The Jing family finally arrived in the capital city a few days later.

As commoners from Suzhou suddenly gaining status, the Jing family had mastered the role of arrogant upstarts perfectly. When the Jing couple learned of Jing Chuchu and Shen Yuan’s situation, they first wept dramatically about their daughter’s bitter fate, then immediately threatened to report to the authorities, insisting that Shen Yuan must pay the price. They wouldn’t even agree to the engagement. Though they appeared this way on the surface, discerning people knew the Jing couple were simply taking advantage while pretending to be wronged, deliberately creating the impression that Shen Yuan was desperate to marry Jing Chuchu.

Like truly belongs with like. The Shen Matriarch had been unreasonable in the mansion for many years, and her natal family’s tyrannical behavior matched hers exactly. After several rounds of confrontation, she found herself at a disadvantage, agreeing to bring Jing Chuchu into the family with an eight-bearer bridal sedan chair and a large dowry.

The Shen Matriarch was like one eating bitter melon in silence, unable to express her suffering. Facing the Jing couple’s greedy expressions daily infuriated her to the point of facial distortion, nearly causing a stroke. In her anger, she retreated to Rongjing Hall and refused to see anyone.

The Jing family took advantage of this small victory. Within a few days, everyone in the capital knew that Shen Yuan was marrying Jing Chuchu from Suzhou. The common people didn’t know the secrets of the Shen family banquet, and the rumors outside only said that Shen Yuan admired Jing Chuchu’s gentleness and beauty, and truly loved her.

The Jing family vigorously portrayed Jing Chuchu as a beautiful woman who captured hearts. Others’ opinions didn’t matter, but Shen Yuan was certainly extremely frustrated.

In the Minister’s mansion, Sun Cainan looked at the invitation in his hand, crushed it, and threw it into the wastebasket.

“Shen Yuan, that bastard!” he cursed hatefully.

He had finally found a woman who caught his eye. After seeing so many women in the capital, Jing Chuchu from Suzhou seemed particularly different. He had never failed with any woman he’d set his sights on. This time, he had invested extra effort in pursuing Jing Chuchu out of heightened interest, only for Shen Yuan to claim her in the end.

The servant cautiously said, “The misunderstanding between Miss Jing and the Second Young Master Shen was unavoidable.”

Sun Cainan had already heard about everything that happened at the Shen family banquet from others. Noble families knew exactly what had occurred. He darkened his expression. “That slut Jing Chuchu took my gifts and was just playing me.”

Sun Cainan was extremely displeased. He had seen many women like Jing Chuchu before. They could easily be won over with money and benefits. The incident at the Shen family banquet must have involved Jing Chuchu. That woman was accepting his gifts while planning to marry into the Shen family? For Sun Cainan, being toyed with by a woman was the most humiliating thing.

“What does the Young Master plan to do now?” the servant asked. “Miss Jing sent an invitation—will you accept it or not?”

Sun Cainan looked down at the invitation in his hand. It still carried a fragrance, like a maiden’s perfume. Just like Jing Chuchu’s docile and harmless appearance, it concealed a restless heart. Even though she was about to marry someone else, she still wanted to tempt him one last time.

“Of course I’ll accept,” Sun Cainan laughed. “I’ve given her so much silver, but I haven’t slept with her yet. It’s already frustrating that Shen Yuan got to her first. If I don’t sleep with her at least once, how can I accept that?” He glared at the servant. “Go, send a reply.”

……

Shen Yuan was rarely at the mansion these days. No matter how the Jing family acted, he seldom showed his face. But this troubled Chen Ruoqiu, who had to deal with both the Shen Matriarch’s anger and satisfy the Jing family’s insatiable appetite. The family’s silver was decreasing, with money only going out and not coming in, causing her considerable worry.

“Why has Madam been so troubled these days?” Shen Wan asked upon returning from court.

Chen Ruoqiu forced a smile, not wanting to discuss money matters with Shen Wan, and said, “The Jing family causes trouble in the mansion every day, which is naturally vexing.”

