153: Pushing the Waves
The matter of Shen Tzuyu and Shen Dong Ling exchanging marriage eventually had an unimaginable result. The latest update was that under the request of the Wang family, Shen Wan could only agree to let Shen Tzuyu marry in with the status of a PinQi (aka equal wife). One did not know what Shen Dong Ling said to the Wang family this time, so that the Wang family was not willing to listen to Shen Wan's explanation at all. A fine marriage could become an animosity at the end, thus Shen Wan had no way out.
But this was not the result that Shen Tzuyu hoped for. This time there was no one else for Shen Tzuyu to exchange the marriage with, and Shen Tzuyu had dropped all pretenses, and made a fuss all day indicating that she was not willing to marry to the Wang family, and could not tolerate Shen Dong Ling being on equal status as her.
Not only was Shen Tzuyu unwilling, Chen Rou Qiu was also very angry. Chen Rou Qiu was considered to be a person who knew about the bigger picture, but the matter of Shen Tzuyu's marriage was a huge matter, thus she could not swallow this down and insisted to Shen Wan to go to the Wang family to talk to them. The previously loving couple of the Third household had been in conflict these days, making all the servants in Qiu Shui Yuan to dare not breath a little louder.
Today it was the same.
Chen Rou Qiu paced back and fro in the room, and suddenly turned before walking over to Shen Wan and said worriedly, "What is the Wang family thinking now? One cannot let it drag on with Tzuyu-er. Shen Dong Ling, that little slut has occupied our Tzuyu-er's reputation, and can it be that she also want to be an official Young Mistress? Master, you must go to the Wang family to talk sense!"
Her every uttering of 'little slut' was like a different person from her usual good cultured and mannered self, making Shen Wan frown without helping. He resisted his temper, "Now with the current situation, the only way is to let Tzuyu-er marry in as a PinQi (aka equal wife) first then plan later. With you being so noisy all day, Tzuyu-er will also be restless. There are just no other ways!"
"Master!" Chen Rou Qiu shrieked, "Tzuyu-er is your daughter and the real Di daughter of our Third household, and has been treated like pearl and jade while raising her up. How could you say to let her be a PinQi (aka equal wife), moreover it is to be of equal status with that little slut! Even if this matter was Tzuyu-er's fault, there is also Shen Dong Ling's temptation. How could you be so emotionless!"
Seemingly being pierced by Chen Rou Qiu's voice, Shen Wan was somewhat angered, "Then what do you say to do? The longer the matter is delayed, the only one at the disadvantage is Tzuyu-er. If it is exposed just like you say, Shen Dong Ling as a Shu daughter would not be affected much, but Tzuyu-er would be critiqued and joked by others, and the Shen residence would become a joke. What would you do?"
Chen Rou Qiu jumped in shock by Shen Wan's furious voice and somewhat trembled but upon thinkin of Shen Tzuyu, she then said, "But one cannot let Tzuyu-er suffer like that right? No. I am going to the Wang residence to talk sense!"
"Enough!" Shen Wan said in a fury, "You stay in the residence, watch Shen Tzuyu carefully and not give me any more trouble is the correct path!"
Chen Rou Qiu was stunned. After living for so many years with Shen Wan, even when he was extremely angry, Shen Wan would not say such things to her. It was as if he despised and was impatient, and her heart tightened and actually unconsciously said, "You and me have been husband and wife for so many years. At the beginning we were so harmonious and loving that we agreed not to bring in concubine. Currently you despise that my appearance has withered, and Mother kept saying all day to bring in an Gui Concubine (higher status concubine). Your heart was moved has it? You despise me."
Chen Rou Qiu had always been somewhat small minded. Although she was born in a scholarly family, but she like to throw a little temper which Shen Wan would fall for it. After soaking in the honey days for far too long, it would be difficult to avoid being boring. When one did it correctly it would make men's heart weak. But unfortunately when it is done when one was young it would be interesting, but when done when one was older it would be rather irritating.
Especially during the past few days, Chen Rou Qiu had been running around due to Shen Tzuyu's matter, and she had become haggard and did not take care of herself. In addition the sloopy and unassuming way of kicking up a fuss looked somewhat ridiculous in Shen Wan's eyes. He looked at Chen Ruo Qiu faintly, "If you think like this, then just think like this." He then turned around and left with a shake of his sleeves.
