Huaisheng opened the door. As soon as they entered, a heavy stench of alcohol wafted toward them. Even with her face veil, Shen Miao couldn’t help but frown slightly. Seeing Shen Miao’s furrowed brow, Huaisheng seemed somewhat embarrassed. He quickly ran to the other side to fetch an oil lamp and found a flint to light it.
The flame flickered as it came to life, illuminating the room slightly. On the bed lay a middle-aged man. He was extremely thin with a sallow, waxy complexion and was currently snoring loudly.
Huaisheng looked nervously at the two people before him. The woman said, “Wake him up.”
Huaisheng nodded and walked to the man’s side, gently shaking his arm. “Father, Father, someone’s here,” he whispered.
At first, the man showed no reaction. It seemed he was annoyed by Huaisheng’s shaking and unconsciously struck out, cursing, “What are you wailing about in the middle of the night?”
Huaisheng instinctively closed his eyes, but the expected slap never came. When he cautiously opened his eyes, he saw fear in his father’s gaze. Following his father’s line of sight, he saw that the beautiful young man who had been coldly observing them had somehow appeared at his father’s side. His slender hand was now gripping the man’s throat.
“Immortal!” Huaisheng panicked, both afraid and concerned. Despite his fear, he forced himself to plead, “My father didn’t mean to offend you. Please spare his life!”
Shen Miao glanced at the man, who was now wide awake with terror, and calmly said, “Let him go.”
Xie Jingxing finally released his grip.
Huaisheng was frightened.
His father knelt on the ground, staring at the two visitors, his body trembling uncontrollably. He seemed to instinctively sense the dangerous aura emanating from them, especially from the beautiful young man.
Shen Miao spoke, “Are you Tian Li?”
Tian Li nodded and replied, “Yes, I am.”
Shen Miao scrutinized Tian Li. Rumors had it that during his time in Liuzhou, Tian Li had been a handsome and talented scholar, which was how he had won Chang Zaiqing’s heart and married her. But after repeatedly failing the imperial examinations, he developed self-loathing and began frequenting gambling halls and taverns, drinking and gambling. Chang Zaiqing grew to detest such a life and eventually left home. Looking at Tian Li now, Shen Miao could somewhat understand why Chang Zaiqing had fled. There was no trace of his former dashing demeanor; before her stood a dejected, fallen man.
“Is Chang Zaiqing your wife?” Shen Miao asked.
Upon hearing this, Tian Li’s body jerked violently, and he raised his head to look at Shen Miao. Despite his best efforts to conceal it, Shen Miao could still detect the anger and humiliation in his eyes.
“Don’t worry, I’m not Chang Zaiqing’s friend. Feel free to speak your mind,” said Shen Miao.
Tian Li carefully examined Shen Miao again, as if trying to determine whether she was telling the truth. Shen Miao met his gaze openly. After a while, Tian Li spat on the ground and cursed, “That shameless slut! She ran off with my money!”
Huaisheng shrank back, his eyes filled with sorrow.
Shen Miao’s gaze fell on Huaisheng. “Huaisheng, go to the courtyard. I need to speak with your father alone.”
Huaisheng glanced at Shen Miao, then at Tian Li, but said nothing. He silently took a blanket and left.
After Huaisheng departed, Shen Miao asked Tian Li to explain everything from the beginning.
The story matched what Shen Miao’s people had discovered: Chang Zaiqing’s husband was indeed Tian Li. Their marriage had been considered a beautiful match—Chang Zaiqing was a talented woman from Liuzhou, and Tian Li was a scholar with promise. Tian Li’s family owned several shops, and while they weren’t extremely wealthy, they were moderately well-off.
Later, however, Tian Li’s family business was sabotaged, their shops were mortgaged, and his parents couldn’t withstand the blow and passed away. Tian Li was also affected, failing that year’s imperial examination and performing worse with each subsequent attempt. By then, Chang Zaiqing was already pregnant with Huaisheng, and their expenses increased. Poverty strains marriages, and the couple argued constantly. Tian Li took to drinking and gambling, while Chang Zaiqing resented the life they led, feeling it wasn’t what she wanted. One day, she sold their last remaining property deed for silver and fled.
Tian Li had people search for her, but Chang Zaiqing was nowhere to be found. It seemed Tian Li was unaware of the connection between Chang Hu and General Shen, so he didn’t know Chang Zaiqing had come to the capital.