Shen Wan also sighed. “Mother has lost both the wife and the army this time, and Yuan’er has been held back as well.”

Everyone in the Shen mansion knew what had happened between Shen Yuan and Jing Chuchu. Regarding the events, the Third Branch had chosen to watch from the sidelines. After all, compared to Shen Yuan, the First Branch was more formidable. Unfortunately, the First Branch emerged unscathed, while the Second Branch suffered, bringing trouble to them as well.

“You’ve had it hard these days,” Chen Ruoqiu said gently. “With the Shen family’s troubles, you’re also subject to criticism.”

With such chaos in the mansion, it naturally became a laughingstock among noble families. Shen Xin was a rough man who didn’t fear criticism, but Shen Wan cared about his reputation and had likely been uncomfortable these days.

Shen Wan held Chen Ruoqiu’s hand and shook his head. “That’s nothing. The problem is that now that Yuan’er is marrying Jing Chuchu, it will be difficult for him to help me in officialdom in the future.” He sighed. “Yuan’er was our greatest hope.”

Hearing this, Chen Ruoqiu felt anxious. Shen Wan had no sons of his own, so among the next generation of the Shen family, only Shen Yuan could shoulder important responsibilities. In officialdom, familial connections were most important. If Shen Yuan had married an official’s daughter in the future, Shen Wan’s path at court would have been much smoother. Now that he was marrying Jing Chuchu, it was like cutting off wings that might have grown in the future.

Chen Ruoqiu lowered her head and said, “Who could have known? Now even Fifth Sister has become so formidable. Elder Brother’s family… they’re truly troublesome.”

“Don’t worry,” seeing Chen Ruoqiu’s concern, Shen Wan patted her shoulder. “Yuan’er is no ordinary person. If Little Five schemes against Yuan’er, Yuan’er will certainly retaliate. Elder Brother and his wife also have moments of helplessness.”

“Husband means…” Chen Ruoqiu’s mind stirred.

“Yuan’er has been acting strangely lately,” Shen Wan said in a low voice. “I feel like something is about to happen.”

In the Western Courtyard, Shen Miao put down her book and frowned. “What exactly is Shen Yuan planning?”

Mo Qing said softly, “Miss has had me watching the Baoxiang Pavilion for a long time. Now…”

“Continue,” Shen Miao interrupted him. Mo Qing’s face immediately fell. After thinking, he added, “But the Guangwen Hall teacher, Master Pei, appeared. Does Miss have any other instructions?”

All along, Mo Qing hadn’t known why Shen Miao had him watch Liu Ying at the Baoxiang Pavilion. That day when he left, he accidentally met Pei Lang. For some reason, Mo Qing had a feeling that Shen Miao had him watch Liu Ying because she already knew Pei Lang would appear. Everything Shen Miao had him do had its purpose, but this time, upon hearing of Pei Lang’s appearance, Shen Miao said nothing.

“No,” Shen Miao said. “Just do your job well.”

“Who would have thought Master Pei, who seems like such a gentleman, would go to a place like Baoxiang Pavilion?” Guyu blinked. “He doesn’t seem like that kind of person.” After a pause, she added, “Neither does Guard Mo.”

Mo Qing’s face flushed with embarrassment.

“Mo Qing, besides going to Baoxiang Pavilion, occasionally pays attention to Shen Yuan’s movements in the Eastern Courtyard,” Shen Miao said. For some reason, Shen Yuan always made her feel uneasy.

Mo Qing acknowledged the order. After he left, Jingzhe asked, “Miss, will the Second Young Master try something else?”

“It’s strange,” Shen Miao said.

After the Jing family incident, Shen Yuan neither investigated why the situation had changed that day nor tried to prevent the marriage. Jing Chuchu was determined to marry Shen Yuan, but if he had tried other methods, he could have delayed it. But Shen Yuan hadn’t even tried to delay, which could only mean he was currently doing something more important. Shen Miao couldn’t think of anything more important than dealing with her.

