Chapter 106: Separation of Family
Regarding the case in the Ding capital where Shen Yuan mistakenly killed Sun Cai Nan, the case was trialled in the most vigorous and fast manner never seen before. First, it was Sun Tian Zheng who submitted a report in court, requesting for Shen Yuan to pay a debt of blood with blood, and if it was not done then he would be forced to retire due to his old age, practically threatening Emperor Wen Hui that he would quit his job and responsibilities.
As compared to Shen Gui, the Minister of Personnel was clearly more important, and Sun Tian Zheng had already been in the position for many years and developed a network of connections, but if there was a sudden change of person, then one fear that there will be chaos. Emperor Wen Hui naturally had to appease Sun Tian Zheng. Secondly how would the censors, who usually point out the official's mistakes, let go of a manslaughter case. Taking into consideration that Sun Tian Zheng had already lost a son and it would be difficult to talk about it, the censors focussed their impeachment on Shen Gui.
The most surprising thing was Shen Gui's attitude. He knelt in front of Emperor Wen Hui and guaranteed with tears and snoot, that this matter was due to his failure to educate his son and was willing to place righteousness before family, and let Shen Yuan pay a life with a life.
When those words were reported, they stunned all the civil and military officials in court.
Even though those words seemed to be strictly impartial and incorruptible, he actually did not argue that his son did not start it first, but promised straightforwardly to pay a life with another life, which was just inhuman. Shen Gui was indeed smooth and slick in establishing social relations, but even a tiger, though cruel, would not devour its cubs. This move made those colleagues who usually had good relations with him, to remain at a respectful distance from now on.
The ministers stood at the side of Sun Tian Zheng in succession, and when Emperor Wen Hui asked the Princes' opinions, all nine Princes invariably stood with Sun Tian Zheng. Even if one did not show one's attitude, almost everyone knew where the case was heading towards.
Shen Yuan's beheading order was to be carried out three days later. This was most likely the fastest beheading order in Ming Qi's history, and there was practically no way to reverse the verdict or resist it, it was just a direct conviction. Even though there was the factor of the Sun family pushing the wave and adding to the billows, the Shen family's inaction was the biggest reason. Even if other people were secretly pushing, it would not have mattered.
In the dark prison, Shen Yuan sat in the innermost cell. His hair was dishevelled and he had not washed for a few days, that now there was a sour smell coming out from him. His usually calm appearance now looked a little frantic and was covering up some brief sense of despair.
Someone sneaked in yesterday night and fed him mute medication so now he could not even speak. Shen Yuan himself knew who was the one that did that, and who possessed those remarkable abilities that one even dare to break into prison.
Fu Xiu Yi would not come to save him. Initially he still had a little strain of hope but after carefully thinking it through, he then knew that it would more harmful than helpful for Fu Xiu Yi to save him. That man was an expert in avoiding trouble so he would definitely not take this risk. On the contrary, Shen Yuan's existence to Fu Xiu Yi had already became a chess piece that did not know it's place. So naturally Fu Xiu Yi would eradicate without any mercy.
By feeding him a mute medication might not necessary mean that one did not want to kill him, but with Fu Xiu Yi's cautious nature, most probably one fear that it might be suspicious if he died in the prison.
A bitter smile slowly appeared on Shen Yuan's lips. If successful one was called a king and if defeated one was called a bandit. He had known what kind of person Fu Xiu Yi was at the beginning. When one work under Fu Xiu Yi, one must already be prepared that there was a possibility that one's ending was as such, but he did not expect that the ending arrived so quickly.
There seemed to sound some footsteps in the darkness, and those footsteps were rather slow and sounded different from the wardens'. When he looked up towards the footsteps, he could only see a purple dress coming closer under the dim torch.
Walking forward, the young female had a delicate appearance and gave him a gentle smile as she looked at him, "Second Older Brother."
Shen Yuan's heart clogged up.
In the twinkling of an eye when he saw Shen Miao, a strong hatred and an unresigned feeling bursted out from his heart, making Shen Yuan want to kill Shen Miao at that every moment.
Even if one did not understand how things turned out to this point, one thing that Shen Yuan was very clear about, was that Shen Miao was definitely involved in it.
Shen Miao slowly squatted down and looked at Shen Yuan at the same eye level. She smiled, "Second Older Brother must definitely not be living well inside here. Second Shen has gone crazy, Second Shu is not willing to come and see you, Seventh Younger Brother is still young and under the care of Old Shen Furen, and speaking of which, Old Furen is the one that doted on you the most. But she gave an order yesterday that no one is allowed to mention your name in the residence, so it seem that she has given up on you. After much thought, since we are siblings, I have come to send you on your way."
Shen Yuan was gnashing his teeth as he looked at Shen Miao. Words could kill and could destroy a person's faith. And currently Shen Miao did not hesitate to twist the knife in his heart. Even though Shen Yuan's feelings were thin but when one was in prison, it really made one's heart cold when no one came to visit. Old Furen previously treated him well but it was because he was talented and intelligent, but now he had become a prisoner so Old Shen Furen would definitely quickly draw a line with the relationship, so that she would not get into trouble.
"Come to think about it, Second Older Brother and Eldest Sister are truly birth siblings, to both be imprisoned. But when Eldest Sister was imprisoned, Second Shen still ran around about it but now, there is no one doing it for you."
Shen Yuan did not speak.
"Why is Second Older Brother not speaking?" Shen Miao tilted her head and looked at him, "It is not willing to speak to me or..." She suddenly smiled, "One was fed with mute medication?"
Shen Yuan was surprised for a moment as Shen Miao could actually guess that he was fed a mute medication. Before coming out of his thoughts, what Shen Miao said next, gave him a bigger shock.
