“What if one day you were forced into marriage, what would you do?”

Shen Miao was slightly startled. Being forced into marriage? In her previous life, she had been married, but she had actively pushed to marry Fu Xiuyi. She was the one forcing the marriage, not the one being forced. She had never considered being on the receiving end. Now that Xie Jingxing had asked, it reminded Shen Miao of something.

With the Shen family’s return to the capital, not to mention Emperor Wenhui returning military control to Shen Xin, even the Luo family army in Xiaochun City was no longer the destitute force that couldn’t afford to maintain troops. The Shen family’s main branch, far from declining after leaving the capital as many had predicted, had grown even stronger. The Shen family was like a piece of fat meat—whichever prince allied with them in the succession struggle would gain a winning advantage.

How to form such an alliance? Among the great families, marriage was the proper way.

The marriages of Shen Qiu and Shen Miao became channels for others to connect with the Shen family. The only difference was that Shen Qiu, being male, could afford to wait, while Shen Miao, being female, couldn’t delay too long. A woman’s youth passes like a flower, and prolonged waiting would inevitably invite criticism.

What if one day she too became a pawn in the struggle for the throne, fought over and forced into marriage? What then?

Xie Jingxing stared at her, his gaze sharp as a blade.

“That day will never come,” Shen Miao said.

“But if it did, what would you do?” Xie Jingxing persisted, not letting her avoid the question.

Shen Miao thought carefully before answering, “Then I would fight. If I could win, I’d naturally find a way to make him back off. If I couldn’t win, getting married wouldn’t be so bad.”

Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow. “Not so bad?”

“One has to stay alive, right?” Shen Miao said calmly. “After getting married, I could find ways to take revenge when the opportunity arises. There are many unavoidable things in life. I can’t be like those passionate women who prove their integrity with a white silk rope. Better to keep my life; there’s always a chance to turn the tables.”

Her experiences in the palace in her previous life had taught Shen Miao that death was the most desperate thing. Once dead, everything is settled without any chance for change. She often thought that if she hadn’t died so easily in her previous life, if she had continued fighting with Madam Mei in the palace for decades, the outcome would have remained uncertain. She might still have lost, but she might also have won, might have avenged the main branch of the Shen family, might have settled the debt for Princess Wanyu and Fu Ming. At least her life wouldn’t have passed in vain.

Xie Jingxing stared at Shen Miao.

She was like a vibrant plant, like wild grass growing in winter. Even in the harshest environment, she never lost hope. Even in the most disadvantaged position, she could climb bit by bit to where she wanted to be. Her goals were clear, yet she remained mysterious.

She wasn’t like a typical sixteen-year-old girl at all.

Xie Jingxing smiled faintly. “You are like the Shen family.”

Shen Miao remained silent, then heard Xie Jingxing say, “I’ll be leaving the city for a few days. Take care of yourself. If you encounter any difficulties, go to the Fengxian Pawnshop and find Ji Yushu. Gao Yang is my man; you can trust him.”

Shen Miao was stunned for a moment. Because of her previous life’s experiences, she naturally knew Gao Yang was Xie Jingxing’s man, even his confidant. But although she knew this, Shen Miao had never revealed it. Even when Luo Tan was rescued by Gao Yang on Xie Jingxing’s orders, Shen Miao had pretended not to know. She understood that some things had boundaries. Even if Xie Jingxing bore her no hostility now, it didn’t mean a person would want another to know all their secrets.

But now Xie Jingxing was voluntarily telling her that Gao Yang was his man. This meant he truly considered Shen Miao one of his own.

Just because they were ostensible allies, he could be so candid? What made Xie Jingxing think she wouldn’t betray him?

Shen Miao was thinking this, but Xie Jingxing didn’t notice. He said, “Huangfu Hao might cause you trouble. If you can’t resolve it yourself, just hand it over to Gao Yang.”

