“Get out…”

Hearing this, Xie Jinghang’s lips curved into a smile as he turned his head with interest to look at Shen Miao. “It’s been a while. Your temper has become increasingly volatile.”

Shen Miao sat down at the table and coldly said, “Yet you remain as intrusive as ever.”

If someone saw Xie Jinghang in her room, it would cause enormous trouble. Yet this person kept doing such things, as if danger were in his very bones. Shen Miao had already decided to stay away from Xie Jinghang—he had too many deep secrets. Now that he had come to her, how could she not be angry?

“I was passing by and thought I’d check on you,” Xie Jinghang shrugged and shifted to a more comfortable position. Today he wore plain dark clothes with a bright white collar. Though it was the cold winter season, his handsome features made the room seem filled with spring warmth. Stroking his chin, he said, “I also wanted to ask you something.”

“Speak,” Shen Miao was unwilling to say a word more than necessary to him.

Seeing Shen Miao’s attitude, Xie Jinghang wasn’t annoyed and said, “Did Shen Yuan have anyone he trusted in the mansion?”

Hearing this, Shen Miao looked at Xie Jinghang with some surprise. She hadn’t expected him to ask about Shen Yuan. Though unclear about Xie Jinghang’s purpose, she still replied, “No. Shen Yuan returned to the capital recently and wasn’t close to anyone in the household. Why do you ask about him?”

“I just came from looking around his quarters,” Xie Jinghang said lazily. “Couldn’t find what I was looking for, so I came to ask you.”

Shen Miao lowered her eyes in thought. Perhaps Xie Jinghang was trying to find something in Shen Yuan’s possession but couldn’t, so he thought Shen Yuan might have given it to someone he trusted, which was why he came to inquire.

“What exactly are you looking for?” Shen Miao asked. “Is it the same as what was in Prince Yu’s secret chamber?”

At these words, the room fell silent for a moment. For an instant, Shen Miao could feel the piercing cold emanating from Xie Jinghang. However, that dangerous atmosphere lasted only a moment before Xie Jinghang smiled again. When he smiled, he was as graceful as jade, though his phoenix eyes couldn’t conceal their sharp glint.

Xie Jinghang didn’t answer Shen Miao’s question, instead asking, “You’ve been doing well lately. I hear the Second Branch of the Shen family is nearly ruined.”

“Young Marquis seems to know everything about the Shen household. Anyone who didn’t know better would think you were part of the Shen family,” Shen Miao mocked.

Xie Jinghang spread his hands. “Can’t help it. The Shen family guards are like decorations, and what’s happening is so interesting—hard not to know about it.” He looked Shen Miao over. “But I underestimated your ruthlessness.”

“You could try it yourself.”

Xie Jinghang looked at her with a smile. “I don’t have that much time.”

“You sound very busy,” Shen Miao stared at him. “Yet you have so much leisure time to wander through other people’s mansions.” As she said this, she showed a hint of anger. Xie Jinghang could always easily provoke certain emotions in her. If Jingzhe and Guyu had seen this, they would have been shocked by Shen Miao’s expression. She hadn’t displayed such honest emotions for a long time. Anger or annoyance were things only the old Shen Miao would have shown.

Xie Jinghang said, “Little girl, your temper is always so fierce.”

Shen Miao said irritably, “You’ve asked your questions. Why aren’t you leaving?”

Xie Jinghang stood up, brushed his clothes, and indeed opened the back window, preparing to leap out. Suddenly remembering something, he turned back, looking at her strangely, and asked, “I almost forgot to ask, Shen Miao, are you in love with Pei Lang?”

Shen Miao: “…”

Before she could speak, Xie Jinghang looked her up and down with a critical eye, his gaze seemingly disdainful: “It’s probably hopeless anyway.” His figure vanished in an instant.

“That bas—” Shen Miao nearly ground her teeth. Then she heard Jingzhe knocking at the door: “Miss, the water has started boiling. I’ll add the herbs first.” Upon entering, she asked curiously, “Miss, what are you doing standing by the window? Be careful not to catch a cold.”

