On this winter New Year in the 69th year of Mingqi, heavy snow had fallen through the night. Auspicious snow signaled a promising harvest year, and commoners were filled with joy, praying for abundance in the coming year.

However, for the General’s Mansion in the capital, this would be a special year.

The Second Branch of the Shen family had lost a legitimate daughter, and their matriarch had gone mad. Meanwhile, the relationship between the most powerful First Branch and the other two branches seemed strained, lacking the former closeness and instead showing obvious estrangement.

The Huang family, previously engaged to Shen Qing, had now become enemies with the Shen family because of Shen Qing’s incident. Since Shen Xin and his wife were rarely in the capital, they weren’t affected by this grudge. As for the Wei family that had been engaged to Shen Miao, Luo Xuayan personally intervened to clarify it was all a misunderstanding. The Wei family was honest and didn’t make things difficult for her. Moreover, Shen Xin promised to help Lord Wei in court affairs in the future, naturally making the Wei family happy to do this favor.

Therefore, for Shen Miao, this New Year was quite pleasant. Without Fu Xiuyi, without the Prince Yu, and Ren Wanyun and Shen Qing, some things were gradually changing.

While she was happy, others were not so pleased.

In Rongjing Hall, Old Madam Shen sat in her place while Shen Yuanbai crawled around beside her. She appeared impatient, with a resentful expression spreading across her withered face.

“The First Branch’s wife increasingly disregards me. This year, they haven’t given a single extra tael from the family funds. Those few boxes of treasures bestowed by the palace earlier were all locked away in their courtyard! What exactly are they trying to do? Do they still respect me at all?”

Old Madam Shen became angry whenever this matter was mentioned. In the past, Shen Xin would always send items bestowed by the palace to the family treasury. Since he and his wife rarely stayed in the capital, apart from leaving some small trinkets that Shen Miao liked, the extra items were of no use to them. Old Madam Shen had enjoyed many benefits from this arrangement. Now that there was some discord between Shen Xin and the family, Shen Xin had stopped sending money as well. In Old Madam Shen’s eyes, this was nothing short of rebellious behavior.

“Old Madam, please don’t be angry. Perhaps after a few days, when the Master’s anger subsides, the items will be sent over,” Zhang Mama said beside her, consoled. “I imagine it’s because of the recent matter with Fifth Miss that has displeased the Master, which is why he’s unwilling to send the items over.”

“How have we treated the fifth girl?” Old Madam Shen fumed. “All these years, I’ve provided her food and drink, raised her to this age, and the First Branch is still not satisfied? I think they simply don’t want to acknowledge me as their mother! Ungrateful wretches! And that Luo Xuayan, even the fifth girl, has become shrewd now. Who knows if someone is teaching her behind my back!”

Zhang Mama, seeing Old Madam Shen’s anger, paused before saying, “Fifth Miss has indeed grown up and become more thoughtful. But Fifth Miss was raised by your side from a young age, and she used to be extremely obedient to you, which shows she still respects you in her heart. Perhaps one day you could summon Fifth Miss and say some kind words to coax her. Young girls are easily persuaded. Fifth Miss is the apple of the Master and Mistress’s eye—if you can win over Fifth Miss, wouldn’t you be winning over the First Branch family?”

This Zhang Mama was quite calculating. In truth, Old Madam Shen had come from a background as a songstress, and while she had plenty of underhanded schemes, when it came to being the family matriarch, she was somewhat lacking. Over the years, if not for Zhang Mama’s guidance by her side, who knows how many embarrassing situations might have occurred.

Old Madam Shen let out a cold laugh. “I should coax her? Just looking at that girl reminds me of that cheap woman who occupied my husband’s heart even after being dead for so many years. He always favored the First Branch in everything, and now I have to please her? I feel sick just looking at her!”

Zhang Mama felt somewhat helpless and was about to persuade her further when she noticed the maid at the door announce, “Second Young Master, you’ve arrived.”

Shen Yuan strode in.

“Yuan’er.” Seeing Shen Yuan enter, Old Madam Shen’s attitude softened considerably. Shen Yuanbai, on the couch, also looked at his second brother with a smile.

