159: The Incident Happened
Huai Sheng opened the door and once one entered, there was a strong alcohol scent that wafted over. Even though Shen Lisa had a mask on, she could not help but frown. Seeing Shen Lisa frown, Huai Sheng seemed to blush with shame. He ran to the other side to take a oil lamp and lit it up.
The flame was ignited and swayed around, making everything in the room slightly lighten up. One then saw that there was a middle-aged man lying on the bed. This male was very thin and his complexion was of a glazed yellow in colour as he snored in his sleep.
Huai Sheng looked at the two people in front uneasily. The female said, "Wake him up."
Huai Sheng nodded his head and walked over to the man's side and gently shook the man's arms as he said softly, "Father. Father. Someone has come."
Initially there was no response from that man at first. Afterwards he seemed to be annoyed by Huai Sheng's shaking and unconsciously slapped before yelling, "It's in the middle of the night. What are you crying about?"
On instincts, Huai Sheng closed his eyes but the slap did not came down. He carefully opened his eyes and saw his Father's fearful gaze and followed the direction. That beautiful male who had been looking on coldly and indifferently had reached in front of him at some point and the slender long hand was holding on to the man's throat.
"Immortal, immortal..." Huai Sheng got anxious. He was scared and worried but at the end he still resisted his fear and said, "My Father did not deliberately offend you. I beg of you to spare his life."
Shen Lisa swept a glance that that male who was so scared that there was no more traces of sleepiness before quietly saying, "Let go of him."
Xie Jungkook only then released his hand.
Huang Shen was somewhat afraid.
His father knelt on the floor and as he stared at the two people in front, his body trembled uncontrollably, he most probably felt that the dangerous air that the other person had, especially the seeming beautiful male.
Shen Lisa said, "You are Tian Li?"
Tian Li nodded his head, "This lowly one is."
Shen Lisa swept a look at Tian Li. From the rumours, at the beginning in Liu Province, Tian Li
was also a handsome and suave scholar. He was talented and thus was able to win Chang Zai Qing's heart and marry her. It was only afterwards when he had failed in repeated examinations that gradually self-deprecation grew and he started to drink and gamble. Chang Zai Qing hated this kind of lifestyle thus she ran away. Seeing Tian Li's current appearance, she could slightly understand why Chang Zai Qing left. There was not even a little grace that Tian Li once had left now, and the man in front was obviously a disappointment and in dire straits.
"Is Chang Zai Qing your wife?" Shen Lisa asked.
Hearing that, Tian Li's entire body trembled as he raised his head to look at Shen Lisa. Even though he had tried his best to cover up, Shen Lisa could see the anger and humiliation in his eyes.
"Do not worry, I am not Chang Zai Qing's friend. It is alright to speak your mind." Shen Lisa said.
Tian Li looked at Shen Lisa seriously and seemingly trying to confirm if what Shen Lisa said was true or not. Shen Lisa looked at him openly and broad levelled. After half a moment Tian Li spat and said, "That slut of a wife ran away with my money. Shameless!"
Huai Sheng shuddered for a moment and his gaze was somewhat laden with grief.
Shen Lisa's gaze fell onto Huai Sheng and she said, "Huai Sheng, go to the courtyard. I have some things to discuss with your Father."
Huai Sheng looked at Shen Lisa and then looked at Tian Li but he did not say anything before he quietly walked out with the blanket.
After Huai Shen left, Shen Lisa then let Tian Li elaborate of the ins and outs.
It was similar to what was found out by the people that Shen Lisa sent. Chang Zai Qing's husband was Tian Li. In the beginning when Tian Li and Chang Zai Qing gotten married, it was an anecdote that spread far and wide. Chang Zai Qing was a talented female in Liu Province and Tian Li was also a talented scholar. Tian Li's family also had several shophouses. Even though they were not considered as a wealthy family, they could be considered as a slightly rich family.
It was just that later on, others picked a fight with the Tian family business and the shophouses were mortgaged. The husband and wife of the Tian family was unable to withstand the blow and passed on and thus Tian Li was affected by it and failed to pass the examinations that year and subsequently every year was worse than the previous. At that time Chang Zai Qing was already pregnant and gave birth to Huai Sheng, thus there were more areas that required money. As the saying went, poverty couches a marriage, and both of them kept on quarrelling. Tian Li fell in love with alcohol and gambling and Chang Zai Qing despised these kind of days as it was not how she wanted to live. Thus on one fine day, she sold the last remaining land deed and took the money to run away.
Tian Li and also send people to search but was unable to find Chang Zai Qing's whereabouts. It was likely that Tian Li did not know that Chang Hu and Old Shen General had some relations thus he did not know that Chang Zai Qing came to Ding capital.
When Tian Li was speaking of Chang Zai Qing, he was still clenching his teeth, "That poisonous woman took the land deed that was supposed to be be left for Huai Sheng to marry when he grows up. She actually took that and sold it. She does not even have Huai Sheng in her heart. She is a slut."
Shen Lisa sighed as Xie Jungkook folded his arms and stood at the other side, looking outside the window, as if he was not interested in Tian Li's words in the room. However even if he just casually stood there, no one could ignore the chilling atmosphere.
At the end Tian Li asked, "Someone brought both of us here and said that we can see that woman. Young Lady, are the people that brought us over to Ding capital you?" Tian Li could see that the two individuals had an unusual identity, especially that male. How would normal people able help to have the guts to budge into a commoner's residence in the middle of the night? Such an arrogance like this was not what a normal person had.
"It is me." Shen Lisa said, "I know where Chang Zai Qing is at."
Tian Li was stunned and when he spoke again, his voice shook as he asked, "Where is she?"
Shen Lisa frowned slightly. In Tian Li's voice, other than anger, there was a trace of longing. Perhaps it was because he had been husband and wife with Chang Zai Qing for a number of years or perhaps it was because Chang Zai Qing was in the end Huai Sheng's mother. One feared that this Tian Li was not as good as he said and was soft-hearted towards Chang Zai Qing.
