"It was me that sent you the invitation, Aunt Qing."
Chang Zai Qing was startled for a moment and asked somewhat puzzled, "Wǔ xiǎojiě, this is?"
"The previous time Aunt Qing came and went hurriedly so I did not have a good chat with Aunt Qing. Aunt Qing mentioned that one will come to visit again, but I had waited for quite some time but did not see Aunt Qing, so one had to send over an invite first. Fearing that my seal was not appropriate, Mǔqīn's seal was used. Aunt Qing will not blame me right?"
Chang Zai Qing looked at the young female in front of her. She was quietly speaking with a smile and was not at all embarrassed. If one were to continue to press on it, it would seem that Chang Zai Qing was too calculative. Chang Zai Qing smiled on the spot, "How can it be? It is Zai Qing's fortune to be invited by Wǔ xiǎojiě." As she was speaking, she was sizing Shen Miao up quietly. The previous time in the Shen Mansion, even though Shen Miao was not indifferent to her, she was definitely not warm and there were a few times of rudeness. To be suddenly invited unfathomably, it had already set off a warning in Chang Zai Qing's heart.
"The main hall is very cold. It is better that Aunt Qing come to my room to sit." Shen Miao stood up with a smile, "It is not far from here. I really cannot stand this cold wind."
Chang Zai Qing amenably complied. When reaching Shen Miao's room, Shen Miao instructed the maid to serve tea and cakes. The fire brazier was burning and the window was opened with a small slit before the door was closed. The room was very warm but was not stuffy.
Shen Miao pushed the tea in front of Chang Zai Qing. Chang Zai Qing smiled as she picked the cup up to take a sip before her expression became somewhat weird.
"This is Zhūdān Tea. It tastes very bitter and rough but smells fragrant. Aunt Qing most likely is not used to drinking it." Shen Miao explained with a smile.
Chang Zai Qing's expression paused for a moment, as she was somewhat puzzled with this move of Shen Miao's. With the way of hospitality, one would naturally bring out the best tea leaves, so upon using this poor grade of tea, was it to humiliate her? But based on Shen Miao's expression, it did not seem to be the case.
"Even though this tea is bitter, it is extremely good for the body. When one drinks it during winter, it would drive the cold away and maintain warmth. My Fùqīn and Dàgē are all people who practice martial arts, thus will naturally drink Zhūdān Tea during winter. Later, even the entire residence drank this kind of tea." Shen Miao looked at Chang Zai Qing, "Aunt Qing is from a scholarly family and most likely do not like to drink this kind of tea, but as we are a military family, we are not particular."
Chang Zai Qing waved as she laughed, "Wǔ xiǎojiě is joking. The Chang family is an ordinary family. Even though this Zhūdān Tea is bitter, it is good for one's health so one will not find it rough after drinking for a long time."
Shen Miao shook her head, "It is easy to constrain oneself for a period of time, but it is difficult to constrain oneself in one's entire lifetime."
Chang Zai Qing was surprised for a moment and felt that there were hidden meanings in Shen Miao's words, thus she could not help but look at Shen Miao.
Shen Miao smiled, "Speaking of which, one heard that Aunt Qing is currently residing in the Shen Residence. Are the people of the Shen Residence treating Aunt Qing well?"
"Very well." Chang Zai Qing smiled, "They take great care of me."
"You have similar interests with Sānshěn, so one would think that both of you will be able to hit it off." Shen Miao smiled, "Sānshěn all along liked to indulge in literary skills, and Sānshū originally respected her a lot because of it. Most likely you have also seen that Sānshū treats Sānshěn very well. In the entire Third Household, there is only Sānshěn, one matriarch." She then sighed after speaking, "It is a pity that Sānshěn does not have a Di-son. If there is a Di-son, she would not need to be so worried."
Chang Zai Qing had been in the Shen Residence for a long time, thus she naturally knew about the matter of the lack of heirs in the Third Household. Chen Rou Qiu and Old Shen Fūrén got into conflicts about it almost daily. It was just that she did not expect that Shen Miao would actually talk to her about the matter. Shen Miao was after all an unmarried young lady, so it would be somewhat awkward to mention matters in the Third Household. However, Shen Miao spoke those words naturally as if this was a matter not worth mentioning, making Chang Zai Qing unable to differentiate if Shen Miao was naïve or prematurely wise.