Shen Yuan didn’t reach out to hold Shen Yuanbai but just smiled and said, “I’ve come to see Grandmother.”

“What’s there to see of me?” Old Madam Shen pretended to scold, but her face showed delight. Among all her grandsons, she loved Shen Yuan the most. Despite his young age, Shen Yuan was already talented and had entered an official position, earning everyone’s praise and bringing her a great face. Naturally, Old Madam Shen valued him the most.

“I was fortunate to obtain a jar of Jade Snow Cream and brought it especially for Grandmother. Grandmother, please don’t disappoint your grandson’s good intentions.”

Shen Yuan smiled as he handed the jar to Old Madam Shen.

Old Madam Shen was somewhat surprised, then feigned anger, “At my age, what use do I have for such things? Are you deliberately trying to anger me?” Despite her words, her expression revealed she was thrilled with the gift.

Old Madam Shen had been a songstress after all, and she never stopped using rouge and powder even in her old age. Shen Yuan knew how to please her, and his gift immediately lifted her gloomy mood.

“Grandmother is still young, and such good things should be used by you.” Shen Yuan flattered her with a straight face. The grandmother and grandson continued chatting, and since Shen Yuan was shrewd and Old Madam Shen already favored him, coupled with his deliberate choice of topics that pleased her, the atmosphere in Rongjing Hall became harmonious. Even Shen Yuanbai on the couch was neglected.

After talking for a while, Shen Yuan suddenly seemed to remember something and casually mentioned, “Speaking of which, Grandmother, I believe cousin-sister and cousin-brother will be arriving in a few days, right?”

Old Madam Shen was startled, then replied coldly, “What cousin-sister and cousin-brother? They’ll just stay for a few days and leave.” Before becoming a songstress, Old Madam Shen had a family, though perhaps it was her family who sold her to the brothel. Old Madam Shen’s ancestral home was in Suzhou, and after General Shen brought her to the capital to become his wife, she naturally cut off contact with her family. However, this year, her family somehow learned of her whereabouts and sent their grandchildren to the capital, claiming they wanted to visit Old Madam Shen. Everyone knew they were just looking for handouts.

For someone as selfish as Old Madam Shen, having not seen them for so many years, she naturally couldn’t have any familial affection for them. Now, hearing Shen Yuan mention this matter, she was unwilling to discuss it further.

Shen Yuan smiled and said, “I’ve never met this pair of cousins. I imagine they’re about the same age as Fifth Sister.” He sighed, “Speaking of which, Big Brother has returned to the capital, and I’ve heard that Uncle and Aunt are looking for suitable young ladies for him. It seems they’re concerned about his future.”

“Shen Qiu is looking for a wife?” Old Madam Shen immediately sat up straight. “How come I don’t know about this? Yuan’er, do you know which family’s daughter they’re considering?”

“I don’t know that,” Shen Yuan thought for a moment. “But given Uncle and Aunt’s status, they should naturally select a daughter from a high-ranking and powerful family to add glory. Big Brother already has such promising prospects, and with the support of his future wife’s family, he would be like a tiger growing wings, reaching even greater heights.”

The more Shen Yuan spoke this way, the more displeased Old Madam Shen’s expression became. After a while, she sourly remarked, “That depends on whether the young lady would accept him!”

Shen Yuan pretended not to notice and casually said, “But what’s most important is that Big Brother likes her. If Big Brother likes someone, it doesn’t matter if she doesn’t come from a prestigious family. In my opinion, our little cousin-sister might just catch Big Brother’s eye. That would truly be adding kinship upon kinship.”

“What nonsense are you talking?” Old Madam Shen frowned, instinctively refuting Shen Yuan’s words. “What kind of background does she have? How could the First Branch possibly consider her?”

“I was just speaking casually, Grandmother. Please don’t mind it.” Shen Yuan smiled again and changed the subject. After a few more words, he took his leave, but not before giving Zhang Mama a meaningful glance.

