The Shen family banquet was scheduled for two days later.

The family banquet was proposed by Old Madam Shen herself. While Ren Wanyun had previously organized these annual family banquets, this year’s event had to be handed over to Chen Ruoqiu. Now that the household management was in Chen Ruoqiu’s hands, Old Madam Shen believed she was giving Chen Ruoqiu tremendous face, unaware that this seemingly prestigious responsibility was quite burdensome behind the scenes.

In Qiushui Garden, Chen Ruoqiu sat at her table, holding an account book in one hand and clumsily operating an abacus with the other. The two maids standing behind her said, “Madam, you’ve been calculating all morning. Why not take a rest?”

“The money doesn’t add up,” Chen Ruoqiu shook her head in distress. “Tomorrow’s expenses will have to come from my pocket.” As she spoke, a trace of anger appeared on her face.

Chen Ruoqiu prided herself on being a noble lady from a scholarly family—proud and aloof, disdaining anything with the stench of money. When Old Madam Shen had initially handed household management over to Ren Wanyun, she had felt jealous but was too proud to fight for it, leaving a knot in her heart. After enduring for so many years, she could finally become the household mistress of the Shen family, only to discover that household management wasn’t as easy as it seemed.

Ren Wanyun, born into a merchant family, could always compensate from her dowry when Old Madam Shen demanded additional expenditures, as Ren Wanyun didn’t lack money. But the Chen family was merely civil officials—”pure as wind” at best, or “poor scholars” at worst—and couldn’t provide extra funds. Chen Ruoqiu had thought that managing the household would allow her to set aside some money for personal use. Now she realized that Ren Wanyun had taken quite a bit over the years, and many accounting entries didn’t match up. With the family banquet approaching, there simply wasn’t enough money.

Previously, it hadn’t been so bad. Shen Xin received generous rewards from the palace each year, which supplemented the household coffers considerably. But now, with relations between Shen Xin and the family strained, he had no intention of contributing to the common fund. Chen Ruoqiu felt a headache coming on.

“Knowing there’s not enough money in the common funds, yet Old Madam still wants to hold a family banquet at this time—isn’t she just bullying Madam?” Chen Ruoqiu’s maid Shiqing indignantly complained on her behalf.

“The Eldest Master also intends to stand by and watch. Madam, if you don’t have enough money, why not ask the Master for some?” Huayi suggested.

“What nonsense,” Chen Ruoqiu said. “Master’s salary is barely enough for his connections in officialdom, how could I ask him for more money?” She continued, “I’ll think of something else.” Shen Wan was focused on climbing the official ladder, unlike Shen Gui. Shen Gui had lofty ambitions but no real abilities, only knowing how to curry favor with influential people. Shen Wan, however, climbed step by step on his own. Though his pace was slower, it was more reliable than Shen Gui’s approach.

Chen Ruoqiu had always known that without a son, her only support in the second branch of the family was Shen Wan’s affection for her. To maintain control over Shen Wan, she acted gently and considerately. If she couldn’t even handle the household finances properly, wouldn’t that annoy Shen Wan? With Shen Wan’s status, there were countless women eager to enter the second branch’s doors. She couldn’t allow herself to be at a disadvantage.

“Besides, this money isn’t spent for nothing,” Chen Ruoqiu’s eyes flickered. “If there’s a return on this investment, it will be worth it.”

“Madam means…”

Chen Ruoqiu smiled, “Old Madam could have held the family banquet any time, but choosing this particular moment is rather strange. Also, I’ve heard that recently, that Miss Jing from Suzhou likes to frequent the West Courtyard…” As Chen Ruoqiu spoke, her gaze revealed some disgust. “Old Madam’s move is truly inferior, but… as it happens, I also dislike Shen Qiu.”

