Chapter 154: Overflowing help
Currently the Shen residence has exploded.
Most likely because Shen Wan said to let Shen Yue married into the Wang family as a PinQi (aka equal wife), and this finally made Shen Yue to panic. On the situation where Shen Yue had no other ideas, she actually made a bold move and escaped from the Shen residence. Before leaving, she also cleared off all the gold and silver in the room and left a big mess for Chen Rou Qiu.
Shen Wan was naturally furious and shouted angrily at Chen Rou Qiu, "I told you to watch over her properly. How then could she escape?"
Chen Rou Qiu was naturally scared in her heart. Her heart ached for her daughter and did not completely confine Shen Yue up, just like what Shen Wan said to. She did not expected that Shen Yue would make use of her love for her like this. Now that Shen Yue ran away, she also did not know what to do and could only say to Shen Wan, "One have already sent people out to search. Master, Yue-er did not intentionally do it. She is scared."
Even at such a time, she still did not know what was wrong, and was still looking for excuses for Shen Yue. Shen Wan scoffed, "She is scared? She was scared and still could exchange marriage with others? Scared and still could run away from home? Being properly betrothed makes one a wife, while those who run away would be a concubine. I, Shen Wan, do not have a daughter that is this shameless!"
"How could you say that of her?" Chen Rou Qiu's eyes widened, "That is your daughter!"
Shen Wan had been a civil official for his life and would rarely say such serious words, moreover he was scolding his own daughter. Chen Rou Qiu dared not believe her own eyes. After Shen Wan said those words, he looked at Chen Rou Qiu and there was a trace of impatience and disgust in them, before he turned around and walked out of the room.
Chen Rou Qiu's sensitive perception had felt that there was something wrong with Shen Wan, and almost fell to the ground weakly. She grabbed onto Shi Qing's hands and her nails deeply dived deep into them, making Shi Qing's face whiten in pain but she dared not move.
The quarrel in Qiu Shui Yuan quickly spread out to Rong Qing Tang. Old Shen Furen leisurely sipped tea and smiled indifferently when she heard it, "Do it. Just do it. Chen Rou Qiu can just do it. She still think she is a newly wedded daughter-in-law." After pausing, she then spoke again, "What kind of mother would have that kind of daughter. Each one of them cause all the trouble for me."
Zhang Mama carefully massaged her shoulders, "One do not know if the people searching for Third Young Lady would have found her?"
"Care for her for what?" Old Shen Furen became angry, "I do not know how capable she is, but after not too long she will come back with her tail between her legs. Throw away the Shen family reputation for nothing, let Number Three handle it, I do not want to manage these trifle matters." She suddenly thought of something and frowned, "Number Three is still heading to the Western courtyard?"
Zhang Mama nodded her head, "These days Third Furen and Third Master often squabble, thus Third Master headed towards the Western courtyard more frequently. Each trip would be almost half a day."
Old Shen Furen nodded her head and a trace of radiance appeared in her gaze, "Since this is the case then it is time for the road to be brighten. Quickly birth a son for Number Three, I still want to hold grandchildren." She laughed coldly, "Chen Rou Qiu, that stupid thing, should also see carefully how much she is weighted. Zhang Mama, go and do it. Lately nothing goes right for the Shen family. It is time to hold a joyous occasion to wash away the bad luck."
Zhang Mama nodded her head and complied.
On this night, Shen Wan had not return to the room and Chen Rou Qiu felt a whisper in her heart. Previously even if Shen Wan had social niceties outside, he would always send his servant over to pass an oral message, but one did not know where he went today. Thinking of the squabble this morning with Shen Wan, she could not help but be somewhat anxious in her heart. A female at her age was after all declining in her appearance, and was not as fresh as younger females that could give youth to men. Currently there was some disagreement between Shen Wan and her, it would be troublesome if one would bring in a woman from outside. Chen Rou Qiu was different from Ren Wan Yun, with just those thoughts from Shen Gui, Ren Wan Yun had long settled all the females that Shen Gui had brought in in droves. As long as Ren Wan Yun could sit securely on the position as the matriarch of the household, she did not care about others. Chen Rou Qiu had dominated Shen Wan's favour for so many years, and Old Shen Furen was not wrong with her words. Chen Rou Qiu was the extremely jealous type as she did not allow Shen Wan to have other women.
Thinking of this, Chen Rou Qiu was unable to sit or stand due to uneasiness.
Hua Yi walked in from outside, "Furen, Old Furen had gotten a few bolts of fabric and instructed for you to send one over to Young Lady Chang."
Old Shen Furen had always looked down on Chang Zai Qing and would usually act as though there was no such person in the residence, so why would she be thinking of Chang Zai Qing today? Chen Rou QIu frowned, "Old Furen can directly send someone over, why need me to go?"
Hua Yi also did not understand, "Most likely because you have good relations with Young Lady Chang."
Just when Chen Rou Qiu was feeling ill-at-ease, Old Shen Furen actually instructed her to do things, which would distract her from her thoughts. Thus she did not say anything more and headed towards the Western courtyard with Shi Qing and Hua Yi after putting on a cloak.
At the moment the skies had turned dark but it was not yet for one to rest yet, thus Chen Rou Qiu reckoned that Chang Zai Qing had not slept yet and did not notify her.
Upon reaching the Western courtyard, unexpectedly the lights were actually extinguished early. Chen Rou Qiu felt that it was somewhat strange and she saw Zhao Mama startled when she saw her, seemingly panicking as she said, "Why has Third Furen come over?"
"Old Furen instructed me to gift some fabric to Younger Sister Qing." Chen Rou Qiu said and pointed towards the bed chambers with her head, "Has Younger Sister Qing fallen asleep?"
"Yes. Yes." Zhao Mama said, "Young Lady's body is not feeling well these few days and thus slept early."
Chen Rou Qiu felt somewhat strange as she felt that Zhao Mama's expression was not natural. She then looked at the surrounding maids and their heads were all lowered, seemingly afraid that something could be discovered. At the same time there was some faint ambiguous sound coming from the room. One was unable to hear clearly but when the sounds came out, Zhao Mama's expression became more tense.