Shen Miao had a strange feeling. This seemed… almost like a husband reminding his young wife what to be mindful of before departing. Shen Miao was startled by her thoughts and replied somewhat flustered, “I understand.”

Xie Jingxing was puzzled by Shen Miao’s sudden fluster, but didn’t say more. He mentioned a few more things to keep in mind and then left.

After Xie Jingxing’s departure, Shen Miao sat under the lamp, feeling her cheeks inexplicably warm. These past few days, every conversation with Xie Jingxing felt somehow abnormal. Shen Miao thought she should ask Guyu to bring some clear-mind tea tomorrow to drink, to stop these wild thoughts.

When Xie Jingxing returned to the Rui Prince’s Mansion from the Shen residence, he happened to see Gao Yang and Ji Yushu there. Ji Yushu was feeding the white tiger. Xie Jingxing glanced at him and said, displeased, “Stop feeding it.”

“But Jiaojiao likes to eat,” Ji Yushu said.

Xie Jingxing’s temple throbbed as he said, “Don’t call it by that name.”

Ji Yushu immediately looked dejected and stood up, silently retreating to the side.

Gao Yang was accustomed to this. Xie Jingxing adored his white tiger, yet only Ji Yushu was bold enough to play with it daily. A beautiful, majestic white tiger had now been fattened into a meatball—anyone would be upset seeing that. He walked to Xie Jingxing’s side and asked, “Everything’s ready.”

“We leave tomorrow,” Xie Jingxing glanced at him. “Pay more attention to the capital during this time.”

Gao Yang looked at him. “Don’t worry, I’ll help you ‘pay attention’ to Fifth Miss Shen.”

“Don’t pay too much attention either,” Xie Jingxing said flatly.

Gao Yang nearly coughed blood. Xie Jingxing was truly too moody. Just yesterday, Pei Lang had written a letter to Shen Miao, warning her to beware of Huangfu Hao and Fu Xiuyi, and finally advising her to stay away from Xie Jingxing. Xie Jingxing had Gao Yang forge a copy of the letter—Gao Yang, trained by a master calligrapher, was doing forgery for the first time—creating a “fake letter.” Most remarkably, Xie Jingxing had removed the final warning and had Gao Yang add some baseless words, saying that if she had trouble, she could seek help from the Rui Prince. Though he had long known his master was dark-hearted, this time Gao Yang gained a new understanding of Xie Jingxing’s shamelessness.

“I understand,” Gao Yang said, fanning himself. “So I should back her up when she causes trouble and hand her a knife when she wants to kill someone, is that it?”

“It’s not that complicated,” Xie Jingxing smirked. “With the Shen family marriage affairs, she’s too busy to kill anyone for now.”

…

After that night, Xie Jingxing indeed didn’t appear again. Shen Miao knew the Prince of Daliang couldn’t just idle in the capital doing nothing. If Huangfu Hao stayed to investigate Princess Ming’an’s death and to ally with Ming Qi, then Xie Jingxing’s continued stay seemed meaningless. He must have other plans and schemes.

Time passed quickly, and soon it was Shen Yue’s wedding day.

The eighth day of the twelfth lunar month was auspicious. With favorable timing, location, and harmony, the eldest son of the External Grandee was to marry the second young lady of the Shen family, Shen Yue.

Although the Shen family’s main branch had separated two years ago, and later, with the matters of Shen Yuan and Shen Gui, the Shen family wasn’t as prestigious as before. However, the External Grandee had many friends in court, and Shen Yue had been known throughout the capital as a talented young lady in earlier years. So this marriage was still quite lively. Shen Yue was, after all, a legitimate daughter, and Shen Wan cared greatly about reputation. Wang Bi was also a learned scholar. From the outside, people would say they were a perfect match.

In the Shen residence, Shen Yue had finished dressing but had sent everyone away, leaving only Shen Dongling.