Chen Ruoqiu disliked Shen Yuan and equally disliked Shen Qiu. While she feared Shen Yuan to some extent, she genuinely looked down on Shen Qiu. Unable to bear a son herself, she couldn’t stand seeing other families’ outstanding sons. As for Shen Qiu, Chen Ruoqiu felt he was just a brute who knew only how to wield weapons—why should he receive so much praise? People tend to want to destroy what they cannot possess. She didn’t dare move against the deeply scheming Shen Yuan, but Shen Qiu, being straightforward and honest without experience in the inner courtyard struggles, was much easier to deal with. Most importantly, she didn’t need to act herself; this time Old Madam Shen would make the move, and she could simply sit back and watch.

“I’ll write a few more invitation cards,” Chen Ruoqiu said. “Have someone deliver them to the various ladies’ residences.” After all, the more people watching the spectacle, the better.

…

Two days later, the Shen family banquet.

Since Ren Wanyun had gone mad, the noble ladies had severed all contact with her. After all, having an unmarried daughter who became pregnant before marriage wasn’t something to boast about. Though no one knew what had happened to Ren Wanyun afterward, when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter—no one asked about Ren Wanyun.

Those ladies who had previously been close to Ren Wanyun gradually became closer to Chen Ruoqiu. Although they couldn’t associate with Ren Wanyun anymore, connections with the Shen family still needed to be maintained. The Shen family had more than one mistress, and compared to Luo Xueyan, who was rarely in the capital and had a reputation for crudeness, Chen Ruoqiu, from a scholarly family, was easier to curry favor with.

Madam Yi and Madam Jiang had arrived early. Jiang Xiaoxuan and Yi Peilan were chatting with Shen Yue, saying, “We’ll go to Guangwen Hall after the New Year. These days, being confined at home is so boring.”

They chatted idly, completely forgetting Shen Qing’s death, forgetting that not long ago, they had been true friends with Shen Qing. The friendships among the noble ladies of the capital were indeed so fickle—friends ultimately couldn’t compare to interests. They weren’t associating with a person, but with the power that person represented.

Shen Yue also smiled and responded to them, so the matter of Shen Qing was tacitly forgotten by all parties. Bai Wei, however, looked at a figure in the distance and asked, “Hey, who is that? Is that the cousin you mentioned?”

She tilted her chin toward a young woman standing not far away, dressed in apricot-colored clothes, simply adorned, talking with a maid beside her.

“That’s Third Sister Dongling,” Shen Yue smiled. “Born to a concubine, she wasn’t well enough to come out before, so it’s natural you haven’t met her.” She deliberately emphasized the word “concubine.”

Hearing this, Jiang Xiaoxuan and the others immediately looked disdainful. Yi Peilan said, “What health problems? She’s just… finally coming out now. These children of concubines have the most scheming minds. Yue’er, don’t let her deceive you.”

Shen Yue laughed, “Third Sister rarely leaves her courtyard. Look, that’s my cousin.”

As Shen Yue spoke, she saw Jing Chuchu walking past from one side. Jing Chuchu hadn’t noticed Shen Yue and the others and didn’t come over to greet them. But Bai Wei, with sharp eyes, asked curiously, “Yue’er, didn’t you say your cousin came from Suzhou? How is it that I just saw her clothes and jewelry seem quite expensive? Look at that bracelet she’s wearing—it’s even better than yours.”

Though Bai Wei spoke without any ulterior motive, Shen Yue’s face turned pale. She forced a smile and said, “I don’t know. Perhaps Grandmother gave them to her.”

“What’s there to look at?” Jiang Xiaoxuan said. “Coming from Suzhou, how could she compare to the young ladies of our capital? One can dress up with clothes and jewelry, but vision and temperament can’t be faked. Look at that timid manner—she’s not fit for proper society.”

Shen Yue shook her head, “Don’t speak of my cousin that way.”

“You’re just too kind,” Yi Peilan sighed in frustration. “You’re friendly with everyone. You even protected that good-for-nothing in your family before. Now that she’s doing well, she doesn’t even acknowledge you. Speaking of which, where is that good-for-nothing?”

The “good-for-nothing” she referred to was naturally Shen Miao. Ever since the verbal dispute at Guangwen Hall, Yi Peilan had viewed Shen Miao as her number one enemy, wanting to step on her at every opportunity.

