A planned day would often go by very quickly. On the third day, when Shen Miao came to the Feng Xian Pawnshop, the Chen brothers had been waiting for a long time.
Compared to before, both of them seemed to have changed a lot. Especially Chen Yue Shan, that bold and uninhibited air was gone and replaced by dense clouds. Shen Miao gave Chen Yue Shan and Chen Yue Hai a glance and had an idea about it in her heart. In all likelihood both of them had already inquired about the younger Chen sister's information, perhaps had also personally seen her. To witness for themselves the miserable situation that their sister had fallen to, was the greatest provocation for someone who was decisive in killings in the pugilist world. Otherwise, in the previous life, the Chen family would not have recklessly gone forward to assassinate Prince Yu.
"Shen Gūniáng." Chen Yue Hai first spoke, "Previously, Shen Gūniáng said that there was a way to let the Imperial family not be able to trace the matter back to the Chen family. Is it possible to tell us xiōngdì?"
Ji Yu Shu looked at his cup, as if he could see the flowers inside but was deliberately not looking at Shen Miao.
Shen Miao sighed, "I naturally want to help but just like what was said before, the risk I am taking would be great. In some ways, the Shen family is tied to the same boat as your Chen family, so if anything goes wrong, the Shen family will also suffer."
Chen Yue Shan paused before saying, "I knew that this action is forcing one to do things against one's will, so if Gūniáng is willing to help, half of our Chen family business and everything would be given to the Shen family."
Once his words were said, even Ji Yu Shu could not help but raise his head and look at Chen Yue Shan.
The Chen family was the richest in Jiang Nan which was a fertile land since ancient times. The Chen family's money was estimated to be much more than the Imperial family had, and now to take the initiative to give half of this business, for the Shen family, it must be asking a tiger for its skin.
Shen Miao heard what was said and when she saw Chen Yue Shan pleading expression, she could not help but be in a daze. The Chen family sisters had experienced torture and because of revenge, the Chen family was willing to pay such a price. They obviously knew that even if she helped, one could not truly sleep in comfort without worries. Even so, they were willing to gamble. This could be said that the Chen sisters had such a position in the Chen family heart. In the previous life when she was imprisoned and when she was isolated in the Inner Palace if at that time the Shen family was still around, would her parents and Elder Brother also spared no cost to save her?
"Shen Gūniáng." Seeing Shen Miao lost in thought, Chen Yue Shan spoke out to call her attention.
Shen Miao recovered to her senses and smiled gently, "Do not bother about half the family business, I will help with this matter but not because of your family business but to build a relationship. In the future, if there is any need for your Chen family, one hopes that one would not decline. Secondly, I also have a blood debt with Prince Yu Residence and if the Prince Yu of the First Rank Residence is not exterminated, there will be a day when trouble will come." She looked at Chen Yue Shan, "Today, we are all on the same boat."
Chen Yue Shan looked at Shen Miao, her eyes were clear and her tone was sincere as if all the words and phrases she said had substance and everything that she said could be done. From the first encounter to the present, she did not have the display of a budding young lady. Chen Yue Shan could not help but think that if the Chen sisters had the temperament and means of the young female in front, perhaps they would not be so miserable now.
Thinking about the Chen sisters, Chen Yue Shan's mood turned slightly better before darkening again. He said, "What is Shen Gūniáng's approach?"
"Regarding the Imperial family, you temporarily need not ask as it would get better these days. Furthermore, if you want to take action, it is best to do it next month. Next month, Yu Qīnwáng will be marrying my Tángjiě over and during the second day of marriage the surroundings will be lax, so you should start it in the early morning to be absolutely safe."
"You." Chen Yue Shan wanted to say something but in the end, he shook his head, "How could you conclude the Imperial family side in one month?"
Shen Miao glanced at the tea-drinking Ji Yu Shu with a smile but yet a smile, "You need not worry about that. The current matter of vital importance is to convene men and horses." After pausing, she then continued, "Yu Qīnwáng Residence is not small, you must first find out the layout and on the day of execution, other than my Tángjiě, after rescuing, you must cut the weeds and dig up the roots."
"Rest assured, we xiōngdì know." Chen Yue Hai said.
