"There is really a troublesome matter." Shen Wan laughed bitterly as he replied.
Chang Zai Qing patted Shen Wan's hand and smiled, "If there is anything annoying Lǎoyé, why not tell me about it? Perhaps I could still help you with something."
Shen Wan looked at Chang Zai Qing's abdomen. Even though one was unable to see anything at the moment, he still said, "Never mind. The most important thing for you is to take care of one's health in the residence. There is no need to handle such complicated things, moreover, it is a court matter."
However, Chang Zai Qing was not discouraged. She smiled, "When one had not entered into the household, Lǎoyé treated me as a confidant and would always talk to me about bothersome matters, no matter if it was trivial courtyard matters or important court matters; but now we are segregated by status. How is it that upon entering the household, it is no longer like in the past?" She shook her head, "I do not necessarily only know about things that unmarried females know, like picking flowers and sewing clothes. Even though one is not intelligent, it is much easier for two people to think of ideas rather than one. There is no harm for Lǎoyé to tell me about it."
Her gentle words touched the core of Shen Wan's heart. The difference between Chang Zai Qing and Chen Rou Qiu was that Chen Rou Qiu was really a 'pampered wife'. In the past, even though she was gentle and graceful, she had never intervened in Shen Wan's career. When Shen Wan's career was flushed with success, it was good to have this kind of pampered wife that kept to her duties. However, once there was something wrong, career-wise, Chen Rou Qiu was unable to help one bit at all.
Chang Zai Qing was however different. Before Shen Wan had opened himself up to Chang Zai Qing, he would call her a friend. Both of them would talk about everything under Heavens and there was nothing that they did not talk about. Chang Zai Qing's wealth of knowledge was not shallow and could even make some points on matters of court, and Shen Wan appreciated that aspect of her a lot.
For Chang Zai Qing to say that now, Shen Wan's heart moved slightly.
Not only could Chang Zai Qing have her own opinions about court matters, but the most important thing was also that Chang Zai Qing was a female. There were lots of winding matters to let Shen Miao marry Prince Zhou. If it was two years ago, before Shen Miao's personality drastically changed, that would have been much easier. One only needed to say some words to move her, but now it was not doable at all. Due to the tense relationship with the Eldest Household, it was impossible to do anything from Shen Xin's end. Perhaps one would be able to reap benefits from Chang Zai Qing about this marriage.
After thinking about that, Shen Wan looked at Chang Zai Qing and asked probingly, "If I say, I want Wǔ jiě'ér to marry Zhou Wáng Diànxià, what would you do?"
"Zhou Wáng Diànxià?" Chang Zai Qing was startled and asked surprisingly, "Why let Wǔ xiǎojiě marry Zhou Wáng Diànxià?"
Shen Wan chuckled, "Just saying casually." Even though he had treated Chang Zai Qing as his woman, his mouth had to be tighter when handling matters for Prince Ding, thus he dared not talk about such confidential things.
He did not speak about it but Chang Zai Qing was a smart person and quickly understood. She did not linger on that matter, "Wǔ xiǎojiě is the beloved daughter of General Shen and one that he holds on the palm of his hands. Currently, Zhou Wáng Diànxià already has a Wángfēi (aka Princess Consort) so if Wǔ xiǎojiě marries over, the highest she can go is a Cèfēi (aka Secondary Consort), and General Shen and Shen Fūrén will definitely not be agreeable."
Shen Wan frowned and nodded his head with a difficult expression.
When Chang Zai Qing saw this, her heart slightly moved.
In any case, it was not anything good for Shen Miao to be a Cèfēi when marrying Prince Zhou. Even though Chang Zai Qing did not know what Shen Wan's intention was behind it, once this was successful, Shen Miao would be in difficulty. Thinking of that delicate young female's bright eyes that could see through one's heart, Chang Zai Qing felt restless in her heart. She did not know why, but Chang Zai Qing had an instinct of fear and unease as if Shen Miao's presence would cause some unpredictable consequences for her. Chang Zai Qing was one who seeks security, so if one could settle Shen Miao, then it would be a good thing for her.
Particularly… She looked at her lower abdomen. At present, she was already with child, and the position of the matriarch of the Third Household was hers. Not only did she want to sit on it, but she also wanted to do it well, thus no matter who or what threatens it, she would remove it.
"However, it is not one that is without a solution." Chang Zai Qing said with an engaging smile.
Shen Wan's eyes brightened as he asked, "What ideas do you have?"
"It would depend on what kind of attitude Lǎoyé wants Zhou Wáng to have." Chang Zai Qing said, "Does Zhou Wáng want to have this marriage or not?"
Shen Wan's heart moved. Prince Zhou would definitely not want this marriage. The Princes of Ming Qi were not fools, whoever married Shen Miao now would undoubtedly be making a target of oneself. Prince Zhou was not willing to be related to Shen Miao, but Fu Xiu Yi's goal was to make it look like Prince Zhou was eager to marry her.
He then said, "Zhou Wáng is definitely unwilling but… One must make others believe that Zhou Wáng is willing."