"Seems like Fu Xiu Yi's methods are still the same as usually, without any difference at all." Shen Miao pondered.
Shen Yuan's eyes widened as he heard Fu Xiu Yi's name from Shen Miao's mouth. How did Shen Miao know about him working for Fu Xiu Yi? Not to mention Shen Miao also used such a familiar tone, and from her words it was like she understood Fu Xiu Yi very well? The surprise in Shen Yuan's heart could not be expressed in words. In the inner courtyard of the Shen residence, no matter how clever and smart Shen Miao's means were, Shen Yuan would not think too highly of her because an unmarried young lady's abilities stopped there. But when Shen Miao mentioned Fu Xiu Yi's name, Shen Yuan could no longer continue looking with a normal heart.
"Second Older Brother need not be that surprised." Shen Miao swept a glance at him and said, "Not only do I know about Fu Xiu Yi, I even have knowledge of his plans. If you want to inform Fu Xiu Yi about me and atone for one's crimes by such meritorious acts then it is too late. His Highness Prince Ding is prudent and since you are fed with mute medication, then no one would be sent over here. There will not be any contact or dealings with you until after you die. Since the moment you become a discarded piece, he has nothing to do with you and will not let you have any means to implicate him."
Shen Yuan's heart started to beat frantically. Shen Miao's words were not wrong, Fu Xiu Yi was that kind of person. That was why after yesterday, he was totally in despair as he waited for his death. One must not think about fighting till either the fish dies or the net splits because Fu Xiu Yi was never the gentleman that he appeared to be.
He reached his fingers out and dipped it into the water in the bowl before writing a few words on the dusty floor.
'What is your purpose?'
Shen Miao suddenly laughed out loud. When she was laughing, her eyes arched and her lips curved and suddenly it was as if she had returned back to the idiot that she was a year before, looking somewhat stupid and with a mind that was willing to accept new ideas, but was really a young lady that did not understand anything. It was still obviously the same expression but it made one's heart feel cold.
It was not easy for Shen Miao to stop laughing. She looked at Shen Yuan, "Can not Second Older Brother guess my purpose?"
'You want to deal with the Second household?' Shen Yuan wrote on the ground.
"Not only the Second household." Shen Miao's voice suddenly got softer and a little viciousness appeared. It was not possible to hold back the viciousness that even the killing intent overflowed. She said, "Also the Third household and also Old Furen. And also... Prince Ding."
Shen Yuan stared at her fixedly.
"You want to ask why?" Shen Miao said, "I am only doing and showing what all you have done previously. Just like this time, do not Second Older Brother feel that the Jing family's matter is somewhat familiar? It is because that was originally your method. How would you be able to get out of the predicament that you created?"
Shen Yuan looked at Shen Miao confused as he did not understand Shen Miao's words, but only felt that at the moment Shen Miao's expression was as if she had gone mad. Never mind about the hate towards the Second and Third households, since everyone was clear about it and only pretended to be harmonious with one another on the surface, but where did the hate towards Prince Ding came from? Merely because in the beginning one was in love with Prince Ding but did not get a response back?
"Second Older Brother." Shen Miao smiled strangely, "You should thank this Younger Sister for having so many people accompanying you on your road to the underworld. Rest assured that after you, there would not be any other person in the Second household of the Shen family that will take your position. You will definitely be the Second household's unrivalled eldest Di son."
Shen Yuan glared at Shen Miao.
Shen Miao stood up and her voice gently carried into the darkness and fell heavily into Shen Yuan's ears.
"The Second household will be without any descendants."
When one went outside, the warden naturally left with satisfaction and guaranteed that this would not be leaked to outsiders. Jing Zhe and Gu Yu helped Shen Miao into the carriage and Gu Yu asked, "Young Lady, is it true that Second Young Master will be executed in three days' time?"
Shen Miao nodded her head.
"It is really like a dream." Gu Yu murmured, "A few days back Second Young Master was still that arrogant but now have to give up one's life."
"Life should be as such." Shen Miao said coldly.
After detecting that Shen Miao's mood was not very good at the moment, Jing Zhe and Gu Yu stuck out their tongue and no longer spoke. After returning back to the Shen residence, one saw that there were a number of people gathering in the main hall. Upon a closer look, it was the Jing family.
Jing Furen was making an unreasonable scene, "You all return my Chu Chu to me! Return my Chu Chu to me!"
Old Shen Furen was so angry that her face was livid and directly called the servants, "Still do not throw these people out!?"
"Old Furen." Jing Guan Sheng, who had changed from his previous refined appearance, said viciously, "Our Chu Chu entered your residence perfectly fine but was taken away, and now one do not know if she is dead or alive. Even if this matter is brought up to the authorities, you are still at wrong."
Old Shen Furen was so angry that she cursed, "Still have the cheek to speak! That little slut has harmed my family to what kind of state? If she was not a bearer of ill luck then how would the Shen family be involved in a lawsuit!"
"Old Furen do guard one's tongue." Jing Guan Shen said, "At that time we did say that there must be someone behind it. My Younger Sister's personal maid later disappeared, do not you think it is strange? Someone definitely bought her!"
The womenfolk were all present in the hall and Chen Rou Qiu looked in front with somewhat of a headache. Shen Yue was looking disgusted at the Jing family while Luo Xue Yan had put on an attitude as if this did not concern her. Wan YiNiang held Shen Dong Ling's hand and stood quietly at the side as she had no position to say anything.
"Biao Older Brother has dragged the topic too far. Can all the offences be pushed to a personal maid and all the troubles can be solved?" Shen Miao's voice sounded, "After all the matter is about having an illicit affair with another, and a maid cannot force it out."
The words of ridicule made Jing Guan Sheng face turn red and white. Everyone looked towards the door as Shen Miao walked in. There was never a time when Old Shen Furen loved Shen Miao like today, as long one can stop the pestering and annoying Jing family, her heart could be better handled.
