Jing Chuchu and Shen Miao went out together, but only one person returned—a fact that seemingly didn’t attract much attention in the Shen Manor. However, that night, Shen Miao made an unprecedented visit to the Old Madam’s side courtyard to speak with Jing Chuchu personally.

It happened that Jing Chuchu was arranging jewelry on her table. Among the pieces, a jade bracelet stood out brilliantly—its color so translucent it was nearly transparent, and the quality of the jade was exceptional. This jade bracelet would cost at least a hundred taels of silver, something Jing Chuchu herself certainly couldn’t afford. Yet yesterday, when Shen Miao was at the Treasure Pavilion, she bought Jing Chuchu several pieces of jewelry, but this bracelet wasn’t among them.

As soon as Shen Miao entered the room, her gaze fixed on the jade bracelet. Startled, Jing Chuchu hastily and clumsily put it away in a small box. Shen Miao smiled and said, “Cousin, that jade bracelet doesn’t look like an ordinary piece.”

Jing Chuchu asked in a low voice, “Does Fifth Sister know about this bracelet?”

“I once saw a similar imported piece, though its quality wasn’t as good as yours. Even so, it was priced at five hundred taels of silver. I imagine your bracelet would cost at least a thousand taels of white silver.” Shen Miao casually fabricated this. Though the jade bracelet was indeed precious, it wasn’t worth a thousand taels—with that amount, one could buy many finer pieces of jewelry. But given Jing Chuchu’s limited knowledge, she would believe whatever exaggeration Shen Miao told her.

“But, Cousin, such a precious jade bracelet—where did it come from?” Shen Miao asked. “I haven’t seen you wear it before.”

“It was… it was a gift from a friend,” Jing Chuchu replied softly.

A flash of understanding crossed Shen Miao’s eyes. Sun Cainan’s method of pleasing women wasn’t limited to his handsome appearance and sweet talk; he was also generous with his money. Otherwise, Jing Chuchu, who had been the wife of a deputy general in her previous life, wouldn’t have been unfaithful. Indeed, such an expensive gift at their first meeting would be hard for the inexperienced Jing Chuchu to resist.

“It seems this friend treats Cousin very well,” Shen Miao remarked.

Jing Chuchu blushed and looked at Shen Miao. “Why has Fifth Sister come here?”

Shen Miao carefully adjusted her clothes before replying, “I heard Cousin was escorted home today?”

“I… I met a kind gentleman,” Jing Chuchu said nervously. “He was well-intentioned, and I couldn’t refuse, but we maintained proper etiquette the entire time.”

“Cousin, there’s no need to be nervous,” Shen Miao smiled slightly. “Do you know who that person was?”

Jing Chuchu was stunned. “Who was it?”

“He is Sun Cainan, the only legitimate son of Personnel Minister Sun Tianzheng,” said Shen Miao.

Jing Chuchu looked at Shen Miao, her eyes full of surprise.

Shen Miao laughed coldly to herself. Sun Tianzheng kept his son Sun Cainan under strict supervision. Sun Cainan pursued many women but rarely revealed his identity, unless he intended to bring a girl into his household as a concubine. Jing Chuchu probably hadn’t disclosed his true identity. Jing Chuchu likely thought Sun Cainan was just a son from a wealthy family. Now that she knew Sun Cainan’s real identity, how could Jing Chuchu—always eager to climb the social ladder—possibly let this opportunity slip?

“Cousin also knows that the Personnel Minister holds a very high position,” Shen Miao smiled slightly. “His household is no less distinguished than ours. Most importantly, Minister Sun has only one legitimate son. For someone of his status to escort Cousin home, could it be that…” Shen Miao said casually, “he has taken a liking to Cousin?”

“Fifth Sister, don’t say such things,” Jing Chuchu quickly objected, but her cheeks flushed crimson, and her gaze became somewhat evasive. Shen Miao’s words had stirred something within her. She said softly, “My relationship with Young Master Sun is proper.”

