|Part 1|
A planned day would often go by very quickly. On the third day, when Jennie came to Feng Xian Pawnshop, the Chen brothers had been waiting for a long time.
Compared to before, both of them seemed to have changed a lot. Especially Chen Yue Shan; that bold and uninhibited air was gone and replaced by dense clouds. Jennie gave Chen Yue Shan and Chen Yue Hai a glance and had an idea about it in her heart. In all likelihood, both of them had already inquired about their younger Chen sister's information, perhaps even personally saw her. To witness for themselves the miserable situation that their sister had fallen into was the greatest provocation for someone who was decisive in killings in the pugilist world. Otherwise, in the previous life, the Chen family would not have recklessly gone forward to assassinate Prince Yu.
"Shen Young Lady," Chen Yue Hai spoke first, "Previously, Shen Young Lady said that there was a way to let the Imperial family not trace the matter back to the Chen family. Is it possible to tell us, brothers?"
Ji Yu Shu looked at his cup, as if he could see the flowers inside but was deliberately not looking at Jennie.
Jennie sighed, "I naturally want to help, but, as previously stated, the risk I am taking would be significant. In some ways, the Shen family is tied to the same boat as your Chen family, so if anything goes wrong, the Shen family will also suffer."
Chen Yue Shan paused before saying, "I knew that this action is forcing one to do things against one's will. So, if Young Lady is willing to help, half of our Chen family's business and everything will be given to the Shen family."
Once his words were spoken, even Ji Yu Shu could not help but raise his head and look at Chen Yue Shan.
The Chen family was the richest in JiangNan, a fertile land since ancient times. The Chen family's wealth was estimated to be much more than the Imperial family's, and now, taking the initiative to give half of this business to the Shen family, it must be asking for a tiger's skin.
Jennie heard what was said, and when she saw Chen Yue Shan's pleading expression, she could not help but be in a daze. The Chen family sisters had experienced torture, and because of revenge, the Chen family was willing to pay such a price. They obviously knew that even if she helped, one could not truly sleep in comfort without worries. Even so, they were willing to gamble. This could be said that the Chen sisters had such a position in the Chen family's heart. In the previous life, when she was imprisoned and when she was isolated in the Inner Palace, if at that time the Shen family was still around, would her parents and Elder Brother also spare no cost to save her.
"Shen Young Lady," seeing Jennie lost in thought, Chen Yue Shan spoke out to call her attention.
Jennie recovered her senses and smiled gently, "Do not worry about half the family business. I will help with this matter, not because of your family business but to build a relationship. In the future, if your Chen family needs any help, I hope you won't decline. Secondly, I also have a blood debt with Prince Yu's residence, and if the Prince Yu of the First Rank's residence is not exterminated, there will be a day when trouble will come." She looked at Chen Yue Shan, "Today, we are all on the same boat."
Chen Yue Shan looked at Jennie; her eyes were clear, and her tone was sincere, as if all the words and phrases she said had substance and everything she said could be done. From the first encounter to the present, she did not have the demeanor of a budding young lady. Chen Yue Shan could not help but think that if the Chen sisters had the temperament and means of the young female in front of them, perhaps they would not be so miserable now.
Thinking about the Chen sisters, Chen Yue Shan's mood turned slightly better before darkening again. He said, "What is Shen Young Lady's approach?"
"Regarding the Imperial family, you need not ask; it will improve in these days. Furthermore, if you want to take action, it is best to do it next month. Next month, Prince Yu will be marrying my TangJie, and during the second day of the marriage, the surroundings will be lax, so you should start in the early morning to be absolutely safe."
"You." Chen Yue Shan wanted to say something but in the end, he shook his head, "How could you conclude the Imperial family side in one month?"
Jennie glanced at the tea-drinking Ji Yu Shu with a smile, but yet a smile, "You need not worry about that. The most crucial matter right now is to gather men and horses." After pausing, she continued, "The Prince Yu's residence is not small; you must first find out the layout, and on the day of execution, other than my TangJie, after rescuing, you must eliminate everyone."