Looking closely, one could see that Shen Dongling had also been carefully dressed up. Shen Dongling was naturally beautiful, though rarely seen outside, her beauty was often concealed. Today, dressed as a new bride, she looked especially stunning. But Shen Yue had no time to admire or envy her. Seeing Shen Dongling arrive, she said, “Quickly, quickly, let’s change clothes!”

The matchmaker and Chen Ruoqiu had already left. In recent days, Shen Yue had seemingly accepted this marriage under Chen Ruoqiu’s pressure, appearing less resistant. In reality, she had been secretly plotting with Shen Dongling on how to switch brides. The more she interacted with Shen Dongling, the more Shen Yue felt Shen Dongling was easy to deceive, even more foolish than Shen Miao had been before.

Shen Dongling hurriedly changed clothes, whispering, “Second Sister, I’m so afraid.”

“Don’t be afraid,” Shen Yue, fearing Shen Dongling might back out at this critical moment, reassured her. “Don’t worry, tomorrow I’ll explain to our parents that this was all my doing. You won’t be implicated at all. Once today is over, you’ll be the rightful young madam of the External Grandee’s family. No one will dare look down on you.”

Shen Yue tempted Shen Dongling with status, and sure enough, Shen Dongling’s fear subsided, her face flushing. Shen Yue secretly despised her. If not for necessity, she wouldn’t want Shen Dongling to have such a good life without reason, but now she had no choice. Consider it as charity, giving Shen Dongling the title of a madam.

Just as they finished changing clothes, they heard footsteps outside. Shen Yue quickly hid behind the screen while Shen Dongling hurriedly covered her head with the bride’s veil.

Shen Yue’s maid entered from outside. Since the Shen family no longer had other sisters, the maid would support her. Shen Dongling, using the excuse of helping in the kitchen, had already disappeared, and no one paid much attention to this.

Chen Ruoqiu had wanted to say a few words to Shen Yue before she got into the bridal sedan, but she saw Shen Yue, supported by her maid, walking straight to the sedan without even turning her head toward Chen Ruoqiu. Chen Ruoqiu felt somewhat sad, thinking Shen Yue was still blaming her for the marriage, but there was nothing she could do. With all eyes watching, fearing further complications, she followed the matchmaker’s instructions and proceeded with the steps.

The sedan chair, with its knocking and beating, moved away, heading toward the External Grandee’s residence. Chen Ruoqiu was preparing to follow them there when Chang Zaiqing walked over. Perhaps to match the wedding atmosphere, Chang Zaiqing wore a light peach-colored cotton embroidered jacket and skirt. Since she usually wore cool colors like blue and indigo, this rare display of bright colors was quite becoming. Chang Zaiqing smiled and said, “Now that Second Young Lady is married off, she’ll have a good future ahead.”

Seeing Chang Zaiqing, Chen Ruoqiu realized she hadn’t seen her for a long time. Since their last conversation, Chang Zaiqing had been busy with something, and Chen Ruoqiu, preoccupied with Shen Yue’s marriage, hadn’t sought her out. Now, seeing Chang Zaiqing’s flowing expression, more colorful than before, Chen Ruoqiu’s heart stirred, and she smiled, “Sister Qing, have you been visiting the main branch lately?”

Chang Zaiqing smiled and shook her head. “Not often. Madam and the General are both very busy; there’s not much time for idle chat.”

Chen Ruoqiu was certain Chang Zaiqing was lying, assuming she was shy, and patted her hand. “Sister Qing is so likable; they would surely make time to talk with you.” Chen Ruoqiu thought that once Shen Yue’s matter was settled, she should ask Chang Zaiqing about her progress. Shen Yue had been forced to marry into the Wang family—though the Wang family was decent, thinking of her daughter unable to marry her sweetheart, even having developed a rift with her because of it, made Chen Ruoqiu feel blocked up. In contrast, Shen Miao, with Shen Xin now being the darling of the capital, had initially seemed doomed after being abducted, but she returned safe and sound. With Princess Rongxin’s intervention, even the rumors dissipated on their own. Looking across the entire capital, if Shen Miao wanted to marry a prince, it was quite possible. The thought of her daughter’s heart’s desire being easily attainable by Shen Miao made Chen Ruoqiu deeply resentful. Thinking further of how a crude woman like Luo Xueyan could fulfill her children’s wishes, Chen Ruoqiu felt like destroying her.