Meanwhile, the “good-for-nothing” she was talking about was currently in the West Courtyard, watching Shen Qiu drink tea.

“What is Grandmother thinking?” Shen Qiu frowned. “Why invite so many female guests? Everywhere I go, there’s constant chattering. It’s unbearable.”

“Perhaps she invited all of Third Aunt’s acquaintances,” Shen Miao said, handing Shen Qiu a cup of tea. “Maybe they admire the Young General’s demeanor.”

“Spare me, Sister.” Shen Qiu waved his hand. “One is troublesome enough; so many women—even the battlefield isn’t this frightening.”

Shen Miao found it quite amusing. Shen Qiu’s attitude toward women, as if they were a fearsome flood, was truly comical. But it was understandable—most women around Shen Qiu had ulterior motives, and the women in the Shen household were all cunning. For someone with a straightforward nature like his, it truly seemed like a den of demons.

“Not all of them are troublesome,” Shen Miao tried to comfort him. “Eventually, when you meet the right girl, you won’t think this way.”

Shen Qiu said nothing, staring at her as if he’d seen a ghost. After a moment, he shook his head, “Sister, the expression you just had truly resembled Mother.”

Shen Miao: “…” Now that she thought about it, she had been treating Shen Qiu somewhat like Fu Ming.

Just as she was about to speak, she suddenly heard some commotion outside. Exchanging a glance with Shen Qiu, they both went to the door and saw someone shouting at the courtyard entrance: “What’s wrong with you people? I just came to see Shen Miao, let me in!”

Shen Miao was startled: “Feng Anning?”

The person heard Shen Miao’s voice and, despite being held back by the guards, managed to wave at her: “It’s me, Shen Miao! Tell them to let me go!”

“Release her,” Shen Miao said. “She’s Miss Feng.”

After being released by the two men, Feng Anning indignantly dusted herself off and angrily said, “What’s going on? Why are there so many guards outside your courtyard? I thought something had happened to you, so I came in. So many people are blocking the outside—Shen Miao, are you sick?”

Feng Anning, probably held back for the first time, unleashed her young mistress’s temper, first scolding Shen Miao without restraint. However, she had inadvertently touched on Shen Qiu’s sore spot. Shen Qiu stepped forward, glaring coldly: “Who are you? Shouting in someone else’s home—don’t you know any manners!”

Shen Miao: “…” It was quite ironic to hear Shen Qiu talking about manners.

Caught off guard by another reprimand, Feng Anning raised her head to retort, but when she saw Shen Qiu, she couldn’t help but pause slightly. Shen Qiu had sword-like eyebrows and clear eyes, very handsome, different from the soft and weak young gentlemen of the capital. Usually, his warm smile was innocent, but when his face turned cold, he resembled the young general who struck fear on the battlefield, with a true iron-blooded aura.

Feng Anning’s arrogance immediately receded, and she asked softly, “And who are you?”

“This is my eldest brother,” Shen Miao said.

Shen Qiu had quite a reputation in the capital. “Southern Xie, Northern Shen”—the young marquis of the Xie family and the young general of the Shen family were often compared. Unfortunately, Xie Jingxing refused to enter officialdom; otherwise, these two would have been an outstanding generation among military officers.

“Why did you come?” Seeing Feng Anning’s embarrassment, Shen Miao asked.

Hearing this, Feng Anning complained, “I came to talk to you! You know, since the people at Guangwen Hall learned about my friendship with you, they’ve ostracized me too. Who cares about them? I came to find you instead.”

Hearing this, Shen Qiu’s expression softened. He knew Shen Miao was quite isolated at school, but being away most of the year, he couldn’t always protect her. Now that Shen Miao had made a friend, though arrogant and lacking in etiquette… well, she would have to do.

Of course, neither he nor Feng Anning knew that “good friendship” was entirely Feng Anning’s one-sided perception. Shen Miao truly didn’t have the leisure to make friends.

