The matter of Shen Yue and Shen Dongling’s bride exchange ultimately caused unimaginable consequences. Shen Wan, under the Wang family’s demands, had no choice but to agree to let Shen Yue marry into their family as a secondary wife. No one knew what Shen Dongling had said to the Wang family, but they refused to listen to any explanation from Shen Wan. A good marriage arrangement couldn’t be allowed to turn into a feud, so Shen Wan had no other option.

But this wasn’t the result Shen Yue wanted. This time, with no one else available to exchange places with her, Shen Yue simply tore off all pretenses. She made a fuss every day, claiming she would rather die than marry into the Wang family, and refused to be on equal footing with Shen Dongling.

Not only was Shen Yue unwilling, but Chen Ruoqiu was also furious. Chen Ruoqiu was usually a reasonable person, but when it came to her daughter’s lifelong happiness, she couldn’t swallow this grievance. She insisted that Shen Wan demand an explanation from the Wang family. The once deeply affectionate Third Branch couple had been constantly quarreling these days, making the servants of Qiushui Courtyard afraid to even breathe loudly.

Today was no different.

Chen Ruoqiu paced back and forth in the room, suddenly turning to face Shen Wan, anxiously saying: “What exactly is the Wang family thinking? They can’t just leave Yue’er hanging like this. That little slut Shen Dongling is stealing our Yue’er’s reputation—does she think she can become the proper young mistress? My lord, you must go reason with the Wang family!”

Her repeated use of “little slut” was completely at odds with her usual good breeding and comportment. Shen Wan couldn’t help but frown. He patiently said, “At this point, our only option is to let Yue’er marry as a secondary wife first, then make other arrangements later. Your nagging doesn’t help matters. Yue’er is also unsettled, and this approach solves nothing!”

“My lord!” Chen Ruoqiu shrieked, “Yue’er is your daughter too! She’s the legitimate daughter of our Third Branch, raised with every care like a precious jewel. How can you suggest she become a secondary wife, let alone be on equal footing with that little slut Shen Dongling? Even if this is Yue’er’s fault, Shen Dongling must have enticed her into it. How can you be so heartless!”

Seemingly stung by Chen Ruoqiu’s voice, Shen Wan angrily retorted, “Then what do you suggest we do? The longer this drags on, the more Yue’er suffers. If we make a scene as you suggest, Shen Dongling is just a concubine’s daughter with little to lose, but Yue’er will be mocked by everyone. The Shen family will become a laughingstock. How would you feel then?”

Chen Ruoqiu was startled by Shen Wan’s anger and shrank back momentarily. But thinking of Shen Yue, she continued, “But we can’t just let Yue’er suffer this injustice! No, I must go to the Wang estate myself and speak with them!”

“Enough!” Shen Wan shouted, “Stay at home, keep an eye on Shen Yue, and stop causing me trouble—that’s the right thing to do!”

Chen Ruoqiu froze. In all their years together, even when most angry, Shen Wan had never spoken to her like this. His tone suggested annoyance and impatience. Her heart tightened, and she instinctively said, “We’ve been husband and wife since we were young, always loving and harmonious. You promised you wouldn’t take concubines. Now you find my beauty fading? Mother has been saying she wants to find you a noble concubine—have you taken an interest? Are you tired of me?”

Chen Ruoqiu had always been somewhat petty. Though from a scholarly family, she enjoyed playing the coquette, which Shen Wan found charming. After years of sweetness, things inevitably became dull, so occasional playacting, if done just right, could rekindle a man’s affection. Unfortunately, this behavior might be endearing in youth but becomes rather distasteful in older age.

Especially these past few days, as Chen Ruoqiu had been running around because of Shen Yue’s affairs, her complexion had deteriorated considerably. She’d neglected her appearance, and combined with her earlier shrewish outburst, Shen Wan found her somewhat ridiculous. He gave Chen Ruoqiu a cold glance and said, “Think what you want,” then turned and left, his sleeves sweeping behind him.

Chen Ruoqiu stood there in shock, swaying as if about to fall. Her maids, Shiping and Huayi, quickly moved to support her. A creeping fear slowly rose in Chen Ruoqiu’s heart. She suddenly felt that something was changing, and what frightened her most was that she didn’t know when the change had begun.

The commotion at Qiushui Courtyard quickly spread to other courtyards, including the long-neglected West Courtyard.

The West Courtyard was so spacious it felt desolate, but since Chang Zaiging moved in, she had brought in flowers and plants, turning it into a uniquely charming and elegant place. Now Chang Zaiging sat inside, putting away a letter from the table and casually placing it on her desk.