"Rest assured, us brothers know." Chen Yue Hai said.
"One does not know what rules there are in the pugilist world for exterminating a household. The 'cutting of weeds and digging up of roots' that I mentioned means that regardless of women, children, the elderly, servants, and concubines, there must not be a single survivor. The entire Prince Yu of the First Rank's residence must become a grave."
Chen Yue Shan and Chen Yue Hai were surprised for a moment before Chen Yue Hai frowned, "The servants and concubines are mostly pitiful people that Prince Yu took captive."
Jennie smiled bitterly, "A centipede dies but never falls down. If Gentleman Chen wants to be merciful, it would only harm the Chen family, and our Shen family people would also be implicated."
She said callously, and a moment later, Chen Yue Shan nodded his head, "We will definitely not leave a survivor and implicate Young Lady."
"It would be best," Jennie said, "Then, I hope that both of you will be able to avenge the deep hatred and cleanse the Prince's residence with blood."
After speaking with the Chen brothers for a while, they stood up to leave. After they left, Ji Yu Shu finally spoke, "Shen Young Lady, you are still young, but you know a lot of things. Just now, I saw it clearly; the Chen brothers are experienced and knowledgeable people, and they actually went along with your arrangement. Shen Young Lady, it's my first time seeing such an intelligent and beautiful woman like you. I don't know if there will be an opportunity in the future to take a walk with you in the outskirts on a spring day, admire the lake on a summer night, in the deep autumn..." The words in front were still fine, but the later words were getting outrageous; they were like a lecher's words that tease unmarried young females.
"Manager Ji," Jennie asked, "It can't be that you only want to say these things to me."
"Ahem," Ji Yu Shu cleared his throat, "In fact, I only want to tell Shen Young Lady that the information has been created and spread into the Palace. I think it won't take long for Shen Young Lady to achieve the desired result."
Jennie was secretly surprised. Although she knew that Feng Xian Pawnshop had the ability, she did not expect the other side's action to be this fast. Presumably, there were also people in the Palace colluding, or there would have been some twists and turns to quietly penetrate the message into the Palace. The waters of Feng Xian Pawnshop ran very deep. Just now, she did not conceal the deal with the Chen brothers because she knew that it couldn't be covered up.
"Thanking Manager Ji for the trouble," Jennie's eyes hung down. "When the matter is successful, the promise made with Manager Ji will be honored as agreed."
Ji Yu Shu was silent for a moment before asking in a rare serious tone, "Shen Young Lady, I don't understand one thing."
"Please speak."
"Shen Young Lady, represents the Shen family while doing business with me, aren't you afraid that there will be a day when I will ask the Shen family to do dangerous things, pushing the Shen family into the fiercest of winds and waves, making this deal not so worthwhile?" Having said that, Ji Yu Shu stared at Jennie, paying attention to her expressions.
Jennie didn't blink and calmly said, "As for worrying about future difficulties, it would be better to focus on the problem at hand. If such a day comes, one can only say that it is fate for my Shen family."
Ji Yu Shu spoke with some doubt, "Really?"
"It's not true." In the secret room, Taehyung heard the noise from the other side and lazily said.
"Only Ji Yu Shu, that fool, would believe her words," Hoseok said. "This girl's deceptive abilities are perfect. How could Ji Yu Shu be her match?"
"No worries," Taehyung said leisurely. "Once aboard my ship, it's not so simple to get out."
As Jennie got up to bid Ji Yu Shu goodbye, Ji Yu Shu suddenly said, "Oh, yes. Shen Young Lady, previously you requested me to inquire about Young Lady Liu Ying. There seems to be some news. If Shen Young Lady is anxious, there could be a result in these next few days."
However, Jennie's reply left Ji Yu Shu shocked. Jennie said, "No rush. Manager Ji can search at his own pace, and I can wait patiently."
After she left, Ji Yu Shu shook his head and spoke as he walked into the house, "Truly a woman who is more difficult to understand than Young Lady Shao Yao. At least Young Lady Shao Yao would be happy when given pearls. Could it be that this one will be happy if someone sends her a human head?" He shuddered and hurried into the house.