"One does not know what rules are there in the pugilist world's extermination of the household. The cutting of weeds and digging up of roots that I said meant that regardless of womenfolk, children or the old or servants and concubines, there must not be one alive. The entire Yu Qīnwáng Residence must completely become a grave."
Chen Yue Shan and Chen Yue Hai were surprised for a moment before Chen Yue Hai frowned, "The servants and concubines are mostly the pitiful people that Yu Qīnwáng took captive."
Shen Miao smiled bitterly, "A centipede dies but never falls down. If Chen Gōngzǐ wants to be merciful, it would only harm the Chen family and our Shen family people would also be implicated."
She said callously and a moment later, Chen Yue Shan nodded his head, "We would definitely not leave a survivor and implicate Gūniáng."
"It would be the best." Shen Miao said, "Then one wish that both of you would be able to avenge the deep hatred and wash the Qīnwáng's residence with blood."
After speaking with the Chen brothers for a while, they then stood up to leave. After they left, Ji Yu Shu finally spoke, "Shen Xiǎojiě, you are still young of age but know a lot of things. Just now I see it clearly, the Chen brothers are experienced and knowledgeable people and they actually went along with your arrangement. Shen Xiǎojiě, it is my first time seeing such an intelligent and beautiful female like you. One does not know if there is an opportunity in the future to take a walk with you in the outskirts on a spring day, admire the lake on a summer night, in the deep autumn…" The words in front were still fine but the later words were getting outrageous, they were like a lecher's words that tease unmarried young females.
"Manager Ji." Shen Miao asked, "It cannot be that you only want to say these stuff to me."
"Ke." Ji Yu Shu cleared his throat, "In fact, I only want to tell Shen Xiǎojiě that the information had been created and spread into the Palace. One thinks that it would not take for long for Shen Xiǎojiě to achieve the result desired."
Shen Miao was secretly slightly surprised. Although she knew that the Feng Xian Pawnshop had the ability, but she did not know that other side's action would be this fast, presumably there were also people in the Palace that were colluding, else there would be some twists and turns to get the message quietly penetrated into the Palace. The waters of the Feng Xian Pawnshop really ran very deep. Just now she did not conceal the deal with the Chen brothers because she knew that it could not be covered up.
"Thanking Manager Ji for the trouble." Shen Miao's eyes hang down, "When the matter is successful, the promise made with Manager Ji will be done as agreed."
Ji Yu Shu was silent for a moment before asking in a rare serious tone, "Shen Xiǎojiě, this one does not understand one thing."
"Please speak."
"Shen Xiǎojiě represents the Shen family to do business with me, are you not afraid that there will be a day where I will want the Shen family to do dangerous things, and push the Shen family into where the wind and waves are the fiercest, making this deal not be such worthwhile?" Having said that, Ji Yu Shu stared at Shen Miao to pay attention to her expression.
Shen Miao did not blink and lightly said, "As for worrying about future difficulties, it would be better to worry about the problem on hand. If there would really be such a day, one can only say that it is my Shen family's fate."
Ji Yu Shu spoke with some doubt, "Really?"
"It is fake." In the secret room, Xie Jing Xing heard the conversation at the other side and lazily said.
"Only Ji Yu Shu, that fool, would believe her words." Gao Yang said, "This girl's deceptive abilities are at the point of perfection. How is Ji Yu Shu her opponent?"
"No worries." Xie Jing Xing said leisurely, "Once boarded my ship, it is not so simple to get out."
When Shen Miao got up to greet Ji Yu Shu with her goodbye, Ji Shu Yu suddenly said, "Oh yes. Shen Xiǎojiě, previously you requested of me to inquire about Liu Ying Gūniáng, there seems to be some news. If Shen Xiǎojiě is anxious, there could be a result in these couple of days."
However Shen Miao's reply made Ji Yu Shu shocked, Shen Miao said, "No rush. Manager Ji can slowly search and I can slowly wait."
After she left, Ji Yu Shu then shook his head and spoke as he walked into the house, "Truly a female who is more difficult to understand than Shao Yao Xiǎojiě. At least Shao Yao Xiǎojiě would be happy when she is given pearls, could it be that this one will be happy if one send her a human head?" He shuddered as he hurried into the house.
*****
In the Palace.