Even now, Tian Li spoke of Chang Zaiqing with gritted teeth. “That venomous woman! That property deed was meant for Huaisheng when he grew up, to help him take a wife. Yet she sold it and took the money. She didn’t even care about Huaisheng in her heart. She’s nothing but a cheap woman!”
Shen Miao lowered her eyes. Xie Jingxing stood with his arms crossed on the other side, gazing out the window, appearing completely disinterested in Tian Li’s words. Yet even standing there casually, he exuded a chilling presence that couldn’t be ignored.
Finally, Tian Li asked, “Someone said if they brought us to this place, we’d see that woman. Miss, was it you who had us brought to the capital?”
Tian Li quickly recognized that these two visitors were likely people of unusual status, especially the young man. How could an ordinary person possess such an imposing demeanor? Moreover, breaking into someone’s home in the dead of night with such arrogance—ordinary people wouldn’t dare.
“Yes, it was me,” Shen Miao replied. “I know where Chang Zaiqing is.”
Tian Li was startled. When he spoke again, his voice trembled. “Where is she?”
Shen Miao frowned slightly. Besides anger, there was also a hint of longing in Tian Li’s voice. Perhaps because Chang Zaiqing had been his wife for many years, or perhaps because she was still Huaisheng’s mother, it seemed Tian Li wasn’t as harsh as his words suggested, and he still harbored some tenderness toward Chang Zaiqing.
This wasn’t what Shen Miao wanted to see.
She said, “Chang Zaiqing is now in the Shen family mansion of the former Mighty General in the capital. She has become the concubine of Shen Wan, the Third Master of the Shen family. She’s already pregnant. Shen Wan dotes on her tremendously, showering her with affection. Before long, she’ll give birth to Shen Wan’s son. Since there are no other children in Shen Wan’s household, once the child is born, Chang Zaiqing might be elevated to the status of his official wife. Even if not, the child will still lead a life of luxury and honor.”
Tian Li’s expression became fascinating—a mixture of rage at being cuckolded, humiliation, and resentment, all intertwined in complex ways. That small hint of tenderness had completely vanished after Shen Miao’s words.
The child born to Chang Zaiqing would live a life of luxury and wealth, while Huaisheng couldn’t even keep the property deed meant for his future marriage—nothing had been left for him. Years later, the lives of these two children, both born from Chang Zaiqing’s womb, would be as different as heaven and earth. What people feared most was comparison, and Tian Li could never be content with such a disparity.
Shen Miao smiled slightly. “Not only that, but for Chang Zaiqing’s sake, the Third Master of the Shen family even divorced his lawful wife and took her to court. It seems he truly adores Chang Zaiqing. Now the former Third Madam of the Shen family has become a public disgrace, truly pitiful.”
Tian Li gave a cold laugh. “This Third Master Shen is truly brainless.” He couldn’t develop any fondness for Shen Wan. The hatred of a stolen wife was unforgivable, and the poor often harbored resentment toward the wealthy. Especially since Chang Zaiqing had repeatedly expressed her longing for wealth in front of Tian Li, he felt even more bitter toward Shen Wan.
“To be honest, I’m here at the request of the Third Madam of the Shen family,” Shen Miao said. “She has been cornered by the Third Master and Chang Zaiqing, with no way out. She’s now prepared to fight to the bitter end, determined to make the Third Master and Chang Zaiqing suffer. That’s why she found you.”
“Me?” Tian Li looked at Shen Miao, gradually realizing something. “What exactly do you mean?”
“At the right moment, reveal to the Third Master that Chang Zaiqing is your wife. Make him end this mistake quickly.”
“I…” Tian Li hesitated.
Shen Miao gave Tian Li no time to waver. “Or perhaps you’re willing to watch your wife grow old with another man? You still have feelings for her and want to let her go. Did she ever consider you? If she had any conscience left, if not for you, she would at least have spared a thought for Huaisheng. But the fact is, she even took the last savings meant for Huaisheng’s future. Chang Zaiqing only cares about herself; she never had you or your son in her heart. Facing such injustice, do you still want to return good for evil? Tian Li, are you and your family all disciples of Buddha, blindly compassionate regardless of right or wrong?”
This harsh critique left Tian Li’s face flushed red, yet he dared not and could not refute Shen Miao’s words. Xie Jingxing, watching from the side, curved his lips meaningfully as he glanced at Shen Miao.