In the Palace.
In the Emperor's study, the memorandums on the desk were piled high. Emperor Wen Hui sat at the table with the reports spread out, but he didn't take a single look. He had already reached the age of sixty, and although he was still healthy, he had entered the twilight of his life. In this world, it was essentially a cycle of reincarnation. He had experienced the vigor and spirit of youth, moments filled with vitality. Even though his strength had waned, those who looked at him saw an elderly but still formidable tiger.
There would always be new tigers ready to inherit his position.
At this moment, Emperor Wen Hui's expression was very serious. As he grew older, he had become thinner, and his skin had slackened, as if it were clinging to his bones, creating a peculiar elderly appearance. When he spoke in a hoarse voice, one could vaguely hear the simmering anger within.
"Did Old Eleven really kill a guard who looked exactly like that assassin?"
The two black-clad men in front replied, "Reporting to Your Majesty, yes, the captured people were tortured. In addition, Prince Yu's trusted aide, who was captured in the residence of the Prince of the First Rank, personally admitted that a few days ago, a masked guard was killed by the Prince of the First Rank."
Emperor Wen Hui closed his eyes and threw his hand violently. The paperweight on the table flew out and shattered into several pieces. After a moment, he laughed coldly, "Old Eleven, Zhen really underestimated him."
In the Palace, there were numerous spies and informants. Concubines, officials, and even the Empress used these spies to survive in the Palace. Whoever could gather more information had the decisive advantage. The Emperor was no exception; his eyes and ears were everywhere, allowing him to secure his position on the dragon throne.
Initially, when he heard about the matter by accident from his spies, that Prince Yu of the First Rank had killed a person who resembled the original assassin, Emperor Wen Hui couldn't believe it. The Imperial family's trust was fragile, and he had climbed to his position by stepping on the corpses of his brothers. He had left the eleventh-ranked Prince Yu aside, as he always remembered the dangerous night when Prince Yu used his body to shield him, covered in blood, and saved his life.
Emperor Wen Hui often thought that his favoritism toward Prince Yu was due to gratitude for that leg, but it reminded him that he still had affection and kindness. Sitting in the Emperor's seat, the motivations behind everyone's actions were no longer pure. Even his sons were driven by ulterior motives. However, Prince Yu reminded Emperor Wen Hui that there was still someone who could ignore his own safety and block a sword for him, a true brother.
But now, it all seemed like the greatest joke. Apparently, that act was just a ruse orchestrated by this so-called "close brother." Emperor Wen Hui even suspected that Prince Yu's amputated leg was also a sham.
What kind of plans did Prince Yu have to seize the throne? He had concealed his strength and bided his time for so many years. Emperor Wen Hui felt furious and insulted at being deceived.
To be betrayed by a trusted person not only shattered trust but also intensified doubts. People in the Imperial family were inherently paranoid. Emperor Wen Hui hadn't doubted Prince Yu because of his unwavering loyalty, but now, that loyalty had been exposed as a facade, and the seeds of doubt within the Imperial family had grown into an unshakable tree.
"Send people to guard Prince Yu's residence. Zhen wants to see what kind of tricks he intends to play."
Gao GongGong lowered his head and looked down at his toes quietly, as if he hadn't heard the Emperor's angry outburst. But his heart sighed silently. Troubled times. Troubled times.
|Part 2|
As the days passed, it seemed that nothing was happening in the calm Ding capital. With the approaching new year, people were busy purchasing New Year items, and even the poor seemed to have some faint joy.
But no matter how happy the days were, there would always be people who were not content.
In the Palace, Prince Li was walking in the gardens with Prince Xiang.
In Prince Li's faction, Prince Xiang's and Prince Chen's forces were weaker and showed respect to Prince Li. Compared to the Crown Prince's influence, where Prince Zhuo and Prince Jing were the leaders, Prince Li followed a more moderate path. His knowledge was not the most outstanding, and Consort Mother was not the most favored, but she was adept at managing things from top to bottom. Whether it was court officials or brothers, they were willing to show him respect. In private, he was a smiling tiger.