Although Chen Rou Qiu was curious, currently she did not wish to have conflicts with Chang Zai Qing. In her view, Chang Zai Qing was perhaps a very good knife, and it was good to use it to deal with the Eldest household of the Shen family. Especially nothing went right for her today, she have a stomach full of anger with nowhere to vent, thus the more she want to see the Eldest household of the Shen family down in luck.
Chen Rou Qiu let the servants put the fabric down and just as she was about to leave, her footsteps suddenly stopped.
Zhao Mama looked towards where Chen Rou Qiu's gaze was at, and saw that there was a small sachet leaning against the window. That dark red embroidered sachet was filled with fragrance and was very exquisite. Chen Rou Qiu walked over and picked the scent sachet up. When Zhao Mama wanted to stop her, it was too late.
When Shi Qing and Hua Yi saw that scent sachet, they could not help but widen their mouths and became speechless due to shock.
On the day that Shen Yue married, Chen Rou Qiu saw Chang Zai Qing wearing a very pretty scent sachet. The embroidery on the sachet was very exquisite that Chen Rou Qiu fondled admiringly. Chang Zai Qing was generous and gifted that sachet to Chen Rou Qiu. Afterwards due to Shen Yue's matter Chen Rou Qiu wanted Shen Wan to be happy, she then gave the exquisitely made sachet to Shen Wan. That embroidered egret on the sachet was not feminine and the scent was not cosmetic at all. Chen Rou Qiu remembered that because the sachet contains tea leaves, it has the light refreshing tea fragrance but Chen Rou Qiu felt that the tea fragrance was too light and added dried Osmanthus that were picked during autumn.
There were no two leaves that were exactly the same in the world, even if Chang Zai Qing was capable and able to make an exact same scent sachet, not every sachet was filled by Chen Rou Qiu with Osmanthus.
Chen Rou Qiu held the scent sachet and her hands were somewhat trembling. She finally brought it to her nose and took a whiff determinedly.
The sweet scent of the Osmanthus that was mixed with the tea leaves slowly entered Chen Rou Qiu's nose. Chen Rou Qiu closed her eyes abruptly.
When she opened them again, her gaze made Shi Qing and Hua Yi somewhat scared.
She suddenly turned towards Zhao Mama. Zhao Mama did not pull back her increasingly panicked expression and this fell completely into Chen Rou Qiu's eyes. Chen Rou Qiu coldly scoffed, "Each one of you all really treat me like a fool?" Finishing, she walked quickly towards Chang Zai Qing's bed chambers and was about to break down the door.
"Furen cannot!" Zhao Mama quickly stopped her in panic.
Chen Rou Qiu asked, "Why not?"
Zhao Mama was unable to say anything.
Chen Rou Qiu's heart could not help but sank and she only felt that she was almost ripped apart. The more upset and pained she was, the colder her expression was. She said to Shi Qing and Hua Yi, "Smash! Go and smash it ruthlessly! I want to see which pair of adulterous couple they are that dare to do such a shameless matter in my Shen residence! Smash!"
Shi Qing and Hua Yi dared not disobey the orders and immediately stepped forward to open the doors. Chen Rou Qiu took the lamp beside her and walked in without waiting for Zhao Mama to stop her.
The brazier in the room was burning bright, and there were clothes and shoes scattered all over the floor and jewelry were broken and in disorder. There were two people on the bed intertwined, looking like they were sleeping soundly.
That female's body was exposed and her posture was embarrassed and shy. That male however unhurriedly draped the clothes over to cover both of their bodies. When he turned over, it was Shen Wan.
The room was filled with the taste of alcohol, it was obvious that they drank before sleeping together, but one could not use such a lapse to describe it as one had feelings and the other had intend. Chen Rou Qiu and Shen Wan had been husband and wife for so many years, if Shen Wan did not like her, then how would he let Chang Zai Qing climb up the bed? Moreover this was Chang Zai Qing's bed and it was Shen Qan who came over actively.
Chen Rou Qiu closed her eyes and quickly stopped the tears that were almost overflowing out before screaming, "Cheating couple!"
The wind begin to raise at night and a few hundred Lis (1 Li = 500 meters) away from the Ding capital, there was an inn where the purple clad youth was sitting in front of the table in the middle of it, reading the letter in his hand. In a jiffy, he raised his hand and threw the letter into the brazier at the side and the letter instantly turned into ashes.
"Master, there is a letter from the Great Liang." The secret guard, Nan Qi, beside him said, "Your Majesty urge you to hurry back.
"No need to care about him." Xie Jing Xing said without any care, "When the matters are finished, I will naturally return."
"His Majesty is afraid that you will delay matters." Nan Qi said, "The people at that end has noticed the movements in the Ming Qi. Previously His Majesty mentioned to choose a Consort for you in the course of time, it is almost the time. If Master still do not return, one fear that things will be held up."
Xie Jing Xing shot a glance at Nan Qi immediately kept quiet but his heart had bitter words. Emperor Yong Le had a personality of standing by one's word and his own Master was one who disregarded the law and natural morality, making the subordinates sandwiched between them have problems. Moreover with regards to the matter of choosing a consort, others might not be clear but those secret guards that were beside Xie Jing Xing, could see clearly that Xie Jing Xing obviously treated the Young Lady of the Shen family in a special way. Not mentioning how Emperor Yong Le would view the matter, the secret guards felt that this matter was not feasible. Shen Miao was a Ming Qi's people and how would the Shen family be willing to have relations with the Great Liang?
However one would never dare to say these words in front of Master. If Master was not happy and send one off to guard the pagoda prison, then that would not be worth it at all.
"Since Imperial Older Brother is bored." Xie Jing Xing said, "And incredibly suffocated, then go and tell him what kind of intentions the Qin country is planning. Do not worry about things that one should not worry about."
Nan Qi wiped the sweat off his head. One could not offend both people, one's heart was breaking a sweat.
Just as he was thinking, he saw Tie Yi walking in from outside, and was holding a small box that one did not know what was it. When he entered the room, he placed the small box on the table and said, "The jewellery that my Prince has instructed to make is finished and the bank notes are sent over."
Nan Qi who was standing behind almost choked on his own saliva. What did Tie Yi said? Making jewelry? Nan Qi secretly looked towards the table and indeed saw that the box was very exquisitely made. A small little box and there was a fine flower patterned on top of it. Upon closer look, it seemed to be a tiger's head?