Luo Xue Yan happily pulled Shen Miao over to her side, "Jiao Jiao went out for so long, are you tired?"
Jing Furen was still crying, "You are blood relatives with Father and Chu Chu also have your blood flowing in her. How could one be so cruel, oh Heavens, Old Furen are you forcing us to death?"
It had gotten onto Old Shen Furen's nerves, "Who is blood relatives with you all? A bunch of poor family come to the capital to seek gratuitous financial support, and want to seek connections with me? Go and pour out a bag of urine to look at yourself. Really think that with just that little good looks one can do whatever one want? Really from a small family, an entire body of foul air, such a young age and already know how to seduce men..." Old Shen Furen got anxious and used cursing words that were used in a marketplace. It was so extremely vulgar that for a moment those people who heard them were shocked.
After a long while, Jing Guan Sheng suddenly smiled, "Old Furen, you are really this ruthless? Really want to stand idly by on the matter of Chu Chu?"
"What does Jing Chu Chu got to do with me? What a joke!" Old Shen Furen did not hesitate to answer.
"Alright." Jing Guan Sheng laughed coldly and suddenly glanced at Shen Miao before saying, "Since you want to destroy the bridge after crossing, then do not blame me for not having the spirit of loyalty. In the beginning you were the one who let Chu Chu climb onto Shen Qiu's bed, and also wanted me to think of ways to gain Shen Miao's favour. At that time you were not as ruthless as now."
When those words were spoken, everyone was startled.
They were shocked that even though they had guessed there was an insider planning behind the scenes, they had never imagine that Jing Guan Sheng would say those words in front of everyone.
The one who was most shocked was Luo Xue Yn.
She looked towards Jing Guan Sheng and slowly asked, "What did you say?"
Jing Guan Shen did not even take Old Shen Furen furious face in any regard, and said as if the jar was broken, "Biao Shen most likely is not aware. At the beginning when Chu Chu and me came to the Shen residence, Old Furen treated us very warmly. Why was that so? She said that she loved us siblings and wished to be in-laws with the Jing family. But– How could Eldest Biao Brother would take a fancy with our small family's Chu Chu? At that time Old Furen personally expedited the drugs, one must be feeling the urgency to facilitate the marriage but did not think that at the end, it was Second Biao Older Brother who gotten advantaged of."
Luo Xue Yan was so angry that she was trembling and she suddenly pulled the sword from her waist and pointed at Jing Guan Sheng's neck.
Jing Guan Shen's expression changed but still forced out a smile and said, "This time Biao Shen got the wrong person. We siblings know our worth and without Old Furen's supervision, how do one dare to think about it? Moreover in the matter of the drugging it was Old Furen who took the lead. Should not Biao Shen blame others?"
Luo Xue Yan turned her head and stared at Old Shen Furen with a murderous aura. Old Shen Furen was so scared that she almost fell from her seat, "Eldest family, you want to kill Mother!"
"Old Furen not only wanted Chu Chu to marry Eldest Biao Brother, but also wanted me to gain Biao Younger Sister's favour." Jing Guan Sheng laughed frivolously, "And still said that the love between a male and female are just like this, after the raw rice was cooked, one will be whole-heartedly..."
Luo Xue Yan could not carry on listening and brandished her sword on the ground. The ground was made of good quality stone but after her strike, there was actually a clear crack. Jing Furen screamed in fright and Old Shen Furen's face turned white.
Shen Yue and Chen Rou Qiu shuddered and Wan YiNiang was surprised in her heart, as she did not think that Old Shen Furen would even use such a cheap method. It was not surprising for common womenfolk or YiNiangs to use such methods, but Old Shen Furen was a head of a family and it was simply unsightly to use such a means.
Luo Xue Yan pulled Shen Miao with one hand and pointed a sword at Old Shen Furen with the other. She was really angry and a murderous air was fuming out from her head, which made others believe without hesitation that she would pounce onto Old Shen Furen, and cut her head off. She said, "Old Furen, ever since I married into the Shen residence, I and Shen Xin have treated you with respect and deep feelings. Even though you are not his birth mother, my husband and me still respected you. But now I know that there are such things as white eyed wolves in this world. I cannot stay any longer in this kind of Shen family."
"Eldest family, you must not listen to his nonsense!" Old Shen Furen intentions were not dead, "Are you going to be unfilial?"
"If it is nonsense, one would know after investigating. As for bringing up unfilial." Luo Xue Yan sneered and spoke every single word clearly, "Even if this mother carry the unfilial name, I will not let my children follow such people!" She pulled Shen Miao, "Let us go!"
No matter how furious Old Shen Furen was behind, how pestering the Jing family were or how Chen Rou Qiu would mediate, all these things were not important. When Shen Miao was pulled toward the Western courtyard by Luo Xue Yan her heart felt very carefree.
This was what she wanted to achieve. Sometimes the intensity of one side of the story was not enough for one's feelings, not because one was unwilling to believe but because dividing a family up was not an easy thing to do. This involved a lot of entangled interests, and there was a possibility of carrying many curses or bad reputation. In order for Shen Xin to be determined to separate from the family, was not an easy thing to do.
But after today, the matter of separating from the family would be much easier. At least from now onwards, Shen Xin and Luo Xue Yan would no longer have a trace of mercy for Old Shen Furen. This was the instinctive protection that parents have when facing people who harm one's children.
When Luo Xue Yan pulled Shen Miao back into the room, she first shut the doors and took a breath before smiling coldly, "Your Father and Older Brother went to the Palace today, and one should really let them see for themselves what kind of trash those people are!" After speaking she seemed to suddenly remembered something and looked at Shen Miao before slightly apologising, "Jiao Jiao, you must be frightened. Mother was really just too angry just now."
