"A young lady from the Shen family who goes by the name of Shen looked rather good. She is most likely a member of the Shen family," Ji Yu Shu scratched his head. "But she's quite fierce and completely ignores my magnificence."
His words fell like a stone, creating an awkward silence in the tea room. After a moment, Hoseok smiled and turned to Taehyung, "I think I know who she is. That young lady from the Shen family seems quite formidable." His smile was warm, but his tone carried a hint of sarcasm.
"In fact, I found it strange too." Ji Yu Shu shuddered before scratching his head again. "When she came over, I observed carefully, and it seemed like it wasn't her first time doing business with Bai Xiao Sheng. I asked Hong Ling, and she hadn't seen her before. Our line of business has always been secretive, known to only a few families in Ding capital. How did she find out?"
"This young lady is no simpleton," Hoseok mused. "I used to think the Shen family in Ding capital was filled with fools who would eventually be swallowed up. But it seems there's more to it than meets the eye." He glanced at Taehyung, who appeared lost in thought, and asked, "What's your take on this?"
Taehyung raised his head and looked at Ji Yu Shu. "Did you agree to her conditions?"
"A matter this significant requires our discussion," Ji Yu Shu replied with a mouthful of pastries. "But I believe the Shen family is influential, and their military power is substantial. If what that young lady from the Shen family said is true, it would make things much easier when Third Brother plans. She doesn't realize that Feng Xian Pawnshop is actually Third Brother's secret business."
"When a sandpiper and a clam are locked in a fight, it's to the advantage of the fisherman," Taehyung added. "That Shen young lady probably doesn't know that her commitment will ultimately benefit me. But we can't blame her; even Hong Ling, who has managed the business for years, doesn't know the powerful connections behind us."
"Even so," Hoseok pondered, "the stakes are quite high. Creating the news she wants might attract the Imperial family's attention if not handled carefully. We've always been discreet, and any mistakes could be costly. Adding one more Shen family to the mix isn't that tempting."
"What you say has merit," Ji Yu Shu nodded, looking at Taehyung. "But, in the end, the decision rests with Third Brother."
"You should agree to her conditions," Taehyung stated.
Hoseok frowned, asking, "Why such a hasty decision?"
"Since the Shen family has become a variable, it doesn't mean they have no role in the future. Using them to deal with certain individuals is worth it. Besides, her plan to create news is aimed at Prince Yu's residence." Taehyung raised his brows. "We won't need to take action, and there will be things we can do without."
His words prompted the others to recall the Shen family young lady's intentions. Ji Yu Shu slapped his palms. "Oh yes, I almost forgot. She wants to create news about Prince Yu's residence plotting a rebellion. Her target is Prince Yu's residence. What could the Prince Yu residence have against the Shen family?"
Hoseok, who knew about the animosity between Jennie and Prince Yu, was surprised. If it were an ordinary person, they would fear Prince Yu's residence's power. But Jennie not only wasn't afraid but was also plotting to attack. She was clever to realize that the Imperial family backed Prince Yu's residence and was trying to create a rift. If the Imperial family doubted Prince Yu, their protective umbrella over the residence would be useless.
But even so, what was her ultimate plan?
"Accept this business," Taehyung said. "And inform the Chen family in Jiangnan as soon as possible."
"Rest assured. I've already had Hong Ling send a letter to Yu province. However, the Chen family's case has dragged on for three years, and I'm not sure if this Shen family young lady's news is accurate. After all, the Chen family initially tried countless methods and found nothing. How could this young lady know what they didn't? If her information is fake, the Chen family might not treat her kindly." Ji Yu Shu spoke with his mouth full of snacks.
"Since she came here to sell the information, it must be legitimate," Taehyung frowned. "There are just certain parts of her story that don't add up."
"Are you here just to eat?" Hoseok teased Ji Yu Shu. "Aren't you the manager of Feng Xian Pawnshop? Haven't you had snacks before?"
Ji Yu Shu waved his finger dismissively. "Nowhere else's snacks can compare to those made by Third Brother's chef. Last time, when I brought some to Miss Shao Yao, she actually smiled at me. That proves," he lifted a snack to Hoseok's face, "there's something different about them."
Hoseok shook his head in exasperation. Meanwhile, Ji Yu Shu suddenly looked thoughtful and pulled a banknote from his pocket. "Speaking of which, that Shen family young lady gave me a thousand taels to gather information."
"What kind of information?" Taehyung and Hoseok asked simultaneously.
"To find someone named Liu Ying," Ji Yu Shu explained, "most likely a girl from a brothel in Ding capital. It's crucial for me to locate her." He added with curiosity, "Why would she want to find a brothel girl? Is she, like me, fond of beauties?"