She looked at Chang Zaiqing before her. Chang Zaiqing had already gained Luo Xueyan’s favor, and it seemed she was getting along well with Shen Xin, too. After some time, if Chang Zaiqing could find a way into the Shen residence… then Luo Xueyan and Shen Miao’s days ahead would not be so smooth.

People tend to hate seeing others well off, especially when they are not doing well. That was Chen Ruoqiu’s current mindset. She longed to see Luo Xueyan losing everything and weeping bitterly. This made her view Chang Zaiqing even more fondly.

She held Chang Zaiqing’s hand and smiled, “Come with me to the External Grandee’s residence. I often told Yue to learn from your demeanor, but before she could start learning, she had already gotten married. It’s quite regrettable.”

Chang Zaiqing smiled along. “Having a husband to cherish her after marriage, Second Young Lady is quite fortunate.”

“You always know what to say,” Chen Ruoqiu smiled. “You warm people’s hearts.” She noticed a colorful sachet at Chang Zaiqing’s waist and said, “That sachet is quite exquisite.”

Chang Zaiqing took off the sachet and handed it to Chen Ruoqiu. “If madam likes it, it’s yours.”

Chen Ruoqiu had always liked delicate things, and seeing the sachet’s fine embroidery was indeed exquisite; she couldn’t put it down and didn’t refuse. She held it to her nose and sniffed lightly, exclaiming with delight, “This scent is very pleasant. What kind of fragrance is it?”

Chang Zaiqing smiled slightly. “I don’t understand fragrances, but I do know a bit about tea. I just casually put some tea leaves inside, thinking it might refresh and relieve fatigue. I hope madam doesn’t laugh at me.”

“Sister is clever and skilled; how could I laugh?” Chen Ruoqiu accepted the sachet, smiling. “I like it very much.”

The two chatted and laughed as they walked outside.

Shen Yue and Wang Bi’s wedding was undoubtedly an exciting event in the recently quiet capital. Not knowing what the Wang family was thinking, as if to emphasize the importance of this marriage, they paraded the flower sedan around the entire capital.

It happened to pass by the Fengxian Pawnshop.

Upstairs, Ji Yushu was eating pastries, saying between bites, “The Wang family’s marriage is quite lively.”

Across from him, Gao Yang gently fanned himself, glanced at the street below with its clamorous gongs and drums, and closed the window with some disgust. “The bride has been switched; what’s the use of all this noise? It’s just a farce.”

“I’m quite interested in this play. Best if it lasts three days and three nights.” Ji Yushu, always one to stir up trouble, enjoyed the spectacle. He said, “By the way, has Miss Shen made any moves?”

Before leaving, Xie Jingxing had told Gao Yang to watch Shen Miao, and if she wanted to do something, to help her. Having known Shen Miao for two years, Ji Yushu had a good grasp of her temperament. Though she appeared gentle and mild, she was the most formidable. The Shen family had been heartless toward the main branch; watching such a farce, if Shen Miao didn’t come to add insult to injury, it would seem odd.

Gao Yang smirked coldly. “Not now, but there will be in the future.”

