The person standing opposite was none other than Xie Jingxing. Under the dim light of the fire stick, his handsome features were finely drawn, yet his brows were tightly furrowed, carrying a coldness entirely different from his daytime demeanor, as though he had become another person.

Jingzhe and Guyu had met Xie Jingxing several times before and naturally knew who he was. Surprised, they instinctively moved to protect Shen Miao.

Mo Qing, however, was seeing Xie Jingxing for the first time. Though he didn’t know who Xie Jingxing was, he gathered from Shen Miao’s words that these two were acquainted. Xie Jingxing stared at Shen Miao, pondered for a moment, then smiled and loosened his grip, tossing the sword back to Mo Qing in the blink of an eye.

He lazily stepped back to the doorway, folded his arms, and said, “Shen family girl, meeting you here—should I call it fate or simply fate?”

Shen Miao ignored him and only instructed Mo Qing and the two maids: “Leave quickly.”

Jingzhe and Guyu glanced at Xie Jingxing, nodded in agreement, and were about to leave when Shen Miao told them: “You go first, I’ll follow shortly.”

In the darkness, they could only see the fire stick moving slightly. Guyu anxiously called out, “Miss…”

“Go!” Shen Miao commanded. Her order was brief and resolute. Guyu trembled slightly. Mo Qing shook his head, grabbed one maid in each hand, and leapt out the window, darting away.

Xie Jingxing still stood with folded arms, watching her movements with interest. Shen Miao felt her way to the table and finally found the incense burner from earlier. She picked up the incense from the table, lit it with the flame, inserted it, and then prepared to exit the room.

Just as she was about to move, Xie Jingxing frowned suddenly and flicked his finger, instantly extinguishing the fire stick’s flame. In complete darkness, a figure suddenly darted in front of Shen Miao, nimbly wrapping an arm around her waist. Before Shen Miao could react, she found herself in a gentle embrace as the person rolled with her to the ground, barely managing to roll under the bed.

“You…” Shen Miao was shocked and furious.

“Shh,” Xie Jingxing’s voice sounded in her ear. “Someone’s coming in.”

Footsteps echoed in the room, and Shen Miao’s body stiffened.

She had never imagined that those people would move so quickly.

Fortunately, the person who entered didn’t light any lamps, though this was within her expectations. Given that person’s thrill-seeking nature, he certainly wouldn’t light any lamps.

Someone outside said, “Your Highness, everything has been arranged.”

“You may all withdraw and stand guard outside. Do not disturb my pleasure,” replied another voice, slightly hoarse. Shen Miao’s eyes flickered slightly—it was indeed Prince Yu.

“Shen Xin, oh Shen Xin…” Prince Yu’s voice was full of satisfaction and perverted excitement. “I wonder how your daughter’s taste differs from those other women?”

Footsteps approached the bed.

Shen Miao’s fists gradually tightened.

Xie Jingxing lowered his head slightly. Due to their position, his chin rested atop Shen Miao’s head, allowing him to smell the pleasant fragrance of the young woman’s hair. In the darkness, he couldn’t see Shen Miao’s expression, but her tense body revealed that she wasn’t unmoved by the situation.

The sound of tearing clothes came from the bed. Prince Yu’s voice was ferocious, spewing one obscenity after another. Shen Qing seemed to have regained some consciousness, making slight sounds of resistance. However, her voice was so soft that it sounded less like resistance and more like welcome.

A heart-racing scent permeated the air, gradually spreading with hints of orchid fragrance, unsuspectingly inhaled by those present.

Shen Miao gradually sensed something amiss. Her heart dropped as she realized that before leaving, she had lit the incense containing aphrodisiac, and now she was suffering the consequences of her actions. She had never encountered such a situation before and couldn’t help but direct her anger at the uninvited guest, Xie Jingxing. If not for his sudden appearance causing complications, she would have already left, avoiding this awkward predicament. Thinking of this, she glared fiercely at the culprit.

Unfortunately, without light, nothing could be seen. Shen Miao hesitated, afraid that any movement might alert the people on the bed. She had no choice but to cover her nose and mouth with Xie Jingxing’s clothes.

She realized the incense was no ordinary substance and knew she mustn’t inhale it. She even thought to cover her nose and mouth with Xie Jingxing’s lapel, but forgot that Xie Jingxing was a man.