“Since your friend has come, chat with her,” Shen Qiu cleared his throat. “I’ll go find Father to discuss something.”

Shen Miao agreed, and after Shen Qiu left, Feng Anning whispered, “Why is your eldest brother so fierce? He scared me to death just now.”

Fierce… Shen Miao didn’t bother to explain and simply said, “Yes, he’s always been a cold-blooded killer.”

Feng Anning quickly patted her chest in relief: “Fortunately, I admitted my mistake and lowered my head early. Next time, I definitely won’t rush in like this.”

…

Before they knew it, it was time for the Shen family banquet to begin.

Men and women were seated separately. The women were in the reception hall of Rongjing Hall, while the men were being managed by Shen Gui and Shen Wan. Although Shen Xin had little interest in the family banquet and no patience for the flattery of the capital’s officialdom, he sat and drank by himself.

There weren’t many male guests, and those who came were civil officials friendly with Shen Gui and Shen Wan, with whom Shen Xin had nothing in common. Thus, at the lively table, it appeared as if Shen Xin and Shen Qiu were deliberately isolated. Shen Qiu wasn’t bothered by this at all and happily ate his food. In contrast, Shen Yuan displayed some of Shen Gui’s traits, being smooth and diplomatic in a way that made Shen Qiu somewhat nauseated.

At the women’s table, the naturally ostracized ones were Luo Xueyan and Shen Miao. Being Chen Ruoqiu’s associates, they naturally wanted to support her. Though they couldn’t openly mock Shen Miao in front of Luo Xueyan, they could certainly ignore her. So while Chen Ruoqiu and Shen Yue were questioned by the ladies about various matters, even Jing Chuchu and Shen Dongling received some feigned concern, but only Shen Miao was deliberately ignored.

Luo Xueyan grew somewhat angry. If it had been the former Shen Miao, she would have been upset and sullen. But now it was different. No matter how lively the conversation among the ladies and young misses, Shen Miao ate and drank with dignity. Her every move carried an authoritative nobility, creating an illusion that it wasn’t others deliberately ignoring her, but rather Shen Miao herself disdaining to speak with them.

Like punching into soft cotton, after a few attempts, everyone became somewhat disinterested.

Madam Yi smiled, “They say Suzhou is a place of beautiful souls. I didn’t believe it before, but now seeing Old Madam’s cousin, I realize it’s true. Our capital city can’t nurture such lovely girls.”

Old Madam Shen had shown tremendous favor toward Jing Chuchu at the banquet, though for reasons unknown. The ladies weren’t fools—if Old Madam Shen wanted to elevate Jing Chuchu, saying nice things wouldn’t hurt.

Jing Chuchu blushed deeply, lowering her head without a word. Old Madam Shen laughed, “I can’t agree with Madam Yi. Miss Yi is also very lovely. I enjoy looking at her.”

Yi Peilan smiled and thanked Old Madam Shen for the compliment, but became more curious about Jing Chuchu, whispering to Shen Yue, “Old Madam truly seems to like your cousin.”

Shen Yue responded vaguely, also somewhat puzzled.

Shen Dongling sat in a corner of the banquet. Concubine Wan had no opportunity to attend such occasions. Without a birth mother to support her and without Old Madam Shen’s favor, she remained obscure. Despite this, Shen Dongling didn’t show any trace of discontent, just quietly eating from her bowl, resembling a proper, rule-abiding, unfavored daughter of a concubine.

Old Madam Shen urged Jing Chuchu to eat more while praising her to others, portraying her as a perfect, intelligent young lady beyond compare.

The praise only stopped when a maid accidentally splashed tea on Jing Chuchu. Old Madam Shen scolded the careless maid: “How do you work? What if Miss Jing gets scalded?”

“It’s fine,” Jing Chuchu smiled. “The tea isn’t hot. I’m alright.”

“But your clothes are wet,” Old Madam Shen looked at the large wet patch on Jing Chuchu’s collar with concern. “In this cold weather, you can’t wear wet clothes. Xier, take Miss Jing to change into clean clothes.” She instructed Jing Chuchu, “Be sure not to catch a cold.”