Zhao mama opened the windows to prevent the room from feeling stuffy and asked Chang Zaiging, “Is that a letter from the First Madam of the Shen family?”

Chang Zaiging nodded.

The letter from Luo Xueyan—or perhaps from Shen Miao, Chang Zaiging couldn’t be certain—made her think of the young lady’s clear eyes that seemed to see through everything, sending an involuntary shiver down her spine. In the letter, Luo Xueyan invited Chang Zaiging to visit the Shen residence, mentioning that she might help find Chang Zaiging a good match.

Though ostensibly about matchmaking, Chang Zaiging read something else entirely in the letter.

Recently, she had shifted her focus from targeting Shen Xin to targeting Shen Wan. Dealing with Shen Wan proved much easier than expected, simply because Shen Wan appreciated refined individuals, and Chang Zaiging matched his tastes perfectly. Since the incident with Shen Yue and Shen Dongling, the conflict between Shen Wan and Chen Ruoqiu had grown increasingly severe, and he frequently visited the West Courtyard. Chang Zaiging naturally played the role of the understanding beauty, and with each visit, she noticed the growing appreciation in Shen Wan’s eyes.

Strike while the iron is hot—was now the right time?

Just as she was thinking this, a maid came to announce that Shen Wan had arrived.

Zhao mama quickly excused herself. When Shen Wan entered, he saw Chang Zaiging absorbed in reading a letter. Curious, he asked, “Whose letter is that? You seem quite engrossed.”

Chang Zaiging, pretending to notice Shen Wan’s arrival only now, smiled and set down the letter. “It’s from the First Madam of the Shen family.”

Shen Wan’s smile faltered slightly as he tried to ask casually, “What did my sister-in-law write about?”

Chang Zaiging smiled, “Madam Shen is a kind person. She offered to arrange a match for me, probably seeing that I’m still unmarried at my age with no support. It’s a kind gesture.”

She spoke cheerfully, glancing at Shen Wan before continuing, “If the Third Lord has free time someday, perhaps you could help me look into this ‘good family’ the First Madam mentioned.”

She smiled happily, her features becoming even more delicate and attractive. Meanwhile, Shen Wan’s smile gradually faded.

Coincidentally, a similar conversation was taking place in Rongjing Hall.

The Old Madam sat on a couch while a maid gently massaged her shoulders. Wang mama softly reported, “Old Madam, the Third Lord has gone to the West Courtyard again.”

The Old Madam’s closed eyes opened slightly, as if contemplating something. After a moment, she closed them again and said, “Let him go. Though her status is low, she’s still a concubine, so status isn’t an issue.”

Wang mama smiled, “Now the Old Madam can rest easy. Previously, when you urged the Third Lord to take a concubine, he refused. Now with Miss Zaiging first, the Third Lord will eventually take others, and later have children—perhaps a son or daughter.”

The Old Madam sighed, “If the Shen family didn’t lack grandsons, I wouldn’t interfere in his household. Before, he protected Chen Ruoqiu so fiercely, not even listening to me, his mother, letting Chen Ruoqiu act arrogantly before me. I said then, I wasn’t afraid of Chen Ruoqiu’s favor now—if she couldn’t bear a son, men are always attracted to novelty. Eventually, she would be cast aside. See? Isn’t that exactly what’s happening?”

Wang mama quickly agreed, “Indeed, Old Madam has eaten more salt than they’ve eaten rice. You naturally see far ahead, with great vision.”

The Old Madam seemed to enjoy Wang mama’s flattery, a look of satisfaction crossing her face. She continued, “If I’d known the Third Lord preferred this type of woman, I should have found more daughters from scholarly families earlier. Chen Ruoqiu always thought herself invincible, not realizing what she looked like. Her family read a few books, and she thinks she’s so impressive, yet she can’t even manage a household properly.” She then added, “I think Chang Zaiging is quite good—obedient, well-mannered, and not pretentious. Understandably, the Third Lord likes her.”

“But nothing has been made official yet,” Wang mama pointed out. “If this continues, once the Third Madam notices, she might cause trouble.”

“Trouble? She wouldn’t dare!” the Old Madam said angrily. After careful consideration, she wearily waved her hand, “But a scene would be troublesome. Never mind. Since they both have feelings for each other, in a few days, help them along. Once it’s a fait accompli, let’s see if Chen dares to interfere. If she does, such a jealous and barren mistress is more than the Shen family can bear—we’ll send her a divorce letter.”

Wang mama could only carefully acknowledge the order.

The chaos in the Third Branch of the Shen family eventually reached the ears of another key figure—Shen Dongling.