In the Emperor's study, the memorandums on the desk were stacked way high. Emperor Wen Hui sat in front of the table with the report spread out but he did not take a single look. He had already reached the age of a cycle of sixty years, although he was hale and hearty, he had stepped into the passage of time and his temples had white spots. In this word, it was by large just a reincarnation, he had experienced the will and spirit of youth, moments full of vim. Even though his strength was not there but the people that were looking at him saw an elderly old tiger.
There would always be new tigers to inherit his position.
At this moment, Emperor Wen Hui's expression was very serious. As he grew older, he became thinner but his skin was lax as if it was pasted onto the bones, making it a strange elderly sight. When he spoke in a hoarse voice, one could vaguely hear the monstrous anger inside.
"Lǎo shíyī really killed a guard that looked exactly alike to that assassin?"
(E/N: 老十一 Lǎo shíyī - Old Eleven; Prince Yu is the 11th Brother of Emperor Wen Hui)
The two black-clad men in front said, "Reporting to Bìxià, yes, the people caught were tortured. In addition, Yu Qīnwáng's trusted aide that was captured in the residence of the Qīnwáng had also personally admitted that a few days back there was a masked guard that was killed by Qīnwáng."
Emperor Wen Hui closed his eyes and threw his hand violently. The paperweight on the table flew out and clattered as it broke into a number of pieces. After a moment, he laughed out coldly, "Lǎo shíyī, Zhèn really underestimated him."
There were numerous eyes and ears in the Palace. Concubines, officials and even the Empress use these eyes and ears to survive in the Palace. Whoever was able to gather more information, whoever would gain the decisive opportunity to win. The Emperor was no exception, only when his eyes and ears were everywhere, he would be able to sit more securely on this dragon seat.
Initially, when he heard from the spies of the matter by accident, that Prince Yu of the First Rank had killed a person who looked like the original assassin, Emperor Wen Hui could not believe it in his heart. The Imperial family's feeling was that thin and he had stepped on all his brothers' corpses to sit on this Imperial position. He only left the then ranked Eleventh Prince Yu aside, because Emperor Wen Hui always remembered that dangerous night where Prince Yu used his body to block and was drenched in blood as he saved his life.
Emperor Wen Hui often thought that after so many years, his good treatment to Prince Yu was only just because of the gratitude of that leg but since then it represented that Emperor Wen Hui still had affection and kindness. When sitting in the position of an Emperor, the feelings behind everyone's treatment were no longer pure, even his sons were filled with a calculating heart. But Prince Yu was able to remind Emperor Wen Hui that there was still someone who could ignore safety and block a sword for him and that he still had a close brother.
But now, this was like the greatest joke. Apparently, that act was just a scene arranged by this 'close brother', so much that Emperor Wen Hui suspected that Prince Yu's deposed leg was also fake.
What kind of plans did Prince Yu have to seize the throne, that he had concealed one's strength and bided one's time for so many years? Emperor Wen Hui felt furious and insulted when being cheated.
To be betrayed by a trusted person, not only would that trust be returned, but doubts would also be intensified. The people in the Imperial family were naturally paranoid, previously one did not suspect Prince Yu because of his devotion but now that devotion had become a false front, the seed of doubt that the Imperial family had immediately grown into a towering unshakable tree.
"Send people to guard Yu Qīnwáng's residence. Zhèn wants to see what kind of tricks he wants to play.
Gao Gōnggōng lowered his head and looked quietly down at his toes as if he had not heard the Emperor's anger. But his heart sighed slightly. Troubled times. Troubled times.
As the days passed, it seemed that nothing was happening in the calm Ding City. With the approaching of the new year, people were busy purchasing new year's stuff and even the poor seemed to have some faint joy.
But no matter how happy the days were, there would always be people who were not happy.
In the Palace, Prince Li was walking in the garden with Prince Xiang.
In the faction of Prince Li, Prince Xiang's and Prince Chen's forces were weak and bowed before Prince Li and their attitudes were very respectful. As compared to the Crown Prince's power where Prince Zhuo and Prince Jing were the tips of the spear, Prince Li was taking the route of the doctrine of the mean. His learnings were not the most outstanding, Consort Mother was not the most favoured but was able to organise things from up till down slickly. No matter if it was the court officials or brothers, they were willing to give him a face but in private he was an out and out smiling tiger.