Shen Miao shook her head and looked at her, "What do we do next? Mother had said those words to Old Furen, one fear that Old Furen will use this matter to fault Mother."
"What is there to fear." Luo Xue Yan slammed the table, "Wait till your Father returns, we will discuss about separating from the family. Everyone in the Shen residence do not have good intentions. If this goes on, who knows what else will happen." She caressed Shen Miao's face, "No wonder you wanted us to stay in the capital for half a year, is it that you... Already knew about it?"
Shen Miao smiled without saying a word and it made Luo Xue Yan feel that she had guessed correctly. She got up and said, "This would not do, I better go and investigate this matter. I will let the guards outside guard the courtyard doors. It is better for you not to go out." Practically treating the Shen residence as a dangerous spot where the dragon's pool and the tiger's den were.
Shen Miao nodded her head and after Luo Xue Yan went out, Jing Zhe asked, "Young Lady, is it really possible to separate from the family?"
"Of course." Shen Miao lightly said, "My Mother is a person who is unable to tolerate a single sand in her eye, so naturally there is a need for separation."
"This is great." Jing Zhe said, "After separating from the family then Young Lady will have more freedom to do anything and also do not need to guard against this or that."
Bai Lu walked in and said to Shen Miao, "Young Lady, Tao Yuan is already sent away and have currently arranged to be settled in a village and was given money."
Shen Miao nodded her head.
It was extremely easy to bribe Tao Yuan, Jing Chu Chu's personal maid. Jing Chu Chu had intended to marry Shen Yuan and then raise Tao Yuan to a YiNiang and capture Shen Yuan's heart. But there was no possibility for that to happen because Shen Yuan was extremely disgusted to be schemed against and if Tao Yuan was really raised up to a YiNiang, Shen Yuan would also not treat her well. But Jing Chu Chu still thought she had conferred Tao Yuan a big grace, not knowing that Tao Yuan was already bought by others.
She was not willing to be a concubine and also did not want to follow a mistress like Jing Chu Chu, so Tao Yuan gambled with her life and finally got her freedom. Shen Miao did not disappoint her promise to Tao Yuan, and gave her money and protected her life. Those at the top position must know how to apply the carrot and stick judiciously toward the servants below.
After today, everything would go accordingly to what she wanted to do. Gu Yu said, "After Second Young Master is beheaded, the residence would most probably calm down. To separate from the family now is most appropriate."
Shen Miao smiled slightly. How could it calm down. Not speaking about the Jing family that will be left to the Sun Tian Zheng to settle, the Second household's people were not exterminated yet.
"Second Shen must be very sad to hear about Second Older Brother being beheaded." Shen Miao lightly said.
"Has not Second Furen gone crazy?" Gu Yu was surprised when she heard this, "One would not have any sanity when one gone crazy. Hearing from the people in Cai Yun Yuan, Second Furen could not even recognise people so how could she know about this matter?"
"Gone crazy?" Shen Miao shook her head, "That might not be necessarily so."
When people was in a painful state of despair, one would use 'craziness' to escape from the reality that one was unable to face. The most painful thing for Ren Wan Yun was nothing more than her 'inaction' on that night in the Wo Long Temple, which lead Shen Qing to the final end one step at a time. She was unable to make any change and could only watch as Shen Qing died. She was unable to face the death of Shen Qing and was unable to face herself so she finally went 'crazy'.
Now once the message of Shen Yuan's death is send back, presumably she would be even more crazy because she could not help with Shen Yuan's matter at all.
Actually Ren Wan Yun's crazy timespan was not long. Whether she chose to continue being crazy would depend if she could gradually accept these facts. One think that in not much time Ren Wan Yun would wake up because she still had Shen Yuan Bo, and would fear that Shen Yuan Bo would fall into the poisonous hands of Wan YiNiang.
Shen Miao wanted to let Ren Wan Yun 'wake up' in advance.
What she wanted to deal was never a person, but the entire bloodline of the family. After selecting the Second household, how could she stop moving forward after letting the Second household only lose a pair of children?
What she want was, Shen Gui to be without offspring for three generations.
Chapter 107: Ending The Line of Descendants
Three days later the case of Shen Yuan mistakenly murdering Sun Cai Nan had closed. Sun Tian Zheng was determined to take revenge for the tragic death of his only child, and made Shen Yuan to be executed at the Wu Gates.
There were countless people running around talking about it, as they wanted to take a look of that talented youth who had a huge prospect, fall to such an end. Some had sympathy for Shen Yuan, some were scolding Jing Chu Chu for being a disastrous beauty, making the entire area lively.
Shen Yuan most likely had never thought that there would be such a day like this for him. He was arrogant and was bent on climbing up the social ladder so that everyone would be able to see his achievements, but now was pointed out by those 'cheap commoners', making his heart extremely uncomfortable.
Most of the people threw rotten eggs and vegetables on him, and these dirty things became a foul paste on Shen Yuan's body. One did not have to think further, it was definitely the Sun family's people. Shen Yuan knelt on the execution platform and the executioner stood by him. Usually at this time if the criminal had family, they would come to send them off and also feed a full meal and drink to them, but not a single one person from the Shen family came.
Not mentioning Shen Xin who was like fire and water with the rest of the Shen family. Shen Gui was one who seek advantages and avoid harm, Ren Wan Yun had gone crazy and even if Old Shen Furen's legs were good, one fear that she would not be willing to come. The odd thing was that the usually warm and righteous Third household was not seen today. Most likely they had made the decision between warm and righteous or offending the Sun family.