“Most importantly, why should Huaisheng live in such hardship while Chang Zaiqing and Shen Wan’s son enjoys a carefree life? If one day Huaisheng meets this half-brother, where the brother is treated like a master while Huaisheng must serve him like a servant, and Chang Zaiqing only acknowledges her younger son while rejecting Huaisheng, how would Huaisheng feel? Tian Li, think carefully—can you truly accept this?”
Shen Miao’s words always carried a subtle enchantment, unconsciously leading people to follow her train of thought. And she had touched on what mattered most to Tian Li. No matter how flawed Tian Li might be, and despite his rough treatment of Huaisheng, he still had more conscience than Chang Zaiqing. Otherwise, even as a gambler, he wouldn’t have preserved that last property deed for Huaisheng’s future marriage.
Huaisheng said, “My lady, I know I’m not content with this situation. But she’s still Huaisheng’s mother. I only want to bring her back. If she were to be beaten to death, Huaisheng would be heartbroken.”
“Just don’t let Huaisheng know about this,” Shen Miao replied. “After it’s done, the Third Madam of the Shen family will give you and your son a large sum of money. This sum will be far more than the property deed. With this money, you can flee far away and start a new life in a place where no one knows you. Without Chang Zaiqing, Huaisheng still has you as his father. If you treat Huaisheng well, his life might not be worse than it is now. In this world, there are two things you can’t retrieve: spilled water and people who have left. Chang Zaiqing chose to walk out of your lives. Now she lives in luxury, doing very well for herself. How could you possibly bring her back? With your sincerity, or with Huaisheng’s mother-son relationship? Do you think that’s possible?”
Tian Li closed his eyes in pain.
Shen Miao was right. Chang Zaiqing was living so well now; there was no reason for her to return to her former miserable life. If she truly cared about him or valued her relationship with Huaisheng, she wouldn’t have sold the deed and run away in the first place.
The veiled woman before him continued calmly: “One who doesn’t look out for oneself invites destruction. She was unkind first, so why should you be righteous? Right now, you have an opportunity to change your life. Miss it, and there won’t be a second chance. Whether you step on Chang Zaiqing’s life to move forward or not, you’re not in the wrong. Because this is what Chang Zaiqing owes you and your son. Will you do it?”
As Shen Miao spoke, many images flashed before Tian Li’s eyes: Chang Zaiqing’s disdainful and disgusted looks, the neighbors pointing and whispering after she left, Huaisheng sitting alone in the corner, lost in thought, always wearing tattered clothes… If one day he could change his life, if he could provide Huaisheng with the good life that wealthy families enjoyed… Tian Li suddenly raised his head, as if he had made a firm decision. “I’ll do it. I agree to follow your instructions. But you must give me enough money for my son and me to leave this place and live without worry.”
Shen Miao raised an eyebrow. Rumors sometimes couldn’t be trusted. They had described Tian Li as a scoundrel and ruffian, but she hadn’t expected him to be so straightforward today. Tian Li wasn’t difficult to deal with; perhaps because of Huaisheng, this man, despite his lack of ability and poor temperament, still retained some conscience.
“You’ll get your money,” replied Xie Jingxing. He leaned against the door in the shadows, speaking lazily. “Don’t get any other ideas, or else…”
Tian Li trembled violently and quickly lowered his head, saying fearfully, “I wouldn’t dare!” For some reason, facing this man filled him with an indescribable terror. Even though the veiled woman had done most of the talking, the aura of the purple-robed man permeated every corner of the cramped room.
Shen Miao glanced at Xie Jingxing. He was quite useful—if she needed to intimidate someone, she didn’t even need harsh words. Just placing Xie Jingxing there would make the other party wilt on their own.
When Xie Jingxing and Shen Miao left the room, Huaisheng came forward, looking at Shen Miao and timidly asking, “Can you find my mother?”
Shen Miao looked at Huaisheng, lowered her eyes, and said, “Go to sleep early.” Then she walked out first.
Her steps were hurried. Xie Jingxing followed her, and after they left the alley in the eastern part of the city and reached the street outside, he noticed Shen Miao’s expression and asked, “Do you feel sorry for that child?”
“Even if I feel sorry, I must continue,” Shen Miao replied. “I’m also a selfish person.”
“You’re doing nothing wrong,” Xie Jingxing said casually. “You’re not a disciple of Buddha, after all.”
He used Shen Miao’s earlier words to Tian Li against her, clearly with some intention to comfort her. Shen Miao looked at him and said, “But you are.”
Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow. “How so?”