This was not what Shen Lisa wanted to see.
She said, "Chang Zai Qing is currently in the former Shen residence of the Formidable Great General and has became the concubine of the Shen residence's Third Master, Shen Wan. Currently she is pregnant and Shen Wan treats her very well. She has all of Shen Wan's favour and one thinks that soon she would be able to give birth to Shen Wan's Di son. There are no other Di heirs in Shen Wan's residence, thus once the child is born, perhaps Chang Zai Qing could be raised to the official position. Even if she was not raised, that child would be brought up with brocade and jaded food for its entire life."
Tian Li's expression changed. First it was being angry due to the green hat he was wearing (aka being cuckold) then it was humiliation and it became complicated. That little trace of softening of his heart disappeared after hearing Shen Lisa's remarks.
The child that Chang Zai Qing gave birth to could be brought up with brocade and jaded food for the entire life but in retrospect, Huai Shen in the future would not have anything since the land deed for him to marry a wife was also sold. Many years later, the two children who both crawled out of Chang Zai Qing's stomach would be so far apart, like dirt and clouds. One was most afraid of comparison thus Tian Li's heart was irreconcilable.
Shen Lisa smiled gently, "Not only that, Third Shen Master even divorced his wife for Chang Zai Qing and went to court with his wife. One thinks that he truly love Chang Zai Qing. Now the former Third Shen Furen has become a street rat that is scolded by everyone. She is rather pitiful."
Tian Li sneered, "This Third Shen Master is also one without a brain." Towards Shen Wan, Tian Qing had no good feeling as he hated that his wife was shared with others and moreover as a poor person, one would always be hostile to the rich. Especially so since Chang Zai Qing would often express her direction to head towards the wealthy, therefore Tian Li was very resentful of Shen Wan.
"To be honest with each other, Third Shen Furen entrusted this to me." Shen Lisa said, "Third Shen Furen was forced by Third Shen Master and currently felt that she had no way out. Third Shen Furen planned to make it so that either the fish dies or the net splits, and to make Third Shen Master and Chang Zai Qing not live well, thus she found you.
"I..." Tian Li looked at Shen Lisa and gradually realised what she was going towards and said, "Your noble one meant?"
"At the most appropriate timing, clarify to Third Shen Master that Chang Zai Qing is your wife. Let Third Shen Master stop this mistake as early as possible."
Tian Li said, "I..."
Shen Lisa did not give Tian Li time to hesitate and said, "Could it be that you are willing to watch your own wife growing old with others? Your feeling for her has not ended and you want to give her a route to live? She however did not even consider you for one little bit. If she still had a conscience in her heart, do not mention yourself, she would be reluctant to part with Huai Sheng. But in actual fact, she even left with the last land deed that was for Huai Sheng's future. Chang Zai Qing's heart only had herself and had never put you both father and son in it. To even requite evil with good, Tian Li, could it be that your Tian family are all disciples of Buddha and all do not discriminate right and wrong?"
These remarks were really impolite that even Xie Jungkook who was listening at the side also lifted his lips and looked at Shen Lisa meaningfully. Tian Li's face turned red upon listening but he did not dare to refute Shen Lisa's words.
"The most important thing is that on what basis does Huai Sheng have to live through such hardships while Chang Zai Qing's and Shen Wan's son could live freely? If there was one day that Huai Sheng encounter this younger brother of a different father but the same mother, the younger brother would be a person above others whereas Huai Sheng could only serve him like a subordinate. Chang Zai Qing would only acknowledge the younger brother and not acknowledge him, so what would Huai Shen think? Tian Li, just think carefully if you are truly reconciled to this?"
Shen Lisa's words always had a faint enchantment that would make others unconsciously follow her words to think, moreover what she said was obviously what Tian Li was most concerned of. No matter how bad Tian Li was, even if he treated Huai Sheng crudely, he had more conscience than Chang Zai Qing, otherwise even though he was a gambler, he still kept the last land deed for Huai Sheng to marry a wife.
Tian Li said, "Noble person. I understood. I am unreconciled, but she is after all Huai Sheng's mother. I only want her to come back; and if she was beaten to death by others, Huai Sheng would be upset."
"Just do not let Huai Sheng know of the matter." Shen Lisa said, "After the matter is successful, Third Shen Furen will give you father and son a large sum of money. This amount would be much more than the value of the land deed you had before. With this sum of money, both of you can go as far as you want, to a place where no one knows of you and start anew. In this world, there are two things that cannot be detained, one is water that was splashed and the other is people who leave. Chang Zai Qing took the initiative to walk out of your lives and is now living in brocade and jaded food so how would you be able to get her back? With your sincere heart or the mother and son care for Huai Sheng? Do you think it is possible?"
Tian Li closed his eyes in pain.
Shen Lisa said correctly. Chang Zai Qing was living so well and one could not think of any reason to go back to the previous lifestyle. If she really thought of him and Huai Sheng, she would not have sold the land deed and run away.
The female wearing a mask stood in front and said calmly, "One looked out for oneself, else Heavens and earth would destroy you. It was her who was heartless first so why do you still speak of righteousness? Now that there is an opportunity for you to change your life. If you miss this one, there would not be a second time. Even if it is to step on Chang Zai Qing's life to walk forward, you are not wrong. Because this is what Chang Zai Qing owes to both father and son. Will you do it or not?"
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Following Shen Lisa's words, a lot of things flashed in front of Tian Li. Chang Zai Qing's looks of disgust and disdainful eyes, the pointing and talks about him by the neighbours after she ran away, Huai Sheng always sitting alone in a corner thinking of, what he did not know, and also thinking that they could only wear worn-out clothes. If there was a day that he could change his life and could be like those wealthy and noble family and give a good life for Huai Sheng, Tian Li lifted his head and made a choice with determination, "I will agree and do as you have instructed but you must give me enough money so that both father and son are able to leave this place without worrying of clothes or food."