"With Sān Fūrén's kindness, sons and grandsons will pervade the hall." Chang Zai Qing went along with Shen Miao's words.
"Naturally one would like to compare the First and Third Household." Shen Miao picked up the teacup and blew at the tea leaves floating on the surface before smiling, "One civil, one military. Both courtyards only have one matriarch but fortunately, our residence is better as we still have my Dàgē. He is also reaching the age to marry. After some time, one would help to pick a good marriage in the capital. With a Sǎozi and later a nephew, this house would be bustling." Shen Miao seemed to be somewhat pleased, "But the Third Household is not as lively as our First Household."
Chang Zai Qing initially thought that Shen Miao was being childish and sulky with the Third Household but after listening to everything, she seemed to have suddenly thought about something and her facial expression changed.
Correct. In Shen Xin's residence, Luo Xue Yan is stupid, straightforward and was not oversensitive. The Inner Courtyard was clean so it was not difficult to put things in order. But she had forgotten that there was still one Shen Qiu. He was Luo Xue Yan's Di eldest son and was young and promising. In addition to marrying a wife of a strong family, even if she did not contend or vie, she would still be suppressed.
Shen Miao saw the changes in Chang Zai Qing's face and her eyes became cold.
In the previous life, when Chang Zai Qing finally stayed in Shen Xin's Inner Courtyard, Shen Qiu was no longer around, and Shen Miao was already married into Prince Ding's residence. There was no threat for Chang Zai Qing in the entire Inner Courtyard at all. With such a smooth sailing route, how would Chang Zai Qing not grab on such a good opportunity?
But it was not the same now as Shen Qiu was perfectly well. With a living and healthy Di eldest son here, the possibility of Chang Zai Qing being the wife would forever not come true.
What kind of route would this female, who love to scheme and weigh the pros and cons clearly, choose?
Shen Miao twirled the cakes on the table and smiled, "It is a real pity for Sānshū. Originally when Zǔfù was still around, he apparently said that Sānshū was the most intelligent in Shen family. He was dignified and scholarly, if he had a son, he would be as smart as him. Unfortunately, the Third Household only has Èrjiě, a daughter. Now that Èrjiě has almost reached the age to get married, when she does, there would only be Sānshū and Sānshěn, two people in the Third Household. It would be too lonely."
Chang Zai Qing was originally listening absent-mindedly, but her heart moved upon hearing Shen Miao's words.
Speaking of which, Shen Xin's and Shen Wan's Inner Courtyard were almost similar. Both only had one woman and both were so-called sentimental. And speaking of that, Shen Yue was also two years older than Shen Miao and would be married off soon and since there were no sons in the Third household, it was even hard to come by.
"Aunt Qing's and Sānshěn's temperament is similar and there are some small differences in demeanour. Both speak gently and have knowledge of many literary pursuits. If one did not know, one would think that both of you are a pair of sisters." Shen Miao looked at Chang Zai Qing with a probing gaze and spoke unhurriedly, "But in my opinion, Aunt Qing is more outstanding than Sānshěn because Aunt Qing is younger."
Chang Zai Qing's lips unconsciously hooked up. She was well aware that the people in the Shen Residence compared her with Chen Rou Qiu since they were alike, both delicate and scholarly talented females. But what Shen Miao said was correct, no matter how beautiful a female was, even if one has great talent, once age caught up, the colour would also wither. In comparison, Chang Zai Qing was much more appealing due to her youth. Moreover, Chen Rou Qiu considered herself as a noble family Di-daughter and her actions were somewhat aloof, whereas Chang Zai Qing grew up in an ordinary home and knew how to compromise, to bow her head when it was time to bow, and read other's faces so everyone praises her.
Chang Zai Qing's eyes were filled with thoughts. She was better than Chen Rou Qiu.
Shen Miao picked up the teacup to drink, and the tea that entered her mouth was bitter but she drank it like it was as sweet as honey, and revealed a gentle smile.
Chang Zai Qing was already twenty-six and in the capital, for females at such an age to discuss marriage, most would become concubines for others, or become a stepmother and raise children that did not crawl out of their wombs. Moreover, the Chang family was a small family, even if one relied on the Shen family, it was still difficult to marry into a higher family.