By the time Xie Jingxing realized there was a problem with the incense, he had already inhaled too much of it, and he was still holding a young girl in his arms. Though Shen Miao was still immature with a modest figure, she was still soft and fragrant in his embrace, causing his body to tense. At this critical moment, Shen Miao even snuggled closer, burying half her head firmly in his embrace.

Xie Jingxing took a deep breath. Since birth, he had never been in such an awkward situation. Looking up at the large bed creaking incessantly, with the intertwined voices of the man and woman, he found it extremely embarrassing. The noise made one wonder if the bed would collapse under such vigorous activity.

After enduring for nearly half an hour, the activity on the bed gradually subsided, as if they had tired momentarily. Shen Miao’s body was also extremely stiff. At this moment, she felt Xie Jingxing roll with her again, and then, taking advantage of the open window, they smoothly flew out. In the pitch darkness, it was unclear how he could see so clearly, fortunately without alerting Prince Yu.

Once they were some distance away, they saw the anxious faces of Guyu and the others. Seeing them emerge, Jingzhe nearly jumped with excitement but, fearing they might be heard outside, whispered, “Miss, we were worried sick. Someone went in earlier. Were you discovered…?” Her words abruptly stopped as she finally saw Shen Miao’s position.

Shen Miao was still being carried by Xie Jingxing. Xie Jingxing was extremely tall and carried her effortlessly. Jingzhe angrily said, “Put down my mistress immediately!”

Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow, released his hold, and with a “thud,” Shen Miao fell directly to the ground.

“You!” Guyu was both angry and furious, not expecting Xie Jingxing to release her so roughly. She hurriedly helped Shen Miao up, comforting her, “Are you alright, Miss?”

Mo Qing stared at Xie Jingxing, also filled with doubt. This young master, who appeared to be from a noble family, had exceptional martial arts skills—Mo Qing had been completely helpless against him. Such skill commanded respect, yet his appearance in the dead of night was truly suspicious. After escorting Guyu and Jingzhe out earlier, Mo Qing had seen someone enter Shen Miao’s room, followed by a group of skilled guards. If he hadn’t hidden quickly, there would have been trouble. Mo Qing couldn’t help glancing at Shen Miao again—perhaps she had known in advance that such a group would come tonight, but then what was the purpose of switching places with Shen Qing?

Shen Miao stood up, dusted herself off, and calmly looked at Xie Jingxing: “The night is deep and the dew heavy. We won’t disturb the Young Marquis’s business and will take our leave first.” Her attitude was very distant.

The light rain hadn’t stopped, its fine threads dampening her clothes. In the faint light from outside lanterns, Xie Jingxing’s sharp gaze swept across her face, and he suddenly laughed as if watching a show: “To leave from here, you must pass through the outer courtyard, which is heavily guarded. If you want to go to your death, this Marquis never stops people from seeking death. Please proceed.”

His words were truly annoying, and his handsome face still wore a mischievous smile. Shen Miao glanced at Mo Qing, who shook his head with some embarrassment: “This subordinate alone cannot guarantee success.”

Though Prince Yu himself was incompetent, his subordinates were not to be trifled with.

“The Young Marquis seems confident,” she remarked after a pause.

Xie Jingxing smiled, rose to leave, and seemed intent on ignoring them.

“Could you assist us?” she asked.

Xie Jingxing turned back, pondered for a moment, and nodded: “Not impossible, but… if you beg me, I’ll take you out.”

Guyu and Jingzhe’s expressions changed. Xie Jingxing’s character was so playful, his tone so flirtatious, and his face so handsome that any woman would blush and feel her heart race. If not for their protective instinct toward their mistress, Jingzhe and Guyu might not have been able to muster any anger today.

Mo Qing frowned. Shen Miao was Shen Xin’s daughter, presumably pampered since childhood, and appeared to have a stubborn personality. With Xie Jingxing’s provocation, Shen Miao would likely become furious.

But contrary to Mo Qing’s expectations, upon hearing this, Shen Miao quickly replied, “Fine, I beg you. Take us out.”

Her response was so quick that it caught Xie Jingxing off guard. Carefully examining the young woman before him, though she was asking for help, her gaze was unwavering and her demeanor composed, without lowering herself in the slightest. The feeling was very subtle, as if she weren’t begging but rather commanding from a position of superiority.

