“Well…” Ren Wanyun hesitated. If she stayed with Shen Miao and something happened to the girl, it would be difficult for her to extricate herself from blame. Before she could think of a better solution, Shen Miao continued: “If Aunt is unwilling, either Elder Sister or Second Sister could squeeze in with me as well.”

Shen Yue’s eyes flickered, but she said nothing. Although Shen Qing didn’t know exactly what her mother had planned, she vaguely guessed that this trip was targeting Shen Miao. Combined with her current disdain for Shen Miao, which had reached the point where she was unwilling to even pretend to be friendly, she coldly replied: “I prefer to stay alone.”

“In that case…” Shen Miao pondered slightly.

“Then I will stay with Fifth Sister in the northern pavilion.” Before Shen Miao could finish speaking, Ren Wanyun volunteered. She feared Shen Miao might create more complications, and thought that even if they stayed together but far apart, at least no blame could fall on her. Shen Xin was far away, and when the time came, whatever she said would be taken as the truth.

Shen Miao smiled slightly: “Then I thank Second Aunt for accompanying me.”

Her words were polite, but Ren Wanyun couldn’t help but frown momentarily before her face resumed its smiling expression: “We’re all family.”

Having resolved the accommodation issue, the next step was to settle in. Since Shen Qing and Shen Yue claimed to be tired, they wouldn’t eat the vegetarian meal together. Servants would deliver it to their rooms. Upon reaching the northern pavilion, before Ren Wanyun could speak, Shen Miao said: “I also feel quite weary, so I won’t join Second Aunt for the vegetarian meal and will return to my room first.”

Ren Wanyun was momentarily stunned, then smiled and said: “Very well, as you wish. If you’re tired, retire early.”

Shen Miao nodded in agreement.

When the novice monk led Shen Miao and her three servants to the room, Shen Miao couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

Indeed, in a simple and quiet temple like Wolong Temple, this particular room stood out for its elegance. It was adjacent to a small grove, very secluded. Though the furnishings were simple, they exuded refinement everywhere. The sight of it would naturally delight anyone.

“The scenery here is truly beautiful,” Guyu remarked with some surprise.

“Benefactor, this room is reserved for distinguished guests of the temple. The madam from your household instructed that the guest room be saved for you,” the young novice monk said with his head bowed.

“Please convey my thanks to Second Aunt for her kind gesture,” Shen Miao said lightly, her gaze surveying the surroundings. This was the innermost room in the northern pavilion, meaning that despite the tranquil scenery, it was quite isolated. If someone were to call for help, it would be futile.

How thoughtful of them to cut off all her escape routes. As for the room’s elegant arrangement, it was probably just to facilitate “that person’s” enjoyment.

“What fragrance is this?” Jingzhe picked up several sticks of incense from a small table and sniffed them. “It smells somewhat like orchid, but more fragrant.” Her gaze fell on the orchid-shaped incense burner. “This incense burner is quite exquisite.”

Seeing this, Guyu also smiled and said: “It seems the temple has made inquiries in advance. Young miss always burns incense before sleeping. When you grow tired at night, light it before bed. It will help you sleep soundly.”

“Now I think this Wolong Temple isn’t so bad,” Jingzhe joked cheerfully. “No wonder Second Madam insisted on coming here to pray for blessings, despite it being deep in the mountains.”

Shen Miao frowned slightly, walked to the small table, took the incense from Jingzhe’s hand, and smelled it. After sniffing it, her brow furrowed even more.

Seeing this, the two maids hesitantly asked: “Young miss, is there something wrong with this incense?”

Abnormality must indicate something amiss. In Shen Miao’s mind, from the moment they entered Wolong Temple, she hadn’t let down her guard even slightly. The more proper this place seemed, the more dangerous she perceived it to be. She did indeed have the habit of burning incense before sleeping, and as young ladies generally appreciate delicate things, the charming incense burner would tempt any girl to light fragrant incense to complement the serene and elegant environment.

However, for her, it was different. Women who survived in the back palace would use all sorts of methods to climb upward. Having been the Empress for so many years in her previous life, Shen Miao naturally had a discerning eye. She had seen many of these insidious methods and items. As for aphrodisiacs in incense, it was a tactic overused by concubines.

If she were an ordinary young lady from a sheltered household, she would naturally be unaware of such things.

“It’s nothing good,” she let go, and the incense fell onto the small table.

Guyu and Jingzhe were startled and exchanged glances. After a moment, Jingzhe asked: “Shall I throw this away?”

“No need,” Shen Miao’s gaze lingered on the small table. Ren Wanyun and that person had gone to such lengths to prepare this gift for her; it would be a pity to waste such methods. The corner of her lips suddenly curled into a cold smile: “Keep it. It will be useful eventually.”

…

In another room not far from Shen Miao’s, Ren Wanyun sat on a couch. Before her stood a hunched old woman—none other than Matron Gui.

“You know about tonight’s affairs. If it succeeds, you will certainly be rewarded handsomely. If it fails…” Ren Wanyun snorted lightly: “You know the consequences without me having to spell them out.”

As she spoke, there was no trace of her usual gentle demeanor; her gaze was truly chilling.

Matron Gui smiled obsequiously: “Madam, please rest assured. Everything is in this old servant’s hands, and I will not make any mistakes. I anticipate everything will go smoothly tonight.”

Ren Wanyun’s expression finally softened, and she said: “I naturally trust you; after all, you are the closest person to Fifth Sister. What we’re doing is for the Shen family’s benefit. When Fifth Sister becomes sensible in the future and understands the stakes, she will naturally know you acted in her best interest and won’t mistreat you.”

Matron Gui nodded in agreement, but inwardly she was contemptuous. If Shen Miao were to learn about this matter in the future, she would surely hate her to death, not think she had acted for her benefit. Thinking about what was to happen tonight, Matron Gui couldn’t help but feel anxious. She hadn’t expected that this always-gentle-faced First Madam of the Shen family would devise such a malicious plan. After all, such a thing happening to any unmarried young woman would make life worse than death.

The next moment, she saw Ren Wanyun give a signal to Caiju beside her. Caiju smiled and brought over a sachet, placing it in Matron Gui’s hand, saying with a smile: “We trouble Matron Gui to take care of this matter.”

Matron Gui felt the weight of the sachet and immediately beamed with joy, saying: “I guarantee to satisfy Madam.”

After a few more words, Matron Gui rose to leave.

“Is Madam going to rest here tonight?” Xianglan asked. “After all, it’s in the same area as Fifth Young Miss’s room.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Ren Wanyun waved her hand dismissively. “Early tomorrow morning, whatever I say will be the truth. Who knows if this person will still exist by the time Elder Brother returns. There’s nothing to fear.” She smiled somewhat fiercely: “Elder Brother, Elder Sister-in-law, who told you to block my Qing’er’s path?”