What thing was that?
Xie Jing Xing opened the box and took a glance. It was filled up with all kinds of jewelry. Cat's eye, a pair of jade bracelet, pearl head ornament, jasper hairpin, they were things that were extremely fine. It was not an exaggeration that this small little box had value of more than a thousand gold. Nan Qi thought secretly, could it be that this was something to be gifted to the Young Lady of the Shen family? But the Young Lady of the Shen family did not look like one who loves jewels and jade? Would Master be able to gift these out?
However, it was indeed very generous.
Xie Jing Xing closed the box and said, "Not bad." Suddenly he thought about something and asked, "What is Fu Xiu Yi's recent movements?"
Tie Yi thought before saying, "There is no movement at the moment and is just closer to the Crown Prince."
The Crown Prince. Xie Jing Xing raised his brows, "Watch him closely. Fu Xiu Yi is not a simple character."
Tie Yi coupled and retreated.
"Wait." Xie Jing Xing stopped him, "Pay attention to Shen Yue too."
One did not know what kind of luck the Shen family was on these days as there was mayhem all day. Previously it was the matter of Shen Dong Ling and Shen Yue exchanging marriage, then it was the matter of the Wang family not accepting Shen Yue, then later it was Shen Yue rebelling and running away from home. It was even better now, Chen Rou Qiu caught the adultery of Chang Zai Qing and Shen Wan in the act.
Chang Zai Qing, is a guest in the Shen residence and the daughter of an old friend of Old Shen General's, the relationship with the Shen residence should have been very polite. Apart from Old Shen Furen, everyone would often speak a few words to Chang Zai Qing when they meet her, thus the current matriarch of the family, Chen Rou Qiu, liked her a lot. Who knew that Chang Zai Qing was so courteous that she climbed onto Shen Wan's bed. Chen Rou Qiu was not stabbed at the back by others, but by the 'cherished and attentive' younger sister.
Chen Rou Qiu kick up a fuss on the spot, and disputed hotly all the way to Rong Jing Tang.
Within Rong Jing Tang, Old Shen Furen was sitting at the highest position. Chang Zai Qing and Shen Wan were standing at the side. Shen Wan did not have any expression on, Shen Gui had the appearance of watching a good show, whereas Chang Zai Qing's eyes were hung down as if she was ashamed. However Chen Rou Qiu forced herself to stop crying, and put up an appearance of unable to let the matter drop.
"Enough already. How does it look like when one cry like this?" Old Shen Furen finally said after been bored with Chen Rou Qiu's appearance, "What is the matter of one's husband bringing a young lady in, that you would cry like the Heavens have collapsed."
"Mother." Chen Rou Qiu shouted, "If it was Master that bring young ladies in and lift them up as concubines, naturally this daughter-in-law will not say anything and would even take the initiative to do the preparation. But the both of them kept silent about it and did such a thing in front of my face in this courtyard. Everyone in the courtyard kept me in the dark and it is obvious it is deliberately not giving me face. Mother, I am also your daughter-in-law and you are also a female. If one's husband wants to bring in a concubine, can I stop it? Then why is there a need to use such an insulting method?"
"Third Furen." Chang Zai Qing could not help but spoke, "Today's matter is all a misunderstanding. It was me who drank too much and it has nothing to do with Third Master. Zai Qing will not be a concubine so take it as this matter had never happen. Tomorrow I will pack up and leave the Shen residence. One hope that Older Sister would not blame Third Master about it."
Compared to Chen Rou Qiu's aggressiveness, Chang Zai Qing had never denied being involved with Shen Wan but placed all the blame onto herself, making oneself look very fair and reasonable. Shen Wan's expression slightly changed, "Why leave? The things I do, naturally one would give you a resolution."
Originally Chen Rou Qiu felt that Chang Zai Qing's words were somewhat piercing to her hears, and now listening to Shen Wan still urging Chang Zai Qing to stay, it was adding fuel to fire and she immediately said, "Resolution? How would you want to resolve? It is to chase me away and give official wife position to her?" After she spoke, she turned her head to Chang Zai Qing and pointed to her while scolding, "You sure are an ingrate. You came to the Shen residence and it was me who supported your food and clothes, but who knew that you would have such a depraved heart to even climb onto your JieFu's (Older Sister's husband) bed. Really very shameless! You cannot seduce Shen Xin so you come and seduce the husband of someone beside you? No wonder you are not married at such an old age. Which good son would dare to want such a woman who offend public morals?"
Not only Shen Wan was stunned with her words, even Old Shen Furen was somewhat startled. The self-proclaimed scholarly Chen Rou Qiu was scolding just like a shrew on the streets. This scene was indeed somewhat ugly to see.
Shen Wan was so angry that he could not speak, and Chang Zai Qing bit her lips with a look of enduring silently. It was Shen Gui, who was standing at the side, who could not help but say something, "DiMei (Younger Brother's wife), you are at fault here. If a husband wants to bring in a concubine, it is you as a Furen who should naturally help to handle it. Initially there was no other people in Third Younger Brother's courtyard, and this was already somewhat unreasonable. Now after much difficulty there is finally a sister who can help you to share tribulations, why are you still blocking it?" Shen Gui was lecherous and naturally favoured beauties like Chang Zai Qing. It was just that Chang Zai Qing was Shen Wan's people and he would not touch a brother's woman. However Shen Gui did not like seeing Chen Rou Qiu's shrewish manners. When Ren Wan Yun was alive, she did not stop him from bringing in concubines.
However, the current Chen Rou Qiu was already extremely sensitive at the moment, thus not only Shen Gui's remark did not appease her, instead it seemed that she was being stepped on the foot, and she immediately went on scolding indiscriminately at Shen Gui, "Second Older Brother still have the free time to care about the matters of the Third household. One fear that Second Older Brother's matter had not taken care of. Currently one's lineage had been cut off, even if one bring in eight or ten concubines, so what? There is still no one to carry down the line!"
Shen Gui's pain was that he was unable to have any descendants in this lifetime, and who knew Chen Rou Qiu would jab Shen Gui's sore point. Shen Gui was so angry that his face become livid, and Old Shen Furen's expression was not good at all.