Before Xie Jingxing could speak, Shen Miao immediately added, “Does the Young Marquis intend to go back on his word?”

“You truly have a petty mind,” Xie Jingxing smiled and softly called to those behind him, “Come out.”

In the blink of an eye, black-clad figures darted from all directions, roughly counting to more than a dozen, matching the number of men Prince Yu had brought.

Jingzhe and Guyu were startled, and Mo Qing was also shocked. Though his martial arts were not weak, he had been unaware that so many people were hidden here, clearly indicating that their skills surpassed his own. The fact that the young man before them could easily command so many skilled fighters made one wonder about his identity.

Xie Jingxing said, “Be swift and don’t startle the prey.”

The black-clad men bowed in acknowledgment and vanished into the night. Their movements were extraordinarily uniform, a quality rarely found among the guards trained in the Qin family. Shen Miao pondered this, then heard Xie Jingxing say, “It will take some time. Let’s go another way.”

He turned and headed in the opposite direction, seeming very familiar with the temple’s layout.

“Follow him,” Shen Miao said.

It was unclear how Xie Jingxing’s subordinates had arranged things, but they encountered no one along the way. Even at the South Pavilion where Shen Qing and Shen Yue resided, there were no guards outside. After safely escorting them there, Shen Miao told Mo Qing, “You may return now.”

Guards had their quarters, and Mo Qing had sneaked out tonight. If discovered, there might be trouble.

Guyu and Jingzhe accompanied Shen Miao inside, but Xie Jingxing did not leave. Jingzhe stepped forward to block Xie Jingxing from entering the inner chamber, eyeing him warily: “Sir, please stop.”

Xie Jingxing did stop, but looked at Shen Miao’s retreating figure and smiled: “Shen Miao, after wasting this Marquis’s entire night, you won’t even explain?”

Shen Miao paused, inwardly sighing. Xie Jingxing seemed to possess an ingenious mind, with sharp eyes and ears that made others envious, seeing through many things at a glance. Not bothering to hide from him, she glanced at Jingzhe and Guyu and said, “You two go sleep in the outer chamber. Young Marquis, follow me in.”

“Miss…” Guyu was somewhat panicked. “This is improper…”

A young lady spending the night alone with a strange man would be scandalous if discovered. If caught, Shen Miao would truly be ruined. Her affair with Fu Xiuyi could still be explained as a young girl’s infatuation, since nothing had happened, but this sort of situation could destroy her reputation—something that couldn’t be cleared even if she jumped into the Yellow River.

“No one will know, so what’s improper about it?” Shen Miao had no intention of listening to her two maids. Looking at Xie Jingxing, she said, “Come in.”

Xie Jingxing shrugged and followed Shen Miao into the inner chamber. Under the anxious gaze of the two maids, Shen Miao calmly closed the door.

After lighting an oil lamp and closing the windows to block out the pitter-patter of rain from outside, Shen Miao sat down at the table.

Xie Jingxing stood leaning against the wall with interest, watching her unhurriedly pour tea. He asked, “Why aren’t you afraid of me?”

“Why should I be afraid of you?” Shen Miao countered.

“A young lady from a good family, alone with a strange man—aren’t you afraid I might do something to you?” His smile grew more wicked, yet in the lamplight, he appeared even more impossibly handsome.

“We’ve already listened to others’ bedroom affairs together. It’s too late to talk about fear now, don’t you think, Young Marquis?” Shen Miao replied flatly.

Xie Jingxing was startled, his handsome face suddenly showing an expression of disbelief. Over the years, he had experienced many things—things that others his age should have seen, and things that others his age shouldn’t have seen. At least in the capital of Dingjing, even in Mingqi, he was considered quite worldly. But this was the first time a girl had mentioned “boudoir affairs” to him with such a composed expression.

Just now in the darkness, he couldn’t see Shen Miao’s expression. Thinking about it now, since she came out, Shen Miao’s voice had remained calm, her attitude composed, as if the person who had listened to those intimate secrets with him was someone else. He almost began to wonder if this girl was some kind of monster.

“Are you a woman?” Xie Jingxing asked, crossing his arms.

Normally, a young lady should have been embarrassed beyond words, never mentioning the matter again. Yet she showed no reaction before and now spoke of it candidly, without a trace of shame. Even for the daughter of a mighty general, this was truly exceptional.