Shen Miao withdrew her gaze. “Nothing. I just chased away a wild cat.”

“A wild cat?” Jingzhe smiled. “Wild cats are common this season, but they disturb one’s sleep. Tomorrow we’ll have someone drive them away to avoid trouble.”

“It’s better to use arsenic,” Shen Miao said. “Cleaner when they’re dead.”

“Huh?” Jingzhe was puzzled.

In another part of the Shen mansion, Concubine Wan’s gaze was filled with worry and some resentment as she said to Shen Dongling, “I don’t know what the Fifth Miss said to the Madam that day, but these days I’ve heard from the servants in Caiyun Court that the Madam is getting better day by day. She recognizes people now, doesn’t lose her temper, and can even do things. She even had her maids make porridge for the Master, probably hoping to regain his favor. If that day comes, it will be our turn to suffer again.” Concubine Wan complained a bit: “It seems the Fifth Miss is indeed helping the Madam and has even cured her illness.”

Shen Dongling was brushing her long hair at the table. With her hair down and in the lamplight, it softened her pale complexion, making her pointed face, large eyes, and overall appearance that of a lively little beauty. She said, “Mother, you’re overthinking. Even if Fifth Sister has great abilities, she couldn’t perform such a miraculous cure. It seems the Madam has been pretending to be mad all along. Fifth Sister must have said something that made her see reason and stop pretending.”

“What?” Concubine Wan was shocked. “Dongling, you’re saying the Madam has been pretending to be mad all this time? Then for so long, the Master has been treating us well, and the Madam has seen it all? If she gets the chance, she’ll surely make us pay.”

“What are you worried about, Mother?” Shen Dongling casually brushed her hair with a silver comb. “Because of Big Sister and Second Brother’s matters, Father already looks down on Mother greatly. Even if the Madam truly regains her senses, Father would at most treat her with outward courtesy while inwardly despising her. The Madam can’t regain her former position, and she knows this. Mother, just relax.”

Concubine Wan asked doubtfully, “If the Madam knows the Master won’t forgive her, why doesn’t she continue pretending to be mad? What did the Fifth Miss say to change her mind?”

“The Madam has nothing left except Seventh Brother. Fifth Sister is probably working on that. Mother, you should also try to give Father a son. Whether a concubine’s son or a legitimate son, once you have a son, you can stand firm here, and no one will dare look down on you.”

Concubine Wan gave a bitter smile. How could she not want to bear a son? In earlier years, she was thoroughly suppressed by Ren Wanyun. If she hadn’t given birth to a daughter in Shen Dongling, she and her daughter probably wouldn’t have survived until now. Currently, Ren Wanyun might be insane, but Shen Gui had always been fickle. She was no longer a young woman—how could she keep Shen Gui’s heart? And how could she be so lucky as to bear a son?

Lost in these thoughts, Concubine Wan changed the subject. “Why talk about this? Dongling, why don’t you guess what the Fifth Miss is trying to do? Helping the Madam means opposing us, doesn’t it?”

“Not necessarily,” Shen Dongling shook her head. “Fifth Sister isn’t simple. Our position in the Second Branch isn’t high, but even so, we’re doing fine. In short, don’t get involved in these matters. Live our own lives, or else we might invite trouble upon ourselves.”

Concubine Wan listened with fear and asked tentatively, “So…”

“Don’t look, don’t ask, don’t speak,” Shen Dongling looked at herself in the mirror. “Just let things take their course. One day, we’ll have a good life.”

In the Shen mansion, not only were people in Caiyun Court discussing this matter, but in Qiushui Court, Ren Wanyun’s name was also mentioned.

Chen Ruoqiu, wearing a plain white inner garment, sat on the bed and said, “Second Sister-in-law is getting better day by day. Master, what does Second Brother say about this?”

Shen Wan rubbed his forehead. Because of Shen Yuan’s matter, colleagues at court had criticism for the Shen family, and even he was affected, making these days not very easy. He shook his head. “Second Brother hasn’t mentioned it.”