In the eyes of others, they sighed at the Shen family actions. Winter was smiling gently
Shen Yuan raised his head as sunlight sprinkled over the Ding capital. It was obviously just after the New Year's Eve and the golden sunlight was as dazzling as during the summer. When noon arrived, the executioner sprayed a mouthful of wine onto the blade and raised the large blade before cutting off the head!
The blade fell!
Cries of alarm burst out from the crowd and the females quickly covered their eyes in fear. That bloody head rolled down the stage and onto the crowd, and the stench of blood dissipated after a short while. On the floor, Shen Yuan's eyes were wide open as if he was somewhat puzzled, as though he could say anything in the next moment even if the head was separated from the body.
Some people saw this and quietly turned away, concealing themselves in the crowd.
At this moment in the Shen residence, it was in a blanket of dead silence.
The matter was not something that did not happen if one did not mention it. Shen Yuan's death was still a blow for the Shen family's vigour. Speaking of which there were not many heirs in the Shen residence, and moreover this was a person who could be able to lift up the Shen residence to the Heavens, but was now dead under the large blade of the executioner. At least the people of the Shen residence were sad.
Shen Wan sat in the room as a servant jogged in and said, "The punishment has been handled out and the execution ground's people has sent Second Young Master back."
At the end the Sun family agreed to return Shen Yuan's corpse back to the Shen family, and this was already the biggest concession. Even though one did not fight with Sun Tian Zheng directly and the handling of Shen Yuan's matter was carried out along with Sun Tian Zhen's wishes, everyone knew that the Shen and Sun families' feud had started and in the future how big this feud would become?
"After returning, there is no need to stop the coffin and quickly bury it within these few days." Shen Wan sighed as his thoughts got heavy.
"Master is still worried about this matter?" Chen Rou Qiu walked over and gently said, "We were helpless in Shen Yuan's matter, after all the Sun family are not ordinary people."
"I just felt that..." Shen Wan shook his head, "Everything is somewhat incorrect. Do you realise it?" Shen Wan said, "Why is the Shen family is so unlucky lately to encounter misfortune in such quick succession."
"Could it be that there are some unclean things?" Chen Rou Qiu's heart got anxious.
Shen Wan paused, "What nonsense."
Chen Rou Qiu quickly said, "I am speaking nonsense, Master must not be surprised." Her heart was somewhat vexed. Shen Wan hated these kind of strange superstitious things the most, and she only inadvertently said it and feared that Shen Wan would be unhappy. She went along with Shen Wan's previous words, "Speaking of which, all these events happened on Second Older Brother's family. First it was Qing-er then now its Yuan boy..." Chen Rou Qiu's heart was more disturbed as she spoke. Even though she previously felt somewhat jealous of Ren Wan Yun, but after she went crazy, there was no one else in the residence that stood in the same line as her. Lou Xue Yan? Shen Xin and Shen Wan did not crawl out from the same mother's womb so how could it be sincere?
"It is exactly as such." Shen Wan said, "Do not know who Second Older Brother has made enemies with. Now seeing it altogether, it seem that this is a plan that was long conspired."
"It is inevitable for Second Older Brother to offend some people in the court." Chen Rou Qiu said, "But why does it all happen to be this year that these actions took place. It seems that all these started after Fifth Girl woke up from her fall in the water. Afterwards the incidents came one after another..."
"Are you saying that it was done by Little Five?" Shen Wan found it funny, "If Little Five have that kind of ability then the world will be in a mess." He comfortingly patted Chen Rou Qiu's hands, "I know these days are hard for you so do not think too much as how would Little Five, a young female, be able to have such abilities? It is more likely when one say it is Eldest Brother and Eldest Sao that taught her, but both of them would definitely not use such a blunt knife to grind. Their methods had all the while been clean..." Shen Wan said, "I will pay attention to the matter. Do not think about it and pay more attention to Yue-er's marriage. One sees that she has reached the age where one can talk about marriage."
Once Shen Yue's marriage was mentioned, Chen Rou Qiu pressed down the suspicions about Shen Miao. Shen Wan was more concerned about heirs than Shen Gui, and for so many years he had not despised Shen Yue for being a daughter and really treated her lovingly. Chen Rou Qiu said, "I will listen to Master."
In the Western courtyard, clothes were draped over Shen Miao while Jing Zhe was styling her hair as she said, "Second Young Master's casket was carried back and one heard that it would soon be buried and a funeral would not be set up."
Other than the Eldest household of the Shen family, the rest were people who love to do things to look good. Just like Old Shen Furen's birthday's celebration that was done grandly and known to the general public. So it was indeed very cold for them to manage the funeral of Shen Yuan, the Second household's Di son, that slipshod. There were some reasons for covering up the scandal but most importantly, there were not many people that dared to offend Sun Tian Zheng for Shen Gui, and if one were to really set a funeral up, not be much people would be coming to send their condolences, but it would provoke others to poke fun instead.
"Second Master has not been in the residence these few days." Gu Yu also said, "Even upon his return, he would be resting in Wan YiNiang's courtyard. It is already at such a time and whatever it is, he was his own flesh and blood, how could one be that ruthless."
Shen Miao smiled, "He is busy during the daytime to win over those estranged officials and as for during the night, if one do not rest at Wan YiNiang's, could one be sleeping on the same bed with Second Shen?"
One initially wanted to take the opportunity to denounce Shen Gui for being ruthless but Shen Miao unexpectedly used the words 'sleeping on the same bed' openly. Gu Yu was somewhat embarrassed and she did not know why was Shen Miao that gutsy now. There were not any improprieties in her actions or etiquettes, but in matters of relationships between male and female, how could she not be embarrassed? Even if it was fake she should still act it out else in the future when one meet males, they would only be surprised by Shen Miao's valiant attitude, and no one would dare to approach her.
Shen Miao did not pay attention to Gu Yu's expression and thus did not know that Gu Yu had so many thoughts in her heart. She only said, "What is the status of the inquiry on the Sun family side?"