Hoseok and Taehyung exchanged glances, with the former puzzled and the latter shaking his head lightly.
As Hong Ling escorted her out, Mo Yoongi and the others breathed a sigh of relief, seeing that Jennie was safe and sound. Jennie had stayed inside for quite a while, and if she had lingered any longer, they might have stormed in to get her out. Shen Qiu had repeatedly warned them that Jennie had stirred up trouble, so they needed to be cautious during this journey. If they lost Jennie, Shen Qiu would surely hold them accountable.
With a polite smile, Hong Ling addressed Jennie, "May Shen Young Lady return in ten days' time."
"Thank you, Supervisor Hong," Jennie replied softly.
By the door, a young shop assistant couldn't help but steal more glances at Jennie, likely because it was the first time he had seen Hong Ling treat someone with such respect.
Once Jennie and her entourage departed in their carriage, the young shop assistant couldn't resist asking Hong Ling, "Supervisor, what kind of background does that young lady have?"
"Carry out your tasks diligently," Hong Ling patted his head. After a moment's contemplation, she added, "Next time you encounter Shen Young Lady, speak sweetly. She's no ordinary person."
The little shop assistant quickly complied. Hong Ling watched the horse carriage getting further away as her heart sighed in relief. Highly-talented individuals truly came forth in large numbers in the Ding capital that now even a little young lady was able to scheme. As compared to her family master, she was not inferior in any aspect.
In the horse carriage, Jennie remained lost in thought, her mind consumed by matters unknown to her maids, Marie and Alexia. They dared not interrupt her and maintained a respectful silence. They were equally unaware of the purpose behind Jennie's visit to the pawnshop. While it was evident that it was a pawnshop, the specifics of what was pawned remained a mystery. Jennie had chosen not to divulge any details, and her maids knew better than to pry.
As they passed a particular location, Alexiasuggested with a smile, "We're approaching Guang Fu Zhai. Since it's been a while since our last visit, shall I buy some snacks?"
Guang Fu Zhai's snacks were always in high demand, and the current time was less crowded, making it an opportune moment to purchase some. Although Jennie didn't particularly enjoy these snacks, both Luo Xue Yan and Shen Qiu did. She nodded in agreement, "Go ahead."
Alexia promptly disembarked from the carriage and headed toward Guang Fu Zhai.
Meanwhile, outside the carriage, Yoongi and the others formed a protective circle around it. Due to their imposing statures, they drew curious glances from passersby. Jennie had opened the curtains to allow for ventilation, and as she looked outside, her gaze was captured by someone unexpected.
It was Pei Namjoon.
Jennie hadn't visited Oak Wood Academy in quite some time, as she didn't desire recognition as a talented young lady or seek scholarly honors. In recent days, her focus had been on other matters, causing her to forget about the possibility of such an encounter. When she locked eyes with Namjoon, she couldn't help but smile and nodded at him from within the carriage.
Namjoon was momentarily taken aback. Jennie had once been his student, and Ming Qi culture placed great emphasis on respect for teachers. Excluding Taehyung, all of his students had treated him with the utmost respect. However, Jennie's nod gave Namjoon the impression that she held a higher status than him, an idea that he found both amusing and bewildering. Before he could react, Jennie lowered the curtains, leaving Namjoon to contemplate the unusual encounter. Yoongi and the others, who had noticed his gaze, regarded him with vigilance.
Namjoon stood there for a moment, feeling somewhat perplexed. Such a rude gesture should have incited his anger, but for some inexplicable reason, he found himself more amused than offended. It might be because of Jennie's recent impressive accomplishments that made him appreciate her refusal to conform to societal norms. He shook his head and continued on his way.
Once he sensed the gaze from outside the carriage had shifted, Jennie lowered her eyes and examined her cuffs. She had complicated feelings about Namjoon. She resented his indifference toward Fu Jong Kai's mistreatment of Wan Yun and Fu Ming, but she also understood that Namjoon was acting out of loyalty to the monarch. She had let go of her grievances from her previous life, and although she saw potential use for Namjoon in this lifetime, she didn't want to become entangled in past issues. Nevertheless, a sense of unease lingered in her heart.
Just then, Marie returned with the snacks.
Back at the Shen residence, it was still relatively early in the evening. Jennie decided to send some of the snacks to Shen Qiu, who lived in the Western courtyard. As she approached the main hall, she coincidentally crossed paths with Ren Wan Yun, who was supporting Shen Qing. Ren Wan Yun's eyes bore into Jennie with a venomous glare, while Shen Qing regarded her with malice. Even Marie and Alexia couldn't help but shudder as they moved closer to protect Jennie.