After Shen Yuan left, Old Madam Shen kept thinking about what he had said. On one hand, she knew Shen Yuan’s words were far-fetched. Even if Shen Xin and his wife were open-minded, they would never accept someone of such low status. Moreover, Shen Qiu was not a lustful man, making such a match nearly impossible. On the other hand, Old Madam Shen was tempted by Shen Yuan’s words. If Shen Qiu married a young lady from a prestigious family, wouldn’t his influence increase even more? Old Madam Shen couldn’t stand seeing Shen Qiu prosper, so how could she watch him gain even stronger backing? If he married her grandniece, not only would it not benefit him, but it might even drag down the First Branch of the Shen family and hinder Shen Qiu. That would be excellent.

Zhang Mama, while massaging Old Madam Shen’s shoulders, quietly said, “Old Madam, actually, this servant also thinks the Second Young Master’s words make sense.” After a pause, she continued, “Think about it. If the First Young Master and the cousin-sister become a couple, it would be adding kinship upon kinship. The cousin-sister is from your side, which would make things much easier for you.” She lowered her voice, “If the marriage happens, money matters would become simple in the future. Wouldn’t the cousin-sister’s money essentially be your money?”

Upon hearing these words, Old Madam Shen’s eyes brightened. Indeed, if Shen Qiu married her grandniece, the grandniece would naturally be on her side. Controlling Shen Qiu would mean controlling the First Branch.

Zhang Mama continued, “It would be even better if the cousin-brother and Fifth Miss became a couple. Then all the money and property of the First Branch would belong to you, Old Madam.”

Old Madam Shen’s heart stirred. Zhang Mama’s words hit all the right notes, making her bloom with delight. The thought of seizing the First Branch’s assets and causing internal chaos within the First Branch made Old Madam Shen ecstatic. But a moment later, she became worried and said, “It’s easy to say, but my grandnephew and grandniece come from humble backgrounds. The First Branch has seen the world. How could they possibly look upon them favorably?”

“My Old Madam,” Zhang Mama smiled, “You seem to have forgotten your old tricks. The affairs between men and women, how complicated could they be? With a little thought, nothing is impossible.”

Her words sparked some fantasies in Old Madam Shen’s mind. After a moment, Old Madam Shen also began to smile. Perhaps trying to appear alluring, but due to her aged appearance, it came across as somewhat eerie. That aged spring sentiment made her look particularly ugly. She said, “Indeed, affairs of love between men and women are simple matters.” After saying this, she exchanged a glance with Zhang Mama, both seeing the deep meaning in each other’s eyes. Old Madam Shen commanded, “Someone, go find the box in my room. My pair of grandnieces and grandnephews haven’t been seen for a long time, I should give them some welcoming gifts.”

Outside, looking at the soft laughter coming from Rongjing Hall, Shen Yuan’s eyes flashed with a cold smile as he slowly walked out of the courtyard.

…

In the West Courtyard, Shen Miao handed ten silver notes to Mo Qing.

“Go to Baoxiang Pavilion and find a girl named Liu Ying. I’ve already inquired—a hundred taels of silver can buy her for one night. Take the money, sit with her for one night, and do nothing. Go once every three days.”

Mo Qing’s face turned blue when he heard the words “Baoxiang Pavilion,” and then red when he heard Shen Miao wanted him to find someone named Liu Ying. He hesitated to take the silver note and looked at Shen Miao, asking, “Young Miss, are you joking with me?”

“When have you ever seen me joke with others?” Shen Miao’s face was serious and stern. Mo Qing thought about it and realized that since he had known Shen Miao, she had always been formal and indeed had never played pranks on others.

But… asking him to go to a brothel was too outrageous. Mo Qing shook his head, his face red as he stammered, “Miss, this… I… why must I go to Baoxiang Pavilion?”

Shen Miao looked at him. Come to think of it, in her previous life, he had followed her for so long, yet she had never seen Mo Qing involved with any woman. Having remained celibate for so many years, she had thought it was because of the strict palace rules, but judging from Mo Qing’s character now, stammering like this, he hardly seemed like a guard captain.