“I didn’t suggest otherwise,” Shen Miao laughed. “It’s natural for a gentleman to admire a beautiful lady. Cousin is beautiful, so it’s only natural that a noble young man would be attracted to her. Young Master Sun is indeed a fine person—handsome and from a wealthy family. Whoever becomes his wife would become the mistress of the entire Minister’s household, since Minister Sun has only this one legitimate son.”

Jing Chuchu pursed her lips without responding. Shen Miao stood up and smiled, “I just came to mention this casually. Don’t take it to heart, Cousin. Most things in this world depend on fate. If it’s truly meant to be, who knows what might happen in the future? At that time, Cousin would certainly be able to stay in the capital city for the rest of her life.” After saying this, Shen Miao turned and walked out.

Alone in the room, Jing Chuchu unconsciously took out the smooth jade bracelet from the box again, running her fingers over its patterns. She hadn’t expected Sun Cainan to be the son of the Personnel Minister. As for why he hadn’t revealed his identity, perhaps it was as in the stories—he didn’t want her to be attracted to him because of his family background, which would suggest his feelings for her were genuine. Otherwise, why would he give her a bracelet worth a thousand taels at their first meeting?

To be fair, Jing Chuchu came from a humble background. Though many young gentlemen pursued her in Suzhou, their gestures seemed trivial compared to Sun Cainan’s generosity. Having seen the splendor of the capital, she was even more reluctant to return to Suzhou. Shen Miao’s final words had touched her heart—if she married Sun Cainan, she could stay in the capital forever.

But what about Old Madam Shen?

Outside, Shen Miao had just stepped out of the courtyard when she encountered Jing Guansheng. Seeing her, his eyes brightened, and he smiled, “Cousin, did you come to see Chuchu?”

Shen Miao nodded.

“Cousin has become increasingly close to Chuchu lately.” Jing Guansheng wanted to approach, but Jingzhe and Guyu guarded Shen Miao like sentinels against a lecher. Jing Guansheng, considering himself a refined man, couldn’t bring himself to approach with a lecherous face.

“It’s fine, we’re all family,” Shen Miao smiled, then, without sparing another glance at Jing Guansheng, she continued walking out of the courtyard.

Guyu quietly asked, “Miss, do you wish to matchmake between Miss Jing and Young Master Sun?” Shen Miao had been extolling Sun Cainan’s virtues, which sounded strange to the two maids, very much like a matchmaker.

“When have you seen me be so kind-hearted?” Shen Miao said expressionlessly.

“Then why…” Guyu was even more confused.

“To make Cousin’s heart waver,” Shen Miao smiled faintly. “Before, Old Madam and Cousin shared the same goal, so they were naturally close. But what if what they desire isn’t the same thing? What do you think will happen?”

Jingzhe had a sudden realization: “Dogs biting dogs!” Then immediately regretted her words, panicking, “This servant doesn’t mean they are dogs, this servant is illiterate…”

“What you said isn’t far off,” Shen Miao replied. “‘Dogs biting dogs’ is quite apt. Also, in these few days, go and establish a good relationship with Fuer from Rongjing Hall.”

“Fuer?” Shen Miao was puzzled.

“Old Madam wants to marry her to the son of a steward who is blind in one eye,” Shen Miao said. “Fuer is very unwilling.”

“Heavens!” Jingzhe was shocked. “Fuer has been by Old Madam’s side since she was little, how could…” Even cats and dogs raised together develop some affection, how could she marry a young girl in the prime of her life to a one-eyed man? Fuer was efficient in her work, and though she had a sharp tongue, she was utterly loyal to Old Madam Shen.

“Old Madam received yearly profits from the steward’s fields, so naturally she had to show some gratitude. Unwilling to spend silver, she had to offer people instead. It’s just unfortunate that Fuer was born pretty despite her poor fate.”

“Is Miss planning to help Fuer?” Guyu asked cautiously, though feeling a strange sensation. Shen Miao had never shown much concern for people in Rongjing Hall, and she wasn’t the compassionate type now. Helping Fuer seemed unlikely.

“Of course I’ll help,” Shen Miao said calmly. “Every mistake Old Madam makes is an opportunity for us.”