Shen Lisa's eyebrows raised, sometimes rumours could not be trusted. It is said that Tian Li was a scoundrel but she did not expect that it would be this easy today. Tian Li was not difficult to deal with. Perhaps it was because of Huai Sheng, even though this man did not have a good disposition, he still had a conscience.
"The money will be given to you." The person speaking was Xie Jungkook. He stood in the shadows as he leaned against the door and said lazily, "Do not think of any other thoughts otherwise..."
Tian Li shook his head fiercely and lowered his head quickly before speaking fearfully, "This lowly one dare not." He did not know why but facing this male would make him feel an unspeakable fear. From the beginning till now, the one speaking was the female wearing a mask but the purple clad male's aura filled up the small house.
Shen Lisa took a glance at Xie Jungkook. Xie Jungkook really did a good job. To scare a person, he need not need to even say anything serious and just show the look that Xie Jungkook usually put on, the other person would be paralysed.
After Xie Jungkook and Shen Lisa left the room, Huai Sheng came over and looked at Shen Lisa before timidly asked, "Can you all find Mother?"
Shen Lisa looked at Huai Shen and her brows became collected, "Sleep early." Then she walked out first.
Her steps were rather rapid. Xie Jungkook followed and after walking out from the alley in the Eastern part of the city, they reached the streets outside. Xie Jungkook took a glimpsed of Shen Lisa's expression, "You felt apologetic towards that child."
"Apologetic but one will continue to do it." Shen Lisa said, "I am also a selfish person."
Xie Jungkook raised his brows, "Why say that?"
"Accompanying me in the middle of the night and helping me to threaten Tian Li, you are a disciple of Buddha. Else how could one be this kind?"
Xie Jungkook chuckled, "You do not seem to appreciate it."
Shen Lisa's lips slowly raised. The relationship with Xie Jungkook had gradually changed and there was no need to oppose one another with equal harshness as the other person was very clear and broad levelled. It was like many things were not completed by one person and it was much relaxing. Just like at this moment, walking in an empty street on a snowy night, it was just like taking a stroll. She was like that Empress Shen in her bones but there seemed to be something else that was not there before.
"Is my help required for Chang Zai Qing's matter?" Xie Jungkook said lazily, "If you ask me, I can think about it."
"That matter does not need Your Highness Prince Rui to bother." Shen Lisa smiled, "There will be no complication regarding that matter."
"You have a plan ready?" Xie Jungkook gave her a look and said with a half-smile, "Sometimes one wants to know when will there be a difficult situation in the world that you are unable to resolve, so that you can perhaps ask me."
"Most likely there will not be such a matter." Shen Lisa replied.
"That is regretful." Xie Jungkook's words contained some pity.
Shen Lisa laughed.
There was always something new happening in the Ding capital and the new fresh happenings of the day would quickly cover the things of the days past. Just like the lawsuit between the Shen and Chen families, everyone took it as watching a joke and promptly forgot about it after seeing it. As for the Shen residence, it was the same. The servants still did things that they should; the only difference was that Qiu Shui Yuan has changed to a new mistress. The new mistress was able to gain Shen Wan's favour, seemingly catching up to that year Third Shen Furen married in.
Comparing Chang Zai Qing and Chen Rou Qiu, she was more able to manage the relationships with the people around. Most likely it was because she did not have the arrogance and aloofness that Chen Rou QIu had and since she was frank, it made others feel comfortable. Not only did Shen Wan liked her, even Shen Gui and Old Shen Furen also felt that she was good and felt that it was a wise choice to let Shen Wan divorce Chen Rou Qiu.
Shen Wan treated Chang Zai Qing very well and Old Shen Furen even specially found a senior monk to take a look and he said that Chang Zai Qing was carrying boy. At the end Old Shen Furen did not fuss about Chang Zai Qing's background at all. The Shen residence's most urgent task was to gain a male descendent as soon as possible, else others would look at laugh that the Shen residence was unable to pass down its lineage.
Shen Wan was always smiling. Chang Zai Qing not only advised him on tactics but everything in the residence was arranged properly, seemingly very skilled, making him even happier and relaxed. To be able to do poetry and calligraphy, manage the household and help in one's career, most likely no man would not like it.
On this day, Chang Zai Qing and Shen Wan were chatting in the courtyard. Chang Zai Qing had a thick fur coat around her, a brazier next to her feet and a hand warmer in her hands. Because Shen Wan feared that she would catch a cold, he had instructed the maids around her to serve her well.
Chang Zai Qing said, "Master is a little free today."
Shen Wan took her hands and placed them in his and smile, "Not only today. These days there is nothing in court thus one can accompany you and the child more."
"This is really good." Chang Zai Qing smiled, "The child can get closer to Father."
These words made Shen Wan feel good and he hugged Chang Zai Qing and sighed, "Currently what my heart hopes for is nothing but for you to give birth to the child, then it would be worth what I have done."
Chang Zai Qing became aware of it and saw that Shen Wan's heart was not smooth thus asked, "Is Master still troubled by the matter of Fifth Shen Young Lady from a few days before?"
Be it letting Shen Lisa marry Prince Zhou or to let Shen Lisa have some relations with Prince Zhou, no matter which one, he was unable to create any wind at all. Even though Chang Zai Qing did not know why Shen Wan needed to do so much, she knew that the matter must be related to Shen Wan's career.
Shen Wan shook his head and laughed bitterly, "These days Shen Xin watches over Shen Lisa very well and Shen Lisa does not even leave the residence so it is impossible to find an opportunity. Such flawless barrel, where can one start?" As he spoke, he became listless, "This cannot continue like this."