Xinghua was carefully brewing tea for Shen Dongling—the finest Junshan Silver Needle. Though the Wang family wasn’t wealthy enough to rival nations, they were certainly particular about food and clothing, far better than the treatment of a concubine’s daughter in the Second Branch. Shen Dongling was doing well. Anyone from the Shen family would be astonished to see this self-possessed, glowing beauty was the same timid concubine’s daughter from the Second Branch.

Shen Dongling took a sip of her tea, while Xinghua worriedly said, “This servant heard that people from the Shen estate came again this morning, saying they want the Second Miss to marry in as a secondary wife. If the Second Miss enters the door, what will happen to you, Miss? The Third Madam and Third Lord will likely try to sabotage you.”

“Don’t worry, she won’t marry in,” Shen Dongling smiled. “The Wang family won’t possibly let Shen Yue enter. Even if Shen Yue did enter, she wouldn’t fare well. Why be concerned about someone destined to be viewed with suspicion? Better select some pretty fabrics to send to my mother so she can make new clothes.”

At this moment, Shen Dongling carried herself with the air of a true mistress of the house. Xinghua thought for a moment and smiled, “Miss has always been clever. I don’t need to understand everything. I wonder what Miss told young master Wang that day, that now he doesn’t want anything to do with the Third Branch. But the Third Branch brought this on themselves—it was the Third Miss who proposed the bride exchange, yet they try to blame everything on you. How vicious!”

When the news reached the Wang family that Shen Yue claimed Shen Dongling had orchestrated the bride exchange, Xinghua was furious. When Shen Yue had begged Shen Dongling to take her place in marriage, she had promised not to implicate Shen Dongling. Yet she had quickly changed her tune—a remarkably fast reversal that Xinghua found contemptible.

This showed how Shen Wan could be clever his whole life yet foolish in a moment. The reason the Wang family now despised the Third Branch was because Shen Dongling had told Wang Bi one thing: Shen Yue was in love with Prince Fu Xiuyi, and the Third Branch supported Prince Fu.

Shen Wan had chosen the Wang family for Shen Yue precisely because the Wang family wasn’t aligned with Prince Fu in the succession struggle. But then to learn that Shen Yue loved Prince Fu and the Third Branch supported him—if Wang Bi married Shen Yue, it would inevitably cause trouble. If the Wang family allied with the Third Branch, conflict would certainly arise. Unless the Wang family was stupid, they wouldn’t let Shen Yue enter their doors now. Shen Dongling’s bride exchange was a stroke of luck for the Wang family, allowing them to distance themselves from Prince Fu—wasn’t that good?

Shen Yue’s fate with the Wang family was destined to end. But Shen Dongling felt neither regret nor sympathy. You reap what you sow—this was all Shen Yue’s own doing, and she would have to swallow the bitter fruit herself.

The suggestion that Shen Yue marry as a secondary wife was merely the Wang family’s way of making things difficult. Shen Wan had agreed, but would Shen Yue obediently comply? Shen Dongling didn’t think so.

Not only did Shen Dongling think this, but Shen Miao shared the same opinion.

Jingzhe said, “There’s quite a commotion at the Shen estate. This spectacle is truly entertaining.”

Shen Miao smiled indifferently, “Perhaps. The bigger the commotion, the more distance it creates between us and them.”

Jingzhe looked at Shen Miao and went to whisper to Guyu, “What’s wrong with Miss these days? She seems so disinterested.”

Guyu paused, looking towards Shen Miao, who sat in the courtyard. She wasn’t turning the pages of her book, just resting her chin on her hand, staring somewhat listlessly at the sky, lost in thought.

“She does seem a bit off,” Guyu nodded. “She hasn’t shown much spirit recently, no matter what happens.”

“Not just lacking spirit!” Jingzhe shook his head. “Before, Miss would always be happy to see the Shen family in trouble. Now the Shen estate is in chaos, and she just waves her hand as if uninterested. Could she be ill?”

“She eats, drinks, walks, and jumps fine—what illness would present like that?” Guyu rolled her eyes. “You think it’s lovesickness or something?”

“Who has lovesickness?” a voice came from behind, startling them both. They turned to see Luo Ling approaching. Jingzhe and Guyu quickly greeted him: “Greetings, Young Master.”

Luo Ling waved dismissively and walked toward Shen Miao at the stone table. Seeing her still lost in thought, he asked, “Little Cousin?”

Shen Miao turned, saw it was Luo Ling, and smiled, “Cousin Ling.”