“Accompanying me on a late-night excursion and helping me threaten Tian Li to prevent future troubles—you must be a disciple of Buddha. Otherwise, how could you be so kind-hearted?”
Xie Jingxing laughed softly. “You don’t seem grateful at all.”
Shen Miao slowly curved her lips. The relationship between her and Xie Jingxing was changing imperceptibly. They no longer needed to be at odds, as both were highly intelligent, making their interactions more straightforward. It seemed that doing things with someone else, rather than alone, made everything lighter. Like now, walking side by side on the snowy night street, it felt like a stroll. She was still fundamentally the Empress Shen, yet something new had been added—something she hadn’t possessed before.
“Regarding Chang Zaiqing’s matter, do you need my help?” Xie Jingxing asked languidly. “If you beg me, I might consider it.”
“Then I won’t trouble His Highness the Perceptive Prince,” Shen Miao smiled. “Better to avoid complications.”
“You have another good plan?” Xie Jingxing glanced at her with a half-smile. “Sometimes I wonder when there will ever be a problem in this world that you can’t solve, where you might have to beg me.”
“That probably won’t happen,” Shen Miao replied.
“A pity,” Xie Jingxing said regretfully.
Shen Miao smiled.
In the capital, new gossip emerged daily, quickly burying the news of previous days. For instance, the lawsuit between the Shen and Chen families a few days ago—everyone treated it as a joke, watched it, and then forgot it. It was the same within the Shen mansion; servants continued their duties as usual. The only difference was that Qiushui Garden had a new mistress, one who had won Shen Wan’s favor, almost rivaling the early days when the Third Madam had first arrived.
Compared to Chen Ruoqiu, Chang Zaiqing was better at managing relationships with those around her. Perhaps lacking the air of self-righteousness that Chen Ruoqiu possessed, she was cheerful and pretty, making others feel comfortable around her. Not only did Shen Wan adore her, but Shen Gui and the Old Madam of the Shen family also thought highly of her, believing that Shen Wan’s decision to divorce Chen Ruoqiu had been wise.
Shen Wan treated Chang Zaiqing well. The Old Madam even invited a high monk to examine her, who predicted that Chang Zaiqing was carrying a boy. With this, the Old Madam’s last reservations about Chang Zaiqing’s background vanished. The Shen family’s most pressing concern was to quickly add a male heir; otherwise, outsiders might mock the Shen family for having no descendants.
Shen Wan smiled every day. Chang Zaiqing advised him and managed the household affairs meticulously, as if highly experienced. He was happy to be unburdened. Such a capable helper who could compose poetry, write beautifully, and manage the family business—there was perhaps no man who wouldn’t appreciate such qualities.
On this day, Chang Zaiqing and Shen Wan were once again conversing in the courtyard. Chang Zaiqing wore a thick fur coat, with a brazier at her feet and a hand warmer in her hands. Fearing she might catch a cold, Shen Wan had instructed the surrounding maids to serve her diligently.
Chang Zaiqing said, “My lord seems quite free today.”
Shen Wan took her hand in his and smiled. “Not just today. There have been no court matters these days, so I can spend more time with you and our child.”
“That’s wonderful,” Chang Zaiqing smiled. “The child can also get closer to his father.”
These words pleased Shen Wan greatly. He embraced Chang Zaiqing and sighed, “All I hope for now is for you to give birth to our child. Then all I’ve done will not have been in vain.”
Chang Zaiqing perceived something and, noticing that Shen Wan’s brow remained furrowed, asked, “Is my lord still troubled by Miss Shen the Fifth’s matter from a few days ago?”
Whether it was marrying Shen Miao to the Prince of Zhou or creating rumors of a relationship between them, neither had materialized. It seemed the plans had not been successful. Although Chang Zaiqing didn’t know why Shen Wan was doing this, she understood it must be related to his official career.
Shen Wan shook his head with a bitter smile. “These days, Shen Xin has been watching Shen Miao closely. She hasn’t left the mansion, making it impossible to find an opportunity. It’s like an iron bucket—impenetrable.”
As he spoke, he seemed frustrated: “This can’t continue.”
Chang Zaiqing’s eyes darted, and she smiled. “That’s not difficult. If Miss Shen the Fifth won’t leave the mansion, then make her leave willingly. Honestly, if Miss Shen the Fifth were to go out, General Shen would ensure she’s accompanied by guards. General Shen comes from a military background, and his people are all skilled fighters. If anyone tried to make a move, it might not succeed. It would be better to have Miss Shen the Fifth leave voluntarily, and secretly, without General Shen knowing. That would be much easier.”