Chang Zai Qing thought of something, "This is a little difficult. However, females cherish their reputation as when one loses it, there would not be any dependence for the rest of one's life. I would think that if Lǎoyé wants to be a matchmaker, one may wish to start from Wǔ xiǎojiě."
Shen Wan saw Chang Zai Qing's appearance of having a card up her sleeves and asked, "There is no harm in saying what one thinks."
"Shen Fūrén and General Shen are not willing to let Wǔ xiǎojiě be a Cèfēi but there would only be a situation worse than another in the world. If there is something that is worse than being a Cèfēi, Shen Fūrén and General Shen would step back and beseech to let Wǔ xiǎojiě marry Zhou Wáng."
Shen Wan's heart moved.
He heard Chang Zai Qing continue speaking, "As for being a Cèfēi, there are so many worse things in life. For example, being kidnapped by bandits, being robbed of one's innocence by ruffians, or not knowing who the adulterer is? So while Shen Xin is suppressing this information, if suddenly new information came out that the person might be Zhou Wáng. No matter if it is Zhou Wáng or not, General Shen and Shen Fūrén would still choose Zhou Wáng because this is their best option, and could also save Wǔ xiǎojiě.
Chang Zai Qing did not make things clear, but smart people would only say seventh or eighth tens, so Shen Wan understood most of it in a turn of a head and found that there was an option in front of him. Chang Zai Qing smiled gently and touched her lower abdomen, "It is just that all these are shady ideas and if one did not see Lǎoyé frowning, one would not have said such things."
Once Shen Wan had gotten hold of such excellent plans, how would he feel that Chang Zai Qing's ideas were poisonous? Currently, he only felt that he had picked up a treasure. Chang Zai Qing was not only able to get pregnant at once, she was also smart and was able to provide an intelligent solution that had solved his current difficult problems. He kissed her cheeks and smiled, "How would I dare frown when I have such a beauty?" Finishing, he then stood up, seemingly in a hurry to do something, "I have some important things to do and will come and see you later."
Chang Zai Qing naturally complied gently. After Shen Wan left, Zhao Māmā walked over to Chang Zai Qing's side and said worriedly, "Sān Lǎoyé is going to deal with Shen Wǔ xiǎojiě?"
"Perhaps so." Chang Zai Qing smiled, "It is not the first time one heard about the Eldest and Third Household of the Shen family clashing."
"Xiǎojiě plans to help Sān Lǎoyé deal with Wǔ xiǎojiě?" Zhao Māmā asked, "Wǔ xiǎojiě has General Shen behind her. Will something happen to Xiǎojiě?"
"This matter is not done by me so how can this be on my head?" Chang Zai Qing did not change her smile, "Shen Wan is not a fool and naturally would not be caught easily. Even if the thing really happened, the Shen family would be busy dealing with Shen Miao's rumours, how would they still think about other stuff?"
Zhao Māmā still did not feel rest assured, "Why does Xiǎojiě want to help Sān Lǎoyé to deal with Wǔ xiǎojiě?"
"Providing solutions and advice to one's husband is what a matriarch of a family does, and one also has to let him feel that I am different from Chen Rou Qiu. One has to let him know that I can do what Chen Rou Qiu can do and what Chen Rou Qiu cannot do, I can also do, then he would not leave me." Chang Zai Qing stroked her lower abdomen and narrowed her eyes, "Moreover with regards to Shen Miao, I have a kind of premonition that if she is not removed, one fears that she will cause a big calamity."
When Zhao Māmā heard her words she jumped in shock and no longer spoke. Chang Zai Qing changed the topic of conversation, "Speaking of which, there is no news from Liu Province's side?"
Zhao Māmā said, "The people sent are on the way. Even if one was quick, a few more days are required. They should return in a couple of days' time."
"Tell them to settle things properly." A glimmer of coldness flashed in her eyes, "I do not want anyone to know about my past."
*****
That night, Shen Miao received the letter that Pei Lang sent over.
The letter had indicated that Fu Xiu Yi unexpectedly let Shen Wan think of a method so that she would be married to Prince Zhou. When Jing Zhe and Gu Yu saw that Shen Miao's expression was not good, they thought that something had happened, "Did Xiǎojiě encounter something not good?"
Shen Miao shook her head but the vigilance in her heart was up. Be it in this lifetime or the past lifetime, Fu Xiu Yi was as usual, good at scheming. No matter if she was or was not able to marry Prince Zhou, as long as she was implicated with Prince Zhou, it would not be good for both the Shen family and Prince Zhou. The Shen family would have provoked Emperor Wen Hui and made him feel that the Shen family was supporting Prince Zhou, and secretly stood at one side in the fight of the heir apparent. As for Prince Zhou, he would become the target of a multitude of arrows. Without wasting a single pawn or servant, Fu Xiu Yi would be able to remove two potential dangers. Fu Xiu Yi really calculated everything well.