She said, “Just go when I tell you to go. If that Liu Ying asks why you’re behaving this way, say nothing. In short, you’ve heard clearly—just be a mute.”

Mo Qing: “…”

Seeing Mo Qing’s still unwilling expression, Shen Miao sternly said, “Are you not going to listen to me anymore?”

“I wouldn’t dare!” Mo Qing quickly replied. After speaking, he felt somewhat dejected. He, a man of eight feet tall, rarely met opponents under Shen Qiu’s command, yet he felt anxious at Shen Miao’s shout. Logically, although he was now protecting Shen Miao’s safety, he was still Shen Qiu’s subordinate. He wasn’t even this cautious with Shen Qiu. Had his servile nature become so strong from following Shen Miao?

Unable to comprehend this puzzle, he heard Shen Miao continue, “I’ve heard this Liu Ying is naturally seductive and extremely skilled. Countless men have fallen at her feet. Although she’s not the marquee of Baoxiang Pavilion, she’s still quite popular. I chose you because I know you’re an upright person with strong willpower. When I say sit for a night, I mean just sit—don’t take advantage of the opportunity to do anything inappropriate. If you mess up, you won’t need to stay in the Shen family army anymore.”

Mo Qing’s face alternated between blue and red, feeling more embarrassed than ever before. It was bad enough that Shen Miao spoke so bluntly, but she even scanned him from head to toe with scrutinizing eyes, pausing for half a moment at his waist. If Shen Miao weren’t his master, Mo Qing might have stormed off in anger by now. He wanted to cry but had no tears, wondering how Shen Miao had developed such a personality, looking at him so brazenly. Mo Qing felt like he was a piece of pork on a cutting board.

Seeing that Mo Qing’s face had turned purple, Shen Miao finally let him go, waving her hand and saying, “Go. Remember what I said.”

Mo Qing ran out in a flash. Jingzhe, who was just returning from outside, saw him and asked, “What’s wrong with Guard Mo? He looks like he’s in pain. Did something happen?” Mo Qing had always conducted himself calmly, and this was the first time he had appeared so flustered.

“Nothing, he’s just shy,” Shen Miao said. “How is the matter you were inquiring about?”

Jingzhe was curious about what Shen Miao meant by “shy,” but upon hearing her question, he replied, “I’ve found out clearly. Old Madam’s cousin-sister and cousin-brother will arrive in two days.”

“Is that so?” Shen Miao smiled faintly. “Is that cousin-sister’s name Jing Chuchu?”

“How did Young Miss know?” Jingzhe was surprised.

Shen Miao said nothing, lowering her head to conceal a hint of murderous intent in her eyes. Of course, she knew—in her previous life, this was her… sister-in-law.

…

Two days later, the sky cleared. Shen Miao woke up early and went out to watch Shen Qiu and Shen Xin duel with swords in the courtyard. In the cold weather, the two were drenched in sweat, with the surrounding guards secretly cheering. Just as excitement was high, they saw Xi’er, a maid serving Old Madam Shen, run over saying that Old Madam Shen wanted everyone to go to Rongjing Hall quickly as her cousin-sister and cousin-brother had arrived.

Shen Qiu scratched his head, puzzled: “Which cousin-sister and cousin-brother? I don’t know of any.”

Luo Xuayan quickly understood: “Must be relatives from Old Madam’s family, isn’t it? We hadn’t heard of them before, I wonder why they’ve suddenly come.”

Shen Xin did not react. Old Madam Shen was his stepmother, but her background meant she couldn’t be presented in public. For many years, there had been no news from her family side; they only knew they were from Suzhou. But having traveled thousands of miles to the capital, and being younger generations whom Old Madam Shen valued so much, they had no choice but to go and make an appearance.

Shen Qiu put down his sword and went with Shen Xin to change clothes. Looking back, he saw Shen Miao standing at the door with a cold, hard expression. He walked over and asked, “Sister, why are you suddenly unhappy? Weren’t you fine just now?”

Shen Miao came back to her senses, looked at Shen Qiu, and smiled, “It’s nothing.”