“Even if Second Sister-in-law truly recovers, the Second Branch only has Seventh Brother left,” Chen Ruoqiu said. “And Second Brother’s personality… he’ll bring in concubines one after another in the future, I’m afraid…” At this point, she felt a sense of sympathy for the doomed. The difference between her and Ren Wanyun was that Chen Ruoqiu could firmly hold Shen Wan’s heart, but the Third Branch had never had a son. Now that Shen Yuan was dead, Old Madam Shen was eager for her two sons to have descendants. There was no need to discuss Shen Gui, who was never faithful, but for Shen Wan, if he was pressed urgently… Chen Ruoqiu couldn’t help but feel anxious. How long could a man’s favor last? Yet her womb just wouldn’t cooperate.

Shen Wan noticed Chen Ruoqiu’s uncomfortable expression and asked with confusion, “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

Chen Ruoqiu forced a smile and shook her head. “I was just thinking about Elder Brother and Sister-in-law’s matter.” After a pause, Chen Ruoqiu continued, “Elder Brother and Sister-in-law are determined to separate from the family, even threatening to bring in the clan elders. It seems they’re not afraid of being labeled unfilial.”

“Mother didn’t handle this matter well enough,” Shen Wan said. “She was caught, and if Elder Brother becomes angry and exposes how Mother framed Qiu’er, the whole capital will point fingers at us.”

Chen Ruoqiu nodded. “Indeed. It’s probably because of this that Elder Brother and Sister-in-law are so confident.” Chen Ruoqiu said, “We’ve been peaceful for so many years. Why choose to separate at such a critical moment?” She couldn’t help but think of Shen Miao. Since Shen Miao’s personality had changed dramatically, many things in the Shen mansion had quietly changed too. Before, Shen Xin and his wife were kind to the rest of the Shen family because Shen Miao was kind to them. Now that Shen Miao had shown disgust and dissatisfaction, Shen Xin and his wife’s attitude changed immediately.

Shen Wan sighed, and Chen Ruoqiu asked, “Master, is there any room for reconciliation in this matter?”

Shen Wan shook his head. “If it were us, we couldn’t accept it either. Elder Brother’s family can’t tolerate even a speck of sand in their eyes, and they value the Fifth Miss the most. The Jing family and Mother conspired to scheme against Qiu’er and the Fifth Miss, violating Elder Brother’s taboo. Just separating the family is already showing mercy. If this were Elder Brother’s previous temper, he might have torn down this Shen mansion.”

“But…” Chen Ruoqiu said, “Separating the family now isn’t good for us.”

Shen Wan looked out the window. “The Second Branch has been severely damaged, and both Second Brother’s and my official careers are hindered. Before, we could rely on Elder Brother’s influence. Once we separate, everyone will know the Shen family isn’t united. Even to please Elder Brother, people won’t associate with us. The Shen family’s path will only become more difficult.”

“Moreover, the family’s silver…” Chen Ruoqiu reminded him. Previously, Shen Xin had given countless rewards, and being in the northwest for years, he couldn’t spend them, so he gave them all to the family fund. Old Madam Shen spent money extravagantly, and even Ren Wanyun occasionally needed to supplement, yet they still lived like this. Once they separated, even if Shen Xin didn’t want the assets left by the Old General, their lives would only become more difficult.

“If it were just this, it would be fine,” Shen Wan’s gaze flashed with gloom. “After the separation, with Elder Brother’s military power and reputation, he’ll only do better and better, eventually overshadowing us. When the two powers are compared, we’ll have to come to this step.”

Chen Ruoqiu was shocked. Having been married into the Shen family for so many years, she naturally knew of the family’s surface harmony but internal discord. Shen Xin and his wife were rarely in the mansion, so they didn’t know, but she and Ren Wanyun were well aware. Within the Shen mansion, Shen Xin and Shen Gui weren’t born from the same mother, so naturally, they weren’t truly close. The better Shen Xin did, the worse it was for the other two branches. Eventually, they would reach a point of opposition, but she hadn’t expected it to come so quickly.