Ji Yushu wiped his mouth. “You shouldn’t have such a strong prejudice against Miss Shen. She’s quite nice, very generous, and good-looking too. Why do you always have so many issues with her? Besides, the Shen family hasn’t caused you any trouble…”

“No trouble?” Just mentioning this made Gao Yang feel chest tightness. Not to mention Shen Miao, Xie Jingxing’s daily mood swings made all those around him miserable. Even Shen Miao’s cousin was no easy person. Gao Yang had never seen such a troublesome patient, neither soft nor tough, always treating him and the medical hall’s chief physician as equals. In Daliang, Gao Yang was a promising young official, and in Ming Qi, he was at least a royal physician. But with Luo Tan, he had become a barefoot doctor. Gao Yang was indeed not very happy.

Ji Yushu didn’t notice Gao Yang’s expression and adjusted his clothes, saying casually, “Never mind, let’s wait and see the show tomorrow. The bigger the commotion, the better. This way, when Third Brother returns, he won’t feel bored.”

…

Not a single person from the Shen family’s main branch attended the Wang family wedding. Shen Wan had sent invitations to the Shen residence. Regardless of everything, appearances had to be maintained. But Shen Xin was never one for pretense, and the things the Shen family had done had disgusted Luo Xueyan. So they didn’t accept the invitation, let alone send gifts. Some who were watching the situation unfold clearly understood the main branch’s attitude through this—they had truly decided to sever ties with the Shen family, with no room for reconciliation.

Regardless, the marriage proceeded.

Early the next morning, Concubine Wan woke up. Yesterday, Shen Yue got married, and Shen Dongling helped, so she hadn’t seen her all day. Later, when she returned to the mansion, the maid said Shen Dongling was exhausted and went straight to sleep, so Concubine Wan hadn’t disturbed her. Today, she specially made jade sweet soup, wanting Shen Dongling to replenish her strength, and stood outside Shen Dongling’s chamber, knocking on the door.

There was no answer from inside, so Concubine Wan said, “Dongling, your mother is coming in,” and pushed open the door.

She saw someone lying on Shen Dongling’s bed, covered with a blanket. Hearing the noise, the person suddenly sat up. Concubine Wan was startled, her face showing disbelief, and she cried out, “Second Young Lady, why are you here?”

Lying on Shen Dongling’s bed was none other than Shen Yue. Shen Yue had married into the External Grandee’s family yesterday, which meant she shouldn’t be in the Shen residence now, but at the External Grandee’s residence. How could she appear in Shen Dongling’s bed? Concubine Wan looked around but didn’t see any sign of Shen Dongling. Though she wasn’t particularly clever, she vaguely understood something. With a trembling voice, she asked, “Second Young Lady, where is Dongling? Where has Dongling gone?”

Shen Yue quickly lowered her head, her eyes darting around. When she raised her head again, her face was filled with tears.

Concubine Wan felt the world darkening at the sight of Shen Yue’s tears. Then she heard Shen Yue crying, “I don’t know, I don’t know. Third Sister came to toast me, and then… I knew nothing after that!”

The Shen residence exploded with commotion.

In Rongjing Hall, everyone was gathered. Old Madam Shen was so angry her face twisted, and she looked at Concubine Wan furiously, “What a fine daughter you’ve raised!”

Shen Gui stood to the side, wanting to say something—Concubine Wan was now the only woman who had borne him children, and she was generally gentle and obedient. Despite Shen Gui’s philandering, he still had some affection for Concubine Wan. But seeing his third brother and sister-in-law’s angry expressions, he swallowed his words.

Shen Dongling had schemed against Shen Yue, taking her place at the wedding. Now Shen Yue was left in the Shen residence while Shen Dongling had married into the Wang family. Anyone would be upset. Shen Gui couldn’t imagine how the usually timid and docile Shen Dongling could have the courage to switch places as a bride. Shen Gui would never offend his third brother for the sake of a daughter, even if she was his only remaining blood relation.

Concubine Wan knelt and kowtowed to Old Madam Shen, crying, “Old Madam, please see reason. The Third Young Lady has always been timid; how could she have the courage to switch places at a wedding? Old Madam, there must be some misunderstanding. Even with ten thousand times more courage, Third Young Lady would never dare to do something so unfilial!”