Chen Rou Qiu was stunned and stood shakily rooted on the spot as the maids by her side, Shi Qing and Hua Yi, quickly supported her. A fear gradually emerged in Chen Rou Qiu's heart. She suddenly felt that some things had slowly changed, and the most scariest thing was that she did not know when did they started to change.
The din in Qiu Shui Yuan quickly spread to other courtyards, like the long shelved Western courtyard.
The Western courtyard was very spacious and neat and after Chang Zai Qing stayed there, she would often move some plants, making the Western courtyard have a unique and elegant air. At this moment Chang Zai Qing was sitting in the room and kept a letter on the table, and place it casually on a the desk.
As Zhao Mama opened the windows so that the room would not be stuffy, she spoke to Chang Zai Qing, "Is it a letter from Eldest Shen Furen?"
Chang Zai Qing nodded her head.
Actually Chang Zai Qing was unable to tell if the letter was actually from Luo Xue Yan or Shen Lisa. When she thought about Shen Lisa, a young female with a pair of clear eyes that seemed to see through everything came to her mind and made her unknowingly tremble. Luo Xue Yan indicated in the letter that Chang Zai Qing had not gone to the Shen mansion for a long time and if she was free, she could come over to the Shen mansion for a chat, and that Luo Xue Yan still had the heart to find a good family for Chang Zai Qing.
It said to find a good family, but Chang Zai Qing thought about something else from this letter.
Some time back she had changed targets from Shen Xin to Shen Wan, and it was much more relaxing for Chang Zai Qing to deal with Shen Wan than she expected. There was no other reason other than Shen Wan was one who liked elegance, and Chang Zai Qing was just his appetite. After the matter with Shen Tzuyu and Shen Dong Ling, the contradiction between Shen Wan and Chen Rou Qiu got bigger and bigger, and he quite liked coming to the Western courtyard. Chang Zai Qing had became the beauty to speak comforting words, and in the course of time Shen Wan was used to coming here, and Chang Zai Qing did not neglect that Shen Wan's eyes had more and more appreciation.
The iron had to be strike when it was hot. Was not now that 'hot' time?
Just as she was thinking, the servant outside came in to report that Shen Wan had arrived.
Zhao Mama quickly retreated and when Shen Wan entered the room, he saw Chang Zai Qing holding a letter in her hands, reading with relish. He then curiously asked, "Whose letter is it that made you read so intently?"
Chang Zai Qing then put down the letter in her hand with a smile like she had just saw Shen Wan coming in, "It is sent from Eldest Shen Furen."
The smile on Shen Wan's face lingered and he pretending to ask without thoughts, "Why did Eldest Sao send a letter?"
Chang Zai Qing smiled, "Shen family's Eldest Furen is a good person and wants to match make for me. Most probably she sees that I do not have any support at such an age. It is of good intentions." She said candidly and looking at Shen Wan, she continued, "If Third Master is free on some day, do help me to take a look. Perhaps one would know the 'good family' that Eldest Furen mention."
She smiled happily and her features became more graceful and moving, but Shen Wan gradually could not smile.
Things were not usually alone but found in pairs, this little matter in the Shen residence was also talked about in Rong Jing Tang.
Old Shen Furen sat on the couch and the maid behind her was gently massaging her shoulders as Wang Mama softly said, "Old Furen, Third Master had gone to the Western courtyard again."
Old Shen Furen's eyes that were closed, opened slightly as if one was pondering over something and after a moment they then slowly closed, "Go then go. Even though the identity is a little low, one will be a concubine, thus the identity is not a concern."
Wang Mama also smiled, "Now Old Furen can rest assured. Previously one had let Third Master bring in concubines but Third Master was not willing. Now with Young Lady Qing as the first one, in the future Third Master would accept others and spread out the branches. There will always be a son or daughter."
Old Shen Furen sighed, "If it was not that there is no grandson in the Shen residence, I would not have intervened in his courtyard. Originally he protected Chen Rou Qiu so tightly that he did not listen to me, his own mother. Thus Chen Rou QIu could be so arrogant in front of me. At that time I had said that one fear that even if Chen Rou Qiu is favoured, she cannot give birth to a son. Men are all greedy for fresh things and one day she would be thrown away. Now, was I not on target?"
Wang Mama quickly agreed with Old Shen Furen's words and said, "Of course. Old Furen has eaten more salt than they had eaten rice, and can see things much further ahead."