"Madam Chen, then what do you want?" Old Shen Furen said angrily.
"I have married into the Shen family for so many years and am not an unreasonable person. Cast Chang Zai Qing out and I will treat it as though nothing had happened."
"Not possible." Shen Wan said angrily, "Since I have touched her, naturally one will take responsibility for her."
"It is alright for anyone but her!" Chen Rou Qiu pointed at Chang Zai Qing and shouted. She could not tolerate the fact that Chang Zai Qin had betrayed her and climbed onto Shen Wan's bed. This made her feel a sense of humiliation and shame. The most important thing was that Chen Rou Qiu understood Chang Zai Qing very clearly. Chang Zai Qing was not inferior in any aspects than her and had a good temperament. Even Chen Rou Qiu herself felt difficult to feel malice towards Chang Zai Qing. Especially with the matters now, Shen Wan's words intentional or otherwise were protecting Chang Zai Qing, making Chen Rou Qiu feel a sense of crisis. As a woman, she understood Shen Wan's mind more than anyone else. One feared that once Chang Zai Qing entered, not only she would share the favours with her, it was possible that only she alone was favoured. She could not bring such a great rival in for herself!
"Why it cannot be her?" The person saying it was none other than Shen Wan. Shen Wan was also furious at the moment, most probably because Chen Rou Qiu had been tender and graceful in front of him for so many years, but now was as irrational and ill-mannered like a shrew, making Shen Wan unbearable to look at her.
Chen Rou Qiu said angrily, "Then you divorce me! If you want to bring her in then annul the marriage with me!"
This made Shen Wan so angry that he was in a complete mess. However Chen Rou Qiu seemed to have confidence and became more aggressive, "After getting the annulment letter, I will naturally leave without a second word. Bring in whoever you want to bring in, it would be of no issues since we would be of no relations then, and each can do what one likes!" Finishing, two stream of tears flowed down on her cheeks, looking very pitiful.
Chen Rou Qiu's words were ones that were said in anger. She was husband and wife with Shen Wan for so many years, even if there were conflicting views lately, but they had many years of harmonious relations before. Chen Rou Qiu understood Shen Wan. Shen Wan still have some affection for her at the end, and was currently blinded by Chang Zai Qing for the moment, thus it was absolutely not possible for Shen Wan to divorce her because of Chang Zai Qing.
Its a pity that Chen Rou Qiu that calculated thousands of ways, and who calculated that Shen Wan still had affections for her, did not calculate Old Shen Furen's attitude.
Old Shen Furen coldly laughed once, and looked at Chen Rou Qiu as if she was watching a clown performing, "Annulment? You would wish but one fear that you had miscalculated. It is not possible for Number Three to give you an annulment letter. The very most, one would give you is a divorce letter!"
Chang Zai Qing who wanted to speak at the moment, swallowed the words that were at her mouth.
Chen Rou Qiu was not to be outdone and asked, "On what basis I am a given a divorce letter?"
"On what basis?" Old Shen Furen looked at her, "Ever since Number Three married you, there are no other young lady in the courtyard. Not to mention about a concubine, there are not any TongFangs at all. As the matriarch of the family you failed to organise things for your husband, that is being jealous and lacking of virtue! Number Three's heart is magnanimous and I do not want to be involved in Number Three's courtyard matters but for so many years, Chen Rou Qiu, you calculated. You have been close to twenty years in the Shen residence and have not given birth to a son for the Third household. Let me ask you, in the whole of the Ding capital, who is like you, marry into the husband family and unable to give birth to a son, but do not let one's husband have a son with others? You want our Shen family to end the line is it?"
"You do not have a son and is jealous. There are already two out of the seven grounds of divorces, enough to give you a divorce letter!"
Even though Old Shen Furen came from the marketplace and did not have much knowledge, but when she was arguing with others, she would not be at a disadvantage at all. Especially, she already had anger with Chen Rou Qiu and now that it was Chen Rou Qiu's fault, as tensions run high, she made Chen Rou Qiu speechless.
That was right. Just the one ground of being without son, the Shen family could push all the faults upon Chen Rou Qiu. Even if this was brought to court, Chen Rou Qiu would be the one that would be pointed at. Helplessness streaked across Chen Rou Qiu's heart as she always thought that she had firmly grasped Shen Wan's heart, and also though that Shen Wan and her would be in love for their entire lifetime. But now seeing Shen Wan's attitude of protecting Chang Zai Qing was like a slap to her, which made Chen Rou Qiu's belief that she was infallible to shatter!
Shen Wan was no different from other men who were greedy for freshness and love tenderness. There was no different between one's or other women but as time passes and age caught up, one had to give way to younger females. But if one still had a son by one's side during those days, one could still sit on the position of a matriarch but she did not have a son at all, thus her position was also in jeopardy.
Old Shen Furen looked at Chang Zai Qing and said slowly, "Number Three, since you have touched others, our Shen family is not people who is unreasonable, naturally one must take responsibility. There is no one else in Young Lady Chang and if Young Lady Chang is willing then after tomorrow, one will give her a Gui Concubine (higher ranked concubine). Lately there are a lot of bad luck and one should flush it out with joyous events."
For Old Shen Furen to raise her to a Gui Concubine, it was obviously a deliberate move to go against Chen Rou Qiu, and to let Chen Rou Qiu see her face.
Chen Rou Qiu looked at Old Shen Furen. On Old Shen Furen's ravine filled face, there was a trace of a smile that quickly flashed past. That smile made Chen Rou Qiu suddenly understand something in her heart.
How did one find out the matter of Chang Zai Qing? It was Old Shen Furen that instructed her to go to the Western courtyard to gift some bolts of cloth when she discovered it. She did not go early or later but purposely at time so could it be that Old Shen Furen did it on purpose? These days she was worried about Shen Yue and did not care about anything else, thus she did not discover Chang Zai Qing's and Shen Wan's secret, but that did not meant that Old Shen Furen did not discover it. Old Shen Furen wholehearted wanted to bring in a concubine for Shen Wan, and upon discovering the exchanges between Chang Zai Qing and Shen Wan, one feared that she was extremely happy. Or perhaps there were other things that contributed to this, so that such a situation would happen today.