Shen Miao remained silent.

Xie Jingxing nodded: “I almost forgot. Of course you’re not a woman; you’re just a little girl.”

Though Shen Miao acted maturely, her appearance was charming, especially with her fair face that still retained some baby fat. When she didn’t speak, she looked much younger. Xie Jingxing thought to himself that she was probably too young and didn’t understand what “boudoir affairs” meant, which explained her calm attitude.

The more he thought about it, the more convinced he became. Xie Jingxing walked over and looked down at Shen Miao, saying: “I haven’t yet settled the account with you about that incense just now. I almost fell into your trap too.” He grabbed Shen Miao’s cheek and pinched it hard twice: “What do you have to say for yourself?”

Shen Miao was stunned for a moment, not expecting Xie Jingxing to suddenly act this way. The young man seemed to find it amusing and pinched her again—not gently, but roughly—showing no regard for her delicate features. He truly seemed to be treating her like an innocent little girl.

“How dare you!” Instinctively, she exclaimed in a low voice.

As soon as the words left her mouth, both of them froze.

In the lamplight, the handsome young man’s face stiffened slightly, his sharp obsidian eyes instantly flashing with complex emotions. He withdrew his hand and laughed softly, saying casually: “This is the first time someone has said ‘how dare you’ to me.”

Shen Miao was inwardly annoyed at her loss of composure. Xie Jingxing always acted somewhat unpredictably, and in her urgent state just now, she had reverted to her former manner as an Empress in the imperial court. This person was extremely intelligent; it would be best if he didn’t discover anything. Not knowing what to say, she remained silent.

Xie Jingxing broke the silence. He sat down in the chair opposite Shen Miao and poured himself a cup of tea. Suddenly remembering something, he took out a paper package from his bosom and opened it to reveal exquisitely made pastries, even more beautiful than those from Guangfu Zhai in the capital.

Xie Jingxing ate the pastries and drank the tea in large mouthfuls, saying: “I came in a hurry and haven’t had dinner. Tsk, this tea tastes awful.” He appeared every bit the picky young master.

“Is Lord Xie here to drink tea and eat snacks?” Shen Miao looked at him.

“Of course not.” Xie Jingxing suddenly smiled, picked up a pastry, and stuffed it into Shen Miao’s mouth. His movement was so quick that by the time Shen Miao reacted, her mouth was already filled with sweetness.

Xie Jingxing rested his chin in his hand, glanced at her, his posture relaxed, but his words were sharp.

“Now that you’ve eaten my food, answer my question.”

The fragrance of the pastry melted in her mouth, with a light sweetness and appropriate fruit flavor, leaving a lingering aroma. Even Shen Miao, who didn’t usually enjoy sweet things, couldn’t help but find it delicious.

“What’s your relationship with the Prince of Yu?”

Shen Miao looked at him: “You might as well ask me why I’m doing this tonight.”

“If you’re willing to tell me, I’m all ears.”

“Those who humiliate others will be humiliated in return. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.”

Xie Jingxing’s eyes flickered with changing emotions. He smiled, his tone somewhat inexplicable: “You’re quite ruthless, pairing your sister with that old dog, the Prince of Yu.”

Only someone as lawless as Xie Jingxing would dare to call the Prince of Yu an “old dog.”

“When they sent me away, they didn’t think of me as a sister either,” Shen Miao retorted sharply.

Her words were icy, making no attempt to conceal her disgust and contempt for those people. In the lamplight, her expression was indifferent, but her eyes seemed to burn with fire.

“What an audacious girl.” Xie Jingxing stretched lazily: “The Prince of Yu won’t spare you afterward.”

“That depends on whether he has the ability,” Shen Miao remained unmoved.

“You’ve told me so much…” Xie Jingxing mused, suddenly leaning forward until he was almost at the tip of Shen Miao’s nose. He came so close that even Shen Miao couldn’t help but be slightly startled. However, not wanting to be intimidated, she sat firmly without moving.

The young man’s face was extraordinarily handsome, his smile carried a wicked charm, but his voice held deliberate frivolity as he whispered in her ear: “Aren’t you afraid I’ll tell others?”

“Young Lord can do as he pleases. In any case, I’m also curious about what the Marquis of Lin’an’s household might be up to, sending their eldest son to Wolong Temple for a night stroll.”