"Liù Huángxiōng, these days, one heard that Huángfù treats Huángshū very coldly." Prince Xiang spoke.
"You have also heard it." Prince Li smiled. When he smiled, there were small wrinkles at the corner of his eyes, making him look like he had an easy-going character. He also had an easy-going attitude and chatted with Prince Xiang, "Huángfù had always valued Huángshū greatly. These few times Huángshū had a request to ask and had entered the Palace a few times, but Huángfù unexpectedly declined with the excuse of being busy with state affairs. Discerning people could see that Huángfù is deliberately hanging Huángshū to dry."
Emperor Wen Hui's treatment of Prince Yu could be described as being extremely benevolent and did the utmost duty. There was once a time Emperor Wen Hui had a favoured consort who offended Prince Yu and her maiden family was also quite powerful, but Emperor Wen Hui did not even say a second word and banished the favoured consort to the Cold Palace. He even told everyone, "Shíyī is Zhèn's brother, those who do not respect him are not respecting Zhèn." It was because Emperor Wen Hui would definitely agree to all of Prince Yu's requests that such a sudden change in attitude would make everyone detect it.
"But why is this so?" Prince Xiang was puzzled, "What had Huángshū done that provoked Huángfù? For so many years, no matter what Huángshū had done, Huángfù did not even blame him at all. One also did not hear anything about the matter with Huángshū these days."
"Do you know what it is that Huángshū entered the Palace to request from Huángfù?"
Prince Xiang shook his head.
"Qī Huángdì." Prince Li patted his shoulder as if he was an older brother admonishing one's insensible younger brother, "One must pay more attention to the things in the Palace. With such honesty of yours, Liù Huángxiōng would have to worry about everything for you."
Prince Xiang smiled shamefully, "I follow Liù Huángxiōng and Liù Huángxiōng is smarter than me so whatever Liù Huángxiōng says, it would be it."
"I heard that Huángshū entered the Palace to request the matter of the Shen family."
"Shen family." Prince Xiang suddenly saw the light, "Could it be that Huángshū angered Huángfù because of the matter with the Shen family?" He thought for a while before saying, "But Huángshū is marrying the Di-daughter of the Second Household of the Shen family. Huángfù could not be furious just because of the Shen family's Second Household."
No one could understand Emperor Wen Hui more than his sons. Prince Yu could not have angered Emperor Wen Hui unless his request had overstepped the proper boundaries. One had lived in the Imperial family for so long, the bottom line of the Emperor was nothing more than power. The Shen family's Second household had a third rank civil official, Shen Gui, who had no real power and would not affect the overall situation, so Emperor Wen Hui would not be angry with Prince Yu because of that.
"That is correct." Prince Li said meaningfully, "But Huángshū requested to marry the Di-daughter of the First Household of the Shen family, Shen Miao."
"So it was like this." Prince Xiang only understood clearly now, "That Shen Xin has the power of the army and if Huángshū wants to marry the Di-daughter of the Shen family, one fear that he has committed Huángfù's taboo. But how did Huángshū suddenly want to marry Shen Miao? Previously, did he not want to marry Shen Qing? Even if Huángfù took his nonsense, such a sensitive thing like this, Huángshū would not be this muddled."
"I also do not know." Prince Li shook his head, "Even though Huángshū had overstepped the boundary of what is proper for these years, he kept playing his role of a courtier. This time it was excessively absurd."
"Huángfù would certainly not let Huángshū marry Shen Miao. But this time Huángfù did not explicitly say it to Huángshū but instead avoided meeting. It seems like there is a warning of sorts."
"Probably it is that his patience had whittled away cleanly." Prince Li smiled bitterly, "It is better for both of us not to talk about these things as it has nothing to do with us. These days Huángfù does not look too happy, one must not show up and poke."
"Liù Huángxiōng is right." Prince Xiang nodded.
After the two persons left, a person slowly walked out from the depths of the garden. With light-coloured jaded boots, it was Prince Ding, Fu Xiu Yi. He had stood in the garden and the conversation between Prince Li and the other was heard by him. He looked at the disappearing back of the two and thoughtfully murmured, "Shen Miao."