Chang Zai Qing's eyes turned and she smiled, "What so difficult about this? If Fifth Shen Young Lady does not leave the house then just let Fifth Shen Young Lady take the initiative to go out. Speaking of which, when Fifth Shen Young Lady leaves, General Shen will know and inevitably let her bring a squad of guards. With General Shen's background, the people around would definitely be highly skilled thus if one really takes action, it must be successful on the first try. It is better to let Fifth Shen Young Lady leave the residence herself secretly, thus not letting General Shen discover. Like this, it would be much easier."
Shen Wan's gaze flickered and he thought for a moment before shaking his head, "Shen Lisa does not have any secret in her normal life so it is difficult to coax her out." Before Shen Lisa was in good relations with a Young Lady by the name of Feng Rose but these days she also obediently stayed in the Feng residence and if one were to get Shen Lisa out by using Feng Rose's name again, Shen Lisa would definitely be alert.
"A young girl, no matter how calm one is normally, will always be timid and one's heart will always be troubled." Chang Zai Qing smiled softly, "Why not Master try to walk from the side? For example, use Fifth Shen Young Lady's parents or older brother as bait, saying that they are in danger or something. Once her heart is in panic, no matter how calm Fifth Shen Young Lady is usually, one would think that she would lose her mind when it concerns her blood family. Master may wish to take advantage of this opportunity."
When Shen Wan heard it, he first thought it carefully before grabbing Chang Zai Qing's hands tightly, "Even though there are some loopholes, it is still a good idea. After adding more details, perhaps one can use it." He looked at Chang Zai Qing with some excitement and appreciation filled his gaze, "You always surprise me."
Chang Zai Qing lowered her head slightly and smiled, "Master really know how to joke. Now that one has followed Master, one would do one's best to help Master. Even though the matter is not upright and aboveboard, Zai Qing also know that there are no fathers and sons in court, so Zai Qing will put Master first."
Actually with regards to scheming against Shen Lisa, it was considered a malicious scheme if one were to speak about it. Even though currently Shen Wan was very appreciative of this marvellous tactic that Chang Zai Qing had thought up but in the future if he thought about it, he might find that Chang Zai Qing had a vicious heart. Chang Zai Qing said it out first with the rationale of there were no fathers and sons in court and afterwards kept on mentioning putting Shen Wan first and not only would this make Shen Wan feel good, he would also appreciate Chang Zai Qing even more and find that she is open-minded. He would surely think that she is indeed a rare talented female who did not think of herself one bit.
Thus Shen Wan looked deeply towards Chang Zai Qing, "With such a beauty, what other wishes does this husband have?"
Chang Zai Qing said docilely, "Encountering Master is Zai Qing's blessing. The good treatment that Master showed to Zai Qing, Zai Qing dare not forget." The more she lowered herself and made herself insignificant, the more Shen Wan would dote on her, but he did not see a glimpse of pride that flashed in Chang Zai Qing's eyes.
In Chang Zai Qing's eyes, men and feelings are all nothing but smoke and clouds that passed one's eyes. Only when one really experienced poverty, one would really know how valuable wealth was. She must firmly grasp onto Shen Wan but it was not because of Shen Wan, the person, but the lifestyle of not needed to worry about clothes and food that Shen Wan could give to her. Chang Zai Qing was different from Chen Rou Qiu. Chen Rou Qiu loved Shen Wan in her heart thus Chen Rou Qiu would lose her sanity because of Shen Wan's actions. Chang Zai Qing loved the Shen residence's wealth and the position of an official's wife thus she was clear-headed and understood what needs to be done.
Just like Shen Wan, this kind of man, Chen Rou Qiu, a clever and skilled female, would at the end fall into such a state. Chang Zai Qing understood in her heart that just with poetry, songs and romance would not be enough to grasp this man's heart. She had to demonstrate her talents and let Shen Wan feel that she was useful to him then Shen Wan would not abandon her.
Chang Zai Qing did very well.
Shen Wan accompanied Chang Zai Qing for a quite a white before leaving as he still had some official duties to deal with. After carefully instructing Chang Zai Qing's servants, he then left with his servants.
After returning to his study, the personal servant went up to him and handled him a letter, "Master, the people at the door said that someone brought a letter and specifically mention to pass it to Master, but one do not know who sent it."
Shen Wan took the letter and saw that the top of the envelope was empty. It was obvious that one feared that it would be noticed by others. Officials of the court like them would occasional have confidential documents thus Shen Wan dare not hold it up and quickly opened the letter.
After opening up the letter, the first line of it left Shen Wan stunned on the spot.
That line was, 'Third Shen Master, do you know that your favoured GuiQie is a worn shoe?'
Shen Wan almost could not steady himself. He held onto the table and collected himself before quickly reading the letter.
The letter was written simply but the content of the letter was not at all simple. In it, it mentioned that Chang Zai Qing was already married to someone in Liu Province and even had a son. Now she had entered the Shen residence and became Shen Wan's GuiQie, the most important thing currently was that Chang Zai Qing had not separated from her original husband. If this was true then it could be said that Shen Wan had snatched others' wife and could be sued in court.
Initially Shen Wan did not believe it and looked disdainfully at this letter. He even wondered if this was an evidence of Chen Rou Qiu's provocation. However when he read the last line of the letter, he became stunned and went blank on the spot.
'At Chang Zai Qing's private area, there is a small red birthmark.
This was indeed a fact.
160: Imprisonment
The little red birthmark on Cang Zai Qing's hidden place was something that a normal person would not be able to see. But what kind of person was Shen Wan? If he believed these unfounded words that easily then he would not have been able to survive so many years in court as an official. He swept a look at the letter that had indicated that the father and son had entered Ding capital and were living in a commoner place in the Eastern part of the city. The letter even indicated the address. Shen Wan shredded the letter quickly and said to the servant beside him, "Prepare the horse."
Shen Wan would not believe a stranger's letter but also could not believe Cang Zai Qing without reservations. It would be better for him to see to it for himself.