Xie Jingxing’s appearance here tonight was no coincidence. And that he came with a group of black-clad men of exceptional skill made his identity even more shocking. There are no coincidences without reason in this world. Xie Jingxing hadn’t come to see her; he was likely planning something of his own, and they happened to cross paths.

The young man’s eyes were very beautiful, a pair of exquisite phoenix eyes that could captivate one’s heart when he smiled. However, when they turned cold, they radiated a dangerous, icy light.

For a moment, Shen Miao felt overwhelmed by Xie Jingxing’s aura. She had met people with imposing presences before—the royal family of Qin, the royal family of Mingqi, even the extremely arrogant Huns—but the person before her seemed even more dangerous.

“You’re quite bold,” he smiled slightly.

“Likewise.”

Xie Jingxing stood up, glanced at her, and said calmly: “The old dog’s affairs are of no interest to me. If you dare reveal even a bit of tonight’s events, Shen girl, know that killing to silence is not an empty threat.”

As soon as he finished speaking, he opened the window and leaped out, disappearing into the rainy night.

The cool rain drifted in through the window, landing on Shen Miao’s cheeks. The coldness crept up her face, and the wind cleared her head somewhat. Shen Miao breathed a sigh of relief.

Dealing with Xie Jingxing was like walking on a tightrope. This young man, though young, was unfathomable. Every sentence he spoke seemed casual but was a roundabout probe. That sense of danger made her uneasy. Although she didn’t consider the Marquis of Lin’an’s household an enemy of the Shen family, the relationship between the two families was demarcated, and Xie Jingxing would naturally harbor some reservations.

Tonight’s encounter—Xie Jingxing must have come to do something. Different from the frivolous Young Lord Xie in the capital, on a rainy night, he seemed like a different person. Previously, she only knew that Xie Jingxing had some abilities; now she realized that the secrets of the Lin’an Marquis household were not simple either.

Her gaze fell on the table. The unfinished pastries that Xie Jingxing had left behind remained there; if not for these, everything would have seemed like a traceless dream. But now was not the time to ponder these matters. Xie Jingxing was not of great importance to her at present. Tomorrow… everything would wait until tomorrow.

On the back mountain, the drizzling rain soaked the entire range. Under a tree stood a group of people.

At the front was a slender young man. The rain dampened his clothes and his hair, but he stood like a statue, unmoving, staring intently at the mountain below.

A moment later, somewhere down the mountain, a small firework suddenly bloomed—though calling it a firework might be overstating it; it was more like a small burst of light that disappeared extremely quickly, vanishing in an instant.

The young man turned around, his tone flat and emotionless: “It’s done.”

“Young Master is injured,” the middle-aged man beside him frowned.

He lowered his head to look at the fresh knife wound on his arm. The incense in that room was specifically designed to target men; once inhaled, it would lead to desire, causing one to gradually lose rationality and fall into madness. Its effect on women was not as strong; that girl had escaped unscathed. Although he was exceptionally rational, he was not a saint. Fearing an accident, he had to use this method to maintain his clarity.

“We’ll talk when we get back.”

“Young Master,” the middle-aged man hesitated before continuing: “That Shen Miss today has seen…”

“Iron Clothes, she’s just a little girl. I needn’t bother with her,” the young man’s beautiful phoenix eyes flashed, his tone quite cold.

The large man was somewhat afraid of him, but after some thought, he still mustered the courage to say: “But the Shen family might know…”

“The Shen family doesn’t know,” the young man said coldly. “The Shen family, they’re all fools. It’s rare to find a clever one.” He seemed to think of something and smiled slightly: “What a pity.”

The middle-aged man moved his lips but finally said nothing.

“Let’s go.”

At the same time, in the North Pavilion.

In the room adjacent to the innermost chamber, Ren Wanyun sat at the table. She had lit only a small oil lamp, its flame flickering like her heart.

Xianglan said: “Madam, it’s already the third watch. You should rest.”

Ren Wanyun shook her head, showing some irritation: “I can’t sleep.” She didn’t know why, but her heart was filled with unease, a feeling that seemed to come from nowhere. And Nanny Gui had said that everything was proceeding smoothly.