"The Fifth Daughter hasn't paid respects to the Old Furen these past few days," Ren Wan Yun remarked, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Could it be that you intend to be an unfilial granddaughter?"
Jennie glanced at her coldly. Ren Wan Yun had been behaving like a rabid dog lately, biting at anyone in her path. She was caught between her fear of Shen Xin and Luo Xue Yan and her unwillingness to accept Shen Qing's misfortune, leading her to engage in petty acts. However, Jennie wasn't bothered by her reputation and responded with a gentle smile, "Second Shen seems to have the energy to meddle in my affairs. Isn't she afraid of hurting Eldest Sister's feelings? The Empress's decree is swift, and I'll be entering the Prince of First Rank's residence next month. Second Shen might consider imparting some wisdom, as the family we're entering is not an ordinary one, but a Prince of First Rank."
With those words, Jennie turned and walked away, flanked by Marie and Alexia. She didn't bother to look back.
Ren Wan Yun seethed with anger, her body trembling. She had become increasingly agitated lately, leaving her no time to deal with the favored concubines whom Shen Gui had been doting on more frequently. Wan YiLiang, who had given birth to Shen Dong Ling and was characterized by her delicate appearance, secluded lifestyle, and lack of support, had even begun cooking for Shen Gui from time to time. Shen Qing had set an example for her to follow, making her more obedient as well. Wan YiNiang, in particular, had managed to successfully win Shen Gui's favor. Ren Wan Yun couldn't believe that Wan YiNiang, whom she had controlled from the beginning, had become so audacious.
"All of this is because of Shen Jennie," Ren Wan Yun muttered angrily. "If not for her, Wan YiNiang would never have become so arrogant. How dare that lowly woman defy me!"
Ren Wan Yun's mind was in turmoil, and she had no time to deal with the other concubines whom Shen Gui now favored even more. Shen Qing, pregnant with Shen Gui's child, was the primary focus of her ire. She had suffered various forms of neglect in recent days, which had tempered her once-arrogant demeanor. However, the hatred and malice in her eyes had only intensified, and she clenched her teeth as she spoke to Ren Wan Yun.
"Do not worry, Mother. I will endure it for now. Once I enter the Prince of First Rank's residence, I will use any means necessary to make Prince Yu take action against Jennie. I will ensure she doesn't lead a comfortable life."
Since Shen Qing was already pregnant, the Empress had decreed that her marriage to Prince Yu would take place next month. Ren Wan Yun, on the other hand, was left with no choice but to watch as Shen Qing willingly leaped into the fire pit.
"Qing-er, do not be afraid," Ren Wan Yun said. "Your Older Brother will return soon, and Yuan-er is quite clever. When he returns, he will surely find a way to deal with that little wretch." Shen Yuan was expected to return for Shen Qing's wedding, and a glimmer of hope crossed Ren Wan Yun's eyes. Though she was isolated and powerless, Shen Yuan Bo had tried to win her favor in accordance with Old Shen Furen's wishes. Without Shen Yuan Bo's support, even Old Shen Furen might not be willing to help her.
Back in the Western courtyard of the Shen residence, Jennie was surprised to find Shen Qiu waiting for her. When he saw her return, he breathed a sigh of relief and handed over a few checks before asking, "Why were you gone for so long? I thought something had happened."
"In the Emperor's presence, during broad daylight, anyone who takes action would be considered a fool," Jennie replied calmly. She passed the snacks to him, saying, "I bought these on the way back for you."
Shen Qiu was momentarily taken aback and touched by the gesture. Jennie had changed her attitude toward him since he returned, and it filled him with happiness.
"Why aren't Father and Mother here?" Jennie inquired.
"They just returned to the capital and need to attend to some social matters," Shen Qiu explained. He glanced around and added, "Younger Sister wasn't around today. These days, Father has been at odds with Second and Third Shu, and earlier, Old Furen scolded Father severely."
"Father is in conflict with Second and Third Shu?" Jennie asked, her expression curious.
Shen Qiu noticed Jennie's reaction and said, "Younger Sister, you are aware that Father and Mother have been dissatisfied with Second and Third Shu due to the ancestral hall issue. They've been keeping an eye on them. It's likely that Old Furen became anxious and decided to scold Father."
While speaking, Shen Qiu couldn't help but show a hint of frustration. "Old Furen is too biased. What has Father done wrong? Second and Third Shu haven't treated you well in the residence, and even I am upset about it, let alone Father."