What was Shen Yuan plotting? He rarely stayed in the Shen mansion, so Shen Miao couldn’t discern his plans.

“Miss needn’t worry. By the way,” Jingzhe suddenly remembered something. “Taoyuan said that the Cousin Young Lady sent an invitation to that person and has already received a reply. She will meet him tomorrow.”

Shen Miao’s eyes brightened. “Excellent.” Shen Yuan made her feel uneasy, so some matters had to be dealt with as soon as possible.

While they were discussing this, in the Lingjian Tower of the Shenxian Pawnshop, others were also talking about the same matter.

“Shen Yuan has collected evidence against Shen Xin and presented it all to Fu Xiuyi,” Ji Yushu said. “In three days, Fu Xiuyi will organize it and submit a memorial to the Emperor. At that time, the Shen family will surely face disaster.”

“Defying imperial orders, paying lip service while disobeying in secret. For such crimes, the lightest punishment would be dismissal from military service,” Gao Yang said. “This Shen Yuan of the Shen family has some ability to find such evidence.”

“Didn’t I tell you?” Ji Yushu said impatiently. “Shen Yuan has been working against Shen Xin for years, planning to use it when the time was right to earn merit and gain promotion. If it weren’t for this timing, after collecting evidence for two more years, the entire First Branch of the Shen family would have been executed.”

“So Fu Xiuyi indeed has good judgment,” Gao Yang pondered. “Shen Xin’s power is too great, and many want to deal with him. More importantly, the royal family of Ming Qi would be pleased to see Shen Xin’s downfall. They would also step on him when he’s down.”

“So what do we do now?” Ji Yushu was distressed. “Shen Yuan is too good at hiding his time and shares the same nature as Fu Xiuyi. The First Branch’s misfortune will devastate Miss Shen.”

“You’re still thinking about Shen Miao?” Gao Yang gave him a look. “If Shen Miao hadn’t instigated their cousin to catch Shen Yuan in bed with her, Shen Yuan wouldn’t have acted so quickly. Given his nature, he would have waited two more years to catch the entire First Branch in one net. He’s acting early now because Shen Miao forced his hand.” Gao Yang stroked his chin. “With Shen Yuan’s hatred for Shen Miao, he won’t let her off easily this time. Perhaps the rest of the First Branch might spare their lives, but Shen Miao’s fate will be extremely miserable.”

Ji Yushu was anxious. “What should we do? That bastard Shen Yuan better not use underhanded methods against Miss Shen. Someone who can scheme against his uncle must be black-hearted to the core.”

“Don’t worry,” Gao Yang said leisurely. “Shen Yuan may be black-hearted, but Shen Miao is no easy target either. I’m curious to see what methods Shen Miao will use to turn the tide. Given her nature, which eliminated the Prince Yu’s entire household without a hint of remorse, I don’t think she’ll surrender so easily.”

“Miss Shen is resourceful. Shen Yuan can’t defeat her,” Ji Yushu suddenly thought of something and looked at Gao Yang. “Third Brother Xie forbade us from interfering in the Shen family’s affairs before he left, so… if she wins, you can’t help Shen Yuan either.”

“You have a lot of confidence in her.” Gao Yang opened his fan and waved it. “I’m also curious to see what methods she’ll use.” Seeing Ji Yushu’s relieved expression, Gao Yang mercilessly poured cold water on him. “But you shouldn’t be too optimistic. Since Lord Xie’s plans were advanced, the situation in the capital has changed considerably. One thing won’t change, though: Prince Ding’s ambition. The Shen family is offering itself as a fat piece of meat—how could he not take advantage? Shen Miao may be capable, but she’s still just a young lady. Prince Ding is not as foolish as Prince Yu, and one person cannot fight against multiple powers. Shen Xin will almost certainly lose his position this time, and once Shen Xin loses his position…” He sighed, half in lament, half in marvel. “For the First Branch of the Shen family, it will be a devastating blow. The people he wants to protect, he won’t be able to protect any of them.”