Shen Wan’s eyes flickered as he pondered this, but he still shook his head. “Shen Miao doesn’t seem to have any secrets. It would be difficult to lure her out.” Even when Shen Miao had a good friend named Feng Anning, who had been staying peacefully in the Feng mansion these days, using Feng Anning’s name to get Shen Miao to come out would surely make her suspicious.
“Young ladies, no matter how composed they usually are, are ultimately timid and have their concerns,” Chang Zaiqing smiled gently. “My lord might try an unconventional approach. For instance, use Shen Miao’s parents or brothers as bait, saying they’re in danger. When one is anxious, one becomes confused. No matter how composed Miss Shen the Fifth usually is, when it concerns her own family, she’ll likely panic. My lord could use this opportunity.”
Hearing this, Shen Wan first thought carefully, then tightly grasped Chang Zaiqing’s hand. “Though there are still some flaws, it’s not a bad idea. With some refinement, it might actually work.” He looked at Chang Zaiqing with excitement, his gaze full of admiration. “You always surprise me.”
Chang Zaiqing lowered her head slightly and smiled. “My lord is teasing me. Now that I’ve followed my lord, I’ll do my utmost to think of your interests. Although this method isn’t entirely honorable, I know that in court matters, there are no parent-child distinctions. I will always put my lord first.”
Scheming against Shen Miao would indeed be considered a poisonous plot. Although Shen Wan greatly appreciated Chang Zaiqing’s clever idea now, he might later think her cruel. By mentioning it first, using the justification that court matters supersede family relationships and that she always put Shen Wan first, Chang Zaiqing not only avoided making Shen Wan feel uncomfortable but made him admire her more. He saw her as broad-minded and genuinely devoted to him—a rare and remarkable woman.
Thus, Shen Wan looked at Chang Zaiqing with deep affection and said, “With such a beauty, what more could a man ask for?”
Chang Zaiqing responded submissively, “Meeting my lord is my blessing. I dare not forget the kindness my lord has shown me.” The more humble she appeared, the more Shen Wan adored her. But he failed to notice the flash of triumph in Chang Zaiqing’s eyes.
In Chang Zaiqing’s view, men and emotions were mere fleeting clouds. Only those who had truly experienced poverty could appreciate the value of wealth. She wanted to hold onto Shen Wan firmly, not because of who he was, but because of the comfortable life he could provide. Chang Zaiqing differed from Chen Ruoqiu; Chen Ruoqiu genuinely loved Shen Wan, which was why she lost her composure at his actions. Chang Zaiqing loved the Shen family’s wealth and the status of being an official’s wife, which was why she was more clearheaded about what she needed to do.
Men like Shen Wan—even clever and charming women like Chen Ruoqiu eventually ended up in her current state. Chang Zaiqing understood that poetry, songs, and romantic gestures were not enough to capture this man’s heart. She had to demonstrate her talents, making Shen Wan see her as useful, so he would never abandon her.
Chang Zaiqing was doing very well.
Shen Wan sat with Chang Zaiqing for quite some time before getting up to leave. He had some official business to attend to. After earnestly instructing the servants around Chang Zaiqing, he left with his attendants.
Upon returning to his study, his servant approached with a letter, saying, “Master, the gatehouse said someone delivered a letter specifically for you, but they don’t know who sent it.”
Shen Wan took the letter and saw that the envelope was blank, clearly meant to avoid detection. For officials like them, confidential letters occasionally arrived, so Shen Wan didn’t delay and quickly opened it.
The first line of the letter froze him in place.
It read: “Third Master Shen, do you know that your beloved concubine is damaged goods?”
Shen Wan nearly lost his balance. Steadying himself with one hand on the table, he quickly read through the rest of the letter.
The letter was indeed very simple, but its contents were far from simple. It stated that Chang Zaiqing had already been married in Liuzhou and had a son. Now she had become Shen Wan’s favored concubine in the capital. Most importantly, Chang Zaiqing had not yet divorced her original husband. If one were to be strict about it, Shen Wan could even be accused of stealing another man’s wife—an offense that could be taken to court!
Shen Wan initially didn’t believe it, reading the letter with a hint of disdain. He even wondered if the letter might be evidence of Chen Ruoqiu’s meddling. But when he read the last line, his body trembled and froze.
Chang Zaiqing had a small red birthmark in a private area.
This was an irrefutable fact.