"Sixth Older Brother, in recent days, I heard that Imperial Father has been treating Royal Uncle very coldly," Prince Xiang remarked.
"You've heard as well," Prince Li smiled. When he smiled, small wrinkles appeared at the corners of his eyes, giving him a relaxed appearance. He also had a laid-back attitude as he conversed with Prince Xiang. "Imperial Father has always valued Royal Shu greatly. These times, Royal Shu had some requests and visited the Palace a few times. Surprisingly, Imperial Father declined, citing being busy with state affairs. Observant people could tell that Imperial Father is intentionally leaving Royal Shu hanging."
Emperor Wen Hui's treatment of Prince Yu had been exceptionally kind and dutiful. There was a time when Emperor Wen Hui's favored concubine offended Prince Yu, and her family was influential. Still, Emperor Wen Hui didn't utter a word of reproach and banished the concubine to the Cold Palace. He even stated, "Eleven is Zhen's brother. Those who do not respect him are disrespecting Zhen." The sudden change in attitude left everyone puzzled, considering that Emperor Wen Hui typically granted all of Prince Yu's requests.
"But why is this happening?" Prince Xiang wondered, "What did Royal Shu do to provoke Imperial Father? For so many years, no matter what Royal Shu did, Imperial Father never blamed him. There have been no recent issues involving Royal Shu."
"Do you know what Royal Uncle requested from Imperial Father when he visited the Palace?"
Prince Xiang shook his head.
"Seventh Younger Brother," Prince Li patted his shoulder, as an older brother might admonish a younger one, "You must pay more attention to Palace matters. With your honesty, Sixth Brother has to worry about everything for you."
Prince Xiang smiled sheepishly, "I follow Sixth Older Brother's lead, and you're wiser than me. Whatever Sixth Older Brother says, I'll trust."
"I heard that Royal Uncle visited the Palace to request something concerning the Shen family."
"The Shen family." Prince Xiang suddenly had an epiphany. "Could it be that Royal Shu angered Imperial Father over matters involving the Shen family?" After pondering for a moment, he added, "But Royal Shu is marrying the Di daughter of the Second branch of the Shen family. Imperial Father couldn't be angry over the Shen family's Second branch alone."
No one understood Emperor Wen Hui better than his sons. Prince Yu couldn't have incited Emperor Wen Hui's anger unless his request had crossed certain boundaries. After living in the Imperial family for so long, the Emperor's bottom line was power. The Second branch of the Shen family was headed by Shen Gui, a third-rank civil official with little real influence. His situation wouldn't affect the bigger picture, so Emperor Wen Hui wouldn't be angry with Prince Yu over that matter.
"That's correct," Prince Li added meaningfully, "But Royal Uncle requested to marry the Di daughter of the First branch of the Shen family, Shen Jennie."
"Oh, I see now," Prince Xiang said. "Shen Jennie." He contemplated, "So, Royal Shu sought to marry Shen Jennie? Previously, didn't he want to marry Shen Qing? Even if Imperial Father tolerated his nonsense, such a sensitive matter like this wouldn't make Royal Shu so muddled."
"I don't know either," Prince Li shook his head. "Although Royal Shu has pushed the boundaries in recent years, he has always maintained the role of a loyal courtier. This time, it's been exceedingly unusual."
"Imperial Father will certainly not allow Royal Shu to marry Shen Jennie. But this time, Imperial Father didn't explicitly convey it to Royal Shu and instead avoided meeting him. It seems like a warning of sorts."
"It's likely that his patience has worn thin," Prince Li sighed bitterly. "Both of us should avoid discussing these matters since they don't concern us. In recent days, Imperial Father doesn't seem in good spirits, so it's best not to provoke him."
"Sixth Older Brother is right," Prince Xiang agreed.
After the two men left, a figure emerged from the depths of the garden. With light-colored robes and jade accessories, it was Prince Kai, Fu Jong Kai. He had been standing in the garden and overheard the conversation between Prince Li and the others. He looked at the fading figures of the two princes and muttered thoughtfully, "Shen Jennie."