“Miss wants to win over Fuer?” Jingzhe asked. “But can Fuer be won over? She used to be the most loyal to Old Madam.”

“Loyalty without reward leads to greater betrayal. A dog raised at one’s side will bite its master most painfully when it goes mad,” Shen Miao said indifferently.

…

For several consecutive days, the Shen Manor remained peaceful. Jing Chuchu no longer lingered around the West Courtyard but often went out with a few Shen Manor guards to explore the capital city, saying she wanted to see its liveliness. No one stopped her, of course. For the people in the West Courtyard, they would prefer Jing Chuchu to go out every day, so the guards at the West Courtyard entrance could relax a bit.

However, Jing Chuchu’s attire and accessories became increasingly luxurious day by day. Though Old Madam Shen gave the Jing siblings money, her inherent stinginess meant she wouldn’t give too much. Jing Chuchu’s lavish appearance surprised even Shen Yue, but when asked, Jing Chuchu said it was money she had brought from home. Even Jing Guansheng had more spending money, and the tips he gave to the Shen Manor servants increased.

Everyone said it was because the Jing siblings had come to the capital city, broadening their horizons and shedding their small-town habits, becoming more like capital city residents.

While the Jing siblings were living comfortably, someone in the manor was not so comfortable. In Rongjing Hall, Old Madam Shen looked at Jing Chuchu before her, a gleam of harshness in her eyes. “Chuchu, how have you been lately? Is there anything you’re not used to in the capital?”

“Thanks to Old Madam’s care, Chuchu has been well,” Jing Chuchu replied.

“Since you’re doing well, why haven’t you used the medicine packet I gave you?” Old Madam Shen’s triangular eyes fixed intensely on Jing Chuchu, her tone heavy. Someone with less courage might have been frightened to tears by her fierce appearance.

Jing Chuchu kept her head lowered, her voice unchanged as she said, “Old Madam, Chuchu can’t even get close to Cousin now, so there’s truly no opportunity.”

Old Madam Shen had given the medicine packet to Jing Chuchu early on, instructing her to drug Shen Qiu at the first opportunity. But many days had passed, and the Shen Manor remained peaceful—Jing Chuchu hadn’t made a move at all.

“You wander outside all day, returning late to the manor. It would be strange if you found an opportunity,” Old Madam Shen couldn’t help but scoff. “Chuchu, are you unwilling? If you’re unwilling, we can forget about this matter.”

“Chuchu is not unwilling,” Jing Chuchu quickly said. These days, she met privately with Sun Cainan every day. She pretended not to know Sun Cainan’s identity, and he treated her tenderly, gifting her clothes and jewelry. It was precisely because of these gifts that Jing Chuchu began to hesitate. Compared to Shen Qiu, who would have to go to the cold northwestern frontier for a year without seeing anyone, marrying Sun Cainan was much more comfortable. But whether Sun Cainan was willing to marry her was another question. Jing Chuchu had strictly preserved her chastity, knowing men’s weakness: letting them see but not touch, touch but not taste, taste but not satisfy—this way, she could firmly hold a man’s heart. She had indeed bewitched Sun Cainan, but he was the legitimate son of the Minister’s household, while she came from a humble background. Even if Sun Cainan liked her, Sun Tianzheng wouldn’t approve. She wasn’t willing to be Sun Cainan’s concubine.

So Jing Chuchu hesitated. With Shen Qiu, Old Madam Shen guaranteed she could become his legitimate wife, but Sun Cainan treated her tenderly and generously. Human hearts are greedy; wanting more after getting something, eyeing what’s in the pot while eating from the bowl. Jing Chuchu couldn’t make up her mind, so she hadn’t drugged Shen Qiu.

Her delay in acting made Old Madam Shen anxious, which was why she had come to confront her.

“Since you’re willing, why do you hesitate?” Old Madam Shen asked.

“Chuchu… Chuchu wants to ensure success before acting. The West Courtyard guards are vigilant, making it difficult for Chuchu to find an opportunity. If I alert them, it will be even harder to act later.”

