A cool wind arose at night. As late autumn approached, the weather grew colder day by day. Being in the northern region, the capital city of Dingjing was exceptionally cold.
In the lamplight, a young lady held a book, reclining against the couch as she slowly turned the pages. The tea beside her had grown cold without her noticing, as she was completely absorbed in her reading.
Bailu stared blankly at her mistress, feeling as if overnight, this young lady had become unlike her former self. Even now, as she quietly read her book—unlike the previous Shen Miao, who detested reading—her appearance was such that if Bailu hadn’t known it was her mistress, she might have mistaken her for some noble lady.
How could a young girl possess such an aura? Bailu couldn’t understand and stood rooted to the spot. Until Shuangjiang came over and gave her a push, quietly scolding: “Why are you standing there like a fool?” She walked over and placed a cloak around Shen Miao’s shoulders, gently advising: “Miss, it’s getting late. You still need to go to Guangwen Hall tomorrow. It would be better to rest early.”
Shen Miao shook her head: “You all go rest first. I’ll read a bit longer.”
It was unheard of for servants to rest while their mistress remained awake. Shuangjiang sighed helplessly and was about to try persuading her again when Guyu, who was replacing Shen Miao’s tea, pulled her back. After changing the tea, she pulled both Shuangjiang and Bailu to the outer room.
“What’s the matter, Guyu?” Bailu asked, confused. Miss has just recovered. Why aren’t you helping to persuade her?”
“How have I not tried?” Guyu said with a headache. “But how will our Miss listen to what I say now? She’s been reading books all day today. I guess it must be assignments from the teacher. Once Miss has made up her mind to read, what can I do?” She cast a worried glance toward the inner room. Previously, when their mistress had been timid, she constantly needed others to make decisions for her. Now that she was no longer timid, her own decisions were ones that no one dared to contradict. Serving closely by her side, Guyu could increasingly feel that when Shen Miao gave orders, no one dared refuse.
Even when she spoke softly, she exuded an air of authority. It seemed even more intimidating than when the master was angry, Guyu thought with a sigh.
Inside the room, Shen Miao continued reading.
She read attentively, missing no details. If one looked carefully, one would discover that what she held in her hands was the “Ming Qi Official History.” She was familiar with the major events that had occurred in Ming Qi since its founding, and she also knew what would happen in the next few decades. She was preparing to find ways to prevent the tragedies from occurring. Before that, she needed to find the root causes of the current situation of these prestigious aristocratic families.
The Emperor’s order to eradicate these great families was approaching quickly. Shen Miao remembered clearly that if nothing unexpected happened, a catastrophe would occur next month. The enemy of an enemy is a friend—if these aristocratic families were destroyed, the Shen family would soon follow.
Before Shen Xin returned, the Shen residence could only be supported by her alone, while still guarding against those wolves in the Eastern Courtyard.
Shen Miao’s predictions were correct. That evening, Nanny Gui entered Rongjing Hall. She had come to deliver specialties brought back from the estate, but she also took the opportunity to chat with Zhang Mama, who served Old Madam Shen. Throughout their conversation, she repeatedly mentioned how Shen Miao was becoming increasingly defiant and quick to punish those below her.
Zhang Mama clearly understood her intentions. After responding with a few noncommittal words, Nanny Gui asked Zhang Mama to put in a good word for her with Old Madam Shen before leaving.
Just as she walked out of the Rongjing Hall courtyard, she saw Xianglan, the maid serving Ren Wanyun, approaching. Upon seeing her, Xianglan smiled: “Nanny Gui, I was just looking for you.”
“Oh,” Nanny Gui squinted her eyes and, seeing it was Xianglan, smiled as well: “What business does Miss Xianglan have with me?”
“Nothing important,” Xianglan came over and took Nanny Gui’s arm. “Our Madam heard that you know of a place that sells exceptionally beautiful rouge, and she wanted to ask you where this place is located.”
This was an excuse, as Ren Wanyun wanted to summon Nanny Gui to discuss some private matters. Nanny Gui understood perfectly and went along with Xianglan, saying: “It’s no trouble at all. If Madam wants to know, I’ll tell her about that place. Speaking of that rouge, many ladies and mistresses from official families love to use it…”
When they arrived at Caiyun Garden with Xianglan, all the maids and servants outside had already been dismissed.
Ren Wanyun sat on the couch. The Second Master of the Shen family was still out entertaining guests and had not yet returned. She was casually doing some needlework, seemingly embroidering a pouch, while eating from a plate of grapes beside her.
These were rare delicacies; at this time of year, grapes couldn’t be found in Dingjing city. It was only because the Second Master of the Shen family had the means to procure a basket and distribute it among the women in his courtyard.
Nanny Gui secretly spat in disgust. Although on the surface it seemed that the Second Master’s household didn’t mistreat the First Master’s household, the things Shen Miao used and ate, while appearing fine externally, were like those of a merchant family’s nouveau riche possessions that couldn’t be displayed in polite society. Take this food, for instance—Shen Miao certainly didn’t enjoy the privilege of having grapes.
As she was thinking to herself, Ren Wanyun finally put down her needlework and spoke: “Nanny Gui.”
Nanny Gui quickly snapped back to attention and responded: “Madam, this old servant is here.”
Ren Wanyun was already forty years old. Although she took excellent care of herself, there were still some fine lines around her eyes. However, sitting there in well-tailored clothes made of the finest materials, her every gesture exuded the air of a household mistress. Even when smiling, she maintained a certain aura of authority.
She said: “I heard you’ve returned. Now that Fifth Miss has just recovered, you must take good care of her.”
Nanny Gui scoffed inwardly, thinking, who didn’t know that the Eastern Courtyard would be delighted if the Western Courtyard faced misfortune? How could Ren Wanyun be so kind-hearted? It was merely a facade. Sure enough, Ren Wanyun continued: “These days, Fifth Miss is probably in low spirits after falling into the water. With her elder brother and sister-in-law absent, whatever I do as her aunt seems to be wrong. If I want to hear any news, I must hear it from you.”
This meant she wanted Nanny Gui to report all of Shen Miao’s actions and words to her.
Nanny Gui hurriedly said, “Madam’s concern for Fifth Miss is her good fortune. However, in this old servant’s view, Fifth Miss has indeed been upset after falling into the water. Her temperament has changed considerably these past few days, and she’s even grown distant from this old servant. Not to mention, just today, for no apparent reason, this old servant was fined three months’ wages.” She put on a troubled expression and continued: “This old servant heard Fifth Miss had fallen into the water and was so anxious that she didn’t even attend to her grandson, who is still ill. Who would have thought Fifth Miss would rebuke this old servant? This old servant feels quite hurt.”
Ren Wanyun, growing impatient with the old woman’s insinuations, asked directly: “Fifth Miss is ultimately suffering from a heart ailment. Nanny Gui, in your view, has Fifth Miss’s attitude toward Prince Ding changed at all?”
This was what she most wanted to know.
Nanny Gui rolled her eyes thoughtfully, then said: “Fifth Miss seems to want to distance herself from Prince Ding—she wouldn’t even let this old servant mention him today. However, having raised Fifth Miss for so many years, this old servant knows her character well. Fifth Miss has been exceptionally persistent regarding Prince Ding and is unlikely to give up so easily. These words were probably just spoken in a moment of anger and shouldn’t be taken seriously.”
As soon as she finished speaking, a hint of viciousness flashed across Ren Wanyun’s face.