*****
On the top floor of Lin Jiang Xian's pagoda, Ji Yu Shu placed the letter that Hoseok had finished reading into the burning charcoal to destroy.
"The information has been spread out, and Emperor Wen Hui is also suspicious of that old dog. That old dog has shot himself in the foot while trying to maneuver a rock, and he doesn't even realize it," Ji Yu Shu rejoiced at others' misfortune.
Hoseok shook his head, "We must be cautious. Nothing can go wrong now."
"I know," Ji Yu Shu said, touching his nose. "What is Third Older Brother Kim doing that we can't even see him?"
"Is there a day when he's not busy?" Hoseok sighed suddenly. "I don't know if his character is right or wrong."
"I believe in Third Older Brother Kim," Ji Yu Shu said. "Third Older Brother Kim has such great ability. Why are you so worried? He's planned this for so long that even if it's not successful, he can retreat without any harm. Hoseok, you really worry too much. Look at Third Older Brother Kim. Despite having so much on his mind, he remains natural and unrestrained. That's what makes a man!"
It was clear that Ji Yu Shu was a loyal follower of Taehyung, with his words filled with admiration for Taehyung. Hoseok rolled his eyes, "Bootlicker."
"Who's a bootlicker? Besides, one should choose carefully who they bootlick. If it's worth it, I'll do it," Ji Yu Shu said disdainfully. "Unlike you, I won't do it even if you get down on your knees and beg."
Hoseok smiled warmly, "Is that so? Then, in the future, don't come to me for medication no matter what, even if you get down on your knees and beg, I won't prescribe anything."
Ji Yu Shu was taken aback for a moment and quickly changed the topic, "Actually, I used to think that the young people in Ding capital were all show and no substance, and only Third Older Brother Kim was a real man. But now I admire someone else. Apart from Third Older Brother Kim, there's another young hero in Ding capital."
"Oh, you're admiring someone new. How refreshing," Hoseok said indifferently. "Who has caught your attention?"
"It's Shen family's Young Lady, Shen Jennie!" Ji Yu Shu slapped his thigh. "Damn, I've never seen such a daring woman! She even dares to scheme against the Imperial family and the residence of Prince Yu, a First Rank Prince. She wants to bring it all down."
"You haven't seen anything," Hoseok scoffed. In the past, Jennie had set her own ancestral hall on fire and was willing to bet her life. At that time, Hoseok thought she was truly crazy. They were used to scheming and planning, and their actions were cautious and dependable. But when he first saw Jennie act without fear for her life, he assumed it was like watching a show and expected her not to live long. However, he was proven wrong, and in every seemingly reckless event, she emerged as the final victor.
Hoseok sometimes found it strange. People like them considered themselves delicate porcelain and wouldn't risk their lives unless absolutely necessary, as the opponent wasn't worth their lives. Jennie, on the other hand, was the opposite. She treated herself as the toughest rock, while her opponents were porcelain. It seemed that she lost nothing, while her opponents were shattered.
Not everyone had the courage to see themselves as a rock, but that's what made Hoseok believe that Jennie was more dangerous. Facing an enemy who could grow, the best course of action was to eliminate her before she had a chance to grow further. But Hoseok was unsure about what Taehyung was thinking.
It was impossible for Taehyung not to see the potential problems with Jennie. If she became an obstacle to their plans, it would disrupt everything.
"Has she done any courageous deeds before?" Ji Yu Shu asked, nodding in realization. "She's the daughter of the Formidable Great General, so it's natural for her to be brave. Even though she doesn't have any martial skills and wasn't raised by Shen Xin's side, no one would dare to bully her with her temperament."
Seeing Hoseok's preoccupation, Ji Yu Shu suddenly had a thought and continued, "I was the one who spread the news about the Imperial family, but everything was done according to Shen Jennie's plan. Now that I think about it, she's truly formidable. I don't know what's wrong with Prince Yu; these days he seems to have lost his mind in anger and actually told Emperor Wen Hui directly that he wants to marry Shen Jennie. He obviously knows that Shen Xin has military power, and anyone who marries Shen Jennie will be seen as having ulterior motives by the Emperor.