Jing Chuchu looked down at her collar. Even the thinnest winter clothing has weight, and with tea soaking into the cotton, it would be uncomfortable to wear. She didn’t refuse, but blushed and said “alright” to Old Madam Shen, then bid farewell to the seated ladies before following the maid who led the way.

Madam Jiang said, “Miss Jing is truly blessed to receive such favor from Old Madam.”

“It’s not she who is blessed,” Old Madam Shen smiled until the wrinkles on her face all bunched together. “It’s this old woman’s fortune. The girl is obedient and sensible. I like her.”

Hearing this, everyone flattered her again. Chen Ruoqiu glanced at Old Madam Shen, her gaze unconsciously drifting toward Shen Miao. Perhaps sensing her gaze, Shen Miao also looked at Chen Ruoqiu, her eyes slightly puzzled.

Chen Ruoqiu smiled and lowered her head, a flash of satisfaction crossing her heart. But she didn’t see that, in the moment she lowered her head, the puzzlement in Shen Miao’s eyes had completely disappeared, replaced by a very faint smile. If one looked carefully, that smile seemed to contain some inexplicable excitement.

At the table, Shen Dongling inconspicuously glanced at Shen Miao, then quickly lowered her head to eat from her bowl.

At the men’s table, unlike the detailed women’s table, the atmosphere was that of officialdom—boisterous with alcohol. Though Shen Xin and Shen Qiu were isolated, a few colleagues came to toast them. After several cups, Shen Qiu’s head began to feel heavy.

“You brat, drunk after just a few cups? Haven’t you eaten?” Shen Xin scolded.

Shen Qiu rubbed his temples and shook his head, “I don’t know.” For a man raised in military camps, this amount of alcohol should have been nothing. In the camps, they typically drank directly from jars and looked down on the capital’s wine as not strong enough. Who knew he’d be proven wrong today?

“I’ve taught you all these years for nothing,” Shen Xin was furious.

“Great Uncle, don’t be angry.” It was Jing Guansheng who explained with a smile: “Cousin isn’t lacking in alcohol tolerance; he mixed Futou wine with Yinguang wine.” He pointed at the wine cup in front of Shen Qiu. Indeed, the wine in the cup wasn’t the reddish Futou wine, nor the transparent Yinguang wine, but looked like a mixture of both. Jing Guansheng continued to explain, “Some people here drink Yinguang wine, others drink Futou wine. Cousin probably didn’t notice and mixed them. When Futou wine and Yinguang wine are drunk together, others would fall after half a cup. The fact that Cousin is still conscious is already remarkable.”

“Hahaha,” one official laughed, “Young nephew’s alcohol tolerance is quite good. General Shen shouldn’t blame him.”

Shen Yuan glanced at Shen Qiu and said, “Eldest Brother shouldn’t drink anymore. It would be better to help him back to his room to rest.”

Shen Qiu waved his hand, his words slurred and unintelligible. He seemed quite drunk.

“Let me escort Cousin back,” Jing Guansheng smiled.

One doesn’t hit a smiling face. Although Shen Xin had some complaints about Jing Guansheng because of Shen Miao, since placing guards at the courtyard entrance, Jing Guansheng had behaved himself. Shen Xin looked at him, “If that’s the case, then please trouble you and Azhi to help him back.”

Jing Guansheng was about to stand when Shen Qiu grabbed Shen Yuan, shaking his head, “Azhi, you take me.”

Shen Yuan was startled. Shen Xin frowned, “This boy has mistaken you for Azhi.” Then he said to Shen Qiu, “Brat, let go of your Second Brother.”

Shen Qiu didn’t move. Shen Yuan’s gaze flickered slightly, and he said, “Cousin and I are similar. Since that’s the case, I’ll take Eldest Brother back to his room.” He supported Shen Qiu and walked out before Shen Xin could refuse.