Forcing Chen Rou Qiu to such a situation and let Chang Zai Qing enter the residence.
Within Chen Rou Qiu's heart, an infinite hatred for Old Shen Furen appeared and she said as she gritted her teeth, "Such humiliation is absolutely unreasonable!"
Chapter 155: Returning Back
The residence of the General in the Ding capital was originally decorated with bright colours and from the outsiders' view, it was admirable. Whenever the residence of the General was brought up, everyone would first recall about the sweat and blood contributions, and the bravery of the Formidable Great General.
However ever since the separation of the Eldest household and the Shen family, and being removed from the Shen's clan records, the General residence quickly declined. Even though Shen Gui and Shen Wan tried to support the formal glory of the General residence with their careers, unfortunately the route of civil and military officials were different. Civil officials depended on their brains and mouth, and if one wanted to achieve meritorious services, it would take a much longer time. It was however different with military officials, after fighting a battle and cutting off a few enemy heads, one would be admired by ten thousands of people.
After the decline of the General residence, even though there was still a name, people do not pay as close attention as before. However, these days it easily caught others' attention, but good things did not get out of the door but instead bad things spread out to thousands of Li (1 Li = 500m). The matter that made others discuss the most was this matter. One did not know when, but there was a rumour that was spreading in the marketplace, it was that the Master of the Third household of the Shen family was planning to divorce his wife.
Among the three sons of the Shen family, besides Shen Xin, even though Shen Gui was smooth and evasive, he was too lustful, thus he did things unclearly. Shen Wan was however different from his Second Older Brother, he had a clean record and was not considered lustful towards females. Even though he would play along with his colleagues, he would not make a mess of things. He was one who very much cherished his feathers thus in the eyes of the people, he was one who had reached a high level of emotional maturity and was capable. If one were to wait a couple of years, most likely his position would be even higher.
The women of the official families had a good impression of Shen Wan. It was not because of anything else, but because Shen Wan was one that favoured and dotted his wife and daughter, and that there was not a single female in the inner courtyard. Those Furens of official families would all have some frustrating matters in their courtyard, and would always be envious of Chen Rou Qiu since it was not easy to encounter a husband who would only treat one person well.
Who knew that at this period, when Shen Yue was married, there would be a matter of divorcing between Shen Wan and Chen Rou Qiu.
Those who spread out in the marketplace all had eyes and ears, "Is not it so? One heard that it was because the Third Shen Furen do not have a son. You see, now there is no grandson in the Shen residence, and one cannot just let the family line be cut off. Not mentioning that the Second Shen Master had been bringing in concubines after concubines, after all he once had two sons. However the Third household had never had a son before, thus it is no wonder they got anxious.
"Speaking of that, the Third Shen Master is doing well in his career and with such a big family, it would be indeed a pity if there is no heir to inherit it."
"That Madam Chen's tummy failed to live up to expectations, and had not given birth to sons for so many years. She still do not let her husband bring in concubines. This is really ill-mannered. There would not be such thing in a commoner's family. If I am Third Shen Master, I will not be able to accept it too."
"To not even let one bring in concubine. Ze. Such a jealous woman with no virtue and still do not have a son, this can be one and only. Third Shen Master is pitiful."
The rumours in the entire Ding capital were all standing at Shen Wan's side. Chen Rou Qiu was originally a talented lady from the Ding capital, and was extremely popular among the noble female's circle. But this time, no matter if it were the commoners or those women who once flattered or were close to her, they all inadvertently now accused her of wrongs. Perhaps because Chen Rou Qiu had been living too fortunately in the past that made people jealous, when the happiness was shattered, it would make other rejoice in her misfortune and throw stones.
In the Shen residence, Chen Rou Qiu smashed the porcelain vase in front of her, and the vase became small debris and dregs that filled the entire floor. Chen Rou Qiu was unable to disperse the hate and smashed all the cups on the table onto the floor. Shi Qing and Hua Yi dared not even breath loudly and let Chen Rou Qiu continue to make a fuss.
"Shameless! Shameless!" Chen Rou Qiu screamed, "That pair of adulterous couple had forced me to such a situation and it is my fault? Ridiculous! Stupid!"
The rumours outside were all disadvantages for Chen Rou Qiu, and since she was one who cared about her face so how would she be willing to let herself, a daughter of a scholarly family be called a shrew by others?
"It must have been that slut who said these nonsenses outside." Chen Rou Qiu clenched her teeth and said. It was a moment of pique when she said to Shen Wan about the divorce letter and it was only to scare him. Who knew that this information was now known and spread out in the marketplace, and had pushed her and Shen Wan to the point where things could not be mitigated. The thing that made one's heart chill the most, was that Shen Wan had never taken a look at her till now.
"It must be that slut that urged Master!" Chen Rou Qiu's nails deeply dug into her palm. Old Shen Furen was currently deliberately promoting Chang Zai Qing to go against her, currently one did not know where Shen Yue went, and Shen Wan was confused by Chang Zai Qing. The Shen residence was so big, but there was no one that stood by her. One fear that in the entire Ding capital, the person that was in the wrong was her. Chen Rou Qiu felt as though she was a lone general fighting a battle.
"Furen, currently Old Furen had passed on the order so what can we do next?" Hua Yi finally asked.
Either let Chang Zai Qing come in like this or let Shen Wan write a divorce letter. No matter which one it was, Chen Rou Qiu would not be able to accept it. But she was indeed powerless in the Shen residence.
The love that she had for Shen Wan had turned into hate at this moment. She suddenly stood up and laughed coldly, "How would there be such an easy thing in the world? The Shen family is insulting me then I would still need to take it? Pack up, I want to return to the Chen family!"
*****
Chen Rou Qiu had returned to her maiden family.
The Old Master of the Chen family was a document official of the administrative division, who was in charge of repairing all the big and small books in the Ming Qi's Palace. Because it was a civil role and one had to read widely, Chen Rou Qiu thus was able to grow up with books. Moreover when Old Master Chen was young, he was then a JieYuan (first place candidate in the provincial Imperial examinations) and had some capabilities.