Old Shen Furen seemed to be enjoying Wang Mama's flattering and a trace of pride appeared on her face, "If one knew earlier that Number Three likes this kind of females, I would have found more Shu daughters of scholarly families. Chen Rou Qiu had always seen herself as unrivaled under the Heavens. She did not take a good look at herself and thought that one can be so arrogant just because she read some books in her maiden family, and cannot even manage a household well." Finishing, she continued, "I see that Chang Zai Qing is not bad, obedient, well-mannered and is not pretentious. It is understandable that Number Three would like her."
"But currently this should not be disclosed at all." Wang Mama said, "If this continue on, when Third Furen finds out, one fear that there will be disputes."
"Dispute? She dare!" Old Shen Furen said furiously but afterwards she thought carefully and waved her hand tiredly, "However, things would be troublesome if there is a fuss. Since both of them are interested, you should go and help in a few days' time. When the wood has become a boat, let us see if Madam Chen dares to block it? If she dares, then the Shen family cannot afford to protect a matriarch with no son. Then just send her a divorce letter."
Wang Mama could only agree cautiously.
The chaos in the Shen residence because of the Third household's matter finally spread to another master's, Shen Dong Ling's, ears.
Xing Hua was carefully brewing tea, high graded Jun Mountain Tie Zhen tea for Shen Dong ling at the moment. Even though the Wang family did not have the wealth to rival a country, but it was particular with clothes and food. Compared to the treatment of Shu daughters, this was incomparable. Thus Shen Dong Ling was living very well. If the Shen family was present, they would be flabbergasted that this leisurely and joyeus beauty was actually that weak Shu daughter of the Second household?
Shen Dong Ling picked up the teacup to take a sip and Xing Hua said worriedly, "This servant heard that someone came from the Shen residence again, saying that Second Young Lady will be marrying over as a PinQi (aka equal wife). If Second Young Lady really comes in, what will Young Lady be? One fear that Third Furen and Third Master would trip Young Lady up."
"Rest assured, she will not marry over." Shen Dong Ling smiled, "It is not possible for the Wang family to let Shen Tzuyu come in. Even if Shen Tzuyu come, it is not possible for her to live well and will be destined to be watched out by others. It is better to pick a few good blots of good fabric to send to YiNiang for her to make some new clothes."
The Shen Dong Ling at this moment had the air of a matriarch just from lifting a hand. Xing Hua thought for a while and smiled, "Young Lady has always been smart. It is this servant that does not understand. One do not know what did Young Lady said to Young Master Wang, that now one did not even want to see the people from the Third household. But the people of the Third household really self-inflicted their wounds. It was clearly Second Young Lady that brought up the exchanging of marriage, but they still wanted to pour all the dirty water onto Young Lady. This is really too malicious."
Shen Tzuyu said that everything about the matter of exchanging the bride, was all Shen Dong Ling's scheme and when it spread to the Wang family, Xing Hua was so angry. At the beginning when Shen Tzuyu begged Shen Dong Ling to marry on her behalf, she clearly said that she would not implicate Shen Dong Ling, but at the turn of a head she took herself out of it. This changing of face was just too fast that Xing Hua scorned upon it.
Not to say why Shen Wan who was usually so clever would be muddled this time. The reason why the Shen family did not treat Third household well was because Shen Dong Ling told Wang Bi one sentence, that Shen Tzuyu adored Prince Ding, Fu Sehun, and the Third household had the intention to stand on the side of him.
Shen Wan wholeheartedly wanted to dispel Shen Tzuyu's thoughts of marrying to Fu Sehun, thus he picked the Wang family because in the fight for the heir apparent, the Wang family was not standing on Fu Sehun's side. At the end Shen Tzuyu still adored Prince Ding and the Shen family Third household supported Prince Ding. If Wang Bi married Shen Yu, in the future it inevitably be troublesome. If the Wang family and Shen family's Third household married, then there would be disagreement. Thus as long as the Wang family was not silly, they would not let Shen Tzuyu come in. As for the change of marriage to Shen Dong Ling, it was fortunate for the Wang family. Was not it good to draw the line clearly with Prince Ding?
The destiny between Shen Tzuyu and the Wang family was doomed to be broken. However Shen Dong Ling would not find it pitiful or be sympathetic to it. Whatever cause was planted would result in whatever fruits. Everything was Shen Tzuyu deeds, naturally she had to swallow the bitter fruits.
It was the Wang family's intention to make things difficult by letting Shen Tzuyu marry in as a PinQi (aka equal wife) and even though Shen Wan agreed to it, would Shen Tzuyu obediently follow? Shen Dong Lind did not think so.
