With such a major incident in the capital, the entire city was talking about the massacre at the Hereditary Prince’s Manor. Rumors grew like a snowball, becoming more outlandish with each retelling. All kinds of speculations emerged—some even suspected that the one who massacred the Hereditary Prince’s Manor was the lover of the newly-wedded Princess, who, in a fit of rage for his beloved, made the entire manor pay with their lives. This rumor added a touch of romance to the brutal truth, as if a hint of tenderness had suddenly emerged amidst the cruelty.

Such rumors were everywhere, and perhaps the subject of these rumors had no particular feelings about them. But among the rushing river of gossip, one stood out as particularly alarming.

This rumor suggested that the overnight massacre at the Hereditary Prince’s Manor was ordered by the Shen family. As for why the General’s Manor would do such a thing—well, that was too deep to fathom and left for the audience to imagine.

If the previous rumors only brought ridicule and mockery to Shen Qing and her family, this conspiracy-tinged speculation truly pushed the Shen Manor into the public eye.

The Hereditary Prince’s Manor was massacred, not even a single animal was spared, yet strangely, only the newly-wedded bride survived. What virtue or ability did this bride possess to be spared by such ruthless killers, unless she had some connection to them? If it was the Shen family’s doing, then everything naturally made sense. But why would the Shen family act against the Hereditary Prince’s Manor? On the surface, it might appear to be dissatisfaction with the marriage, but looking deeper, at a time when undercurrents ran strong in the court, who knew if the Shen family’s actions were instructed by others, or if they were making some kind of statement? These nuances might be invisible to ordinary people, but seasoned officials wouldn’t miss them. In an instant, the Shen family found themselves at the center of a storm.

Early in the morning, Bailu and Shuangjiang came to invite Shen Miao for snacks. The Shen Manor currently had no heart to manage other matters; even the meals from the small kitchen were carelessly prepared three times a day. Aside from Rongjing Hall, most people fended for themselves. Bailu and Shuangjiang simply went outside to buy snacks, accompanied by some sweet soup to warm Shen Miao.

After breakfast, Shen Miao finished washing up and glanced at herself in the mirror, slightly frowning before she said to Guyu: “Go get that fox fur scarf that my brother gave me.”

“Oh, Miss wants to wear that scarf now.” Guyu found the scarf at the bottom of the chest and was about to wrap it around Shen Miao’s neck when she was stopped. “I’ll do it myself,” Shen Miao said.

The fox fur used for the scarf was pure white without a single mixed hair. It was from a fox that Shen Qiu had hunted in the northwestern forests. Seeing how precious the pelt was, he had it made into an exquisite scarf for Shen Miao. However, Shen Miao had never liked wearing it, so it remained at the bottom of the chest. Today, for some unknown reason, she suddenly remembered it, which pleased Guyu. After all, such a beautiful fur left unseen at the bottom of a chest was quite a waste.

Shen Miao wrapped the scarf around her neck, and Guyu praised her: “Miss looks so beautiful with this scarf! It makes you look even fairer. It also looks so warm and nice.”

Shen Miao lowered her gaze, her fingers lightly brushing over the soft fur, thinking of the bruise on her neck that she had seen in the mirror earlier—a mark left by Xie Jingxing when he had gripped her throat yesterday. He had shown no mercy at that moment. She hadn’t noticed it yesterday, but today it was particularly obvious. Although winter clothes typically had high collars, if someone happened to see it by chance, Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan certainly wouldn’t let the matter rest. Better to avoid trouble and wrap the scarf tightly.

Putting down the bronze mirror, Shen Miao opened the door and walked out, just in time to see Shen Qiu standing under a tree in the courtyard, giving instructions to a soldier beside him. All of Shen Qiu’s guards were military men, different from ordinary guards—they exuded a brave and unyielding aura. Seeing Shen Miao, Shen Qiu said a few more words to the soldier before turning with a smile: “Sister.”

“Did something happen?” Shen Miao asked. Usually in the morning, Shen Qiu would invariably be practicing swords and spears in the courtyard. The best feature of the western courtyard was its spaciousness, and Shen Qiu and Shen Xin had always loved to practice martial arts there. Occasionally, when she was in the mood, Luo Xueyan would join them. These days, Shen Miao had grown accustomed to seeing Shen Qiu practicing as soon as she opened her door. Today, for the first time, there was no activity, so something must have happened.

Shen Qiu chuckled a couple of times and said: “Nothing. Why is Sister up so early? Shouldn’t you sleep a bit longer?”

His clumsy attempt to change the subject didn’t fool Shen Miao, who said without blinking: “It’s about Elder Sister and the Shen family, isn’t it?”