When the horse carriage reached to the house at the Eastern part of the city as was indicated on the letter, Shen Wan did not get down of the carriage, but rather hid in it before instructing his servants to knock on the doors.
The one that opened the doors was a young boy. Because the boy was too thin, there was a little less childlike innocence in his eyes and more maturity so that he looked like a young male. When Shen Wan saw the boy's face, he drew in a sudden breath of cold air.
At that moment Shen Wan knew that what was said in the letter was real. There was no other reason except that this boy looked very much like Cang Zai Qing. Even the space between the brows was very similar. However, compared to Cang Zai Qing's bright and frank worthiness, this child was weak and inferior. No matter what, he also had similar facial features.
Cang family had no other grandchild thus it was not possible for this to be Cang Zai Qing's younger brother. Shen Wan's servant also jumped in shock when he saw this boy's appearance but he still followed Shen Wan's instruction and asked, "Little brother, do you know where Cang Zai Qing is?"
That boy gave him a wary look, "What do you want to do with my Mother?"
Shen Wan closed his eyes.
Without a doubt what the letter mentioned was the truth. Cang Zai Qing indeed had a husband and son in Liu Province. It was just that one did not know why this was concealed so well. That servant exchanged a few more sentence with the boy before returning to Shen Wan and asking Shen Wan carefully, "Master?"
"Investigate." Shen Wan said with gasping breath, "Send people to Liu Province to investigate the ins and outs of Cang Zai Qing. It is compulsory to investigate everything very clearly."
The reason why Shen Wan appreciated Cang Zai Qing was because Cang Zai Qing had a gentle temperament and was talented, moreover she was now pregnant with his child. But if Cang Zai Qing really had a husband and child in Liu Province, then this would become a joke. He had fed other's wife and was still immeasurably satisfied about it; and since Cang Zai Qing had abandoned her husband and child, she was not as gentle as she seemed on the surface. Shen Wan was actually very picky on certain aspects, on one side he hoped that his wife was able to manage the household well and on the other side hoped that the other party would maintain a fairy-like air. As for everything that happened today, it was as if Cang Zai Qing had become a different person in that moment and made Shen Wan feel disgusted.
In the following few days, Shen Wan seemed to be busy. Every day he would be out and even if he returned to the Shen residence, he would head straight to the study thus Cang Zai Qing did not get a chance to see him. Occasionally when she would send some snacks to Shen Wan, he was not as intimate as before. Initially Shen Wan's attitude made Cang Zai Qing restless but Shen Wan's personal servant told Cang Zai Qing that Shen Wan had accepted a tasks these days and was very busy thus he had no time for anything else. Only then was Cang Zai Qing relieved.
However, in actual fact, Shen Wan had received the letter he awaited for from Liu Province.
The content of this letter was exactly the same as the letter from the stranger. Cang Zai Qing had a husband originally and was considered an anecdote at the beginning. When Shen Wan finished reading the letter, he became so angry that he almost flipped the table. The GuiQie that he brought in was another's wife and now the other party's husband and child were in the Ding capital. Once this was discovered, one feared that one would become a joke for the entire Ding capital; not to mention the censors who would take the opportunity to criticise him.
It would be alright if this was only the case but because he divorced Chen Rou Qiu due to taking in Cang Zai Qing, he had made enemies with the Chen family. Now when it spread out, one would say that he had treated a fish's eye as pearl. Feelings of regret started to faintly appear in Shen Wan's heart. Admittedly, it was true that Cang Zai Qing was carrying his child but he had also buried his future career because of Cang Zai Qing. Between love and power, he at the end would valued power more. Moreover how would Shen Wan forget that the female sleeping by his side was another's wife,
His gaze became solemn for a moment and just as he was about to give out instructions, he saw one of his servants rush in and yelled, "Master, something happened."
Shen Wan frowned and scolded, "What kind of propriety is such hurriedness?"
That servant tremblingly passed Shen Wan a letter and one did not know what had occurred but his eyes were somewhat evading.
Shen Wan looked suspiciously at that servant. This servant was one who often passed messages between his colleagues.
After reading two lines, Shen Wan's expression suddenly became extremely green. If one were to look seriously, one could discover it also consisted of some fear.
In the Imperial Study, Emperor Wen Hui was furious.
He violently threw the report in his hands onto the ground. Emperor Wen Hui coldly sneered and the eunuchs by the side dared not even breathe loudly. Millions became corpses when an Emperor was angered. It was especially so that at this moment that one dared not bump to Emperor Wen Hui.
In the report, there were series of items that indicated all the things that Shen Wan had done for the past few years and overall it seemed that it was nothing serious. Afterall, Emperor Wen Hui was one who fought in rain and blood with his brothers for power. But the report was written cleverly as each line highlighted the unusual relationship between Shen Wan and Fu Sehun.
Amongst Emperor Wen Hui's nine sons, the more assuring ones were the Crown Prince and Prince Ding. The Crown Prince was legitimately born and he had a weak health thus Emperor Wen Hui would unconsciously be relaxed with him. However for Prince Ding, even though he was outstanding, he did not ask about court matters and in addition with Consort Dong Shu as a mother who was not one to fight or snatch, it made Emperor Wen Hui feel comfortable. All the hidden fights between the Princes were being watched by the Emperor and as long they were not overly excessive, he was one who enjoyed the situation where there were numerous mutual checks and balances. After one gained power, one would not be willing to put it down thus watching as his sons grew up and reached the fiercest age, Emperor Wen Hui also became vigilant.
What he hated most was the closeness between the Princes and officials. Although this was an unavoidable fact, as each of his sons had their own supporters. But when this was Prince Ding, a Prince who normally did not fight or snatch, Emperor Wen Hui found it somewhat unacceptable. On the contrary, his anger became worse than it had been in the past.
Fu Sehun's previous attitude of doing as he liked and his uncaring of the affairs of the world had now became one word for Emperor Wen Hui. Pretence.