*****
On the top floor of the Lin Jiang Xian's pagoda, Ji Yu Shu placed the letter that Gao Yang finished reading into the burning charcoal to destroy.
"The information has been spread out and Emperor Wen Hui is also suspicious towards that old dog. That old dog has crushed its own foot while trying to manoeuvre a rock and did not even know it." Ji Yu Shu was somewhat rejoicing at other people's misfortune.
Gao Yang shook his head, "It is better to be careful. Nothing can go wrong now."
"I know." Ji Yu Shu touched his nose. "What is Xie Sān biǎogē doing that one cannot even see him?"
"Which day is he not busy?" Gao Yang suddenly sighed, "Do not know if his character is right or wrong."
"I believe in Xie Sān biǎogē." Ji Yu Shu said, "Xie Sān biǎogē has such great ability, what are you blindly worried about? He had planned it for so long that even if it was not successful, there are no problems with retreating without any harm. Gao Yang, you really have a heavy mind, you look at our Xie Sān biǎogē, even though there are so many things in his heart, he is still natural and unrestrained. This is then considered a man!"
It was evident that Ji Yu Shu was Xie Jing Xing loyal follower, that even the meaning between the lines was filled with worship of Xie Jing Xing. Gao Yang rolled his eyes, "Bootlicker."
"Who is a bootlicker? What's more, one needs to see who the other person is to boot-lick, if it is deserving for me to do so." He looked at the other in despise, "Like you, I would not bootlick even if you go down on your knees and beg me."
Gao Yang smiled warmly, "Is it? Then in the future do not come over to take medication for whatever reason, even if you go down on your knees and beg me, I will not prescribe any."
Ji Yu Shu was surprised for a moment and immediately changed the direction of the conversation, "Actually, I previously thought that the youths in the Ding City are all embroidered pillows, good to look but not good to use and only Xie Sān biǎogē is the man. But now I actually admire another person. Other than Xie Sān biǎogē, there is someone who is considered a young hero in Ding Capital City."
"Oh, you still admire others. How refreshing." Gao Yang said in a lukewarm attitude, "Who is able to enter your old powerful eyes?"
"It is Shen family Xiǎojiě, Shen Miao!" Ji Yu Shu slapped his thigh, "Damn, I have never seen such a daring female! Even dare to scheme the Imperial family and towards Prince Yu Residence, that is a residence of a First Rank Prince but then she wants to get rid of it all at once."
"You have seen nothing." Gao Yang scoffed. Previously, Shen Miao burnt down her own ancestral hall in a big fire and even dared to use her own life to bet, and it was at that time that Gao Yang felt that Shen Miao was really a madman. They were accustomed to schemes and plans and when taking action it would be cautious but dependable, so at the first glance upon seeing such actions without fear of one's life, Gao Yang initially had the mindset of watching a show as he was certain that with Shen Miao's rampage, she would not live for long but he did not expect it was him who judged incorrectly. In every seemingly reckless event, she would be the final winner of it.
Gao Yang sometimes felt very strange. People like them view themselves as exquisite porcelain, unless it was the last resort, they would not risk one's life if there was no confidence as the opponent was not worth their own lives. But Shen Miao was the other extreme, she treated herself as the hardest rock there was and her opponents were porcelain, and she seemed to have lost nothing but those porcelains up against her were all smashed into pieces.
Not everyone had the courage to treat themselves as a rock but it was because of that, that Gao Yang felt Shen Miao was much more dangerous. And towards an enemy who could grow, the best way was to kill her before she could grow in time. But… Gao Yang was somewhat unsure what Xie Jing Xing was thinking.
It was not possible for Xie Jing Xing to not see the variables on this girl. If Shen Miao becomes an obstruction to their plans, it would only mess up the overall of things.
"Did she previously do any brave deeds?" Ji Yu Shu asked in shock and then nodded, "Formidable Great General's daughter, it is normal to be brave. Even though she does not have any martial art skills and was not brought up by Shen Xin's side, no one would dare to bully her with this temper."