“Chuchu, I favor you,” Old Madam Shen said slowly. “But if you continue like this, I will be disappointed. If you’re unwilling to sacrifice the lamb to catch the wolf, your timidity will make it difficult to succeed in the future.”

Jing Chuchu lowered her head in acknowledgment.

Old Madam Shen looked at her with some disgust and said, “You may leave.”

After Jing Chuchu left, Old Madam Shen smashed the cup before her with a “Bang!” and shouted angrily, “Useless thing!”

While Madam Zhang instructed a servant to pick up the broken pieces, she softly consoled, “Old Madam, there’s no need to rush. Miss Jing is probably just a bit timid. Young ladies doing such things naturally have some reservations.”

“How can I not be anxious?” Old Madam Shen said in exasperation. “Yuan’er came yesterday to say that the eldest son’s family has been looking for potential matches for Shen Qiu recently. If they settle on someone, it will be even more impossible to act in the future. I originally thought Jing Chuchu was ambitious, so I helped her, but who knew she’d be like mud that can’t be shaped into a wall!”

Madam Zhang patted Old Madam Shen’s chest to help her calm down. “Miss Jing is still young. Besides, what she said makes some sense. The Eldest Master’s family is on high alert now. If we alert them, and both reputation and face are torn apart, it would be disastrous.”

“Then what do you suggest?” Old Madam Shen said impatiently. “Time is of the essence, and that girl refuses to act. We can’t just watch as Shen Qiu marries a young lady from a noble family, can we?”

“Old Madam,” Madam Zhang pondered for a moment. “Miss Jing is young, and having her do this is somewhat risky. Why not have our people do it?”

“Our people?” Old Madam Shen looked at her.

“Yes,” Madam Zhang said. “Our people would naturally be more thorough than Miss Jing. If any problems arise, we can keep Miss Jing out of it, leaving an escape route. But I don’t anticipate any issues. We servants have done this sort of thing efficiently in earlier years; it should be as easy as turning over one’s palm.”

Old Madam Shen’s gaze flickered, and after a moment of silence, she suddenly said, “What you say makes sense. Since that girl doesn’t dare to act, let’s help her. Call Fuer and Xier in.”

…

These changes in Rongjing Hall were, of course, unknown to most, though whether those who knew would speak out was another matter entirely. On the surface, everything was developing in an orderly fashion.

One day, as Shen Miao was returning to the West Courtyard from outside, she happened to meet Shen Yuan.

Since the Jing siblings arrived at the Shen Manor, Shen Yuan had been busy with unknown matters and was rarely seen. Returning to the capital city only to leave early and return late, Shen Gui was naturally displeased, thinking Shen Yuan was deliberately avoiding him because of the Ren Wanyun affair. He had quarreled with Shen Yuan several times, all ending unpleasantly. But these quarrels hadn’t affected Shen Yuan, who continued to be absent from the manor.

And yet, here they met.

Seeing Shen Miao, Shen Yuan slowed his pace and said, “Fifth Sister.”

“Second Brother.”

“I hear Fifth Sister has been quite close with Cousin Brother and Cousin Sister lately,” Shen Yuan smiled. “Are you just returning from Cousin Brother’s place?” He specifically mentioned only Jing Guansheng, as if hinting at something between Shen Miao and him. Bailu and Shuangjiang both frowned; Shen Yuan’s words didn’t sound pleasant.

Shen Miao glanced at Shen Yuan without answering his question, saying instead, “It seems Second Brother is returning from Second Sister-in-law’s place. I hear Second Sister-in-law’s episodes have decreased lately. Is she getting better?” Ren Wanyun hadn’t appeared for a long time. All matters, big and small, in the second branch of the family had been handed over to Concubine Wan. Even Old Madam Shen, who had always looked down on Concubine Wan, said nothing. Everyone in the Shen Manor knew that Ren Wanyun would never be as glorious in the latter half of her life as she had been in the first half. And Ren Wanyun’s family, though wealthy merchants, had money but no power and couldn’t offer much help.