"Prince Yu made a big mistake," Ji Yu Shu continued. "And Emperor Wen Hui has been suspicious all along. If a small spark is added, I fear that even upon Prince Yu's death, Emperor Wen Hui won't bat an eye. This situation could play into the Chen family's advantage. Shen Jennie's plan is intricate and has been flawlessly executed."
"Because she leaves nothing to chance," Hoseok said ruefully. Taehyung had been right – every time he saw Jennie engage in seemingly dangerous actions, she ultimately achieved her goals without any 'accidents.'
Hoseok had mischievous thoughts about the day when he might witness Jennie in a state of panic, faced with unforeseen 'accidents.' It would bring him immense satisfaction.
"In short, I believe that Shen Jennie is worthy of being considered a friend," Ji Yu Shu said seriously. "In addition to my ability to judge appearances, she will undoubtedly become a beauty in a few years. An intelligent and beautiful woman like her, how can I, Ji Yu Shu, afford to miss her? I have decided that, apart from Young Lady Shao Yao, she will have a special place in my heart. From now on, other than Young Lady Shao Yao, she is considered my close female friend."
Hoseok simply turned his head away to avoid looking at his friend's foolish antics.
Meanwhile, the 'close female friend' Ji Yu Shu spoke of was in another room, meticulously selecting items.
"Younger Sister, have you picked out so many things for Shen Qing's dowry?" Shen Qiu scratched his head and asked.
Jennie had taken items from the safe, which the Emperor had bestowed, and was searching for something. Finally, she selected a jade pillow that was smooth and cool, radiating a lustrous jade light. It looked exquisite.
"Could it be that you've chosen this for Shen Qing's dowry?" Shen Qiu inquired.
As Shen Qing's wedding day approached, the entire Shen family had been concerned about her marriage. A few days earlier, Shen Yue had asked Jennie what she intended to give Shen Qing, and Shen Qui overheard the conversation. However, Jennie hadn't taken any action at the time, so they assumed she had just remembered it today.
Jennie picked up the jade pillow and shook her head. "No."
"Oh," Shen Qiu responded, "Do you intend to use it yourself? This jade pillow looks quite nice."
Jennie's eyes lowered. This jade pillow was known as the 'Ice Silkworm Pillow.' In her previous life, after she entered the palace, Shen Xin had included it as part of her dowry. Later, when she became the Empress and Mei Furen was deeply favored by the Emperor, one day she claimed to have a headache and insisted on using this pillow. At that time, the 'Ice Silkworm Pillow' had been given to Wan Yu. Wan Yu refused and argued with Mei Furen, eventually shattering the jade pillow. Fu Jong Kai had punished Wan Yu severely, but not long after, news of her marriage to The Dunes came.
Now, reflecting on the past, it all seemed like a distant dream that still had the power to break her heart.
"Younger Sister," Shen Qui called out with concern when he saw Jennie's silence.
"This is for me to give to someone else," Jennie said. "As for Eldest Sister's additional dowry, if Eldest Brother has the time, he can help me choose something casually. If he doesn't have the time, I can ask Marie to buy it." Her words revealed the strained relationship she had with Shen Qing.
"Oh," Shen Qiu mumbled. Only after Jennie left the room did he suddenly slap his head, realizing he had forgotten to ask her to whom she intended to give the jade pillow.
Outside the room, Alexia also inquired, "Young Lady, who will you be giving the pillow to?"
"To a friend."
Since the Chen family held potential benefits in the future, Jennie couldn't afford to provide no indication of her intentions. Extending favor and building alliances, especially in times of need, could gain a loyal ally. This was a lesson in managing people that she had learned from Fu Jong Kai.
For her younger Chen sister, whose mind was in turmoil, offering support was undoubtedly a wise decision.
CHAPTERS COMPLETED & HEAVILY EDITED