Luo Ling sat across from Shen Miao. His right hand was still not fully healed, but Shen Qiu had found him a left-handed sword technique manual, and he had been earnestly practicing left-handed swordsmanship. His outlook had broadened considerably, and his manner of speaking had improved beyond his previous self, making him appear increasingly warm and gentle. When he occasionally went out, young ladies would shyly steal glances at him. Luo Tan had joked that several officials’ daughters in the capital secretly admired Luo Ling.

Luo Ling asked, “What has Little Cousin so deep in thought?”

Shen Miao smiled slightly, “Nothing really, just daydreaming.”

Luo Ling recalled Jingzhe and Guyu mentioning “lovesickness” and felt his heart sink. Looking at Shen Miao, he casually asked, “I thought perhaps Little Cousin had reached marriageable age and was feeling listless because of that.”

Shen Miao didn’t seem to understand Luo Ling’s implication and calmly replied, “Speaking of marriageable age, perhaps Cousin Tan is the one who should be concerned first.”

Luo Ling smiled and said, “Indeed.”

Shen Miao looked at Luo Ling, “Did Cousin Ling need something from me?”

Luo Ling froze, his handsome face showing a trace of embarrassment. He had simply come to see Shen Miao, and her direct question left him unsure how to respond. Thinking quickly, he said, “Ah, the pastries Little Cousin sent me earlier were a bit too sweet, so I came to mention it.”

Behind them, Guyu looked indignant. Her mistress wasn’t a cook in the Shen household or a professional pastry chef. For Luo Ling to complain about the sweetness seemed ungrateful.

Jingzhe, however, was holding back laughter. Guyu’s wooden head couldn’t see it, but she was more perceptive—the young master wanted to get closer to Shen Miao but couldn’t find another excuse. But looking at her mistress’s complete lack of romantic interest, Jingzhe shook her head in disappointment. Flowers willing but stream indifferent—the young master’s earnest feelings would likely go unappreciated by her mistress.

Shen Miao indeed frowned and asked, “Too sweet? I didn’t add much sugar syrup.”

Luo Ling became even more embarrassed, scratched his head, and remembering something, said, “Ahem, Tan mentioned Little Cousin makes pastries with fruit juice flavoring. Could you perhaps make those for me next time?”

Shen Miao was startled.

Luo Tan often came to Shen Miao’s courtyard to chat, occasionally eating whatever pastries were on the table without discrimination. Those pastries were Shen Miao’s experiments—having not made them in a lifetime, she was naturally a bit rusty. But Luo Tan thought they were delicious and had eaten an entire basket.

Those pastries contained fruit juice, exactly to the taste of the Great Liang royal family. Previously, Xie Jingxing had asked Shen Miao to make two baskets of pastries for sustenance during his “murder and silencing” mission. Later, Princess Mingan was indeed eliminated by Xie Jingxing, and the two baskets of pastries had been given to him. After that, Xie Jingxing disappeared for a while. These days, Shen Miao had been watching the drama in the Shen household while making pastries, thinking she should repay his kindness.

With these thoughts, Shen Miao’s gaze gradually lowered. Speaking of which, Xie Jingxing had been gone for several days. The Prince of Great Liang had departed so casually, yet there was surprisingly little talk in the capital. She wondered if Xie Jingxing was safe, especially considering he was living under the identity of the deceased young master of the Lin’an Marquis Estate—a precarious position.

Luo Ling saw Shen Miao daydreaming again and waved his hand in front of her, asking, “Little Cousin?”

Shen Miao came back to herself and smiled apologetically at Luo Ling, “Sorry, Cousin. That pastry recipe was just something I threw together. It was merely luck that I made that one basket, which Cousin Tan finished. If you asked me to make that kind again, I’m not sure I could.”

Behind Shen Miao, Jingzhe’s eyes widened. Her mistress was telling a straight-faced lie to the young master. Jingzhe certainly knew whether Shen Miao could make those pastries—Shen Miao had created the recipe herself and made them quite skillfully. Why was she unwilling to make a basket for Young Master Luo?

Could it be that the young master had offended her mistress? Jingzhe couldn’t understand.

Luo Ling had never expected Shen Miao to refuse and was too embarrassed to know what to do.

Shen Miao maintained a composed demeanor, her face showing no guilt. Since these were Great Liang royal pastries with complex processes, though she could make them once, she didn’t have the patience to make them regularly for others. Luo Ling should let the kitchen pastry chefs make something else for him.

Their conversation, with its appearance of carefree banter, was observed from afar by another figure under the distant eaves. The man in white robes was gently fanning himself with a paper fan, presenting the image of a refined gentleman—it was Gao Yang.