Ji Yushu’s expression gradually darkened.

“Lord Xie once said that no matter what, the First Branch of the Shen family could not escape the fate of destruction,” Gao Yang stopped waving his fan, his gaze slightly flickering. “Just like the Xie family.”

……

The next day, the weather was fine. In a side courtyard of Rongjing Hall, Taoyuan was showing several outfits for Jing Chuchu to choose from.

Since the Jing couple’s arrival, the courtyard that the Shen Matriarch had given to the Jing siblings had become somewhat crowded. The Jing couple had forcefully occupied the largest courtyard in Rongjing Hall apart from the Shen Matriarch’s, and used the servants of Rongjing Hall in and out. One would not know that Rongjing Hall was the residence of the Shen Matriarch rather than the Jing couple.

Jing Chuchu sat at the table, carefully applying her eyebrows before a bronze mirror. She drew with great concentration, her lips touched with light rouge, her hair combed perfectly, clearly, she had prepared meticulously.

“The moon-white one,” Jing Chuchu said. The moon-white clothes were simple but better displayed her pitiful grace. Today was the day she would meet Sun Cainan. Whether she could make Sun Cainan yearn for her depended on this meeting.

Perhaps it was a woman’s vanity, or perhaps she had genuinely developed feelings for Sun Cainan. Even knowing that meeting Sun Cainan now was extremely risky, she still wanted to try.

Taoyuan put away the other clothes as someone pushed open the door—it was Madam Jing.

Seeing Jing Chuchu dressed this way, Madam Jing was puzzled. “Chuchu, are you going out?”

“I want to buy some jewelry,” Jing Chuchu replied casually. “Since I’m going to be the Second Branch’s young madam, I can’t wear my old jewelry. People would look down on me.”

“That’s right,” Madam Jing said. After all, the silver for Jing Chuchu’s jewelry would come from the family funds, and Madam Jing had been skimming plenty these days. Madam Jing said, “You can’t go alone. I’ll go with you.”

“No!” Jing Chuchu quickly refused.

Madam Jing was confused. “Why not?”

“I arranged to go with Miss Yi,” Jing Chuchu held Madam Jing’s hand. “I need to build good relationships with these young ladies in the capital. Mother, you shouldn’t come. Miss Yi doesn’t like meeting strangers casually. You know how peculiar these noble young ladies can be.”

Madam Jing was a bit dissatisfied. “What’s so special about a noble young lady? You’ll be an official’s wife soon. Fine, if you want to build relationships, go ahead. Take more guards with you.”

“No need,” Jing Chuchu declined. “The Yi family has many guards. How would it look if I brought my own? Mother, don’t worry. I’ll buy you some jewelry when I return.” With that, she continued applying her eyebrows.

Madam Jing had no choice but to leave it at that.

Once in the carriage after leaving the mansion, Jing Chuchu felt nervous and asked Taoyuan, “Is that restaurant you chose reliable?”

“Don’t worry, Miss,” Taoyuan said. “That restaurant is far away and secluded. Very few people go there normally. With a bamboo hat and veil, no one will recognize you.”

Only then did Jing Chuchu relax.

The carriage passed through the southern part of the city and finally stopped in front of a secluded alley. Jing Chuchu adjusted her bamboo hat, fixed her veil, and then allowed Taoyuan to support her as they walked to the restaurant.

Although Jing Chuchu had often moved among young masters since her time in Suzhou, her status now was different. Ming Qi had liberal customs, but for a woman with a fiancé to meet privately with another man was no small offense.

The restaurant had only two floors and was indeed secluded and quiet, as Taoyuan had said. There were few customers, and they paid no attention to her entrance. Taoyuan gave the innkeeper a silver ingot and smiled, “Innkeeper, where is the private room I reserved yesterday?”

The innkeeper promptly instructed a waiter to show Jing Chuchu in.

The private room on the second floor was at the very end. The entire upper floor was made of wood. Taoyuan thanked the waiter and helped Jing Chuchu into the room. As soon as they entered, Jing Chuchu eagerly removed her bamboo hat and veil, saying, “I was suffocating.”