When they arrived at Rongjing Hall, they could hear Old Madam Shen’s laughter from afar. Since Shen Qing’s incident, Old Madam Shen had worn a gloomy face every day. When had she ever been so joyful? Shen Xin and Luo Xuayan were both surprised. As they entered Rongjing Hall, they saw that Chen Ruoqiu’s family and Shen Gui’s family were already there. In front of Old Madam Shen stood a young man and woman. Seeing Shen Xin and his family arrive, Old Madam Shen said to the two people before her, “This is your First Uncle’s family.” Then she said to Shen Xin, “These are my brother’s grandson and granddaughter, Guansheng and Chuchu.”

Jing Guansheng, Jing Chuchu.

Upon hearing this, the two quickly turned and bowed to Shen Xin’s family one by one.

Shen Miao stood motionless, her gaze calmly appraising the two people before her.

Jing Guansheng was eighteen this year, and Jing Chuchu was sixteen—both in the prime of youth. Jing Guansheng looked ordinary, slightly pudgy, but with fair skin and a scholarly air. He wore a brown robe of good material and dignified cut, but his eyes revealed hints of shrewdness that completely undermined his scholarly appearance.

As for Jing Chuchu, she was quite beautiful. Perhaps people from Old Madam Shen’s family were naturally good-looking. Jing Chuchu’s features somewhat resembled Old Madam Shen’s, with a delicate, girlish appearance. However, compared to the sharpness of a young Old Madam Shen, she was much more subdued. Dressed in a primrose silk pomegranate skirt and an autumn-colored double lotus robe, she was exquisite and refined. With a flower-like face and moon-like countenance, she appeared timid, speaking and bowing timidly, her eyes fixed on the ground, not daring to look up at people.

When greeting Shen Miao, Shen Miao smiled and said, “Why is cousin-sister only looking at the ground? My reflection isn’t on the ground.”

Jing Chuchu was startled and raised her head, looking somewhat at a loss as she looked at Shen Miao, then at Old Madam Shen. Old Madam Shen immediately frowned and said, “Chuchu has just arrived and is a bit shy. Fifth girl, be polite.”

Old Madam Shen’s unrestrained favoritism immediately caused Shen Xin and his family’s expressions to change. They would not let Shen Miao be wronged for the sake of a relative with no blood ties whom they barely knew, and their attitude toward Jing Chuchu immediately cooled.

Old Madam Shen remained oblivious, but Shen Yuan frowned, discreetly glancing at Shen Miao.

Shen Miao smiled sweetly, “Shy? Don’t worry, after staying for a few days, you won’t be shy anymore. Here, you’ll eventually become familiar.”

Her words were friendly and seemed unusually warm, but to those who were perceptive, it didn’t seem quite right. Jing Chuchu gave Shen Miao a timid smile, then lowered her head again, twisting the handkerchief in her hands. She seemed as if she would blush if she looked at anyone for too long. In contrast, Jing Guansheng smiled at Shen Miao with refined elegance.

Shen Miao’s gaze never landed on Jing Guansheng. She stared at Jing Chuchu, yet could hear herself grinding her teeth.

Jing Chuchu was always like this—shy, seemingly without guile, always looking down nervously as if anyone could bully her. So when it happened, seeing her and Shen Qiu lying on the same bed after drinking, people cursed Shen Qiu for being inhumane. But who could have imagined that this girl, pure as white paper, would eventually cuckold Shen Qiu and, due to accidentally killing her lover, send Shen Qiu to prison? Those military affairs that frequently went wrong after she married into the family, Shen Qiu’s broken leg from falling off his horse—all of this probably had something to do with Jing Chuchu. And at the very end, Shen Qiu’s body was found in a pond, while Jing Chuchu had run away with the First Branch’s money.

Women’s hearts are the most venomous, but Shen Miao felt that the rabbit-like, docile face before her was more poisonous than a snake. After all, although Shen Qiu didn’t like Jing Chuchu, he still treated her sincerely after marrying her. With Shen Qiu’s honest nature, he would never let Jing Chuchu suffer.

But Jing Chuchu was an ungrateful white-eyed wolf.