Shen Qiu quickly coughed, pulling Shen Miao back into the room. After entering, he drove all the servants out, closed the door, and then looked at Shen Miao: “Sister, don’t speak of this outside.”

“What exactly happened?”

Shen Qiu scratched his head: “Nothing major. Leave it to Father, Mother, and me. These days, don’t go out, and don’t concern yourself with this matter.”

He was being vague, probably trying to brush Shen Miao off. But if Shen Qiu could fool Shen Miao so easily, she wouldn’t have been able to survive in the Shen family. She stared at him unblinkingly: “Alright, Brother, you don’t need to hide it from me. It’s about the Hereditary Prince’s Manor massacre. People suspect Elder Sister, and now suspicion has fallen on the Shen family, right?”

Shen Qiu was stunned. Looking at Shen Miao, he suddenly felt powerless. He increasingly felt that he couldn’t fulfill the role of an elder brother in front of Shen Miao—she knew everything. Before, when she was silly, he worried she would be bullied; now that she was clever, he was completely at a loss.

Seeing Shen Qiu remain silent, Shen Miao continued: “Is Brother worried about this?”

“Sister,” Shen Qiu said seriously, “you’re still young and don’t understand court matters. Although this seems simple, those slandering us behind the scenes have other motives. One wrong move could implicate the entire Shen family.” He looked at Shen Miao, hesitated for a moment, then asked uncertainly: “Sister, do you know about the Hereditary Prince’s Manor case?” As soon as the words left his mouth, he immediately answered himself: “Of course you don’t know. How could a young lady from a secluded household have such capabilities?”

Ever since Shen Miao had told Shen Qiu about the second branch and the Hereditary Prince plotting against her, Shen Qiu had been unable to swallow this anger. If Shen Miao hadn’t forbidden Shen Qiu from telling their parents and forced him not to act rashly, Shen Qiu would have long ago sought revenge for Shen Miao based on his indignation. From beginning to end, Shen Miao had assured Shen Qiu that she had ways to handle everything.

And the events that followed showed the second branch seemingly cursed with bad luck, encountering one setback after another. If Shen Qing’s pregnancy being discovered at the welcome banquet and her eventual marriage to the Hereditary Prince were all orchestrated by Shen Miao, Shen Qiu was already quite shocked. But this time, the entire Hereditary Prince’s Manor had been massacred—if Shen Miao had a hand in this, Shen Qiu felt a chill grow in his heart. Making an entire Prince’s Manor silently disappear from this world would be difficult even for Shen Xin. How could a delicate young lady like Shen Miao possibly manage it? Yet the more impossible it seemed, the more Shen Qiu had an intuition that there was enmity between the Hereditary Prince’s Manor and Shen Miao. Now that things had reached this point, what if Shen Miao had played a part in pushing things along?

Shen Miao glanced at Shen Qiu and sighed: “Does Brother suspect I did it?”

“No, no, no, Sister, how could I suspect you? You’re just a young lady—if you had such abilities, people would laugh their teeth off.” Shen Qiu quickly denied, afraid of offending Shen Miao.

His cautious demeanor made Shen Miao inwardly sigh. She couldn’t tell Shen Qiu the truth. The people of the Shen family’s first branch were upright and honorable, loyal and kind-hearted. If they knew such a ruthless deed came from her hand, they would surely be deeply pained. She could only lie to Shen Qiu. Shen Miao smiled slightly: “I truly don’t have such abilities. Brother doesn’t need to suspect me. But what Brother is worrying about now isn’t something to worry about.”

Shen Qiu looked at Shen Miao. Unconsciously, when facing her, his conversations now included an element of consultation. He asked: “Why does Sister think so?”

“People in this world aren’t fools. How can mere rumors establish guilt? To truly convict someone, they would need conclusive evidence. Besides, what connection does Elder Sister have with our first branch? Our parents have been away from the manor for years. No matter how much dirty water they throw, it won’t splash onto us. Even if the current situation is a hundred times more chaotic, it’s not our concern. Naturally, there will be ‘capable and clever’ people who will resolve all these problems.”

“Capable and clever people?” Shen Qiu puzzled. “Who?”

Before he finished speaking, they heard Bailu announce loudly from outside: “Second Young Master, why have you come?”

“Look,” Shen Miao turned her head, a fleeting smile in her eyes, “the capable and clever person has arrived.”

Shen Qiu’s eyes shifted rapidly. Taking two strides in three steps, he opened the door and indeed saw Shen Yuan standing at the entrance. Shen Yuan had always paid attention to his appearance, but now he seemed somewhat haggard, probably having been busy all night. Compared to his pretense of a few days ago, the gloomy look he now cast at the two siblings was undisguised. He said: “Fifth Sister, I would like to speak with you alone.”

