Shu’s head away and said, “Why do I feel that these people look a tad familiar?”
His voice hardly landed when one saw Xie Jing Xing spraying a mouthful of tea out with a ‘Pu’.
“Third Older Brother!” Ji Yu Shu whose head and face was sprayed at jumped up in a flurry and spoke angrily as he tidied his clothes, “What are you doing!”
Xie Jing Xing did not pay any attention to him as his surprised gaze was still on those few people below, “Even come here oneself.”
“Oneself?” Gao Yang caught the meaning in his words and took a closer look below. When he saw it clearly, he almost turned over.
That carved jade young gentleman that was led by, was not that Shen Miao?
There was actually a female who dressed up as a male to visit an entertainment house in the world. If one did not personally see it, Gao Yang only thought that such things would only appear in novels.
Shen Miao followed Mo Qing and entered Bao Xiang Lou. When the young lady welcoming saw Mo Qing, she ran up and smiled, “Lord Mo, still pick Young Lady Liu Ying right?”
Mo Qing nodded his head and it was only then when the young lady seemed to be aware of the people behind Mo Qing and hesitated for a moment, “These few people…”
“Are together with me.” Mo Qing said.
That young lady was surprised for a moment before thinking of something and looked at Mo Qing teasingly, “One did not think that Lord Mo had this kind of taste… It is nothing, the more the people, the livelier it is.”
When Gu Yu and Jing Zhe heard this, and their faces immediately reddened and Mo Qing also became somewhat uncomfortable. The only person that was calm in this entourage was Shen Miao.
That young lady led them to the small building in which Liu Ying was staying. Mo Qing was already a frequent visitor in Bao Xiang Lou and all the young ladies here would know of him, so it was not surprising. It was just rare to see such handsome gentlemen like Shen Miao and the rest. Especially Shen Miao, who was like a carved jade, which made young ladies turn over and smile.
When they reached Liu Ying’s building, the young lady leading knocked on the door and said, “Liu Ying, Lord Mo is here to see you.” Finishing, she then said to Mo Qing and the rest, “This servant will leave first.”
Mo Qing pushed open the door and walked in. There was a female sitting in front of the dressing mirror, clothes were loosely wrapped on her body which had a head full of black flowing hair. Hearing the movement, she did not even turn around to speak, “You are early today.”
Jing Zhe and Gu Yu looked strangely at Mo Qing before Mo Qing softly coughed twice, “It is not only me.”
Liu Ying’s hand paused and she turned over before being stunned upon seeing Shen Miao and the rest. Afterwards there was a trace of anger on her face as she said, “What is the meaning of this?”
“I…”
Not waiting for Mo Qing to finish, Liu Ying sneered, “If you want to play like this then you have to pay twice the amount.”
When the words were spoken, not only Jing Zhe and Gu Yu, even Shen Miao looked strangely at Mo Qing.
Mo Qing was somewhat distressed as he did not know what he did a few days ago to warrant such anger from Liu Ying today, and the cold alienation begin to appear again.
“Young Lady Liu Ying, this one is Mo Qing’s master.” Shen Miao spoke to break the impasse and smiled gently, “We are not here to ‘play’.”
Jing Zhe and Gu Yu wanted to cover their eyes and could not wait to pretend not to know.
Hearing the word ‘master’, Liu Ying paused and her gaze fell on Shen Miao to size her up. Shen Miao walked over and Jing Zhe and Gu Yu quickly moved the stool at the table nearer to Liu Ying and waited for Shen Miao to sit down.
“It is you that let Mo Qing come over and pick me daily?” Liu Ying asked.
Shen Miao nodded her head.
Liu Ying used a hand to support her chin and suddenly her gaze had lots of amorous feelings, “This servant do not understand Gentleman’s action. Can it be that one is really in love with this servant?”
Mo Qing looked at the skies. Liu Ying was after all a female in the pleasure house, thus when she speak about romance, it was the point of perfection. Jing Zhe and Gu Yu, however had an expression of contempt.
Shen Miao looked at her, “What does Young Lady Liu Ying think?”
Liu Ying carefully sized Shen Miao up and her eyes paused before she suddenly laughed, “This young lady want to play a show of a fake phoenix like those novels?”
She actually saw through her female identity with a look. Shen Miao was not at all surprised. She was born with good looks and when she was dressed up as a male, her complexion was as fair as jade with shaped brows and was too delicate when walking thus when one look seriously, naturally it would not escape the others’ eyes.
“I want to redeem you.” Shen Miao said.
Liu Ying could no longer laugh.
The duration that she was sold to Bao Xiang Lou was not short and at present, she was not as popular as those years ago. The people that asked for her were getting smaller, much less someone saying that they would spend a fortune to redeem her.”
“Liu Ying do not understand Young Lady’s meaning.”
“I am lucky to have gained a handkerchief and it was a rarely seen double-sided embroidery. In Ming Qi, there are less than ten people who will be able to do double-sided embroidery.” Shen Miao said, “After much inquiring, one learned that it came from the hands of Liu Ying.”
“You!” Liu Ying’s hands tightened, “How do you know it came out from my hands?”
Shen Miao waved her hands, “It is not important how I found it out. The important thing is that I have an embroidery workshop and it is lacking an Embroidery Head. Does Young Lady Liu Ying feel interested in managing my embroidery workshop?”
Liu Ying looked at her incredulously and suddenly laughed like a spray of blossoms, “Young Lady, are you thinking of getting me to leave the trade?”
Jing Zhe and Gu Yu were somewhat dissatisfied with Liu Ying’s current demeanour, and Mo Qing was also slightly frowning. How many females were willing to wash away the flowers. Liu Ying was still young, thus she might have a good future if she washed away her past.
“I was sold by others to this place.” Liu Ying had a frivolous face on, “And the skills learnt were all for the bedroom and thus, one only know how to treat a male good. Young Lady want me to manage the embroidery workshop and make a hard living as an unskilled worker, I would not to be able to get by such difficult days. Does not one fear that I will bankrupt the workshop?”
Shen Miao stared at her as she smiled gently, “It is my business if it bankrupts or not, but doing it or not is your business.” She casually said, “It is just… This matter may mean nothing to me but to you, it could be the only way out from this place.”
“There are thousands of people in the world and tens of thousands of businesses, everyone have a way of living. As for me, one do not find that a female from a brothel is cheaper than others but the world view it as such.” Shen Miao said, “Like my Guard Mo, he is a servant but no one will look down on him. My personal servants even have people who would envy them. The matter of the world is such and people are separated by three, six and nine ranks. Who do not want to be a person on top of others, and who is willing to be trampled everyday by others?”