Not only did Shen Dong Ling not think so, even Shen Lisa also did not think so
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Jing Zhe said, "The dispute in the Shen residence is big. This time the show really make one feel the bustle."
Shen Lisa smile indifferently, "Perhaps, the bigger the dispute is, the better, and we will not be affected since we already have no relations."
Jing Zhe looked at Shen Lisa and walked over to Gu Yu to whisper to her, "What is with Young Lady these days? Why does one see that she do not seem to be happy?"
Gu Yu shrugged and looked over at Shen Lisa's direction. She saw Shen Lisa sitting in the courtyard and she did not even flip a page of the book. Her hand held her chin as she looked up into space somewhat lazily, thinking of what idea.
"It seems a little so." Gu Yu also nodded, "Recent days, there is no spirit no matter what one says."
"No spirit?" Jing Zhe shook her head, "If it was before, upon seeing the Shen residence fall into misfortune, Young Lady would always be somewhat happy. Now the Shen residence is in a mess, but Young Lady only waved her hands upon hearing about it, like it was not very interesting. Could it be that she is sick?"
"Can eat and drink, can walk and jump. What kind of sickness can be like this?" Gu Yu rolled her eyes, "You think this is lovesickness?"
"Who is suffering from lovesickness?" A voice behind them came over, making both of them to jump in shock. They turned around and saw Luo Ling walking over. Jing Zhe and Gu Yu quickly greeted, "This servant greets Biao Young Master."
Luo Ling waved his hand and walked over towards Shen Lisa. When he reached Shen Lisa's side and saw that Shen Lisa was sitting there in a daze, he then asked, "Youngest Biao Sister?"
Shen Lisa turned her head, and when she saw it was Luo Ling, she smiled, "Older Brother Ling."
Luo Ling sat down opposite of Shen Lisa. His right hand still had not recover but Shen Jimin had found a book of left-handed swordplay for Luo Ling, thus these days he had been seriously practicing swordplay with his left hand. His mind had been much more open and warmer. When he went out, almost all the females would shyly steal a look. Hearing from Luo Jennie's teasing, it seemed that a number of young ladies from official's families were interested in Lou Ling.
Luo Ling said, "What is Youngest Biao Sister thinking to be this engrossed?"
Shen Lisa gently smiled, "Nothing much, just sitting and daydreaming."
Luo Ling thought about the 'lovesickness' and such that Jing Zhe and Gu Yu had spoken about and his heart sank. He looked at Shen Lisa and said untraceably, "One thought that Youngest Biao Sister has reached the marriageable age and become a little naughty."
Shen Lisa did not seem to understand Luo Ling's words and said blandly, "Speaking of marriageable age, it should be Older Biao Sister who is anxious first."
Luo Ling laughed, "Also true."
Shen Lisa looked at Luo Ling, "For what matter is Older Biao Brother looking for me?"
Luo Ling was startled for a moment before a trace of awkwardness rose on his elegant face. He came here to take a look at Shen Lisa, and now Shen Lisa asked him such a serious question, he did not know how to answer. However he was quick witted, "Oh. A few days back some of the snacks that Youngest Biao Sister gave me were too sweet, so one came over to tell Youngest Biao Sister that."
Gu Yu who was standing behind had a somewhat resentful expression on. Her Young Lady was not the pastry chef of the Shen residence and not the master who makes cakes. Luo Ling ate Shen Lisa's cakes but still dare to blame Shen Lisa.
Jing Zhe however was fighting back a laugh. Gu Yu had a lump of wood for a brain and could not see it but she was smart. This Young Biao Master obviously wanted to get closer to Shen Lisa, but was unable to find an excuse. However Jing Zhe saw her Young Lady having a lack of mood for small talk and shook her head, feeling that it was a pity. The falling flowers were yearning for love, but the heartless brook rippled on. One feared that her Young Lady would not appreciate Young Biao Master's earnest intentions.
Shen Lisa indeed frowned and asked, "Too sweet? I did not add a lot of sugar."
Luo Ling scratched his head awkwardly and said when he thought of something, "Ke. Jennie-er mentioned that Youngest Biao Sister knows how to make cakes with fruit flavours, one ask if it is possible to make that for me the next time?"
Shen Lisa was stunned.
Luo Jennie often come over to Shen Lisa's courtyard to look for her to chat and she would just eat the snacks on the table without any fuss. Those cakes were those that Shen Lisa herself attempted to make since she had not made them for a lifetime, it was very unfamiliar when she tried making them. However Luo Jennie found it delicious and ate clean the entire plate of snacks.