“My sister has nothing to say to you,” Shen Qiu stood in front of Shen Miao, deliberately emphasizing the words “my sister.”

“It’s alright, Brother,” Shen Miao said. “As it happens, I also have a few words I’d like to say to Second Brother.”

“Sister,” Shen Qiu said urgently, almost blurting out, “that person is not good.” Shen Miao patted Shen Qiu’s arm: “Don’t worry. If you’re concerned, you can guard the door.”

“Then I’ll guard the door,” Shen Qiu quickly said.

The siblings’ behavior made Shen Yuan’s face turn even darker. In the past, no matter how much Shen Qiu disliked him, he would at least maintain a cordial facade. This time, upon returning, it was needle against awl. Shen Yuan’s gaze fell on Shen Miao. Many things, if only they had followed their predetermined path, would have been fine. Deviating from that path to the point of no return—it was all because of Shen Miao.

She was the biggest variable in the Shen family.

“Fifth Sister, come in with me,” Shen Yuan coldly glanced at Shen Qiu. “Big Brother, please wait at the door.” After speaking, he was the first to enter the room.

Under the concerned gazes of everyone, Shen Miao also walked in.

The door slowly closed, and Shen Miao turned around to face Shen Yuan’s gloomy expression: “You did it.”

His tone was certain, without even a hint of probing. Shen Miao smiled slightly: “Which matter is Second Brother referring to? The massacre at the Prince’s Manor, or the widespread rumors?”

“Aren’t both of you doing?” Shen Yuan gave a cold laugh. “I’ve truly underestimated you.”

“I’m afraid Second Brother has overestimated me,” Shen Miao said casually. “I don’t have such great abilities to cause such trouble and still emerge unscathed.”

“Oh?” Shen Yuan looked her up and down before saying, “You don’t seem to be living so happily now.”

“People can say what they want; I can’t control that. Since Second Brother is determined to believe so, I won’t bother explaining. You won’t believe me anyway. Did you come just to accuse me?”

Shen Yuan restrained himself repeatedly. The young lady before him smiled calmly, the curve of her lips bent into a mocking expression, her eyes clear as water, reflecting his somewhat disheveled image. He was proud and arrogant, yet now he had been outmaneuvered by a girl, which naturally made him extremely resentful. However, with matters having reached this point, he had indeed underestimated his opponent.

“Doing this, aren’t you afraid of implicating the Shen family? This way, Uncle’s family won’t fare well either!” Shen Yuan said viciously.

Hearing this, Shen Miao reacted as if she had heard a good joke. She smiled at Shen Yuan for a moment, until his anger could no longer be contained, then finally spoke calmly: “I didn’t do anything. Besides, Second Brother’s words are very strange. Even if this matter is related to the Shen family, what does it have to do with our first branch?” She said dismissively, “My parents and brother are in the northwest year-round. You can’t suggest that I, a mere girl, could make decisions for the first branch. Even if the Shen family is implicated, Second Brother, at least the first branch can be cleanly separated from it.”

Shen Yuan drew in a sharp breath.

He had considered this aspect, but when raising the point earlier, he had assumed that Shen Miao didn’t understand court matters. No matter how clever and cunning Shen Miao was, her domain was the inner household. The court was a man’s world—who in the Shen Manor would analyze court dynamics for her? Shen Gui? Shen Wan? That was laughable. But now, Shen Miao’s sarcastic words clearly showed that she understood these dynamics better than anyone.

“So you had a backup plan all along.” Shen Yuan’s expression changed as he sneered. “It seems your first branch doesn’t plan to help?”

“We’ve never had the leisure to worry about other people’s affairs,” Shen Miao looked at him composedly. “As for Second Uncle and Third Uncle, they should explain themselves now. But the one who should be most worried is probably you, Second Brother.” She shook her head, speaking with apparent regret: “Just after returning to the capital to take up your post, you encounter something like this. This is actively blocking your career path.”

She deliberately spoke with exaggerated modulation. Perhaps from spending so much time with Shen Qiu lately, she had also learned to irritate people subtly. This made Shen Yuan clench his fists even tighter.

Shen Miao suddenly turned her head, stroking the soft fur at her neck, and smiled: “However, considering we all share the Shen surname, I do have an idea that could address this urgent crisis.”

“I dare not use Fifth Sister’s ideas,” Shen Yuan stared at her. “One wrong move, and I might lose my life without even knowing it.”