Shen Qiu, without using the title "Grandmother," referred to Old Shen Furen as "Old Furen," indicating that he had some grievances with her.
He then remembered Jennie's previous behavior, which was characterized by great respect for Old Shen Furen. Shen Qiu had impulsively spoken out and didn't anticipate how Jennie might react.
Jennie's reaction was calm, and she said, "Close and distant relatives are indeed different. Besides, blood connections don't necessarily mean much." She remained unfazed by Shen Qiu's words. She had been raised by Old Shen Furen for many years, and her previous behavior had been out of respect. However, she had no qualms about voicing her true feelings now.
"Hmm," Shen Qiu responded, seeming pleased that Jennie didn't take offense. "Exactly. These are Father's affairs, and he can do as he pleases."
"Correct," Jennie agreed. "Let her continue scolding. As long as we maintain appearances and don't let her disrupt our lives, she won't be able to cause any trouble. But Father is straightforward by nature. Sometimes, patience is necessary on the surface. Opportunities will arise, and he can vent his frustrations then."
Shen Qiu sensed that Jennie's words held a deeper meaning but couldn't quite decipher it. He smiled and remarked, "You've become stronger in character after a year of separation."
Jennie didn't comment on this observation and instead watched as Shen Qiu opened the package of snacks, taking a large bite. "The snacks in Ding capital are delicious. It's hard to find such delicacies in the Northwestern desert."
Jennie silently watched him eat and, after a moment, asked gently, "How does Eldest Brother view loyalty?"
"Loyalty?" Shen Qiu replied, his mouth still full of snacks. "Loyalty means unwavering devotion to the monarch, dedicating oneself to the service of the country, defending against external threats, and becoming a pillar of the nation. Why do you ask, Younger Sister?"
"It's nothing," Jennie said with a shake of her head. "Enjoy your snacks."
Her eyes were filled with deep contemplation, and a hint of sadness flickered across her face. Shen Qiu noticed her expression but didn't press further, choosing to savor the delicious treats she had brought him.
As the siblings shared a quiet moment in the Western courtyard, Jennie's thoughts remained hidden, and her heart was weighed down by something only she could understand.
The first snow began to fall, blanketing the Ding capital in a pristine coat of white on its very first night. As the sun broke through the clouds, the frozen eaves glistened, creating a truly beautiful spectacle. Mischievous children roamed the streets, eagerly grabbing handfuls of snow to form into snowballs, which they gleefully hurled at one another. As the year-end approached, the Ding capital grew increasingly crowded, as if the city's hard work throughout the year had borne fruit.
Outside Feng Xian Pawnshop, a row of red lanterns hung, but these were no ordinary lanterns. It was unclear what materials had been used, but they seemed to shimmer with threads of gold even in broad daylight. Beneath the lanterns, shiny glass beads glistened, each one sparkling like a crystal. With such a display of wealth, guards stood watch, deterring would-be thieves from attempting to steal the lanterns.
The plainly dressed shop assistant welcomed guests with a smile. Feng Xian Pawnshop didn't see many customers, and the shop assistants usually lazed around. However, today they were unusually energetic, seemingly expecting important guests.
Beyond the long corridor of Feng Xian Pawnshop lay another world. On the ground floor of the pavilion, in the tea room, a lady dressed in red welcomed guests with a charming and seductive smile as she personally served snacks. She spoke with a smile, "The chef has prepared some snacks; would the guests like to try them?" With that, she withdrew from the room.
In the tea room sat three individuals. One, wearing a lake-green robe, had a warm and kind smile. Facing him were two young men in their twenties, with strikingly similar appearances, clearly brothers. Both had large eyes and wore swords at their waists, exuding an air of the martial world.
The elder of the two brothers spoke, "Manager Ji, is the news seller deceiving us, brother? Why the delay in her arrival?"
Ji Yu Shu smiled and replied, "Chen brothers, please don't be impatient. I had arranged to meet with her today, though we didn't specify a time. Rest assured, she will arrive today, and it won't be too late. I hope you can forgive this."
Inwardly, Ji Yu Shu cursed the brothers. Who conducts business at the break of day? Most people are still asleep. If not for the Chen family's reputation in JiangNan, he would have had the shop assistant throw them out.
"I understand," the eldest Chen Young Master, Chen Yue Shan, said. "When we learned of this news, it took us half a month of nonstop travel on horseback to reach the Ding capital. We exhausted four horses in our search for news about our two younger sisters. Manager Ji, you're aware that we've spent three years searching for them without any leads. So, naturally, we're anxious upon hearing these rumors. We hope you can understand."