There were some meaning of getting together the Chen and Shen families when Chen Rou Qiu married Shen Wan. Of course in the beginning it was Shen Wan that selected Chen Rou Qiu. Even though Old Master Chen was not one who shielded his shortcomings, he paid great attention to family reputation, especially the putting of a lofty and arrogant appearance was the same with Chen Rou Qiu. Thus if Chen Rou Qiu was divorced, it would destroy their reputation, making Old Master Chen very unhappy. The Chen and Shen family were destined to have an unclear lawsuit.
When Shen Miao heard all these from Jing Zhe, she was reading under the lamp. Jing Zhe said, "Currently Third Furen had returned to her maiden family, and definitely will not let the matter rest. If they found out that the rumours were released by Young Lady... What will happen?"
The rumours that were flowing around the marketplace was not spread by Chang Zai Qing, nor Shen Wan and definitely not Old Shen Furen. It was Shen Miao.
Shen Miao had lived together with the Third household for an entire life, and knew that even though Chen Rou Qiu was pretentious, arrogant and loved Shen Wan deeply, she was not stupid. Upon discovering Shen Wan's and Chang Zai Qing's adulterous affair, she would definitely be furious and difficult to calm down, and would do impulsive things but afterwards, after much thought she would put up a grievance appearance in front of Shen Wan. Shen Wan would think about the long relationship with Chen Rou Qiu and would soften. At that time when Chang Zai Qin entered the household, it would not be known if Chen Rou Qiu or Chang Zai Qing would die in the fight, afterall Chen Rou Qiu would not be defeated that easily.
It would be better to let some rumours out and cause the anger in Chen Rou Qiu's heart grow, and it would add more fuel to the fire with regards to Shen Wan's relationship, and it would then reach to an irreconcilable stage. A female's heart of vengeance was scary and it would be much more interesting when events were provoked. Chen Rou Qiu indeed became so anxious that she returned to her maiden family.
To take this step, it would be very difficult to go back. There would be a rift in the other person's heart and only a novel would only be able to put back a shattered mirror. Shen Miao felt that during her past life she was unable to see things clearly when she was in the Inner Palace, but now after changing a perspective and watching as an outsider, it was very clear in a glance. To play with other on the palm of your hands, even if the person was one's enemy, her mood was not that good. Perhaps it was because she would have thought that when Mei Furen looked at her, was it the same as the way she was looking at Chen Rou Qiu?
"Do not worry." She then responded after pausing for a while, "It is not that easy to detect." She handed the matter over to Feng Xian Pawnshop to do it and since money was accepted, Ji Yu Shu would definitely organise things properly. The Feng Xian Pawnshop had done so many years of business in the Ding capital, thus they would understand this small thing.
Thus Jing Zhe did not speak more. Seeing that the widows were not closed, she stood up to close them and said as she walked over, "Why does Gu Yu keep forgetting to close the windows all day? The weather is so cold and the cold wind will blow in. What if Young Lady catch a cold?"
"Wait." Shen Miao stopped her and glance at the window, "Let the air ventilate first since the room is stuffy. I will close them myself a while later."
The room was bright so how was it stuffy? Even though Jing Zhe was a little suspicious in her heart when she saw Shen Miao's resolute appearance, she did not speak. She then helped Shen Miao cut the wick of the lamp before saying, "May Young Lady rest early."
Jing Zhe retreated out.
Shen Miao was staring at the slightly wavering candlelight and was about to get up and walk towards the couch. Halfway there, the candlelight flickered violently.
A familiar voice sounded and it had the indolent banter that one had not heard for a long time, "Deliberately opened the door for me so why go to sleep?"
Shen Miao turned back and the youth propped himself against the window as one hand was supporting his chin, and the pair of peach blossoms eyes looked over inattentively. It was indolent yet charming that even the dark night was unable to let others ignore his brilliance. He saw Shen Miao being slightly startled and in a flash, entered the room and naturally took the lamp from Shen Miao hands and walked over to the stools to sit down.
Such smooth actions, as if one had entered one's own room.
"You returned?" Shen Miao asked.
"Oh?" Xie Jing Xing stared at her and said with a smile but not a smile, "Why? Miss me?"
Shen Miao was already accustomed to his contemptuous words thus she simply ignored him. Xie Jing Xing went to sit down on the stool by himself and raised his eyebrows, "You did well on Chen Rou Qiu's matter."
Shen Miao rolled her eyes, "And you know it again." Xie Jing Xing's informants spreads throughout the Ding capital, moreover Ji Shu Yu of the Feng Xian Pawnshop have some relations with Xie Jing Xing. Shen Miao instruct Ji Yu Shu to spread rumours at this end, and one fear that at the other end Ji Yu Shu would have told Xie Jing Xing. Now Shen Miao did not even care about it.
"No wonder when Chang Zai Qing came to Ding capital initially, you put up such an attitude." Xie Jing Xing spoke to himself before glancing at Shen Miao again. It was unclear if his voice was in admiration or sighing as he said in half-truths, "Truly vicious."
Shen Miao declined to comment. Xie Jing Xing seemed to have thought of something and took out a box from somewhere one did not know of and threw it onto Shen Miao's arms.
Shen Miao was almost crushed by the little box. She only felt that the little box was rather heavy and took a good look at it. She saw that there was a large tiger carving on the surface of the box. The tiger head looked alive and was somewhat charmingly naive, however the baring of fangs and brandishing of claws were rather fierce. She remembered the white tiger, 'Jiao Jiao', that Xie Jing Xing was raising and she endured the anger in her heart and opened the little box.
As soon as it was opened, one was almost blinded by the brilliant colours of the things inside the box. The heavy box was filled to the brim with exquisite and luxurious jewelry. Not to mention that it was a full box of jewelry, just one of it was worth a lot of money. Why was Xie Jing Xing gifting her jewelry without any rhyme or reason? Shen Miao then looked at him and shook her head, "I do not need jewelry."
Xie Jing Xing said, "These are all valuable and hard to come by. You are in any case a lady, what is wrong in buying jewelry?"
Shen Miao thought about it, "Perhaps one can pawn them at the Feng Xian Pawnshop."
XIe Jing Xing choked on her words and raised his brows and asked, "You are short on money?"