“Second Brother is joking. How could I be so frightening? This idea is sincerely thought out for your benefit. But I imagine someone as clever as Second Brother has already considered it. Since the Shen family has already been implicated, wouldn’t it be best to separate the family from this matter? Second Brother knows that rumors can’t be taken as truth, but when they persist, they inevitably cause doubt. So, when rumors are just beginning, treating them as ‘just rumors’ is fine. But to make something a ‘mere rumor,’ Elder Sister would need to provide some clarification.”

Shen Miao looked out the window, where Shen Qiu was anxiously squatting under a tree, clutching his spear and peering toward the room. She smiled faintly: “I think the most powerful clarification in this world is one paid for with one’s life.”

“You!” Shen Yuan suddenly raised his fist, but stopped abruptly above Shen Miao’s head. He stared at her and said: “At your age, to have such a venomous heart—Fifth Sister, you are the first person I’ve ever met like this.”

“Likewise,” Shen Miao’s eyes flashed with satisfaction, and she asked: “Do you think Elder Sister would be willing to clarify things for the sake of your career? To do so voluntarily?” She smiled warmly: “I think she would, after all, you are blood siblings.” After a pause, Shen Miao suddenly shook her head: “No, I think Elder Sister wouldn’t be willing. She values herself too much. You would only risk your career, but Elder Sister would have to pay with her life.”

“Shen Miao, you won’t always be lucky,” Shen Yuan gritted his teeth, his tone suggesting he wanted to tear her apart alive. He suddenly understood why Ren Wanyun seemed almost insane with hatred when mentioning Shen Miao—because she was truly, thoroughly, a person to be hated to the bone.

“Whether I’ll always be lucky, I don’t know,” Shen Miao looked at him. “But you, Second Brother, right now, have no way out.”

With a loud bang, Shen Yuan kicked the door open and stormed out without looking back. His action startled Shen Qiu, who immediately rushed into the room. Seeing Shen Miao safe and sound, he finally relaxed and asked curiously: “What did you say to him? Why was he so angry?”

“Oh, probably feeling guilty about being unable to help his sister in prison,” Shen Miao said without turning around as she picked up a cloak. Seeing this, Shen Qiu asked: “Is Sister going out?”

“Elder Sister is in prison. As her sister, I should visit her,” Shen Miao smiled slightly. “After all, we are siblings.”

…

With such a commotion in the capital, if Fenxian Pawnshop knew nothing about it, that would indeed be strange. Even the ancestor of Hundred-Knowing would rise from his grave to scold them.

In the Linjiang Pavilion, Hong Ling brought exquisite pastries to the table, arranged the teacups, and then silently withdrew. Ji Yushu took a piece of cake, bit into it, and immediately spat it all out, saying: “What is this? It tastes awful.” He then looked shamelessly at Xie Jingxing: “Third Brother Xie, just lend me your cook for a few days.”

Xie Jingxing’s response was concise: a single word—”Go.”

Gao Yang, sipping tea, said: “Now the whole city is talking about the Prince’s Manor affair, yet you still have the appetite for pastries. Ji Yushu, you truly impress me.”

“No need to be too impressed,” Ji Yushu adjusted his collar dashingly. “I’ve always been exceptional. Besides, what does the Prince’s Manor affair have to do with me? Why shouldn’t I enjoy pastries?”

“Don’t forget, the premise for the Chen brothers’ action was the news spread by your Fenxian Pawnshop,” Gao Yang reminded him. “Assassins, rebellion—you’ve fabricated quite significant news.”

Ji Yushu exploded at this: “The one who created those rumors was Shen Miao, and I don’t see her anxiously pacing about without eating. I heard that early this morning, she even went to visit Shen Qing in prison. Look at that—a heart as clear as glass, facing everything calmly. If I were Shen Qing, I’d die of anger on the spot.”

Xie Jingxing smiled and took a piece of pastry for himself. The taste didn’t suit him; he frowned slightly, put down the remaining half, and ate no more.

“How can you compare with her?” Gao Yang said coolly. “The courage of the Shen family’s Fifth Miss could probably pierce the heavens without fear. To stab our Xie San with a hairpin and still escape unharmed—she’s the first I’ve encountered.”

“What?” Ji Yushu exclaimed, looking at Xie Jingxing. “Third Brother, you were stabbed?”

Xie Jingxing glanced at Gao Yang: “Do you want to go back?”

Gao Yang immediately sat up straight: “I was just talking nonsense.”

But Ji Yushu had discovered a new interesting topic and kept pressing Xie Jingxing: “How did she stab you? With a sword? If you couldn’t avoid it, her movements must have been very fast. And she escaped unharmed in the end? Heavens, Third Brother, couldn’t you defeat her?”