“Master, even for Yue’s sake, we can’t let ourselves be suppressed,” Chen Ruoqiu massaged his shoulders. “But how do we deal with them?”

“Elder Brother is now wary of us, so it won’t be easy to make a move,” Shen Wan shook his head. “Moreover, his soldiers aren’t ordinary, making it harder to find vulnerabilities. We’ll have to wait for an opportunity.” Shen Wan said, “The urgent matter now is to find a good family for Yue. You should pay attention to this in the coming days.”

Chen Ruoqiu tentatively asked, “Master, what about Prince Ding…”

“Don’t set your sights on Prince Ding yet,” Shen Wan said sternly. “After Yuan’s incident, people at court are afraid to be associated with the Shen family, especially princes. If we approach Prince Ding now, he would be displeased.”

Chen Ruoqiu nodded. “I understand. Master, you should rest early too.”

…

Early the next morning, just after Shen Miao had finished breakfast, Shuangjiang ran in from outside, panting. As soon as she entered, she exclaimed, “Miss! Something happened!”

“Speak slowly. Why are you so frantic? What does this look like?” Guyu reprimanded. Shuangjiang stuck out her tongue but still couldn’t hold back, blurting out, “The Jing family set off for Suzhou some days ago, right? Today, officials from there came to say that the Jing family encountered bandits on their way back to Suzhou. They were all killed, without a single survivor. Knowing that the Jing family had some connection with the Old Madam, the officials came to inform us.” Shuangjiang patted her chest, still shocked, and said, “These bandits are becoming more and more rampant, daring to kill in broad daylight without leaving a single witness. Had they known this would happen, the Jing family would surely regret coming to the capital.”

Shen Miao lowered her eyes. Whether the Jing family’s elimination was the work of bandits or not was up to individual interpretation. But Shen Miao knew that Sun Tianzheng’s methods were always swift and decisive, just as they were in court. This matter had started with Jing Chuchu, leading to Sun Cainan’s death. How could Sun Tianzheng be content? Shen Miao believed that if possible, Sun Tianzheng would have wanted to eliminate the entire Shen family as well. But the Shen family was ultimately not like the Jing family.

The Jing family met the same fate as in her previous life, perishing due to Jing Chuchu’s greed. Now Jing Chuchu was still in Sun Tianzheng’s hands. Sun Tianzheng wouldn’t let Jing Chuchu die easily. Living with such despair might be more painful than death.

However, this had nothing to do with her anymore.

Shen Miao asked Guyu, “The things we prepared?”

Guyu said, “They’re in the box, but…” Guyu hesitated. “Miss, do you want to…”

“Go get them,” Shen Miao interrupted her.

Half an hour later, four people walked out of the west side door of the Shen mansion.

Among these three, the leader was a good-looking young gentleman, wearing a moon-white outfit with a hat. He could be considered a handsome young man, though a bit short, but with a cute, delicately carved appearance. His bright eyes were unusually clear—such looks would be popular even in a young male brothel.

Following closely behind him were two dressed as attendants, but they walked clumsily and awkwardly. Behind the attendants was a guard who appeared much taller than the other three.

“Don’t be afraid,” Shen Miao said. “Be braver, don’t expose yourselves.”

These three were none other than Shen Miao, Jingzhe, Guyu, and Mo Qing.

Jingzhe and Guyu were uncomfortable in men’s clothing, looking miserable and somewhat afraid, but Shen Miao was very composed, making even Mo Qing wonder. Little did he know that when she was a hostage in Qin, she had been forced to dress as a male for several months. Now, she did it vivaciously.

After the three got into the carriage, with Mo Qing driving, Guyu asked Shen Miao, “Miss, are we going to Baoxiang Pavilion?”

“Of course.”

“But…” Guyu said, “Couldn’t we speak elsewhere? If someone sees Miss visiting a brothel…” She couldn’t continue, as she didn’t know what would happen if a woman were seen visiting a brothel.