“Are you suggesting that Yue is falsely accusing the Third daughter?” Chen Ruoqiu’s face was ashen. “Such ruthless words, Concubine Wan!”

Old Madam Shen, even if she normally disdained Chen Ruoqiu and, by extension, didn’t feel much for Shen Yue, couldn’t ignore that Shen Yue was still a legitimate granddaughter of the Shen family. Having her marriage stolen by a concubine-born granddaughter would be embarrassing to talk about. She immediately followed Chen Ruoqiu’s lead, “Like mother, like daughter! Truly lowly creatures!”

Concubine Wan cried and looked toward Shen Yue, “Second Young Lady, weren’t you and Third Young Lady on good terms? Please speak up for the Third Young Lady. She’s not that kind of person, is she?”

Concubine Wan simply couldn’t believe Shen Dongling would do such a thing. Shen Dongling had always been sensible; in many instances where Concubine Wan was confused, Shen Dongling would guide her. Concubine Wan had always believed that if not for her status issue, her daughter would be no less capable than any legitimate daughter in the Shen household. Shen Dongling appeared timid and fearful outwardly, but she was always shrewd in her actions. Although she had previously heard Shen Dongling say that Shen Yue’s marriage was an opportunity, Concubine Wan never imagined this kind of scenario. She believed that unless Shen Dongling was completely foolish, she would never use such a crude method to switch places at a wedding. After all, this way, Shen Dongling would have no place to stand, either in the Wang family or the Shen family!

Originally hoping that the scholarly-looking Shen Yue would say a word or two for Shen Dongling, Concubine Wan was disappointed when Shen Yue changed her demeanor faster than turning a page. Hearing Concubine Wan speak, Shen Yue cried, “Concubine Wan, I truly don’t know what happened. Third Sister said I was leaving the residence and, as sisters, she wanted to toast me before my departure, so I drank. When I woke up, it was already the next morning. I also believe Third Sister didn’t do it intentionally… but how it turned into this situation, I don’t know!”

Shen Yue’s words superficially expressed belief in Shen Dongling, but between the lines, she was subtly saying she had been schemed against, undoubtedly adding fuel to the fire. Sure enough, Chen Ruoqiu and Shen Wan’s expressions grew even darker upon hearing this. Shen Gui also frowned. Concubine Wan saw everyone siding with Shen Yue and felt a flash of despair.

“The most urgent matter now is to think about how to resolve this,” Chang Zaiqing spoke softly. Not being a member of the Shen family, she hadn’t felt it appropriate to comment earlier, but now reminded everyone of the issue at hand: the bride had been switched, so how to explain to the Wang family? Bring Shen Dongling back? Or simply send her to a country estate for the rest of her life? After all, Shen Dongling was just a concubine’s daughter, easy to dispose of. The most important thing was not to upset the Wang family.

Old Madam Shen made a decisive judgment, “First, go and discuss this matter with the Wang family, and have Third girl sent back. As for Concubine Wan, who raised such creatures, without further discussion, lock her in the woodshed. When your child does wrong, the mother deserves punishment!”

Hearing this, Shen Yue became anxious. She hadn’t expected that Shen Dongling could be sent back, which would mean she would still have to be sent to the Wang family. Had all her careful planning been for nothing? This wouldn’t do!

Chen Ruoqiu and Shen Wan were satisfied with Old Madam Shen’s words. Chen Ruoqiu glanced at Concubine Wan, feeling even more resentful. She thought about torturing Concubine Wan in the future, selling her off, or making her a servant—she was just a troublesome creature anyway.

Concubine Wan felt faint upon hearing this. Bringing Shen Dongling back… after already being married once, and being a concubine’s daughter, the Shen family would surely choose to protect Shen Yue and sacrifice Shen Dongling. This would ruin Shen Dongling’s future!

Just then, a servant came to report that people from External Grandee Wang’s family had arrived.