“Miss should rest a while and have some tea,” Taoyuan said. “I believe Master Sun will arrive soon.”

“Come and fix my hair,” Jing Chuchu first examined herself in the bronze mirror. “Wearing the bamboo hat all the way has messed up my hair.”

“Miss looks beautiful,” Taoyuan complimented. “Today you look especially lovely.”

Just as they were speaking, the door creaked open. Jing Chuchu and Taoyuan were both startled, then they heard a familiar voice: “Chuchu, it is you.”

Sun Cainan stood at the door, looking at Jing Chuchu with eager eyes. Jing Chuchu’s face immediately reddened. She gave Taoyuan a reproachful glance and said, “You may go.”

“Very well,” Taoyuan smiled. “Master Sun and Miss can talk. I’ll guard the door. No one will come in.”

This way of speaking seemed to hint at something. Jing Chuchu lowered her head. After Taoyuan left and closed the door, Sun Cainan stepped forward and called out, “Chuchu.”

Jing Chuchu hesitated for a moment, then looked up. Her gaze seemed to hold a hint of moisture, half melancholic and half affectionate. If Shen Miao were present at this moment, she would have to admire how realistically Jing Chuchu was acting.

Sun Cainan walked up to Jing Chuchu and said softly, “Chuchu, is it true that you’re engaged to Shen Yuan?”

Jing Chuchu paused, then nodded.

“You…” Sun Cainan seemed to have received a massive blow and stepped back. Seeing this, Jing Chuchu’s eyes immediately reddened, and she timidly asked, “Are you angry?”

“No,” Sun Cainan paused, then suddenly reached out to caress Jing Chuchu’s face. “I’ve heard everything. It was that fellow Shen Yuan who forced you. You’re marrying him because you have no choice. I don’t blame you, and I’m not angry with you.”

Hearing this, Jing Chuchu lowered her head, but no one saw the flash of satisfaction in her eyes. Sun Cainan must truly love her if he wouldn’t blame her even though she was marrying Shen Yuan.

“Actually…” Jing Chuchu turned her head away. “Second Cousin didn’t touch me that day. It was just hard to explain with everyone watching.” She lowered her head. “Master Sun, actually I… I am still pure!”

There had been nothing between Jing Chuchu and Shen Yuan that day. It was just their embrace that looked compromising to others. Jing Chuchu had someone check afterward, and she was still intact. But since Shen Yuan and the Shen Matriarch didn’t know, she didn’t say anything; otherwise, they would have made a huge issue of it. But telling Sun Cainan was different. Men always want their women to be pure. If Jing Chuchu had been with Shen Yuan, Sun Cainan would have lumped his heart, but if nothing had happened, he would only feel more pity for Jing Chuchu.

Sure enough, upon hearing this, Sun Cainan was stunned. “What?”

Jing Chuchu raised her head, tears in her eyes. “A maiden’s body should naturally be given to the one she admires. Second Cousin and I were just caught in a misunderstanding, but now I have no other way out. Master Sun and I met too late. Will you despise me in your heart?”

Sun Cainan pulled Jing Chuchu into his arms and comforted her tenderly. “How could I despise you? I adore you, pity you, love you!” A look of wild joy flashed in Sun Cainan’s eyes. He had thought that since Jing Chuchu had given her purity to Shen Yuan, sleeping with her once more would just be reclaiming what was his. Who would have thought that Jing Chuchu was still a virgin? This was truly unexpected.

Jing Chuchu was embraced by Sun Cainan. She pretended to struggle a few times, then ceased moving. She allowed Sun Cainan to hold her as he slowly undid her sash…

Coincidentally, downstairs, someone rode up to the restaurant, handed his horse to a waiter to tie up, and went inside. When he reached the innkeeper, he routinely gave a silver ingot and went upstairs himself. The waiter who saw him called out, “Young Master!”

The man turned around—it was none other than Shen Yuan.