This Chang Zai Qing was one who tossed her husband and abandoned her son to find a better life, so how would she be easily satisfied. It was just that she originally did not notice Shen Wan. Since Chang Zai Qing was best at weighing pros and cons, Shen Miao then directly talked about the empty house of the Third Household to Chang Zai Qing, so that she could choose herself.
Chang Zai Qing's expression kept shifting like clouds, as her heart was in a mess. Shen Miao had evoked another thought in her heart, something that she had not noticed before.
Correct, since Shen Wan liked Chen Rou Qiu kind of character and she was better than Chen Rou Qiu in all ways, so how would one not be able to handle what Shen Wan's likes? Compared to Shen Xin, a military man, Shen Wan was a modest nobleman, with a graceful disposition and after all, she felt more at ease with this kind of person.
But how did the matter today suddenly become like this? She originally wanted to listen to Chen Rou Qiu to feel out Shen Xin and she originally also fancy him, but at the end how did it turn around and became dealing with Chen Rou Qiu? It was because Shen Miao kept on talking about unrelated matters and distracted her. It was Shen Miao.
Chang Zai Qing looked abruptly at Shen Miao.
The purple-clad young female sat in front of the window. One did not know when the snow outside stopped falling and the sun came out, shining on half of her jade-like fair face. Her neck was slender as she held the cup of tea and slowly sipped it to enjoy.
But there was an untraceable prestige.
Chang Zai Qing felt a cold sweat. It was as if she only realised now that from the start to the present, she was the person that was led by the nose by Shen Miao. Shen Miao hammered in the east and battered in the west, seemingly casually talking about unrelated matters, but the few words had directly turned the arrow towards Chen Rou Qiu. Shen Miao's every word was telling Chang Zai Qing to think towards the Third Household.
This young female was by no means stupid or naïve, but on the contrary, was like a monster.
Chang Zai Qing thought about the time when she first came to the Shen Mansion, Shen Miao had been rude several times and her heart jumped nonstop. Could it be that at that time Shen Miao already knew what kind of intention she had? So her rude incidents and even the deliberate invitation today was also because of it?
Shen Miao looked at her and smiled gently, "Why has Aunt Qing started to perspire? Is it that the room is hot?"
Chang Zai Qing suddenly recovered herself, and paid full attention as she looked at Shen Miao before saying with a smile, "Most probably."
Shen Miao said lightly, "This room would be as uncomfortable as a cocoon that one spin around oneself when the windows are too closed up. It is better to open the window since it is much cooler outside." She instructed Jing Zhe to open the windows before looking at Chang Zai Qing again, "Aunt Qing, am I right?"
"Wǔ xiǎojiě is correct." Chang Zai Qing forced a smile but she was a little more frightened as she looked at Shen Miao's smile. Her thoughts were hidden so deep, but Shen Miao was able to understand her intention with only a meeting. This kind of person was a monster with graceful bearing. It was fortunate that Chang Zai Qing discovered it early, else if she were to really enter Shen Xin's Inner Courtyard, Chang Zai Qing had no confidence to deal with such monster.
Shen Miao gave a smile without caring at all.
She had plainly and clearly told Chang Zai Qing, 'If you want to enter my Fùqīn's courtyard, one has to see if you are able to deal with me first. If you cannot, then you deserve to die here. One fear that even on the road back, one will be shot dead, hoist by one's own petard.'
Chang Zai Qing would not take unwarranted risks. She always found the most favourable and safest way for herself.
Sure enough, Chang Zai Qing not long after speaking with Shen Miao, bid her farewell. Shen Miao naturally did not retain her and after Chang Zai Qing left, Gu Yu said curiously, "Why is that Chang family's Gūniáng so strange? She seemed to be hiding from someone. Who had scared her?"
Shen Miao said, "Go and instruct the servants not to mention today's matters to anyone. Chang Zai Qing had not come to the Shen Mansion. Remember that."
The two maids complied and left. Even though they did not understand why Shen Miao was so concerned about Chang Zai Qing, they knew that Shen Miao had her own intention behind her actions, so the maids did not comment on it.
When everyone left, Shen Miao then sat in front of the table and was somewhat lost in thoughts as she looked at the bronze mirror.