Ji Yu Shu felt a bit more at ease, and his smile became more genuine. "I've also been keeping an eye out for information these past few years. Now that there are promising signs, it brings me some comfort."
"We don't mind waiting here," the younger Chen brother said with enthusiasm. "As long as the news is true, we're willing to wait for another half a month. But if it turns out to be false... well, playing with the Chen family from JiangNan like this won't end well for anyone."
Ji Yu Shu's warm heart suddenly turned cold. He didn't care if the Chen brothers played tricks on him personally, but causing trouble in his establishment infuriated him. Though his smile remained, his tone grew frostier. "Feng Xian Pawnshop is solely concerned with buying and selling news. If this transaction succeeds, money will exchange hands. If it fails, we part ways. Whatever the Chen brothers wish to do, I won't interfere. Feng Xian Pawnshop is a place of business and cannot tolerate trouble."
Chen Yue Shan paused and shot a fierce glance at his younger brother. He understood that the seemingly friendly youth in front of him wasn't as simple as he appeared.
Chen Yue Hai saw his elder brother's expression and realized he had misspoken. He didn't press the issue further, and the atmosphere grew tense.
After a prolonged silence, footsteps approached the door. Hong Ling parted the beaded curtain with a smile and said to Ji Yu Shu, "Manager, the customer has arrived."
The Chen brothers instinctively turned their gaze toward the door, where a young woman in purple emerged from behind Hong Ling. She appeared delicate and charming, around thirteen or fourteen years old, but her calm, water-like eyes gave her an air of maturity beyond her years, leaving others somewhat puzzled.
She pulled back the curtains and took a seat, nodding at Ji Yu Shu. "Manager Ji."
Chen Yue Shan couldn't help but ask, "Is she the one selling the news?"
Hong Ling stepped back with a smile, leaving only the Chen brothers, Jennie, and Ji Yu Shu in the tea room. Jennie confirmed, "Yes."
Chen Yue Hai's expression changed, and he sneered, "Young lady, how old were you three years ago? Don't play games with us."
"There are multiple sources of information, and it may not have been seen or known three years ago. The value lies in the accuracy of the results, not the process. Playing games with a small Chen family is hardly worth my time."
A chuckle escaped Ji Yu Shu, but he quickly restrained it when he saw Chen Yue Hai's displeased face. He spoke with a serious tone, "What Shen Young Lady says is correct. The outcome is what matters in this transaction, not the details."
"Is that so?" Chen Yue Hai scrutinized Jennie and said with a neutral tone, "Then how can Shen Young Lady guarantee the accuracy of the information? Business is all about reliable results. If the information turns out to be false, do you understand the consequences?" His last words carried a hint of menace.
Jennie met his gaze without flinching. Her calm demeanor seemed to irk Chen Yue Hai, making him think she was deliberately provoking trouble.
Ji Yu Shu wanted to laugh but held it back. Shen Yue Hai's silence was finally broken by Shen Yue Shan, who spoke apologetically, "Shen Young Lady, my younger brother can be a bit impulsive, and I apologize for his behavior. We are sincere about buying this news, and if it proves true, we will offer a substantial reward, even if it's not tens of thousands of gold."
"No need for tens of thousands of gold," Jennie replied. "Just offer what you see fit. I merely wish to establish goodwill with JiangNan's Chen family. Should you require the Chen family's assistance in the future, I hope you will remember the information I provided and act accordingly."
The two men she faced were much older, with more experience, but she didn't back down in her words, exhibiting the confidence of someone from the martial world. This impressed Chen Yue Shan, who cupped his hands in agreement. Unbeknownst to him, Ji Yu Shu inwardly cursed Jennie as an unscrupulous merchant. After all, the money earned from selling the news would all go to Feng Xian Pawnshop, so Jennie's insistence on receiving less money meant less profit for the pawnshop.
Chen Yue Hai, still somewhat anxious, pressed on, "Young Lady, please share the news with us."
Jennie glanced at him and stated, "The Chen family's sisters, who disappeared in JiangNan's Yu province, were actually abducted by others. The mastermind behind their abduction is none other than His Majesty's brother, Prince Yu of the First Rank."
As the words left her lips, the three individuals in the tea room fell into a heavy silence. In the secret room adjacent to the tea room, the two hidden figures were equally stunned. The gentleman in white couldn't contain himself and blurted out, "Prince Yu of the First Rank?"
The youth in purple, stroking a jade cup, smiled as his lips curled upward. "Interesting."
CHAPTER COMPLETED & HEAVILY EDITED
I edited this chapter and the following to come a lot, to make it more readable. I hope you enjoy it:)