That pastry had fruit juices mixed in it and it was just the taste that the Great Liang Imperial family liked. Previously Xie Jungkook instructed Shen Lisa to make two baskets of snacks so that he could allay his hungry when killing others. Afterwards Princess Ming An was indeed eliminated by Xie Jungkook but the two baskets of snacks were not given to him. Even more, afterwards Xie Jungkook disappeared for a period of time and Shen Lisa had been watching the chaos in the Shen residence, and was also making snacks at the same time, so as to return the other person's favour.
Just as she was thinking, Shen Lisa's gaze gradually hang down. Speaking of which, Xie Jungkook had left for a number of days, and there did not seem to be much talk in the Ding capital when the Great Liang's Prince Rui left so casually. One was unsure if Xie Jungkook was safe or not, after all he was still carrying the identity of the dead Little Xie Marquis of the residence of the Marquis of Lin An. It was difficult on the front and back for him.
Luo Ling saw that Shen Lisa started to be in a daze again, and he waved his hands in front of her, "Youngest Biao Sister?"
Shen Lisa recovered to her senses and smiled apologetically, "Sorry Older Biao Brother, this recipe was made by me in a whim, and at that time one only made that one plate and it was all eaten by Older Biao Sister. If I have to make that again, I do not know if I make it."
Jing Zhe widened her eyes as she stood behind Shen Lisa, as her Young Lady could actually lie to Young Biao Master with a serious face. Jing Zhe naturally knew whether Shen Lisa knew how to make those snacks. Shen Lisa had memorized the recipe and personally made it, looking like she was very familiar with it, so why was she not willing to make a plate for Young Master Luo?
Could it be that Young Biao Master had offended her Young Lady? Jing Zhe was very puzzled.
Luo Ling had totally not expected Shen Lisa's rejection, and was embarrassed and somewhat in a loss.
Shen Lisa appearance was leisurely and there was no trace of shame on her expression. Since it were the Great Liang's Imperial family's snacks, the process of making them was complicated. She had done it once but had no patience to keep doing it for others. It would be better for Luo Ling to get the pastry chef of the kitchens to make him something else.
They conversed here but did not know that their cheerful and witty chatting appearance was seen by someone afar. That person was clad in white with a white fan. It was a picture of graceful nobleman. It was Gao Taehyung.
Ever since Xie Jungkook left, Gao Taehyung had followed Xie Jungkook's instruction and stayed in the Shen mansion, because of the injury on Luo Ling's hand. Thus it was convenient to see what kind of movements Shen Lisa had. Not only that, he could actually see the lively appearance of Luo Ling and Shen Lisa.
Gao Taehyung's gaze on Luo Ling had some sympathy in it, and when he looked at Shen Lisa again, he shook his head and sighed deeply.
"What are you sighing about?" A head suddenly stretched out from behind Gao Taehyung's back, and nearly scared him so much that he took a step back. That person took a step from behind Gao Taehyung. With a moving brows and heroic spirits, who else could it be but Luo Jennie?
"Doctor Gao." Luo Jennie asked, "What are you doing here?" She followed along Gao Taehyung's gaze, and saw the scene of Shen Lisa and Luo Ling chatting while sitting down, before looking back at Gao Taehyung. Gao Taehyung felt somewhat restless to receive Luo Jennie's strange gaze when he heard Luo Jennie said in understanding, "I know. So you like Youngest Biao Sister!"
Gao Taehyung hurriedly reached out to cover Luo Jennie's mouth. What a joke. Xie Jungkook did not only send him one person to the Shen mansion, there were secret guards too. If any of the itchy mouth secret guards said these words to Xie Jungkook, then he would not be able to stay in the Ming Qi. Gao Taehyung looked at Luo Jennie, who was struggling in his hands, and helplessness frowned in his heart. This Luo Jennie really knew how to find trouble for him. This already was not the first time!
Luo Jennie finally struggled out from Gao Taehyung's hands, and most probably knew that her voice was a little loud so she suppressed it. However her expression was still filled with pride, as if she had caught some leverage from Gao Taehyung, "So you like Youngest Biao Sister. So you are jealous."
"Do not be smart." Gao Taehyung said, "This one dare not have feelings for Fifth Shen Young Lady."
Luo Jennie pursed her lips, "Good that you know it yourself. My Youngest Biao Sister is a so smart and pretty Young Lady, that it would be hard to find one even if one held a lantern to look. You a doctor dare to think about it? Just go and look at a mirror."