"It is always a good thing to have more money. There are so many places where money is required to put things in order. As time passes, it would be difficult to be tight with it." Shen Miao said frankly. Now in front of Xie Jing Xing, she was not as vigilant as before, thus she said it as it was. Anyways Xie Jing Xing's means and methods extend across Heavens and even if she did not tell him some matter, he would be able to find it out, so why the trouble of hiding and concealing?
When Xie Jing Xing heard this, he took out a square rounded jade tally from his sleeves, "This is the tally for Jin Yu Private Bank. With this, one can withdraw however much money one wants." He casually threw it to Shen Miao and said with some displeasure, "Do not keep being so bad in foresight."
Shen Miao, "..." In any case she was a person who had been an Empress and seen a lot of gold and treasures, even when she was young she had cultivated that vulgar taste for shiny things by the Second and Third households to afterwards in the Palace or in the Qin country. She after all had a lot of insights but now Xie Jing Xing said that she had 'no foresight', this was really somewhat uncomfortable. However... She held the jade tally up. One did not know what kind of jade was use for this jade tally that is so translucent and upon touching, the coldness seeps into one's bones. Shen Miao knew that Xie Jing Xing would not lie, and that this jade tally really could withdraw money from Jin Yu Private Bank. It was just that Jin Yu Private Bank was the biggest bank in the Ming Qi, that even the Imperial family would even have some dealings there. Currently Xie Jing Xing was a person of the Great Liang and could even have such a thing in his possession. He was really too deep.
Shen Miao returned the jade tally to Xie Jing Xing, "No reward if it is not deserved."
Xie Jing Xing stared at her interested, "Really has a backbone." He nodded his head as a gesture to Shen Miao to look at that small box, "That is not an ordinary jewelry. Take a look again."
Shen Miao was somewhat skeptical and picked up a pair of rings. The jade used was of a good grade that would be one of a good item if placed in a jewelry shop. Shen Miao took a look and seemed to felt the pair of rings was somewhat strange and touched it. There was actually a hidden button. She lifted her head and looked towards Xie Jing Xing, "What is this?"
Xie Jing Xing smiled, "Concealed weapon."
"Concealed weapon?" Shen Miao fiddled with the hidden button and unconsciously wanted to press it but she was suddenly stopped by Xie Jing Xing. Immediately afterwards, Xie Jing Xing stood up and stood behind her. His arms went around her shoulders as he taught her how to use the pair of jade rings.
"There are needles placed here and one fear that poison needles would harm one's own people, thus when normal people are shot, they will only be unconscious for a while. It is only effective within three Cun (modern: inch) so do not release it arbitrarily."
"There is powdered poison in the hairpin which would blind when the hairpin is pulled out. This can be used when one encounter a bandit."
"A blade is hidden in the bracelet, pull it apart and it is a small knife. If others tie you up in ropes, this knife can be used to cut the ropes."
"The treasures earrings are a whistle. In case of an emergency, use it to whistle. My people are all over in the Ding capital thus if there is danger, they will rush over to save you..."
He elaborated and explained each one to Shen Miao, and there was not the usually indolent or frivolous manner of speaking. His gaze was especially serious and his long lashes were enough to make others moved. His hands were long and fair and with his peach blossoms eyes that looked at Shen Miao, as if they were as invigorating as spring water.
Shen Miao felt somewhat warm.
The windows were clearly opened but there was some stuffiness in the room. When he leaned and looked over with his head lowered, Shen Miao was almost leaning against his chest and there was a fine layer of sweat on her back. She looked over to the side and her eyes meet with Xie Jing Xing's slightly upturned beautiful lips that seemed to be always smiling. Shen Miao seemed to have become scalded by them and turned away.
Xie Jing Xing discovered that she was slightly distracted and he became somewhat dissatisfied. He knocked her head, "Concentrate."
SHen Miao move a little forward in her seat, slightly further away from him and pretended to be calm, "Had already seen it and I remembered. I will just practice in the future."
The corner of Xie Jing Xing's lips curved up, "Did not you say you do not want?"
Shen Miao turned her head, "You remembered wrongly."
This turn of head almost made her bump onto Xie Jing Xing because he was initially looking down at her. Shen Miao was slightly startled and her cheeks became red instantly.
This youth's brows were so handsome that it was ridiculous (Translator: You are ridiculous for writing that). Usually there was some frivolous air, but when he used that part of beautiful eyes to look at you, the entire world had become springtime and blooming red flowers fill the entire city, making it unbelievably romantic.
Xie Jing Xing chuckled, his voice was as mellow as wine and made one feel a little intoxicated. He reached his hands out and pushed aside some loose hair on Shen Miao's face, as he carefully stared into Shen Miao's eyes before half innocently and half curiously asked, "Why are you blushing?"
Shen Miao stood up suddenly and took two steps before speaking with her back towards Xie Jing Xing, "The room is too stuffy."
"Because one feel there should be no reward if it is not deserved?" Xie Jing Xing said without a care, "Easy. Then make some pastries." After finishing he remembered something, "I have done so much but cannot exchange for it and someone did not do anything but could get it. This is really frustrating."
"What?" Shen Miao did not understand what Xie Jing Xing's words meant but she saw that Xie Jing Xing had already stood up, "Never mind. Today one only came to gift you concealed weapons. These things are all suitable for killing people and one think that it is suitable for your liking."
Shen Miao really wanted to object but afterwards felt that Xie Jing Xing's words were indeed right. She was living on the pointed side of the blade, and everything that she did was extremely dangerous. If there was a day where the Shen family could not protect her, she could only protect herself.
This entire box of concealed weapons that looked like jewelry was considered precious to her. Xie Jing Xing was indeed one who knew her well. Thinking that one had treated Xie Jing Xing as an adversary before, what Pei Lang said in the previous lifetime was correct, the opponent was the one that understood oneself the most.
Xie Jing Xing suddenly thought about something an said, "Do you know the whereabouts of Shen Yue?"
Shen Yue? Shen Miao shook her head. She had informants in the Shen residence, and knew that Shen Yue had ran away and her whereabouts were currently unknown. Chen Rou Qiu's people were unable to find Shen Yu till now, and Shen Miao herself also sent people out to look for the whereabouts of Shen Yue, but all of them returned without any achievements. Shen Miao was also suspicious. Even though the Ding capital is big, how could one be unable to find a person? Moreover Shen Yue was a delicate female, so how could she survive outside for a few days?