"Kill the chicken to warn the monkey." Emperor Wen Hui said solemnly, "Each and every one is treating Zhen as a fool. Since this is the cause then Zhen will satisfy their wishes."
It was always a turmoil and temperamental during court as the Heavenly One pressed down on the government. If one had committed a crime, it would be lucky if one was demoted but most often many would implicate nine generations of the family in imprisonment and beheading.
Shen Wan was such a person.
Few days back when the Shen and Chen families were fighting, one had thought that things would gradually smoothen down. However who knew that suddenly a group of officials were sent to the Shen residence for an arrest. The curious commoners enquired and heard that Shen Wan performed poorly and implicated the entire Shen residence but the exact nature of the crime was not clear. However the commoners were easy to coax as they believed it when it was said that he performed poorly. However the smart people could see that this matter was unusual. One had to know that even if performance was truly lacking, it would not implicate the entire residence. This was obviously actions of a crime that would implicate nine generations of the family.
Those commoners who were passing by would look at the Shen residence differently. Not only did they point and talk, the conversation would lead towards the Formidable Great General, Shen Xin. Two years ago, the Shen family people wanted to split up with Shen Xin when he was at his desolate situation and afterwards Shen Xin was struck off from the Shen family. One did not think that Shen Xin had gained blessing out of this misfortune and escaped from this calamity.
When these words were spread into Shen Lisa's ears, Shen Lisa only smiled without any care. Luo Jennie clenched her fist tightly and said angrily, "This is the saying that 'it is not that things are not known but it is that the time has yet to arrive'. At the beginning they tread all over Eldest Bo and BoMu, and if they knew that they would end up like this, one fears that they would be so furious."
Luo Ling thought for a moment before shaking his head, "What crime did the Third Shen Master commit that warrant such great fanfare?"
Shen Lisa said, "Since His Majesty mobilised so greatly, he must have behaved atrociously. This matter has nothing to do with us."
Luo Jennie nodded her head, "Indeed. Let just wait and watch a good show."
Jimin looked at Shen Lisa in a melancholy mood and did not say anything. After Luo Ling and Luo Jennie left, Shen Jimin did not leave and pulled Shen Lisa into the room. Seeing that the doors were locked, he then asked Shen Lisa, "Younger Sister, is the Shen family's matter your doing?"
Shen Lisa did not know whether to laugh or cry, "Eldest Brother, why do you always hold me responsible for everything? His Majesty is the one dealing with ineffective people. I do not have the ability to interfere with Third Shu's work."
Shen Jimin's head somewhat ached and he pressed his forehead and said, "Younger Sister, Eldest Brother knows that you have some matters that you are unwilling to tell others. But the matters of court are not as easy as you think. Sometimes it looks like you are winning but perhaps there would be changes in the variables in the future and would implicate you instead."
He nattered on before Shen Lisa said helplessly, "Eldest Brother, to tell you the truth, this matter has nothing to do with me. Shen Wan is imprisoned because Chen Rou Qiu stabbed him in the back. When Chen Rou Qiu and Shen Wan fought endlessly, did you think Chen Rou Qiu would take it lying down?"
This time it was Shen Jimin that was surprised as he asked, "Chen Rou Qiu?"
"Chen Rou Qiu, after all, lived with Shen Wan for so many years and knew about Shen Wan's matter like the back of her hand. If she were to really stab him at the back, it would be much easier than ordinary people." Shen Lisa continued, "Shen Wan was harmed by the person by his pillow side and implicated the entire residence. What has it got to do with me?"
When Shen Jimin heard it, he first pondered about it carefully before looking at Shen Lisa suspiciously, "How do you know of the matter so clearly?"
"I have been hoping all the time for them to be in misfortune, naturally one had sent people over to watch their every move." Shen Lisa had mixed with Xie Jungkook too long that her words also consist of some sense of fearing nothing in Heavens or Earth.
Normally Shen Jimin would see Shen Lisa with a dignified appearance; this was the first time seeing her being like this. One did not know why but he felt that this was somewhat familiar. He then shook his head and interrupted his wild imagination, "Even if one monitored them, this matter is too much of a coincidence." His eyes widened and he looked ridiculous, "Younger Sister, could it be that you are the one pushing the waves and adding to the billows behind the scenes?"
Shen Lisa laughed, "It is whatever Eldest Brother thinks then. Anyways, I did not have a hand in those matters at all."
Shen Jimin's face crumbled, "Why is your courage this big? This is a matter that pierces through the skies."
Shen Lisa interrupted him, "Why has Eldest Brother become so womanishly fussy. It is just a small matter. The Shen family deserves to fall to such a state. If Shen Wan had done his job well, how would others be able to catch his weakness? If he was in perfect harmony with Chen Rou Qiu, then how would one be provoked successfully? One first has to think of what one does wrong before pointing at others, correct?"
Shen Lisa's words made Shen Jimin dumbstruck. It was not until he was sent out from the courtyard before Shen Jimin recovered himself. He smacked his head and recovered. Shen Lisa was obviously twisting words and forcing on the logic. One did not know where she learned all these things, as it was just too daring of her to play with the Monarch and Officials on the palms of her hand, but she said as though she was innocent. Shen Jimin was surprised. When did Shen Lisa learn all these confident nonsense? Moreover one seemed to have seen these kinds of gestures and attitude before.
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In the room, after Shen Lisa sent Shen Jimin off, she sat at the table with a sigh of relief.
Just now the topic was broached. Emperor Wen Hui had a character of passing like thunder and moving like wind. Most likely he was unable to tolerate the closeness of the Prince and officials and with all those instances started from a few years ago.
From the beginning, one must not forget who one was dealing with. After the rebirth, one had become indifferent to many matters, just like this household of the Shen family, even if she did not do anything, they would still cause their own death. However it was different from Fu Sehun.