Shen Xin was about to speak when Shen Wan came over with wine: “Elder Brother, I toast you!”

…

This slight disturbance at the banquet wasn’t taken seriously by anyone. People leaving and entering midway was quite ordinary. But by the time the banquet ended and the ladies were chatting and taking a breath in the courtyard, Madam Bai seemed to suddenly remember: “Why hasn’t Miss Jing returned yet?”

After Jing Chuchu’s clothes were soiled by the maid’s spilled tea, she went to change. But she hadn’t appeared since then. Old Madam Shen was startled and told Xier beside her, “Go ask why Miss Jing hasn’t come back yet.”

“Perhaps she’s a bit drunk,” Shen Yue smiled. “She drank quite a bit of honey wine earlier. Though it’s sweet, it has a strong aftereffect. Cousin likes sweet things, and I forgot to stop her. She might be feeling dizzy and resting in her room.”

Xier responded and left.

Feng Anning pouted, secretly nudging Shen Miao: “I thought with so many daughters in your family, the banquet would be lively. I even insisted on coming with my mother. Now I see it’s just as boring.” Feng Anning was the treasured pearl of the Director of the Imperial Stud’s household, without many sisters. Though Shen Miao had many sisters, they weren’t close, and she was even deliberately ignored. In Feng Anning’s eyes, it seemed pointless.

“It’s always been like this,” Shen Miao replied.

Feng Anning looked around, “I need to use the restroom. I’ll be back in a moment. Wait for me.”

After Feng Anning left with a maid, Xier returned to Old Madam Shen’s side, shaking her head, “Old Madam, Miss Jing is not in her room.”

“Not in her room?” Old Madam Shen raised her voice, drawing the attention of all the ladies. She quickly lowered her voice and asked, “Then where is she?”

Xier shook her head, “The servants don’t know either.”

“This girl,” Old Madam Shen grew anxious, “I hope nothing has happened to her.”

Her manner, observed by the shrewd noble ladies, naturally set their minds thinking.

“Old Madam?” Just then, Chen Ruoqiu walked over from another direction. After inquiring about what had happened, she smiled and said, “Old Madam needn’t worry. I just came from Master’s side. It’s likely because Chuchu is drunk. As it happens, Qiu’er is also drunk and has been sent back to his room. The wine at our family banquet has a strong aftereffect. Chuchu might have gone to another room.”

She deliberately mentioned that “Shen Qiu was also drunk,” and Shen Miao’s gaze suddenly sharpened.

Old Madam Shen shook her head and said, “Go find a few people to look for Chuchu. She must be somewhere in the manor. I just hope she hasn’t caught a chill.” She then turned to the crowd: “Speaking of which, I recently acquired a Golden Buddha painting, a double-sided embroidery by Zhang Qiaoxian. It’s hanging in my main hall. If anyone is interested in seeing it, I’d be happy to show you.”

Zhang Qiaoxian was a renowned embroiderer from the Ming-Qing period, and his embroideries were priceless. Hearing that Old Madam Shen had one, everyone wanted to see it. Shen Miao smirked. That double-sided embroidery was a gift from the palace, given to Old Madam Shen by Shen Xin years ago. Being as stingy as she was, she had never shown it to anyone before. Now, being willing to display it meant she must have other intentions.

But… would things go according to Old Madam Shen’s wishes?

The ladies eagerly followed Old Madam Shen to see the embroidery. The main hall of Rongjing Hall was a tea room-like space for guests to rest. It was rarely used because Old Madam Shen had few visitors, so the tea room was mostly empty.

However, just as they reached the door, they noticed something unusual.

From the closed door came some sounds. The noise was indistinct, but it sounded like something had been knocked over.

Everyone suddenly stopped.

“Who’s inside? Where are the guards who were supposed to be at the door?” Old Madam Shen asked.

“Old Madam, they were here earlier. There shouldn’t be anyone in the tea room,” Xier said, puzzled.

“Truly a bunch of idlers! Can’t even guard a door properly,” Old Madam Shen grew angry. “Open the door!”