Shen Yuan’s expression faltered momentarily. He examined her and smiled, “Fifth Sister looks quite well lately. Is there some happy event approaching?”

Because of the return of Shen Xin and his wife, Shen Qiu had been finding new ways to show affection to Shen Miao every day. The current Shen Miao was no longer the dull, bland little girl of before. Once her temperament improved and her complexion became well-nourished, she would certainly not be overlooked wherever she went.

“What happy event could I have? Rather, Second Brother seems very busy these days. Perhaps there’s a happy event approaching for you,” Shen Miao replied.

Hearing this, Shen Yuan’s face displayed what could be described as a joyful expression. He said, “Oh? You noticed? There have been some troubles and inauspicious matters recently, but Second Brother is finding ways to dispel them. Seeing things going smoothly, I suppose I am somewhat happy.” He then gave Shen Miao a meaningful look, “But Fifth Sister shouldn’t belittle herself. I can see that Fifth Sister’s happy event is also approaching.”

Shen Miao remained silent. Shen Yuan cupped his hands and said, “I have some matters to attend to, so I won’t chat with Fifth Sister any further. Farewell.” With that, he strode away.

Bailu angrily said, “This Second Young Master is impolite.” Shen Yuan’s hostility toward Shen Miao and his sarcastic remarks were evident to all.

Shen Miao frowned deeply, watching Shen Yuan’s retreating figure without speaking.

“Miss?” Shuangjiang asked worriedly.

Shen Miao said, “He’s acting strangely.” Shen Miao knew Shen Yuan very well. Don’t underestimate him—though he appeared uninvolved in family matters, he was the most ruthless one. Now Shen Miao could be certain that in her previous life, Shen Qiu’s fate must have been connected to Shen Yuan.

Although Shen Yuan didn’t know that certain events had been altered under Shen Miao’s arrangements, his words just now seemed to reveal some information—Shen Yuan still had a backup plan.

“Should we have Guard Mo follow the Second Young Master?” Shuangjiang suggested.

“No need. Mo Qing doesn’t have that ability yet,” Shen Miao shook her head. Fu Xiuyi wasn’t to be feared, but the people behind him required caution. She said, “Let’s wait and see.”

Upon returning to the West Courtyard, just as she stepped through the door, she saw Guyu and Jingzhe anxiously waiting inside. Seeing Shen Miao return, Guyu quickly closed the door and pulled Shen Miao to sit on the couch in the inner room. Then Jingzhe whispered, “Miss, Fuer from Rongjing Hall has sent a message.”

“What is it?” Shen Miao asked.

“Old Madam plans to act personally, scheduled for two days from now,” Jingzhe said angrily. “Old Madam is truly wicked. The Master and Mistress treat her so well, yet she schemes against the Eldest Young Master. And that Miss Jing—I knew she wasn’t a good person from the start. How shameless!”

“Enough,” Guyu interrupted her. “Miss, what should we do now?”

“Why two days from now?” Shen Miao asked.

“There will be a family banquet in two days. Coincidentally, Second Madam’s close friend from her maiden days is coming to visit her…” Jingzhe didn’t finish, but her meaning was unmistakable. Old Madam Shen wanted to use the occasion with many people present to solidify the scandal of Shen Qiu defiling Jing Chuchu’s chastity. In front of everyone, she would demand that Shen Qiu take responsibility for the young lady. How could Shen Qiu refuse?

The same tactics as in her previous life. In this reincarnation, Old Madam Shen’s methods still weren’t particularly clever.

“Do this—tell Fuer one thing,” Shen Miao beckoned, having Jingzhe lean in close as she whispered a few words in her ear.

“But we still need someone to keep watch,” Shen Miao said. “This matter cannot go wrong.”

“This servant understands,” Jingzhe’s eyes flashed with eagerness. “This servant will handle this matter well.”

Shen Miao smiled slightly, “This is a good deed. Don’t mess it up for others. Ruining someone’s marriage prospects brings bad karma.” She tapped the teacup before her with both hands, her composed demeanor resembling that of someone in a position of authority.