Since Xie Jingxing’s departure, Gao Yang had followed his instructions, saying he would look at Luo Ling’s injured hand and thus stay at the Shen residence. This allowed him to constantly monitor Shen Miao’s activities. This observation unexpectedly revealed the lively conversation between Luo Ling and Shen Miao.

Gao Yang’s gaze toward Luo Ling carried a hint of sympathy. Looking at Shen Miao, he shook his head and sighed deeply.

“What are you sighing about?” A head suddenly appeared behind Gao Yang, nearly making him step back in surprise. The person emerged from behind him, with clever and spirited features—who else but Luo Tan?

“Doctor Gao,” Luo Tan asked, “what are you doing standing here?” She followed Gao Yang’s line of sight and saw Shen Miao and Luo Ling sitting and talking, then looked back at Gao Yang. Gao Yang felt uncomfortable under Luo Tan’s strange gaze, but then she exclaimed, “I understand now—you like my little cousin!”

Gao Yang was so shocked that he quickly moved to cover Luo Tan’s mouth. What a joke! Xie Jingxing hadn’t sent just him to the Shen residence; there were other secret guards too. If some loose-lipped guard reported this to Xie Jingxing, Gao Yang would have no place in Ming Qi anymore. Looking at Luo Tan struggling under his hand, Gao Yang felt a flash of helplessness. Luo Tan seemed to exist solely to cause him trouble—she had trapped him more than once!

Luo Tan finally freed herself from Gao Yang’s hand and, realizing her voice had been too loud, lowered it, though her expression remained smug, as if she had caught Gao Yang in some scheme. She said, “So you like my little cousin—you’re jealous!”

“Stop being so clever,” Gao Yang replied. “I wouldn’t dare have feelings for the Fifth Miss Shen.”

Luo Tan pouted, “At least you know your place. My little cousin is so intelligent and beautiful, you’d be hard-pressed to find her equal even with a lantern in the capital. You’re just a doctor with delusions. Look in a mirror.”

Her contemptuous tone deeply wounded Gao Yang’s heart, giving him the urge to find a mirror immediately to see if he was truly as unsuitable as Luo Tan claimed.

Thinking of his master, Gao Yang gave a cold laugh and nodded toward Luo Ling, “If I’m delusional, is he qualified?”

Luo Tan looked at Luo Ling, sighed, and said, “Cousin Ling is very good, but unfortunately, he’s not the right match for my little cousin.”

This answer was unexpected to Gao Yang, who had thought Luo Tan would wholeheartedly defend her cousin. He asked, “Oh? Why do you say that?”

“My cousin has a strong personality, while Brother Ling is too gentle. They won’t create any sparks together. I think Little Cousin probably just sees Brother Ling as an older brother,” Luo Tan said with some regret.

“You even know about ‘sparks’?” Gao Yang was surprised, then asked, “So tell me, who could create sparks with your little cousin?”

Gao Yang was just casually teasing Luo Tan, but to his surprise, she genuinely pondered the question before answering, “Someone like the Prince of Rui.”

Gao Yang was startled.

“The Prince of Rui is handsome, mysterious, and loyal. He must be one of the finest men in the world. My little cousin deserves such a husband. But that’s probably just wishful thinking.” Luo Tan’s voice lowered, but when she looked up, she saw Gao Yang smiling at her. Realizing she had shared too much with him—their relationship wasn’t that close, after all—Luo Tan immediately changed her demeanor. She leaned close to Gao Yang’s ear and said, “Hey, last time when I went to the Prince of Rui’s residence, you got something to hold over me. Today I learned about your feelings for my little cousin, so now I have something on you too. We’re even. Don’t think you can threaten me with the Prince’s residence incident anymore. Be careful, or I’ll tell my little cousin about your schemes, and you’ll never be able to face her again!” Luo Tan said fiercely.

Gao Yang was torn between laughter and tears. In truth, compared to Shen Miao, he was more wary of Xie Jingxing. But seeing Luo Tan’s self-satisfied expression, with cleverness dancing in her eyes, he suddenly felt playful. He leaned close and said, “Fine, then we each have something on the other. How about that?”

He was naturally as handsome as a jade gentleman, and when he leaned in to speak, he appeared quite attractive. Luo Tan, who loved beautiful things, somehow felt nervous. She shoved Gao Yang away with one hand—as a martial artist, the push nearly made Gao Yang cough blood.

Luo Tan turned and left, angrily saying, “Scoundrel!”

Gao Yang rubbed his chin, slowly breaking into a smile.

These trivial matters in the Shen residence didn’t catch Shen Miao’s attention—in her eyes, they were all unimportant, boring affairs. That is, until the next day, when something interesting happened at the Shen estate.

Shen Yue had run away.