Fu Sehun was like the most vicious snake that was hidden in the dark. It looked harmless but one would be caught off-guard and bitten by it. Just like the last time when he got Shen Wan to matchmake herself and Prince Zhou. Even if Shen Lisa hid herself from Fu Sehun as much as possible, Fu Sehun still fixed his attention on her.
It was no longer appropriate to endure silently and work out a strategy. Instead it was better to tear off one's mask and start playing a game with evenly matched adversaries.
What was Fu Sehun most afraid of? He feared that his ambition would be unveiled to everyone.
With regards to Shen Wan's matter, even though this would make Emperor Wen Hui's heart suspicious, with Fu Sehun's methods, it would not be so easy for him to be knocked down. He would definitely think of a method of rebuttal.
However, how could Shen Lisa be able to miss this opportunity? Even if one was unable to knock him down this time, she must definitely remove a layer of skin from Fu Sehun.
Just one Shen Wan was not enough. This round of chess must be even more exciting. Shen Lisa called Jing Zhe to get Mo Qing in and instructed Mo Qing with a few words.
From the splendid residence to imprisonment, it only took one night.
Shen Wan felt that in these two years the Shen residence was very unlucky. It was just like one had offended someone or something so that nothing went smoothly. First it was the Second household that had mishaps then after that it was the Third household's turn. Now the entire Shen residence was imprisoned, other than the Eldest household. Currently the Eldest household was valued again by Emperor Wen Hui and regardless how the future would be like, it was at least more impressive than them.
Speaking of which, the continuous misfortune that the Shen residence met with seemed to have started after the separation from the Eldest household. However to be more precise, it started two years ago when Shen Xin returned to the capital. Could it be that someone put a curse onto the Shen residence?
In the prison cell next door, it contained all the females in the Shen family. Old Shen Furen and Cang Zai Qing were both locked up there. When Shen Wan heard the moaning and complaining from Old Shen Furen, his heart started to feel irritation.
Thinking back two years ago, people who came to visit the residence of the Formidable Great General were abundant even though most of them did it for Shen Xin's reputation. However Shen Xin was not in the capital all year and the Shen residence was not short of money, thus one had an imposing manner when walking about. Although Shen Gui and him were civil officials, they would be promoted each passing year and both of their daughters were elegant and their marriages could be a great help. Shen Yuan Bo and Shen Yuan were still alive and Ren Wan Yun was astute, and Chen Rou Qiu was gentle. It was a good image of a happy and harmonious family. (Editor: I love how he doesn't mention SM at all... it's all rosy glasses for this one. Doesn't remember how the astute and gentle aunts and the elegant cousins bullied her)
However in just two short years things had remained the same but the people had changed and they landed in such a situation.
Shen Gui asked dispiritedly, "Third Younger Brother, what crime did you actually commit that His Majesty actually captured our entire residence?"
"I committed some crime?" Shen Wan laughed coldly, "Second Older Brother is also a person who worked in court and knows that if His Majesty wants to arrest anyone, just any casual excuse will be enough for it. This is His Majesty's excuse to arrest me." If it was truly that one's performance was poor then the entire residence of people would not be arrested. This is clearly intending to attack with condemnations."
When Cang Zai Qing, in the adjoining cell, heard it, she exclaimed in shock and her words contained some anxieties, "It is unexpectedly His Majesty's doing on purpose. Why would His Majesty do this on purpose? Could it be that Master had angered His Majesty in some ways?"
If it was on normal days, Shen Wan would surely say some words to relieve her anxiety, but once he thought of the information that he received from Liu province that Cang Zai Qing already had a husband and child, he felt very disgusted. Cang Zai Qing wholeheartedly chased for a wealthy future so she concealed her true appearance but now that the wealth has become bubbles and shadows, one feared that it was too late for regrets.
He waved his hands and said impatiently, "One does not know."
However his heart was thinking about the letter that he received.
The letter that his servant gave was from his private and considerably close personal friend in the official circle. One did not know where that official heard that Shen Wan's arch-enemy had submitted a report. That report did not indicate other things but the evidence of the exchanges between Shen Wan and Fu Sehun over these years.
Even though Shen Wan did not really work for Fu Sehun these years but because he was indecisive in the early years and did not want to give up the Prince Ding as a chess piece, his attitude was rather warm. From the eyes of others, it looked like he had an alliance with Prince Ding very early on. When Emperor Wen Hui saw the pile of evidence, it was conceivable that Emperor Wen Hui would be furious thus one feared that it would be difficult for the matter to be settled well.
As to how his arch-enemy would be able to suddenly gain all the information, Shen Wan could vaguely think of a person. Chen Rou Qiu had been his wife for so many years and because Chen Rou Qiu did not know about court matters, Shen Wan would not deliberately guard against Chen Rou Qiu. Some of the matters were very secretive thus if Chen Rou Qiu stabbed him in the back then everything would be plausible.
Thinking that how Chen Rou QIu treated him with graceful tenderness in the beginning and now it was a matter of 'either the fish dies or the net splits', Shen Wan's gaze landed on Cang Zai Qing and his expression got solemn. If there was no Cang Zai Qing, Chen Rou Qiu and he would not be a separated couple and things would not be like this. Thinking like that, Shen Wan also felt indifferent even to the child that Cang Zai Qing was carrying.
On the surface the imprisonment of Shen Wan and family was due to poor performance but those who were aware of the situation knew that this was Emperor Wen Hui's wrath for Shen Wan being close with Fu Sehun in secret. This matter implicated the entre Shen residence and of course, Prince Ding, Fu Sehun, was also inevitably affected.
Fu Sehun had a network of numerous spies and informants thus he quickly learnt about the truth of the matter. Fu Sehun had never thought that Shen Wan's and Chen Rou Qiu's family affairs could involve him. Currently the crucial thing was to never let Emperor Wen Hui be suspicious of him at this time.