“Baoxiang Pavilion is a place of business. In business, money talks. People who visit brothels don’t care about etiquette or morality—it’s a place to abandon restraint. It’s just playing a role, and no one will pay attention.”

Jingzhe and Guyu exchanged glances, both seeing the helplessness in each other’s eyes. Shen Miao was very determined, and once she decided on something, not even nine oxen could pull her back. She always had various righteous reasons, and now that they had come this far, they could only go along with it.

In a private room at Kuaihuo Pavilion, someone lifted the curtain and entered. Ji Yushu said, “Third Brother Xie, you’ve come at the right time. There’s something I want to tell you about Prince Ding…”

“Oh,” Gao Yang suddenly spoke, his hand holding the wine cup paused, and he muttered to himself, “Why is it different this time?”

“What’s different?” Xie Jinghang said as he sat down by the window, pouring himself a cup of tea and looking in the direction of Gao Yang’s gaze.

At the entrance of Baoxiang Pavilion, a carriage had just stopped, and several people got out. The leader was Mo Qing, but behind him followed three young men.

“In the past, Mo always came alone. Why are there so many today? Is this also Shen Miao’s order?” Gao Yang rested his chin on his hand, examining them.

“Let me see,” Ji Yushu stretched his neck to look, a flash of insight crossing his mind. “Could it be that Shen Miao is rewarding her servants with silver? Servants who do well get a day trip to Baoxiang Pavilion. I also want to be a servant in Shen Miao’s mansion.”

“Get out of the way,” Gao Yang pushed Ji Yushu’s head aside and said, “Why do I feel like these people look somewhat familiar?”

Before he finished speaking, Xie Jinghang spat out a mouthful of tea with a “poof.”

“Third Brother!” Ji Yushu, who was sprayed all over his head and face, jumped up in a fluster, arranging his clothes and angrily said, “What are you doing!”

Xie Jinghang ignored him, his gaze fixed on the people below with considerable surprise. “She came herself.”

“Herself?” Gao Yang caught his meaning and looked carefully at the people below. When he realized who they were, he nearly fell over backward.

The delicately carved young gentleman in the lead—who else could it be but Shen Miao?

Under heaven, there was a woman who dressed as a man to visit a brothel. If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, Gao Yang would have thought such things only happened in plays.

Shen Miao followed Mo Qing into Baoxiang Pavilion. The greeting girl at the door saw Mo Qing and expertly approached with a smile, saying, “Master Mo, shall we arrange for Liu Ying again?”

Mo Qing nodded, and the girl seemed to notice the people behind Mo Qing for the first time, hesitating for a moment. “These gentlemen…”

“They’re with me,” Mo Qing said.

The girl was first stunned, then seemed to realize something, looking at Mo Qing with a mischievous expression. “I didn’t expect Master Mo to have such tastes… No matter, more people make for a livelier time.”

Hearing this, Jingzhe and Guyu immediately blushed, and even Mo Qing felt somewhat uncomfortable. The most composed among them was only Shen Miao.

The girl led them to Liu Ying’s quarters. Mo Qing had become almost a regular at Baoxiang Pavilion, and all the girls knew him, so they weren’t surprised. However, such handsome young gentlemen as Shen Miao and the others were rare, especially Shen Miao, who was delicately beautiful. Occasionally, girls would look over with playful smiles.

When they reached Liu Ying’s quarters, the guide knocked on the door and called, “Liu Ying, Master Mo has come to see you.” Then she said to Mo Qing and the others, “I’ll go now.”

Mo Qing pushed open the door and entered. A woman was sitting at the dressing table, her clothes loosely draped around her, her black hair flowing like a waterfall as she put on makeup in front of the mirror. Hearing the noise, without turning her head, she said, “You’ve come early today.”

Jingzhe and Guyu looked strangely at Mo Qing, who coughed lightly and said, “Not just me.”

Liu Ying’s hand paused as she turned around. Seeing Shen Miao and the others, she was first stunned, then a trace of anger climbed onto her pretty face. “What do you mean by this?”