Moreover, she had gone out of the courtyard herself and heard sounds from the innermost room. In the rainy night, the sounds were muffled and unclear, but she could hear a woman’s cries and struggles. Although not entirely distinct, the misery and tragedy were unmistakable. Ren Wanyun listened with a flushed face and pounding heart, yet she couldn’t help but feel a thrill of fear. There had always been rumors in the capital about the Prince of Yu’s various techniques for toying with women; now it seemed they were indeed true. Shen Miao must be enduring quite some torment. Though somewhat afraid, Ren Wanyun also felt a surge of satisfaction amid her fear.

In the Third Branch of the Shen family, Shen Miao, relying on Shen Xin’s backing, was always the first one people saw in public matters. Shen Yue was a talented young lady renowned throughout the capital, while Shen Qing was somewhat mediocre. But she had a son, Shen Qiu, who was now following Shen Xin and would inevitably compete with Shen Yuanbai for the family inheritance in the future. Yet now, wasn’t Shen Miao at the mercy of others? When her arrogant sister-in-law learned that her daughter had committed such a shameful act, would she protect Shen Miao? Or would she give Shen Miao a white silk rope?

With these thoughts, Ren Wanyun’s anxiety lessened somewhat. She looked at the sky: “I might as well rest for a while.”

Seeing that she was finally willing to rest, Xianglan and Caiju couldn’t help but show expressions of joy. They hurriedly helped Ren Wanyun to bed, saying: “Madam, please rest. You’ll need your energy for tomorrow.”

“Yes,” Ren Wanyun murmured. “I’ll need my energy for tomorrow.” After all, tomorrow’s splendid show would be waiting for her to personally conclude.

…

The rain continued throughout the entire night.

In the quiet forest, after the rain finally stopped, all things withered, the autumn rain making everything seem even more desolate. The air was filled with a moist fragrance. Early in the morning, the bell-striking monk at the temple began to ring the bell.

The dull sound of the bell awakened those in deep sleep. Ren Wanyun opened her eyes; she had slept poorly all night, constantly having nightmares, only falling asleep near dawn. Upon waking, her forehead was covered in sweat.

“Madam is awake,” Xianglan came forward and said: “Here, wipe your face.”

After washing up, Ren Wanyun looked outside. Beyond the window, the post-rain tranquility had returned, with birds chirping.

She smiled and said, “Let’s wear something bright today. And I want that ruby and emerald flower brooch.”

Now in middle age, she had long been accustomed to wearing darker clothes. It was rare for her to personally choose bright attire. Caiju smiled and said: “Madam must be in a good mood today, wearing such bright colors makes you look much more spirited.”

Ren Wanyun looked in the mirror and smiled with satisfaction. She was indeed in a good mood, one could even say elated.

Once all preparations were complete, she said: “Let’s go, it’s time to call my ‘exhausted’ niece for breakfast.”

The innermost room of the North Pavilion was eerily quiet, with not a single maid in the courtyard. Ren Wanyun observed this with great satisfaction, thinking that the Prince of Yu had handled things very thoroughly, even dismissing the maids.

If she weren’t afraid of causing trouble, she would have immediately announced to the world what had happened to the person inside. However, for the sake of her plans, she temporarily restrained herself.

“Go knock on the door,” she instructed Xianglan, a flash of disgust in her eyes.

She looked down on women who had been defiled, conveniently forgetting who was the original instigator of Shen Miao’s current state.

“Fifth Miss,” Xianglan went to the door and knocked. “The First Madam is here.”

There wasn’t the slightest sound from within, as if no one was there at all.

“Fifth Miss, the First Madam is here,” Xianglan continued.

But after knocking for quite some time, there was still no answer.

Ren Wanyun sighed and said with a smile: “This Fifth Miss is truly childish. The day is already bright, yet she’s still being lazy. We can’t delay the time for offering incense. Let me try.”

She walked to the door, knocked gently, and said softly: “Fifth Sister, it’s time to get up and eat. After breakfast, we still need to offer incense. Please don’t be willful.”

Still no one inside answered her.

Ren Wanyun turned around, looking somewhat helpless, as if explaining to herself or others, saying quietly: “Well, I’ll just push the door open. Fifth Sister’s maids are so negligent, leaving like this. They must be severely punished when we return.” With that, she was about to push the door open.