"The Sun family hid too tightly that the servants also knew very little." Jing Zhe quickly said, "One only know that Biao Young Lady did not live well. Heard that the first day, the first day..." She could not continue speaking.
"What happened on the first day?" Shen Miao turned her head and looked at Jing Zhe.
Jing Zhe responded vaguely, "Heard that on the first day, Biao Young Lady and the horse in the stable were fed with aphrodisiac medication, to let them... At that time Master Sun still let all the servants gather at the stables to watch it."
Gu Yu almost choked on her own saliva, "Human and horse?"
Jing Zhe's face turned red in a moment. Gu Yu still spoke, "Those Sun family's people are all perverse!" To mix human and horse, how painful would Jing Chu Chu be. Not only the physical pain, one's utterly unbearable scene would be seen by others, making one felt that dead was better than living.
Seeing that Gu Yu still endlessly questioned, Jing Zhe was somewhat annoyed. She initially thought of not speaking of such filthy things in front of Shen Miao, in case it dirtied Shen Miao's years, but when she turned her head over, she saw Shen Miao's calm face. Let alone being shy, there was no shock expression at all and she even said some jaw-dropping words, "Sun Daren is too kind. In fact one can use a bull."
"Young Lady..." Jing Zhe's mouth dropped.
Shen Miao looked at her, "There is nothing to fuss about." In the Inner Palace, this trick was used to dispose of disobedient females but she did not use it. Shen Miao was used to directly order forced suicide as she was not willing to have complications. But one had seen Mei Furen punishing a palace maid, who was a partner of an eunuch, by letting others feed an aphrodisiac medication to a bull and threw that palace maid into the pen to torture her to death.
Therefore Sun Tian Zheng's methods were not surprising. But she did not know that her actions were truly shocking to the eyes of Jing Zhe and Gu Yu.
After a long while Jing Zhen then managed to find her voice, "Where does Young Lady want to go now?"
"Go to Cai Yun Yuan."
"What is Young Lady going there for?" Gu Yu wondered, "Second Master is currently not in, so is Young Lady going to look for Wan YiNiang?"
Shen Miao shook her head, "I am looking for Second Shen."
"Second Furen has gone crazy..." Gu Yu reminded.
"That might not necessarily be."
Currently in Cai Yun Yuan, it was as if heavens and earth were flipped.
In fact it was just only in a few months, that the entire Shen residence or to be accurate, the Second household of the Shen family, which resided on Cai Yun Yuan, be the one who went through earth-shattering changes.
The previously proud and successful Second Furen had become mad, the magnanimous and bright Eldest Young Lady committed suicide in prison, and was a slut who had an illicit relationship with others. Even the outstanding and proud Second Young Master became a low rank convict in front of the entire city, and died under the big sword of the executioner. Life was like a play and Cai Yun Yuan's play was a bit too tragic.
The only consolation was that Second Furen, Ren Wan Yun, still had a Di second son, Shen Yuan Bo, but he was raised by Old Shen Furen's side. If Ren Wan Yun had not gone crazy, by the virtue of Shen Yuan Bo, she could still temporarily sit in the main household position. But it was only temporarily, who knew... If Shen Gui would take in concubines in the future? After all Shen Gui was lustful, thus it was not impossible for him to have other sons.
As compared to Ren Wan Yun's unlucky fortune, Wan YiNiang who had been deserted for many years, seemed to have ushered to Spring. After lowering herself and being small for so many years, that even the daughter she gave birth was not seen in the day, she did not think that she would receive help from Heavens. Even though Shen Gui view relationships thinly, he treated females well. Wan YiNiang only had to firmly grasp Shen Gui's heart to regain favour, and with that, Shen Dong Ling's position would only rise up.
"Dong Ling, in a few days one will let Master arrange a courtyard for you." Wan YiNiang was doing needlework as she smiled at Shen Dong Ling. Most probably because Shen Yuan was already dead, Shen Yuan Bo was still young and Ren Wan Yun could no longer threaten her. Wan YiNiang's brows were filled with joy and there were traces of happiness in her voice.
"Arrange what courtyard?" Shen Dong Ling who was reading behind the screen looked up.
"You have been squeezing with me in one courtyard, and other young ladies at your age would already have their own separate courtyard, so you should also move out. This place is after all too crowded."
"They are Di daughters and I am a Su daughter." Shen Dong Ling calmly said.
Hearing that Wan YiNiang's heart ached. Shen Dong Ling's birth was a fact she could not change, and it was the thing that she was always troubled about. She herself believed that Shen Dong Ling was not inferior to Shen Qing, Shen Yue and Shen Miao, but in the past ten years she could only let Shen Dong Ling live under the radar. Now that the hardship was over, how could one still watch Shen Dong Ling continue to be so cautious.
Wan YiNiang said, "The previous Eldest Young Lady's courtyard is currently vacant, and you need not have to sleep in her room and instead another. The direction Eldest Young Lady's courtyard is facing is good, and the landscape is beautiful. It would be a waste to remain empty. Now that Master is treating us well, one felt that this request will be consented."
"YiNiang, no need." Shen Dong Ling rejected her recommendation, "It is not a good time to stick out at this moment. One have already endured for over ten years, thus there is no need to be in a hurry. Even though Father treat us well now, YiNiang should know what kind of character he is. When the situation has stabilised then this can be discussed again."
Wan YiNiang wanted to persuade again when she suddenly saw her personal maid, Lu Hua, running in and speaking hurriedly, "YiNiang, Fifth Young Lady has come to our courtyard!"
"Fifth Young Lady?" Wan YiNiang suddenly stood up, "Why did she look for me?"
Shen Dong Ling also looked towards Lu Hua.