Because Chen Rou Qiu was too hateful and had bounced around for far too long, thus she let Chang Zai Qing wreck Chen Rou Qiu. In the past life, the marriage contract between Chang Zai Qing and Shen Xin was 'accidentally' found by Chen Rou Qiu. It was her who kept on saying not to wrong Chang Zai Qing and wanted to speak for Chang Zai Qing. As Shen Miao thought, she feared that in the previous life, Chang Zai Qing had focused on Shen Xin, and most probably it was Chen Rou Qiu fuelling this.
Since they were two identical sisters and considered each other as good sisters, then might as well put them together at a corner to fight. Let us watch who Shen Wan actually likes. Shen Miao's gaze got cold. Naturally, she would be happy to throw Chen Rou Qiu to Chang Zai Qing to settle. But Chang Zai Qing would not let it go easily.
Shen Miao only frowned. What exactly Chang Zai Qing did that resulted in Luo Xue Yan's death? Till now, it was still a mystery.
Because of Chang Zai Qing's matter, Shen Miao heart was focussed excessively on it that even during dinner with the family, she was also thinking of the matter. Everyone saw that she had a heaviness in her heart, so Shen Miao said that she was a little tired. Luo Xue Yan instructed others to make some sweet milk for Shen Miao, and let her rest early.
Laying on the bed, Jing Zhe and Gu Yu tucked her in and blew out the lights before putting down the gauze curtains. Shen Miao then closed her eyes.
The skies darkened and her breathing gradually became smooth and steady. As the heavy night skies enveloped the entire Ding capital, Shen Miao's body floated.
Suddenly, the sun was shining brightly outside. She opened her eyes and only felt that it was somewhat glaring. The air seemed to have dried up as if it was summer.
It was the beginning of winter so how would there be a summer day? Shen Miao got up and felt a surprising headache. As she looked down, she found herself sitting on the couch in the room and there was a female voice sounding from inside the room. A whiff of an extremely bitter taste spread over.
The scent of medicine was actually somewhat familiar.
Shen Miao stood up. There was not a single servant in the room and that female voice inside became more clear. She thought for a moment before walking into the room to look.
One only saw that in the spacious room, the windows were closed. The weather was originally very hot and with the windows closed, it made one breathless. Additionally to the annoying bitter medicine scent, it was as if her chest was blocked by something and made it exceptionally stuffy.
Shen Miao took a few steps forward as she wanted to open the windows, but she then heard someone saying, "Go open the windows, my heart feels very stuffy."
Shen Miao was surprised for a moment. The female laying on the bed was haggard as she swore a dark beige cotton gown. Most likely it was too warm as her hair was soaked with sweat, and even the clothes were also mostly drenched in sweat. Her face was filled with defeat and her eyes revealed the colour of death. Shen Miao's eyes widened. That was Luo Xue Yan.
When did Luo Xue Yan have such a haggard appearance?
"It is better for Jiějiě to lay down." The female sitting by the bedside comforted, "It is not good to catch a cold in this kind of weather."
Shen Miao turned her head towards that female, clad in simple light blue clothes but the materials were expensive. She was plainly dressed in a scholarly vibe and was at her prime age, a stark contrast with Luo Xue Yan's air of death. Other than Chang Zai Qing, who else could it be? Chang Zai Qing rolled up the woman's hair and held Luo Xue Yan's hand, "It is better for Jiějiě to get well."
"I cannot make it." Luo Xue Yan's weak voice was like the fine strand of a thread, and there was no more vitality in her eyes, "My child is gone and one does not have any prospect. It does not matter if one lives or not lives on. It is a pity that these herbs are wasted."
"Jiějiě must not say that." Chang Zai Qing said, "If Wǔ xiǎojiě know you think like this, she would be very sad."
"JiaoJiao." Luo Xue Yan's gaze turned painful. Shen Miao took a step forward and wanted to hold Luo Xue Yan's hands, but her hands passed through Luo Xue Yan's.
It was as if she did not exist.
"JiaoJiao hates me." Luo Xue Yan closed her eyes, "But what other way do I have? The Shen family cannot be tied to Ding Wáng. He can hide it from JiaoJiao but cannot deceive me. JiaoJiao now hates me and Ah Xin already knows that she is not even willing to take a look at me. With Ding Wáng's current actions, what can JiaoJiao do in the future? There is no more route to go." The more she said, the more heartbroken she became. She suddenly used the handkerchief to cover her mouth and coughed a few times. When she opened the handkerchief again, there was a burst of bright red blood in it.