Her tone of voice deeply pierce Gao Taehyung's heart and made Gao Taehyung have the urge to immediately find a mirror to see if he had that kind of look that could not be seen outside like what Luo Jennie mentioned.
Thinking of his own Highness, Gao Taehyung coldly laughed and pointed towards Luo Ling's direction with his chin, "I am delusional and he is qualified?"
Luo Jennie looked at Luo Ling and sighed, "Older Brother Ling is very good but is not the person for Youngest Biao Sister."
These words were out surprisingly of the contrary for Gao Taehyung, as he thought that Luo Jennie would wholeheartedly support her own TangXiong, thus he asked, "Oh? Why say that?"
"Youngest Biao Sister is a person with a mind of her own, and Older Brother Ling 's temper is too warmth but unable to make any sparks. One thinks that Youngest Biao Sister only treated Older Brother Ling as an older brother." Jennie felt that it was a pity.
"You still know about sparks?" Gao Taehyung was surprised and continued asking, "Then what kind of person does your Youngest Biao Sister will have sparks with?"
Gao Taehyung only casually teased Luo Jennie, and never had thought that she would really think about it seriously and finally said, "People like Prince Rui?"
Gao Taehyung was surprised.
"Prince Rui is good-looking and also mysterious and unpredictable. And what is more, he is a person who value relations and righteousness, thus he can be considered as an incomparably good man in this world. My Youngest Biao Sister should match with this kind of husband. But this is probably only this one's wishful thinking." Luo Jennie's voice was suppressed but she saw Gao Taehyung smiling at her when she lifted her head. She then realized that she had said too much to Gao Taehyung, and since she did not have such a good relationship with Gao Taehyung, Luo Jennie's expression immediately changed and she said by Gao Taehyung's ears, "Hey, you got a hold of me because of the matter of me going to the residence of Prince Rui. Today I know that you admire my Youngest Biao Sister in your heart and also got a hold of you. Since both of use got hold of each other's leverages, then it is considered even. In the future you better not think of using the matter of Prince Rui to threaten me. Be careful that I will tell my Youngest Biao Sister about your cunningness, and let you be unable to lift your head up in front of her for the rest of your life!" Luo Jennie said with a hostile voice.
Gao Taehyung really did not know whether to laugh or cry. In actual fact, he was more fearful of Xie Jungkook alright. But seeing Luo Jennie's appearance of being smart and her brows arching in craftiness, suddenly he had interest. He got nearer and said, "That is good. Then let us hold each other leverages. How about that?"
He was born with a playboy feel and when he spoke to Luo Jennie, he was very handsome. Luo Jennie was originally one who like good looking things, but one did not know why she felt a little guilty conscience. She violently shoved Gao Taehyung to a side. She was a person who practiced martial arts, and that one shove could almost take blood from Gao Taehyung.
Luo Jennie turned around and left, saying angrily, "Lecher!"
Gao Taehyung touched his chin and slowly smiled.
All the trivial things that happened in the Shen mansion did not attract Shen Lisa's attention, as they were all irrelevant and boring matters to Shen Lisa's eyes. It was until the second day when something happened in the Shen residence that was somewhat interesting.
Shen Tzuyu had ran away.
154: Overflowing help
Currently the Shen residence has exploded.
Most likely because Shen Wan said to let Shen Tzuyu married into the Wang family as a PinQi (aka equal wife), and this finally made Shen Tzuyu to panic. On the situation where Shen Tzuyu 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 Tzuyu up, just like what Shen Wan said to. She did not expected that Shen Tzuyu would make use of her love for her like this. Now that Shen Tzuyu 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, Tzuyu-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 Tzuyu. 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 Tzuyu 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 Tzuyu'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 Jungkook 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 Jungkook 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 Jungkook, could see clearly that Xie Jungkook 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 Lisa 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 Jungkook 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 Jungkook 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 Jungkook closed the box and said, "Not bad." Suddenly he thought about something and asked, "What is Fu Sehun'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 Jungkook raised his brows, "Watch him closely. Fu Sehun is not a simple character."
Tie Yi coupled and retreated.
"Wait." Xie Jungkook stopped him, "Pay attention to Shen Tzuyu 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 Tzuyu exchanging marriage, then it was the matter of the Wang family not accepting Shen Tzuyu, then later it was Shen Tzuyu 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 Tzuyu 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!"