Seeing Gao Yang was somewhat out of sorts, Ji Yu Shu suddenly thought of something and continued speaking, "Speaking of which, even though it was I who made the news for this matter of the Imperial family, but everything was done in accordance to Shen Miao's plan. Now to think about it, she is truly scary. Do not know what was wrong with Yu Qīnwáng, these days it seems that he had lost his head in anger and actually told Emperor Wen Hui directly he wanted to marry Shen Miao. He obviously knew that Shen Xin had military power in his hands, and whoever marries Shen Miao would become people with evil plans in Huángshàng's eyes. Yu Qīnwáng would actually make such a mistake. And that Emperor Wen Hui will indeed be suspicious all the way, once a little fire is added, one fear that even upon Yu Qīnwáng's death, Emperor Wen Hui would not bat an eye to it. Like this, this would be the advantage of the Chen family. This plan of Shen Miao interlocks and there was no error in the calculation at all."
"Because she is one without any accidents." Gao Yang was somewhat rueful. What Xie Jing Xing said was correct, every time when one saw Shen Miao doing a seemingly dangerous thing, at the end she would be able to reach her initial purpose. In her plans, there were never any 'accidents'.
Gao Yang thought mischievously if there was a day where he could see Shen Miao panic-stricken and become dumbfounded because of 'accidents', how happy would he be.
"In short, I think that this Shen Miao is worthy to be considered a friend." Ji Yu Shu seriously said, "In addition to my ability to see appearances, she would definitely become a beauty in a few years' time. An intelligent and beautiful female like this, how can I, Ji Yu Shu, miss?" He exposed a self-considered romantic smile, "I have decided, other than Shao Yao Gūniáng, she would be placed in my heart. From now onwards, other than Shao Yao Gūniáng, she is considered my intimate female friend."
Gao Yang simply turned his head away to not look at this stupid fool.
And at the moment the 'intimate female friend' of Ji Yu Shu's mouth was picking and choosing things in a room.
"Mèimèi, you have picked so many things to give Shen Qing for her dowry?" Shen Qiu scratched his head and asked.
Shen Miao had picked from the safe a portion of things that the Emperor had bestowed and was searching for something. Finally, she picked out a jade pillow that felt smooth and cooling and when putting it out on display, it was filled with the lustrous light of jade. It truly looked good.
"Could it be possible that mèimèi picked this as a gift to Shen Qing?"
As the day of Shen Qing's marriage was approaching, the entire Shen family started to worry about Shen Qing's marriage. A few days back, Shen Yue actually asked Shen Miao what she was gifting to Shen Qing and was coincidently heard by Shen Qui. But one did not see Shen Miao do anything and thought that she finally remembered about the matter today.
"This?" Shen Miao picked the jade pillow and shook her head. "No."
"Oh." Shen Qiu asked, "Does mèimèi wish to use it? This jade pillow looks not bad."
Shen Miao's eyes drooped. This jade pillow was called 'Ice Silkworm Pillow'. In her previous life after she entered the Palace, Shen Xin gave it to her as part of her dowry. Much later when she became the Empress and Mei Fūrén was deep in the Imperial favour, she said that her health was not well on one fine day and had some headache, and insisted on having this pillow of hers. At that time, the jade pillow was given to Wan Yu. Wan Yu did not comply and quarrelled with Mei Fūrén and broke the jade pillow into pieces. Fu Xiu Yi severely punished Wan Yu but after a while, the news of the marriage with Xiong Nu came.
Now thinking about it, the past was but an old dream but it is still able to break one's heart.
"Mèimèi." Shen Qui called out worriedly when he saw Shen Miao keeping quiet.
"This is for me to gift another." Shen Miao said, "As for Dàjiě's additional dowry if Dàgē has time then help me to casually pick. If Dàgē does not have time, it is the same to let Gu Yu buy." Her words could tell the thin relationship she had with Shen Qing.
"Oh." Shen Qiu mumbled. Only when Shen Miao walked out the room he then patted his head, "Silly me. I forgot to ask mèimèi who she was giving the jade pillow to."
Outside the room, Jing Zhe also asked, "Xiǎojiě will be giving the pillow to who?"
"A friend."
Since there was future use for the Chen family, there could not be any indication. Favour and benefit, sending charcoal in snowy weather could gain a faithful ally. The technique of managing people was what she learned from Fu Xiu Yi.
To the younger Chen sister with a chaotic mind, soothing the nerves was undoubtedly a good thing.