“Second Aunt.” A light voice suddenly sounded in the silence. Ren Wanyun was startled at first, thinking the voice came from inside the room, but then she heard Xianglan and Caiju say in unison: “Fifth Miss, Second Miss.”

She turned around in surprise and saw Shen Yue and Shen Miao standing together.

Today, Shen Miao wore a snow-white plain silk dress with a moonlight-white peony-embroidered cloak, looking at first glance as if she were in mourning attire. “If you want to look beautiful, wear mourning clothes.”—accustomed to seeing Shen Miao in bright reds and greens and somewhat tasteless outfits, this attire was ethereally elegant. Paired with her slightly cold demeanor, it created a captivating effect.

A flash of jealousy crossed Shen Yue’s eyes. When had this foolish cousin become so physically attractive? She hadn’t realized that Shen Miao had always been quite pretty but had been deliberately dressed in a vulgar manner. Now, with her captivating presence and maturing features, she was naturally incomparable to her former self.

Ren Wanyun was also momentarily dazzled by Shen Miao’s appearance. She frowned and said: “Fifth Sister, why are you dressed so inauspiciously? All this white and plain clothing, people might think our family is in mourning.”

“Second Aunt is wearing such bright colors today,” Shen Miao said with a light laugh.

Ren Wanyun looked at her clothes, suddenly remembering something, and carefully examined Shen Miao. She didn’t understand how Shen Miao could have returned from outside, looking so composed. But the events of last night could fool others, not her. Wanting to confirm something, she walked up to Shen Miao, smilingly took her arm, and asked with concern: “Fifth Sister, did you sleep well last night?”

“Thank you for your concern, Second Aunt. I slept quite well,” Shen Miao smiled.

Ren Wanyun carefully observed Shen Miao’s expression and, seeing no signs of pretense, felt both shocked and suspicious. When had Shen Miao learned to be so impassive? Wouldn’t ordinary young ladies cry and wail after experiencing such a thing? Why was she so calm? Could it all be an act? But last night, she had heard those miserable female cries very clearly.

Looking at Shen Miao’s clear eyes, Ren Wanyun suddenly felt a sense of unease that made her somewhat flustered. She smiled and moved closer to Shen Miao, saying: “If Fifth Sister slept well, then I’m at ease.”

At first glance, she noticed that Shen Miao’s neck was as white as jade. She had always had fair skin, but now it looked like pure jade, without the slightest trace of blemish, let alone any marks.

This was impossible. The Prince of Yu’s methods of toying with women were notoriously brutal; how could Shen Miao’s body not bear any marks?

Shen Yue looked at Shen Miao, then at Ren Wanyun. She sensed that something had happened but didn’t know exactly what.

Ren Wanyun’s unease grew stronger. She gripped Shen Miao’s hand and, as if making casual conversation, said: “The weather is so cold. Isn’t Fifth Sister cold wearing such thin clothes?” As she spoke, Ren Wanyun suddenly yanked up Shen Miao’s sleeve, exposing a section of her white wrist.

The arm was fair and clean, like fine white jade, without a single mark. Ren Wanyun stood there in shock. Shen Miao withdrew her hand, smiled slightly, and said: “Second Aunt seems to be inspecting something.”

“No…” Ren Wanyun forced a smile worse than crying. “My hand… was a bit slippery just now.” She felt somewhat disoriented, not knowing what expression to make. How could Shen Miao’s body not have a single scar? As an experienced woman, she knew that even ordinary men, let alone someone like the Prince of Yu, would leave some marks on a woman’s body. Could it be that the Prince of Yu wasn’t as brutal as he appeared? But Shen Miao’s current demeanor didn’t look like someone who had suffered greatly either.

But with Shen Miao maintaining such a nonchalant appearance, how could certain things be discussed openly?

Her eyes scanned the surroundings, seeing only Huang Ying and Qing Luan beside Shen Yue, but not Shen Miao’s Jingzhe and Guyu. She thought for a moment and then asked: “Where are Fifth Sister’s two maids? They’re nowhere to be seen early this morning.”

“I sent them to bring me some porridge. When I woke up this morning, my throat felt a bit uncomfortable.”

“The kitchen is quite far from here,” Ren Wanyun smiled. “You child, you could have just said so. But isn’t the kitchen in the South Pavilion?”

“That’s right,” Shen Miao looked at her. “I just came from the South Pavilion.”