"You know where Shen Ye is?" Shen Miao asked.
Xie Jing Xing said, "She is in the residence of the Qin's Prince."
After Xie Jing Xing left, Shen Miao pressed her forehead before sitting back on the couch. The few candles were almost burned out.
Shen Yue actually went to the residence of the Qin's Prince and had now a connection to HuangFu Hao. In this lifetime, in the unseen world, she had change the direction of a lot of things. For example Shen Yue's fate, now that Shen Yue had entered the residence of the Qin's Prince, no one was able to expect what kind of changes there would be in the future.
Shen Miao rubbed her chest and caught sight of that small box. When she stretched her hand out to bring it over and picked a pair of jade rings out. The greenness of the rings made her wrist looked so fair like a painting. It was originally an ice cold jewelry but Shen Miao felt that it was somewhat hot, just like the youth's gaze.
She frantically kneaded her hair and closed the little box but inadvertently saw that there laid a jade tally beside the box.
Tally for Jin Yu Private Bank...
She had returned it to Xie Jing Xing, but one did not know when he threw it there. It seemed that he deliberately did it. One had not seen anyone just handover such a large amount of money to others, and Shen Miao felt sympathetic for Emperor Yong Le of the Great Liang.
After keeping the jade tally properly, Shen Miao shook her head and thought that it was better for her to return this thing to Xie Jing Xing when she encountered him.
*****
In the residence of the Qin's Prince, it was late in the evening and there was a female sitting in front of the mirror.
That female was at her most wondrous age and was considered a delicate beauty, especially the air of a scholar that oozed out of her body. At the moment she was wearing a snow white mid-clothes and facing the mirror. She was clearly a flowerlike beauty, but her expression was somewhat hidden and dark.
This person was not someone else but Shen Yue, who was missing from the Shen residence for many days.
Shen Yue had never thought that there would be a day, where she would have some relationship with the Crown Prince of the Qin country. Initially she had planned to run away and go to the residence of Prince Ding. Fu Xiu Yi was warm and a gentleman, and she was the Di daughter of the Third household of the Shen family, thus because of a colleague's relations, Fu Xiu Yi would not sit back and ignore her. Moreover she was beautiful and naturally friendly with talents in poetry and painting, even if one was made of stone, they would also be moved. At that time she only need to speak about her grievances in front of Prince Ding and gain his love and pity, she would be able to win over Prince Ding's heart.
However she had never go out of the residence alone, and did not know the location of the residence of Prince Ding. She asked others for the location but because she feared that the servants of the Shen family would catch up, she had no choice but to run and hide as she moved along. There were always such people like this in the Ding capital. They were either escaping from marriage or running away from home due to some mistakes they committed, but it was easy to be target when a female was alone. Shen Yue was also targeted.
The person that was onto her was a local gangster. Before she could find the residence of Prince Ding, something happened in a remote alley nearby. Those gangsters snatched her baggage and still wanted to dishonour her innocence. In desperation she could only shout out that she was the niece of the Formidable Great General.
Even though she was not resigned, Shen Yue knew it clearly in her heart. Her father's name was not as resounding as Shen Xin's. Especially after Shen Xin's return to the Ding capital and that he gained a heavy responsibility from Emperor Wen Hui, that did not fall short from those previous. Comparing to shouting Shen Wan, it would be more deterring to shout out Shen Xin's name.
As a result, someone walked by and heard her shouting that and took action to save her. It was only later when Shen Wan then knew that that person was from the residence of the Qin's Prince.
Afterwards Shen Yue saw HuangFu Hao.
Shen Yue only saw HuangFu Hao once during the tribute banquet, and as the other person's identity was much higher ranked and a nobility, she did not dare to overstep the bounds of what was proper. This time she thought that HuangFu Hao helped out while passing, but so Shen Yue went over to say her thanks. Who knew that HuangFu Hao was not the least interested in her. To be exact, he was interested in Shen Miao and asked Shen Yue a lot of things of Shen Miao.
Shen Yue thought that HuangFu Hao probably took a liking to Shen Miao and her heart was very jealous. No matter what, HuangFu Hao was a Crown Prince of the Qin country and would be the Emperor one day. If Shen Miao and HuangFu Hao were together and if Shen Miao became the Crown Prince's consort, then she would be the Empress of the Qin country. Even if Shen Miao was a CeFei (aka Secondary Consort), she would become a GuiFei. No matter the case, she would be noble and there would be endless wealth.
Therefore Shen Yue said a lot of bad things of Shen Miao. She slowly and faintly discernibly revealed how talentless and scheming Shen Miao was. Indeed after Shen Yue finish speaking, she then saw that HuangFu Hao's expression was not good. This made Shen Yue delighted.
HuangFu Hao had intended to send Shen Yue back, but she heard about the fact that Shen Wan wanted to divorce Chen Rou Qiu and in a rage, Chen Rou Qiu returned to her maiden family. When Shen Yue first heard this, she was unable to restrain her anger for a moment and intended to return to the residence to seek justice for her mother. However when she was about to leave she thought about it again. If she were to return like this, she would definitely be married to Wang Bi as a PinQi by Shen Wan. Currently Shen Wan and Old Shen Furen were still angry about the matter of the exchanging of brides between Shen Yue and Shen Dong Ling, she would definitely suffer.
No matter how Shen Yue thought, she was unable to find a better idea, and was also not willing to just watch as Chen Rou Qiu was at a disadvantage. One had to know that once Chen Rou Qiu was divorced, even her position as a Di-daughter would be implicated and one fear that there would not be a foothold for her in the Shen residence. Shen Yue has lots of resentment with Shen Wan and Old Shen Furen, so now she was not reconcilable.
At the very end, she thought of a method.
HuangFu Hao was the Crown Prince of the Qin country and held great powers, thus if HuangFu Hao took action, perhaps everything would be much simpler.
And she just needed to fawn over HuangFu Hao.
She must stay in the residence of the Qin's Prince to avoid being found and made use by the Shen family.