Lu Hua shook her head and said, "She is not here for YiNiang. This servant saw her heading to the room that Second Furen is resting in."
"Fifth Young Lady is looking for Second Furen!" Wan YiNiang's voice suddenly became high-pitched, "Why do Fifth Young Lady look for Second Furen? Second Furen has gone crazy!"
"This servant initially wanted to eavesdrop, but the few maids that Fifth Young Lady brought, guarded so tightly. The others were all located far away from the room and were unable to see or listen to anything." Lu Hua asked, "YiNiang, what can be done now?"
YiNiang paced around the room anxiously and mumbled to herself, "What is going on that Fifth Young Lady visit to Second Furen? But Second Furen and Fifth Young Lady had so much discord previously, so how could Fifth Young Lady be that kind." She looked at Shen Dong Ling, "Dong Ling, what do you say?"
Shen Dong Ling's eyes hung down as she pondered for a while before speaking, "Since it cannot be eavesdrop, then do not attempt to inquire and stay within one's bound. Fifth Young Lady is not a simple person and since it is done, the preparations would be through. No matter what kind of methods we use, one think that nothing would be inquired."
"Can this be left like this?" Wan YiNiang was somewhat unresigned, "What if she and Second Furen conspire together?"
"Second Furen and Fifth Younger Sister are not people who forget gratitude and animosity with a smile." Shen Dong Ling said lightly, "Moreover we have never opposed Fifth Younger Sister before, so no matter who Fifth Younger Sister want to scheme against, it would not land on our heads." She looked towards Wan YiNiang, "We will just wait for a good show."
Outside Cai Yun Yuan, Gu Yu, Bai Lu and Shuang Jiang were keeping guard a few steps outside the room, while Jing Zhe followed Shen Miao inside. The other maids in the courtyard were doing their own tasks obediently. Ren Wan Yun had gone crazy so naturally the servants did not need to fawn and please her. People all stepped on those who were low and flattered those higher up, moreover Ren Wan Yun was very harsh to her subordinates previously, thus they were more willing to please the gentle and virtuous Wan YiNiang.
Therefore these maids did not even stop Shen Miao, who had the support of the First household, when she walked over.
But not everyone was like this. Ren Wan Yun also had her own confidants after so many years and those were her personal maids, Xiang Lan and Cai Ju. At the moment in the room, Xiang Lan and Cai Yu were glaring at Shen Miao like tigers.
Facing both of their vicious gaze, Shen Miao was not affected by it. Since these two people refused to go out, there was no harm for them to listen.
On the bed, the woman was wrapped in a quilt and sitting at a corner. Her eyes were lax, her hair seemed to have been combed properly before she made a mess out of it, and there were traces of saliva on her clothes. Her lips were slightly trembling as she did not look towards anyone but towards the Heavens, and no one knew what she was talking about.
"Fifth Young Lady, as you can see our Furen's health has not recovered yet, so your disturbance would only worsen Furen's condition." Xiang Lan said.
"I am here today to tell Second Shen one thing." Shen Miao gently smiled, "One think that Second Shen already know about it. Even though one is sick, but one would still be sensitive to news. Second Older Brother was beheaded this afternoon and his body is lying in a casket, which would soon be buried."
"Fifth Young Lady, Furen is already sick! She cannot listen to these words!" Cai Ju shouted loudly. Even though Xiang Lan's and Cai Ju's expressions were very severe, they did not have the courage to lay a hand on Shen Miao and force her out. Now they knew that Shen Miao was not an easy person to deal with, and since a huge part of how the Second household ended up was due to Shen Miao secretly pushing the waves and adding to the billows. Shen Miao could be almost regarded as the enemy of the Second household, but now not only Shen Miao had deep intentions, there was still Shen Xin and wife supporting her at the back. With that kind of person targeting the Second household, there was no one that dared to fight against her.
Shen Miao ignored the two maids and looked at Ren Wan Yun as she smiled gently, "One think that Second Shen also know that when Second Older Brother was beheaded, there was no one from the residence that went to visit. Second Shu, Third Shu, Third Shen and Old Furen, not any one of them." She looked at Ren Wan Yun, "I think that if Second Shen was not sick, one would have definitely send Second Older Brother on his last journey. Now on the way to the underworld, Second Older Brother is alone. How pitiful."
"Fifth Young Lady!" Xiang Lan could not help but shout again.
"What are you afraid of?" Shen Miao's lips hooked up. "Second Shen is now sick and cannot understand my words. Are you afraid that I will provoke Second Shen?"
"Naturally not." Xiang Lan hastily denied.
"Then you better stay there obediently and shut up." Shen Miao raised her eyebrows, "Else I have ways to let you be unable to serve your Furen forever."
Xiang Lan and Cai Ju were secretly shocked as Shen Miao said those words so confidently, that it made them feel a chilling sensation.
"Before Second Older Brother left, Second Shen had fallen ill so one was unable to see Second Older Brother at all. One think that Second Older Brother must have been very sad in his heart when he came to the end, he was unable to see his parents at all. It is actually quite tragic."
Ren Wan Yun still focused on the ceiling with a silly look, but her hands at the side slightly bent imperceptibly.
"A few days back Wan YiNiang still came over and looked for me." Shen Miao smiled, "One think that she is anxious to build a good relationship with me, and hope that in the future I will say a few good words about her in front of Old Furen. One think that the possibility of Second Shu elevating her status to a common wife is high."
When the words landed, Xiang Lan's and Cai Ju's faces paled. Everyone knew that currently Wan YiNiang of the Second household was favoured again. Previously Ren Wan Yun had forced Madam Wan to a difficult life, and now that Madam Wan had gained power and may even be raised as a common wife, could all this be revenge? Now that the relationship with Shen Gui soured and that Old Shen Furen did not even care about, how miserable would Ren Wan Yun's future be?