Xie Jingxing finally lost patience: “Shut up!”

“If she’s so skilled and looks good too, I suddenly feel like even Miss Shaoye can’t compare to her. Ah, Third Brother Xie, can you help me think of a way to win her favor? I think it’s better to secure such a lady in my household sooner rather than later.” Ji Yushu continued to ramble.

“Say one more word, and you’ll go back with Gao Yang,” Xie Jingxing said expressionlessly.

Ji Yushu finally closed his mouth reluctantly.

Gao Yang waved his fan, changing the subject: “But with Shen Miao making such a big move, I feel like the Prince’s Manor affair isn’t over yet.”

“Not over yet?” Ji Yushu said. “Everyone’s dead—how is it not over? But come to think of it, I also find it strange. Why would Miss Shen deliberately spread such rumors? Isn’t she afraid of implicating the entire Shen family? Others are rushing to distance themselves from the matter, yet she’s bringing trouble upon herself.”

“Have you ever seen a fisherman stop fishing after catching a big fish?” Xie Jingxing glanced at him, his smile showing considerable interest. “It was always one link connecting to another. Her plan was never meant to end with the Prince’s Manor.”

Meanwhile, in Caiyun Courtyard of the Shen Manor, Shen Yuan returned to his room with heavy steps. As soon as Ren Wanyun saw him, she rushed over, full of hope, and asked: “Yuan’er, how did it go?”

Shen Yuan shook his head: “It’s difficult.”

“Yuan’er, you must save Qing’er.” Ren Wanyun’s tears immediately flowed down. These days, she had been crying constantly, her eyes swollen terribly. She had also neglected her appearance, with an unpleasant odor emanating from her body. Shen Yuan discreetly moved slightly away, but was unexpectedly gripped by Ren Wanyun again. She said: “She’s your sister; you must save her! Qing’er is pitiful, she’s innocent. She must be very scared of being arrested. We’re not by her side—only you, her brother, can save her now!”

As she spoke, tears and saliva sprayed onto Shen Yuan. Shen Yuan, already frustrated, felt his irritation deepen upon seeing Ren Wanyun’s behavior. He said: “I understand,” and turned to go back to his room.

Ren Wanyun immediately grew anxious. She grabbed Shen Yuan: “Yuan’er, why are you going back to your room? Shouldn’t you be going to the government office to arrange things? Or at least petition the Emperor? You’re so clever, you must know many people at court who could surely put in a good word for your sister. Do you need money? I’ll get it for you right now.”

“Mother,” Shen Yuan, restraining his frustration, said: “Right now, I can’t help at the government office. Don’t meddle.”

“I’m meddling?” Ren Wanyun was stunned, then began shrieking: “I’m trying to save your sister! There’s not a single good person in this manor! Your father is heartless, only knowing how to dally with that vixen, not caring about our mother and daughter. Now you, too, are abandoning your sister? Are you learning from your father? I raised you with bitter hardship, and this is how you repay me! Shen Yuan, your father is heartless, and you’re a little heartless one!” Ren Wanyun’s voice grew louder as she spoke. She had become somewhat deranged lately and couldn’t withstand any provocation. Something in Shen Yuan’s words had triggered her, causing her to act like a madwoman.

Not only did she scold, but Ren Wanyun even began pushing Shen Yuan. Cursing and ranting, she no longer resembled the dignified, wealthy lady of the past, but rather looked like a crazed woman from a poor household. Shen Yuan suddenly felt weary. Shen Miao’s words echoed in his ears.

He had once had a promising future. Returning to the capital to take up his post was supposed to be the beginning of his ascent. He would choose a wise ruler to assist, eventually becoming a great minister, treading over everyone else, and all would look up to him with admiring eyes. But now, what was this? His mother had become a shrew, his father was too feeble to be of use, and even his younger sister, who could have added glory to his career, had become a prisoner. All had become stumbling blocks for him.

Blood relatives were certainly important, but wasn’t his promising future equally so? He had secretly been Fu Xiuyi’s man for many years, serving outside the capital, all in preparation for his return to Beijing. Who would have thought such a thing would happen now? Shen Miao was right—rumors remained rumors and couldn’t be taken as truth, but if they spread too viciously and reached the ears and hearts of the imperial family, even if Fu Xiuyi valued him highly, he would be wary of association.

Shen Miao had presented him with two paths: one of blood ties, one of career. But in a sense, he truly had no way out.

Shen Yuan looked at Ren Wanyun and calmly said: “Even if Mother doesn’t care about me, do you disregard your brother’s life as well?”