“What is it?” Shen Yuan asked.

The waiter shook his head quickly and ran downstairs, but as they passed each other, Shen Yuan heard the waiter mutter quietly, “Everyone knows he’s been cuckolded. So pitiful.”

Shen Yuan paused and looked down to see the customers sitting downstairs, all glancing at him, seemingly gossiping about something. Shen Yuan’s expression gradually darkened.

This restaurant was one he frequented. He occasionally exchanged messages with Fu Xiuyi’s people here. With nine princes in the capital city, their relationships were complex. Prince Ding, being the most deeply hidden, required his subordinates to be extremely cautious. Shen Yuan was always careful when he came, sometimes changing his clothes. No one here should recognize him, so why was the situation strange now?

He shook his head and went directly to the second floor, to the place where he usually met Fu Xiuyi’s people. But when he arrived at the last private room, he unexpectedly saw a familiar face.

Taoyuan saw him and was startled. Shen Yuan’s heart sank. Taoyuan was Jing Chuchu’s maid—what was she doing here? Could it be… He stepped forward to enter, and Taoyuan couldn’t dodge in time as Shen Yuan kicked open the door.

In the spacious private room, two figures were entwined on the couch, surrounded by scattered clothes—a scene of utmost intimacy. Taoyuan exclaimed, “Miss, the Second Young Master is here!”

The person on the bed immediately sat up, half of her snow-white body exposed—it was Jing Chuchu. She looked at Shen Yuan in confusion and said, “Second… Second Cousin!”

Shen Yuan coldly looked at her. The other person on the couch, Sun Cainan, slowly came to his senses and sat up. Having been pampered all his life, he was furious at being interrupted while being intimate with Jing Chuchu. He said, “Who are you?”

“Second Cousin!” Jing Chuchu suddenly came to her senses and pointed at Sun Cainan. “Second Cousin, he forced me. I wasn’t willing!”

“You slut!” Sun Cainan laughed coldly and slapped Jing Chuchu across the face. “You eagerly invited me here. What, are you denying it now?”

“Master Sun!” Taoyuan rushed over indignantly. “How could you treat Miss like this? Why would you do this to Miss? Was it just to cuckold our Second Young Master? Must you oppose our Second Young Master so?”

Amid the chaos, no one noticed the inconsistency in Taoyuan’s words. Sun Cainan laughed coldly. “Second Young Master?” He looked Shen Yuan up and down arrogantly and sneered. “That’s right, I cuckolded your Second Young Master. So what? Shen Yuan, you haven’t tasted your fiancée yet, have you? The taste of a virgin is quite nice.”

“You’re talking nonsense!” Taoyuan was startled. “My Miss…”

“You don’t know yet?” Sun Cainan looked at Shen Yuan dramatically. “No wonder. Being played by a woman. But Second Young Master Shen, no matter how great your abilities at court, I’ve still slept with your woman. And you still have to marry her. How does it feel to pick up damaged goods?”

Veins throbbed on Shen Yuan’s forehead. He finally stepped forward and punched Sun Cainan to the ground.

“You dare hit me?” Sun Cainan, used to being spoiled, immediately got up and lunged at Shen Yuan. Neither of them had military training, so they simply fought with their fists, punch for punch. Sun Cainan was taller and stronger than Shen Yuan, who gradually found himself at a disadvantage and was pinned down.

“Damn it!” Taoyuan rushed over and helped Shen Yuan by holding Sun Cainan from behind. Shen Yuan seized the opportunity, and as his hand became free, he felt something cold being placed in it. Having been beaten badly, he pushed the object forward without thinking.

There was a “swish” sound.

That sound seemed exceptionally long, and everything around seemed to freeze, until Taoyuan’s prolonged scream and Jing Chuchu’s panicked face came into view.

Shen Yuan looked down. In his hand, he now held a silver knife handle—only the handle. The blade was in Sun Cainan’s abdomen, invisible.

Blood bloomed in large patches.

Sun Cainan fell backward.