"I am naturally not willing." Shen Miao turned her head to the side and thought, "Second Shen is the main branch of the residence so naturally I will stand by Second Shen's side. But it seems that Wan YiNiang is not resigned to it. Moreover Seventh Younger Brother is still being raised by Old Furen's side, but when Seventh Younger Brother grows up a bit more and Wan YiNiang has been raised up to a common wife, since you are still sick, would not Seventh Younger Brother be raised by Wan YiNiang? Tsk. Tsk. Can it be that Wan YiNiang was trying to build a good relationship with me because of this intention?"
"If you dare to devise a plan on my Seventh son, I will make sure you feel that death is better than living!" At the corner, Ren Wan Yun roared out. One did not know for what reason her voice was extremely rough and difficult to hear. And that pair of eyes that had been starting at the heavens since one entered the room, had landed squarely on Shen Miao at an unknown time. They revealed a ferociousness as if it was a wolf.
"How could one devise a plan on Seventh Younger Brother?" Shen Miao gently smiled, "If Second Shen do not believe, I can swear that if one devise a plan on Seventh son then I will be struck by lightning and die horribly."
As her voice landed, the eyes of the few people in the room were somewhat surprised. Jing Zhe, who had been quiet, became somewhat anxious. How could Shen Miao swear with such heavy consequences. They had all the while valued the importance of oaths, and Shen Miao said it so calmly that she did not have any opportunity to obstruct.
Ren Wan Yun did not relax her vigilance on Shen Miao as she sneered, "It cannot be that you did everything possible to come here, provoke me with those words and to see if I had gone crazy just to make that kind of vicious oath." She said, "Shen Miao, I cannot win against you. It is I who had underestimated you. If everything can be repeated, I will definitely harm you before you have grown to such an age, and would definitely not be soft-handed!"
"Second Shen really know how to joke." Shen Miao said, "Since when have you be soft-handed on me?"
"You have already forced me to such a situation. Qing-er's and Yuan-er's incidents are not unrelated to you, if it is not because of Seventh son, I would definitely perish with you." Ren Wan Yun said with gritted teeth.
"I know that Second Shen would not bear to burn both the jade and a common stone (destroy indiscriminately) because of Seventh Younger Brother, so one knew that Second Shen will not be sick for long."
"What exactly you want to do?" Ren Wan Yun stared sharply at her, "What other means and methods do you want to use?"
Shen Miao smiled amiably, "Second Shen need not speak so unreasonably. In fact, I am here to give you a way out."
"A way out?" Ren Wan Yun said tragically, "What kind of way out do I have at such a point?"
"Can it be that Second Shen think that the current situation is the worst?" Shen Miao was surprised, "Second Shen has been intelligent all the while so how could one be this muddled?"
"What do you want to say?" Ren Wan Yun's face had gotten heavy.
"Simple." Shen Miao smiled, "Now that Wan YiNiang has coaxed Second Shu till he is shouting for joy, did Second Shen ever thought before that if Wan YiNiang were to bear a son for Second Shu... What will become of Seventh Younger Brother?"
Ren Wan Yun's body stiffened.
"Second Shen is well aware whether Second Shu value Wan YiNiang or Second Shen, thus one would also know if Second Shu will value the son borne by Wan YiNiang or Seventh Younger Brother. If there was a day where Wan YiNiang is elevated to the status of a common wife, then there will be two Di sons in the Second household. But these two Di sons are not brothers of the same mother. Why do not you guess." Shen Miao suppressed her voice, "If they would fight with one another?"
As Ren Wan Yun listened, fear and trepidation set in.
"That one will have Wan YiNiang protecting and Seventh Younger Brother have Second Shen protecting. But Second Shen, at that time would you be able to call the shots in the Second household like previously?"
Every word from Shen Miao pierced into her heart and Ren Wan Yun could not help but retort, "That slut was unable to give birth to a son before and will not be able to give birth to one in the future!"
"Second Shen is indeed smart." Shen Miao sighed, "But this is what I want to say. Could it be that Second Shen thought that in the future other than Wan YiNiang, Second Shu would not have other women?"
She discussed about the elder's relationships so broad levelled and calm that it stunned everyone. Ren Wan Yu was surprised by Shen Miao's words. Correct, she knew better than anyone about Shen Gui's conduct, how would Shen Gui only have one woman? When she was the matriarch of the family, Shen Gui still brought in concubines back to the residence and if she had not fed those vixens medication to end offspring, one fear that the Second household would be overcrowded.
"You see, one can defend one moment but cannot prevent for a lifetime. After guarding against Wan YiNiang, there will still be more YiNiangs. There are unlimited number of women in this world that can give birth, and there are numerous women who want to enter the Second household. Unless Second Shen could still control the inner courtyard like previously, and give the medication to end offspring for all of Second Shu's women, but do now Second Shen have that ability? Moreover those years ago, Wan YiNiang still managed to give birth to Third Older Sister. In the future, will there be another Wan YiNiang?"
A slightly frenetic look appeared on Ren Wan Yun's face as each words from Shen Miao stabbed into her soft ribs. What she could rely on, was that she gave birth to sons and if this point disappeared, what the future would be like?
"Second Shen, do you want to see that the family that you struggled to manage and the residence's money all land not on your sons but in other woman's son? Second Older Brother was outstanding, and everything of the Second household should have belong to him or to Seventh Younger Brother, but now others went to the next level. Are you willing to sew wedding clothes for others?"
Ren Wan Yun stared at Shen Miao, "What are you trying to say?"
"I will give you a way out." Shen Miao smiled gently before taking out a packet from her sleeves and placed it in Ren Wan Yun's hands.
"Medication to end offspring, for men's use." She said softly.