Shen Miao kept staring at Jing Chuchu, to the point where even Shen Qiu, who was usually oblivious, noticed something wasn’t right and asked puzzledly, “Sister?”

Jing Guansheng also said, “Why does Fifth Sister keep staring at Chuchu?”

Jing Chuchu took a step back, nervously turning her body to let Jing Guansheng block Shen Miao’s gaze, as if she were very afraid. Shen Miao smiled slightly, “Cousin-sister is just too beautiful, I couldn’t help but stare too long.”

Shen Yue bit her lip. Now that Shen Miao’s beauty was growing, she had already stolen much of her spotlight. Now with Jing Chuchu as well, she felt miserable.

Jing Chuchu’s face reddened, and she said softly to Shen Miao, “It’s little sister who is beautiful.”

Shen Miao smiled, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Old Madam Shen cleared her throat and said, “Now that Chuchu and Guansheng have arrived, they are guests of our mansion. We’re all one family. Fifth girl, Big Brother, you should take them around more often.”

There were also Shen Yuan and Shen Yue, and even Shen Dongling, yet among all the grandchildren in the Shen mansion, she specifically instructed these two. The corner of Shen Miao’s lips curled slightly as she looked at the lowered head of Jing Chuchu, smiling with complete warmth, “I will certainly take good care of sister.”

Though she usually had a clear and beautiful appearance, in this room full of women, she had a particularly composed and unruffled air. The slow, deliberate smile she just displayed had an indescribable charm. Jing Chuchu was fine, but Jing Guansheng seemed somewhat entranced.

Seeing Shen Miao like this, Old Madam Shen was also very satisfied. She smiled and said, “In that case, you may all leave. I still have some things I want to discuss in detail with Chuchu. It’s been so many years since we’ve met, and I don’t know how things are at home.” Old Madam Shen presented a loving appearance, which caught Chen Ruoqiu’s attention and made her somewhat moved. However, she merely respectfully complied and left Rongjing Hall with everyone else.

Outside Rongjing Hall, Jing Guansheng said to Shen Miao, “What does Fifth Sister like to do at home?”

Shen Xin and Luo Xuayan were walking at the front and hadn’t heard this question, but Shen Qiu did. Upon hearing it, he vigilantly walked to Shen Miao’s side and looked at Jing Guansheng without saying a word.

Shen Miao smiled slightly, “Nothing much, just reading books.”

“What a coincidence, I also like to read books at home,” Jing Guansheng smiled. “Perhaps I could learn from cousin-sister.”

Shen Miao glanced at him, and the contempt in her gaze was so obvious that even Shen Qiu noticed it. He was surprised at why Shen Miao would be so unfriendly to someone she had just met. Then he heard Shen Miao say, “Forget it. I imagine cousin-brother doesn’t have many books at home. Learning from me… I’ll just have someone send a few books to cousin-brother later. They’re all rare copies, you know.”

She was openly disdaining his humble background, and Jing Guansheng’s face immediately stiffened.

Inside Rongjing Hall, Old Madam Shen was holding Jing Chuchu’s hand kindly, saying, “At such a young age, you’ve grown into such a pretty girl. I wonder if there’s been talk of marriage yet?”

Jing Chuchu said softly, “Not yet, Old Madam.”

“Not yet?” Old Madam Shen’s smile deepened. “With your appearance and disposition, how wonderful it would be if you could become a daughter-in-law of my Shen family.”

Jing Chuchu lowered her head, her face reddening further, but her hands gradually tightened. The Jing family was merely an ordinary merchant. Having heard that their grandfather had a sister who had become successful in the capital, they sent their two grandchildren to seek her out, hoping she might offer some support. By the time they arrived at the Shen mansion, Jing Chuchu had already been dazzled by its wealth. If she could marry into the General’s Mansion, she would never have to worry about food or clothing again, and would become a lady of a great household. How could Jing Chuchu not be excited? But she couldn’t show it on her face.

Old Madam Shen patted her hand and smiled, “At your age, you would be a perfect match for the First Branch’s Qiu’er. Our Qiu’er is now a Deputy General, and better yet, he’s still unmarried.”