“I…”

Before Mo Qing could finish, Liu Ying coldly laughed and said, “If you want to play like this, that’s fine, but you’ll have to pay double!”

At these words, not only Jingzhe and Guyu but even Shen Miao looked at Mo Qing with strange eyes.

Mo Qing was somewhat embarrassed, not knowing why Liu Ying, who had been relatively mild towards him in the past few days, was now furious, with that cold aloofness returning.

“Miss Liu Ying, I am Mo Qing’s master,” Shen Miao spoke up to break the impasse. She smiled slightly. “We’re not here to ‘play’ today.”

Jingzhe and Guyu wanted to cover their eyes, wishing they could pretend not to know what was happening.

Hearing the words “master,” Liu Ying paused, her gaze cautiously looking Shen Miao up and down. Shen Miao walked over, and Jingzhe and Guyu hurriedly moved the stool from the table to a place near Liu Ying, waiting for Shen Miao to sit down.

“Are you the one who had Mo Qing come to select my card every day?” Liu Ying asked.

Shen Miao nodded.

Liu Ying rested her chin on one hand, her gaze suddenly becoming full of charm. “Young master, this makes me wonder. Could it be that you’ve developed true feelings for me?”

Mo Qing looked up at the ceiling. Liu Ying was, after all, a woman of the pleasure quarters, and her performance of these flirtatious manners was masterful. Jingzhe and Guyu, however, showed disdain on their faces.

Shen Miao looked at her. “What does Miss Liu Ying think?”

Liu Ying carefully examined Shen Miao, her gaze lingering, then suddenly smiled. “Is this young lady trying to play the game of the phoenix pretending to be a male, like in the plays?”

She had recognized Shen Miao’s female identity at a glance. Shen Miao wasn’t surprised; she was naturally fair-skinned, with delicate features. Dressed as a man, her jade-like skin and graceful features, combined with her overly refined movements, would naturally not escape a careful observer’s eye.

“I want to redeem you,” Shen Miao said.

Liu Ying could no longer smile.

She had been sold to Baoxiang Pavilion for some time, and now, compared to her prime years, she had fewer and fewer visitors, let alone someone willing to spend a large sum to redeem her.

“I don’t understand Miss’s meaning,” Liu Ying said.

“I once fortunately received a handkerchief with rare double-sided embroidery. In all of Ming and Qi, there are only dozens who can do such work,” Shen Miao said. “After much inquiry, I learned it was made by Miss Liu Ying.”

“You!” Liu Ying’s hands tightened. “How did you know it was my work?”

Shen Miao waved her hand. “How I knew is not important. What’s important is that I have an embroidery workshop that needs a skilled embroideress. Would Miss Liu Ying be interested in managing my workshop?”

Liu Ying looked at her in disbelief, then suddenly laughed until she shook like a flower branch. “Miss, you’re not thinking of reforming me, are you?”

Jingzhe and Guyu were somewhat displeased with Liu Ying’s attitude, and Mo Qing also frowned slightly. Many women of the pleasure quarters longed to wash away their past. Liu Ying was still young; if she could leave this life, she might have a good future.

“I’ve always been sold into this place.” Liu Ying’s face showed frivolity. “I’ve learned the bedroom arts and only know how to please men. Miss wants me to manage an embroidery workshop, selling hard labor? That kind of bitter life, I can’t live. Aren’t you afraid I’ll ruin your workshop?”

Shen Miao stared at her and smiled. “Whether it’s ruined or not is my concern. Whether you take the job or not is yours.” She said casually, “But… this is a matter of indifference to me. For you, however, it’s the only way out of this place.”

“There are thousands of people in the world, tens of thousands of professions, and each person has their way of living. For me, I don’t think women in brothels are inferior to others, but that’s how the world sees it,” Shen Miao said. “Just like my guard Mo, who is also a servant, yet no one looks down on him. My maids, some people even envy them. The world is like this, people are divided into different ranks. Who doesn’t want to be at the top? Who wants to be pointed at behind their back every day?”