"Jiějiě must not think about it." Chang Zai Qing comforted her, "Wǔ xiǎojiě is currently temporary strayed off. Perhaps Ding Wáng Diànxià really treats her very well. Moreover, there would not be any long animosity between parents and children, so Wǔ xiǎojiě would understand in the future. This hate is only temporary."
Shen Miao glared at Chang Zai Qing angrily. Chang Zai Qing's words were reassuring but it was in fact adding fuel into the fire, as it made it true that Shen Miao hated Luo Xue Yan. In her previous life, she married Fu Xiu Yi and even though she wanted the Shen family to help, Shen Xin did not allow thus she was somewhat resentful about it but it was not considered hate. Currently, Luo Xue Yan was in her dying breath, and upon hearing the words that Shen Miao hated her, how would she not be heartbroken?
Shen Miao's eyes faded black for a moment and then she looked opposite Chang Zai Qing again. That female clad in light autumn colour was sitting at the chair with some look of impatience. That female was young and had defined features but wore very heavy makeup, making her look strange. Shen Miao's mouth opened, this was no one else but her.
Chang Zai Qing said with a smile, "Wǔ xiǎojiě must not be annoyed with Fūrén. It is just that this is a matter of the military so naturally it is very important. The General and Fūrén most likely have their own thinking thus they are like this."
"We are all one family. Since I am married into Ding Wáng's residence, the Wáng is also half a Shen family's person. Why do Fùqīn and Mǔqīn still treat him as an outsider? I know that Fùqīn and Mǔqīn do not like me since young, so they threw me in the capital and not care at all, thus Diànxià is also implicated"
Chang Zai Qing smiled again, "Wǔ xiǎojiě, what are you saying? Even though General and Fūrén are not as close to Xiǎojiě as they were to Dà shàoyé, blood is still thicker than water."
"I do not care." The young Shen Miao said arrogantly, "It is said that Chang Yīniáng is the smartest, can you help me to think of a way to let Fùqīn and Mǔqīn lend a hand to Diànxià?"
Chang Zai Qing seemed to be in a difficult position and only replied after a while "Since Wǔ xiǎojiě is Fūrén's daughter, Fūrén will definitely dote on Wǔ xiǎojiě. Do not talk about other things, if Wǔ xiǎojiě complains to Fūrén about some difficulties, perhaps Fūrén will agree to Wǔ xiǎojiě's condition. If it still does not work, then one can be like when one is young and make a fuss." She said with a smile, "But this is all me saying some nonsense, Wǔ xiǎojiě do consider it over."
Shen Miao, who was standing at the side watching, had long turned pale. Chang Zai Qing was not mediating a quarrel, she was clearly provoking one.
Shen Miao had recalled that in the previous life Luo Xue Yan did not tell others of her pregnancy to her miscarriage, as she thought to only inform others when the foetus had stabilised. Who knew such an accident occurred midway? Just at the right time, Prince Ding wanted to borrow the military from Shen Xin, and naturally, Shen Xin was not willing. Shen Miao looked for Chang Zai Qing to complain, so Chang Zai Qing led her to act out rashly.
Shen Miao did not know Luo Xue Yan had a miscarriage at that time and just went down. Perhaps at that time Shen Miao only seemed to be talking about some common things, but Luo Xue Yan was at her weakest and it was tantamount to wearing down Luo Xue Yan's vitality. To Luo Xue Yan's viewpoint, Shen Miao said that she hates her, and no mother wishes to be hated by her own children. And at the same time when Shen Miao stabbed Luo Xue Yan's heart, she still talked about Prince Ding not treating her well and having contradicting views from her, making Luo Xue Yan worried.
After thinking about it, Shen Xin was not in the capital at that time and Luo Xue Yan was in heartache and worried. After sending off one child after another, no matter how hard-hearted a person was, they would not be able to stand such a blow.
Shen Miao hated that she could not go up and scratch that hypocritical smile off Chang Zai Qing's face.
The scenery flashed and then it was another courtyard. That courtyard was restored until it was very elegant. Chang Zai Qing was wearing a jade green long dress, and there was a maid slowly fanning her. The summer winds were still warm but the fan was immersed in ice, so the wind from the fan was very cooling.