At the same time, Fu Sehun was also very puzzled. This year Emperor Wen Hui's health was not as good as it was previously so he was very sensitive towards the relations between the Princes and the officials. Just at this sensitive period, it was spread that he was close with Shen Wan, he felt that it was indeed too much of a coincidence. Even though Shen Wan was in the pits, but in actual fact, what he lost was not necessarily lesser than Shen Wan. The more he thought about it, the more irritated he felt. Fu Sehun said coldly, "Not good enough to accomplish anything but more than enough to spoil everything."
Pei Lang said after thinking, "It is best for Your Highness to indicate early that there is no relation to the matter. No matter what method is used, one have to prove one's innocence."
"Naturally I know that." Fu Sehun said, "What does Gentleman think?"
"The evidence is undeniable so by denying it, it would look like it is deliberate. Your Highness can admit to it and push all of it onto Shen Wan. Even though it is His Majesty's taboo for Princes to form fractions, but if it was Shen Wan who took the initiative to defect to you and Your Highness could not withstand the annoyance, perhaps His Majesty would feel better."
Fu Sehun nodded his head, "Gentleman's analysis is exactly the same as mine. Shen Wan, this chess piece can only be sacrificed. However it would be more troublesome to leave this chess piece alone therefore it is better to get rid of it." The meaning of these words was to sacrifice Shen Wan. There was no choice but to admit to the incidences in the report as there were plenty of evidence threads in each one and those who were interested could discover it if they dig. However all these were Shen Wan's desires. It was Shen Wan who wanted to climb and attached himself onto Fu Sehun and it was Fu Sehun who remained unmoved. All these would be pardonable and Shen Wan would be the one who would be implicated.
It's just that with this method, the crimes that were placed on Shen Wan would be much heavier and with Emperor Wen Hui's wrath, the punishment for Shen Wan would be even more severe. However Fu Sehun would definitely not care of the ending of Shen Wan. Fu Sehun would not be even troubled to those who brought trouble to him.
"I am really fated with the Shen family." Fu Sehun had an aloof expression on, "Again and again, matters were ruined in the hands of the Shen family. One did not know why but even though this time it started from Chen Rou Qiu, I still feel that it is not that simple. It is like someone is manipulating from behind the scenes."
Pei Lang's heart jumped but his face remained as calm as it was previously, "The top priority now is still for Your Highness to testify personally. The longer this is dragged on, the worse His Majesty's anger would be and it would even implicate Your Highness."
Fu Sehun smiled, "Even though it is a little more troublesome, it is not a deadlock situation. However one asks Gentleman if the Shen family should remain or not?"
Pei Lang replied warmly, "Since they have hindered His Highness's great cause, then of course they cannot remain."
Fu Sehun grinned and stared at Pei Lang, "Gentleman's words are exactly to my thoughts. I still have some matters so Gentleman can withdraw first. If there is matter, I will then discuss with Gentleman."
Pei Lang nodded his head in compliance and turn around to withdraw.
However he did not see that Fu Sehun was starting at Pei Lang's back as he left with a clouded look in his eyes.
The matter of Shen Wan and family being imprisoned was well known to everyone thus it was also naturally spread into the residence of Prince of Qin. In front of the stone table in the gardens, Shen Tzuyu was stunned when she heard the news and it was HuangFu Hao who gave a look to the scout and asked, "Oh? Really the entire residence is imprisoned?"
"It is absolutely true." That scout said, "One heard that Emperor Wen Hui is very furious and wanted to give a death sentence."
HuangFu Hao turned around to look at Shen Tzuyu's expression. Apart from being overwhelmed and finding it incomprehensible, there was no sadness or heartbroken expression. Involuntarily Chen Rou Qiu's words from that day floated up in her mind. At that time Shen Tzuyu felt that there was an additional meaning behind Chen Rou Qiu's words. Could it be that the current situation of the Shen family was due to Chen Rou Qiu's handiwork? Shen Tzuyu dared not let HuangFu Hao discover her emotions and lowered her head to display a look of grief, "How could this be?"
"With only the reason of poor performance, how could Emperor Wen Hui seize the residence? One fear that it is not just this reason." HuangFu Hao said, "There should be another reason." After finished saying he then looked at Shen Tzuyu and asked, "Does Tzuyu-er want to take a look at Shen Daren?"
Shen Tzuyu jumped in shocked and stammered, "One fears that if one were to go now, it would only make Father sad and bring trouble to Your Highness, so it is not needed."
The Shen family was being seized and she was a female who had 'married' into the Wang family thus she was not implicated. However if someone discovered that Shen Tzuyu was still here, who knew if she would also be locked up. In face of a great calamity at hand, each one would fly in different directions. The Shen family was merciless to Shen Tzuyu so Shen Tzuyu did not have any morality towards the Shen family. One feared that it would implicate oneself and was looking at hiding herself so why would one approach it?
Hearing this, HuangFu Hao did not get tangled with this issue and only laughed before dropping the subject. Shen Tzuyu sighed with relief in her heart. After HuangFu Hao left, Shen Tzuyu thought of writing a letter to Chen Rou Qiu to ask if this matter was related to Chen Rou Qiu.
Even though there was still some fear in her heart, seeing that the entire Shen family was imprisoned, Shen Tzuyu felt that there was some joy in the calamity. This was especially so for Cang Zai Qing as she was the woman who took her Mother's position and now had to suffer with Shen Wan. Thinking of that, Shen Tzuyu did not find that it was lowly for her to be HuangFu Hao's concubine and even felt complacent. If she had remained in the Shen residence, now she would also be imprisoned.
Shen Tzuyu had thought so but on the very next day there was a secret which was spread in Ding capital. This secret was just like a stone that was thrown into the water and set off thousands of waves. The people who stood outside to watch the commotion found another interesting thing to talk about and the entire streets kept on constantly talking about it.
This also made the Shen family become a joke for others to talk about after meals and tea.