…

At night, in a manor several hundred miles away from the capital city, a person sat in the main hall.

The people standing in the hall were all dressed in black robes and boots, presenting an impressive, uniform appearance. The leader bowed and said, “This subordinate has failed in his duty. The news was sent back. Please punish me, Master.”

“Enough,” the young man sitting in the seat of honor lazily waved his hand. He wore purple robes with delicate dragon patterns embroidered in gold thread at the hem. In the flickering lamplight, the golden dragon seemed ready to soar from the flowing purple clouds. He played with a woman’s hairpin in his hand. His handsome, captivating face bore a smile tinged with wickedness, like a dissolute young noble from a great clan. Yet upon closer inspection, his intoxicatingly beautiful peach blossom eyes, though filled with fine wine, were as cold as ice, without a trace of emotion.

“You couldn’t have kept it hidden,” Xie Jingxing said. “I never intended to conceal it anyway. It was just a matter of buying time. Since the news has gone back, time is now even more pressing.”

“Master,” the black-robed leader frowned and said, “The matters in the capital city haven’t been fully handled yet. Time is tight. What does the Master plan do?”

“To avoid leaving troubles behind, first,” he tilted his head in thought, then casually said, “find an opportunity to deal with the Xie Changwu brothers.” Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao shared half his blood, but from Xie Jingxing’s mouth, there wasn’t a hint of hesitation, as if he were dealing with strangers, or even cats and dogs.

“Master?” The black-robed man was stunned and hesitantly asked, “After all these years… why, Master?”

“I was too lazy to bother before. Now they’re both becoming restless,” Xie Jingxing said. “If I don’t eliminate them, I won’t be at ease when I leave.”

“But Marquis Xie has already brought them into official positions,” the black-robed man said. “These days, the two brothers are inseparable from Marquis Xie. I hear Marquis Xie has introduced them to his colleagues in the officialdom, asking them to look after the brothers. It wouldn’t be difficult to act, but it would inevitably alert others.”

“Xie Ding, that fool!” Xie Jingxing’s face darkened, his tone slightly angry. “Incompetent and ruinous!”

He referred to the Marquis of Lin’an by his given name, but none below showed any surprise, as if this were the most natural thing.

The black-robed man cleared his throat and said, “Because Master has delayed entering officialdom, Marquis Xie fears having no successor, so he let the two brothers take the position first.”

Xie Jingxing’s wayward nature wasn’t a recent development. It seemed that Xie Ding was truly at a loss with Xie Jingxing; otherwise, with the Marquis of Lin’an’s biased heart, how could he abandon Xie Jingxing and let the Xie Changwu brothers inherit his legacy?

“Forget it,” Xie Jingxing frowned. “Put the Marquis of Lin’an’s affairs aside for now. As for the Princess’s residence, from today onwards, assign people to secretly protect Princess Rongxin.”

“Master,” the black-robed man hesitated, as if finally gathering his courage to say, “Since it will be like this in the future, why not sever ties with Princess Rongxin now…”

“When did it become your place to tell me what to do?” Xie Jingxing gave him a light glance, and the man immediately fell silent, feeling a chill down his spine. The next moment, the voice from above came, “Whether I do it or not is my business, whether she appreciates it or not is hers. I have already done all I could.”

His words contained a faint indifference and ruthlessness, which, paired with his incomparably handsome face, created a terrifying effect.

He stood up, his robe hem swirling slightly on the seat, a flowing patch of golden light. He said, “Proceed according to the plan.”

“The capital city is buying time. I hear Shen Yuan has collected most of the evidence,” the black-robed man said. “I fear that after the New Year, when Shen Yuan has gathered all the evidence, the Shen family will be the first to be targeted.”

“That’s good,” Xie Jingxing shrugged. “If Shen Yuan encounters any difficulties, help him secretly.”

“But Shen Yuan is Prince Ding’s man,” the black-robed man reminded.

“Of course, I know he is Prince Ding’s man,” Xie Jingxing waved his hand. “I’m just letting the Shen family shield us for a while.”