"Heard that Fūrén almost cannot make it." The Māmā beside Chang Zai Qing said, "The physician said that it would most probably be in these few days' time."
"Let the servants serve better." Chang Zai Qing said, "Do not give others a handle to speak of."
The Māmā agreed and also said, "Yīniáng has finally broken clear of all hardships."
"Yes." Chang Zai Qing picked up the purple grape in the jar to eat, "After so many years, finally all hardships have been broken clear."
"One just does not know about Lǎoyé's side."
"The General loves Jiějiě deeply, naturally he would be sad." Chang Zai Qing gently smiled, "But what does this have to do with me? I only need to sit at the only female position in the First Household. It is alright if the General does not recognise me, as long as the servants do."
The Māmā also nodded her head, "Yīniáng said it correctly. One originally thought that Fūrén would hold on for a longer time and did not expect to so quickly…"
"The heart is already broken and still worry all day long. With it boiling till now, it is counted that her life is very long." Chang Zai Qing said lightly, "Luo Xue Yan originally had a good life to be able to marry to such a good family like this, and there were no other females in the residence. Unfortunately, she gave birth to Shen Miao, that kind of daughter that spoiled all her good fortune."
Shen Miao was startled and heard Chang Zai Qing continued, "Trust whatever one says. Ding Wáng Diànxià's methods are also so high level that Shen Miao committed herself so deeply to him that she does not even want her own parents. But if Shen Miao was not stupid, how would my good fortune be fulfilled?"
Shen Miao stood opposite of Chang Zai Qing. It was a hot summer day, but her heart was as cold as an ice cellar.
"Shen Miao let people from Ding Wáng's residence send over New Year's gifts and food, and it was all compromised but she did not know at all. She herself was stupid but Luo Xue Yan dotes her so much and ate all the medicinal cuisine up. But she did not know that what her own daughter sent was poison. That day, you also saw Shen Miao feeding Luo Xue Yan medicine. Every spoonful that she fed was all poison, but Luo Xue Yan was filled with joy.
Shen Miao's body trembled and she almost fell down.
At that time, in order to persuade Shen Xin to help Fu Xiu Yi, she wanted to please Luo Xue Yan so she ordered people to purchase medicinal herbs and learnt medicinal cuisine so that she could make it for Luo Xue Yan to eat when she returned to the Shen Residence. Luo Xue Yan had always felt that Shen Miao treated her coldly, so naturally, she was very happy at her sudden enthusiasm and ate all of it without leaving a spoonful. As it turns out, those things were already compromised.
Luo Xue Yan would not suspect her own daughter would harm her, but Shen Miao also did not think that at that time, the person beside her had already taken the opportunity to take advantage. She suddenly felt very cold and uncomfortable as her mind was in chaos.
From an onlooker's view, how stupid and vicious was she at that time. She did not have the qualification to be forgiven at all. It was her own hands that pushed her own Mother into the road to the netherworld. She was the most unfilial person.
"Luo Xue Yan was strong in her entire life but lost in her own daughter's hand. Speaking of which, I actually want to thank Shen Miao." Chang Zai Qing laughed freely, "For handing me her Mǔqīn's life. From now onwards, whatever I say goes in this Shen family's Inner Courtyard. Luo Xue Yan's life was not a failure, if one were to talk about the one matter that she did wrong, it would most probably be giving birth to Shen Miao. Shen Miao is indeed one who harms others."
From afar a servant came running in. Her shadow was drawn out to a long line under the summer's sun. Her voice was also sluggish and filled with sweat.
"Chang Yīniáng, Fūrén had just breathed her last."
"Fūrén is gone. Fūrén is gone."
A rumbling from a thunder was heard spreading out, illuminating the night skies of the capital. As the sound and lighting struck, it covered up all the cries that the person made in the room without a trace.
Shen Miao's face was filled with tears as she screamed, "Mǔqīn. Mǔqīn. I am wrong. I am wrong. I should not like Fu Xiu Yi. I will no longer like him anymore. I am wrong. Mǔqīn, I am wrong."
On the edge of the bed, the lightning during the winter day shone on her pale face, making her look more mournful. The purple-clad youth stood by the bed and had a complex look on, as he stared at Shen Miao as she kept on struggling in the nightmare.
After a moment, the person who came sighed slightly and reached his hand out.