“What nonsense are you talking about?” Ren Wanyun laughed. “Didn’t you stay in the North Pavilion last night?”

Before her words had fully finished, she saw Shen Miao break into a smile. Since waking up after falling into the water, her expression had been quite cold, mostly just smiling slightly. Now this smile seemed to come from deep within, appearing very bright and radiant. For some reason, it sent a chill through one’s heart.

Ren Wanyun’s heart sank as heavy as lead.

“Madam, terrible news, the Miss is missing!” With a woman’s panicked cry, two maids with anxious expressions came into view—none other than Yan Mei and Shui Bi, Shen Qing’s attendants.

“What did you say?!” Ren Wanyun suddenly screamed.

Shen Yue was slightly startled. Shen Qing had disappeared? She secretly glanced at Shen Miao, who maintained a calm expression, as composed as if she had just heard a greeting.

“How could Qing’er go missing?” Ren Wanyun grabbed Yan Mei’s collar, her gaze as fierce as a mother beast.

“Oh, I know about this,” Shen Miao suddenly spoke up.

Everyone’s gaze fell on her.

In the ensuing silence, Shen Miao laughed softly: “I just came from the South Pavilion. Why? Naturally, because I stayed in the South Pavilion last night.”

“Last night, I couldn’t sleep, so I went to find my elder sister, hoping to exchange rooms with her. Elder Sister agreed, perhaps thinking that with Second Aunt staying next door, she would feel more at ease. Early this morning, I met Second Sister and came over with her, intending to thank Elder Sister for being so considerate and exchanging rooms with me.”

With each word she spoke, Ren Wanyun’s heart sank further. By the end, despair had completely engulfed her. The flesh on her cheeks trembled with hatred, her eyes reddened, like a wild beast about to go mad.

Seeing Ren Wanyun like this, Shen Yue became somewhat afraid. She had roughly guessed that something serious had happened, but seeing the First Branch, which had always secretly been at odds with her mother, in such a state, she naturally took pleasure in their misfortune. She followed along with Shen Miao’s words: “Indeed, early this morning, I saw Fifth Sister coming out of the next room. I came here now to find Second Sister for breakfast.”

Shen Miao’s voice was as light as a feather, yet it struck Ren Wanyun’s heart with the force of a hammer, causing her such pain that she nearly vomited blood.

“The person who stayed here last night wasn’t me, but Elder Sister.”

Ren Wanyun clutched her chest and staggered back two steps, almost fainting on the spot.

The person who had stayed here last night wasn’t Shen Miao, but Shen Qing!

So, the woman the Prince of Yu had defiled was her Qing’er! Those desolate, miserable sobs had all come from her Qing’er! She had been right next door, separated from her daughter by just a wall, yet had allowed her daughter to be humiliated! This… How could she accept this? It must be false! This couldn’t be possible!

Ren Wanyun’s heart was twisting in agony. She looked at the tightly closed door and, in that moment, lacked the courage to open it. She dared not imagine or see what horrific scene might lie behind it.

In her spinning world, she still remembered that above all, she could not let Shen Yue and Shen Miao see what was inside. If word got out, if word got out… She forced a smile worse than crying: “You all go back first. I just checked, and Qing’er is still sleeping. Let’s not wait for her.”

Shen Miao smiled: “Second Aunt is quite the joker. Just now you didn’t know that Elder Sister was resting inside, but now you say you’ve spoken with her. Could it be that Elder Sister is hiding something?”

“No!” Ren Wanyun flatly denied, an action that seemed increasingly strange to Shen Yue. Shen Miao’s gaze shifted, and she called out to another approaching figure: “Nanny Gui! Please help Second Aunt open this door.”

Nanny Gui came hunched over. She had also been instructed to come early today, but had not yet clearly seen the scene before her. Hearing Shen Miao speak this way, she thought Shen Miao had already agreed with Ren Wanyun. Feeling guilty and somewhat remorseful, Nanny Gui didn’t look at Ren Wanyun’s expression; otherwise, she would have seen that Ren Wanyun’s face was as pale as earth.

Since Nanny Gui was close to the door, Ren Wanyun couldn’t stop her in time. With a “creaking” sound, the door was slowly pushed open.

Everything seemed to fall silent.

From within the door, an intriguing smell quickly spread out.