As for her 'somewhat hard-working' Third Shū, in order to tie her to Prince Zhou, it was needless to say that he would definitely use methods that could not be seen in public. As Shen Miao thought about it, she could not help but sneer in her heart. No matter how much time has passed, the people of the Third Household of the Shen family would harm the Eldest Household's people without any scruples. If it was possible, they would use the entire Eldest Household as a stepping stone for glory, splendour, wealth and rank. Such hearts should be punished!
She said, "Let Mo Qing enter."
Jing Zhe went out to call Mo Qing over.
Shen Miao asked Mo Qing, "The people, that one asked you to go to Liu Province for, have they been found?"
Mo Qing cupped his hands, "Replying Xiǎojiě, the people sent to Liu Province have already returned with the information that they have already located them. However, there was another group of people inquiring about the whereabouts of the father and son. Also heard that an order was given to disregard life or death."
Shen Miao laughed out abruptly, but the laughter was somewhat cold.
"Chang Zai Qing's heart is really vicious."
Life or death was not regarded. The people that Shen Miao instructed Mo Qing to look for were Chang Zai Qing's husband and son, but now, who else other than Chang Zai Qing would send down orders to hunt down and kill the father and son? Now that Chang Zai QingFF had clung onto Shen Wan, she even rushed to kill the husband and son to spare all later trouble. No wonder she would have such a fate in the past life, this kind of viciousness was something that normal people could not do.
"Go and send someone to tell the people in Liu Province to protect the father and son, and bring them to Ding capital city as soon as possible." Shen Miao said.
Mo Qing nodded his head in compliance. Shen Miao suddenly thought about something, "Wait." She then continued, "Help me to bring a letter to Manager Ji of Feng Xian Pawnshop."
The lawsuit between the Shen and Chen families was really very long and drawn out. Many people had thought that the lawsuit was settled but upon asking, it was still not over. After two entire months, the case finally came to an end. Chen Rou Qiu indeed had no son and in addition, Old Shen Fūrén mentioned that Chen Rou Qiu did not respect her, thus at the end, Shen Wan gave Chen Rou Qiu a divorce letter.
This pair was praised by everyone as a perfect pair, an immortal marriage but it turned out as such a farce. The most important thing for Shen Wan was that after divorcing Chen Rou Qiu, he swiftly brought Chang Zai Qing in as a Guì Qiè (aka Valued Concubine).
However, in spite of that, it was a lawsuit with a lose-lose situation for both sides. Shen Wan's career was obstructed because of this, and a lot of money was spent. Yet the Chen family was worst off in comparison.
The Chen family had somewhat of a reputation but because they were a scholarly family, they were not well-off in terms of money. The Chen Dàrén originally fought this lawsuit because he did not want others to look down on the Chen family, but he had not expected that the lawsuit would drag that long. After fighting the lawsuit for two months, it was not too far off if one were to mention that the Chen family was becoming bankrupt.
Because of this matter, the Chen Dàrén was greatly affected and blamed everything on Chen Rou Qiu. Chen Rou Qiu's mother also had some complaints. Chen Rou Qiu's heart was hurt by Shen Wan, and she was very upset that Shen Wan disregarded the many years of relationship and angry that Chang Zai Qing was two-faced, but she was most upset that there was no news of Shen Yue till now. Now with her parents turning their backs on her, she felt as if all her hopes turned to dust, and that she had reached the end of the road.
And what she did not know was that her daughter, who had not been found, was currently in the residence of the Qin's Crown Prince, on Yan Qing Lane.
In the residence of the Qin's Crown Prince, Shen Yue was dressing up in front of the mirror.
The clothes that she wore were of the highest grade. Even though the Shen family was a wealthy official family, it was still incomparable with the fabric that the Imperial Palace of the Qin country used, which was extremely luxurious. She looked like an entirely different person when she wore it. Shen Yue followed Chen Rou Qiu's instructions and would dress in a refined way without having gold or silver on her, but currently, her appearance looked much more luxurious.
Naturally, it was so since Shen Yue had become Huangfu Hao's concubine.
The maid beside her was carefully passing a cup of hot tea to Shen Yue, but there was impatience in Shen Yue's expression.
She had a face that looked like flowers fluttering against the moon, and under Chen Rou Qiu's daily training, it was considered as gentle and could speak comforting words, but she could still see that Huangfu Hao still had some interest in Shen Miao and would pick topics about her. One day, Huangfu Hao asked her frivolously if she was willing to become his concubine, and Shen Yue thought about it the entire night before agreeing to it on the next day.
She had no route of retreat at all.
The news was spreading all around in a buzz, and the Shen and Chen families' lawsuit had almost become a joke. Chang Zai Qing was currently pregnant and if she gave birth to a son then she feared that she, being a daughter, would be thrown at the back of the Shen family's mind. Even if it was not a son, because Chen Rou Qiu had caused Shen Wan to be pointed at, Shen Wan and Old Shen Fūrén would also hate her. Shen Dong Ling had occupied her name and these days there were rumours that the Wang family's Wang Bi doted on and favoured 'Shen Yue' a lot and the more it was said as such, the more regret that filled Shen Yue's heart.
No matter if she really liked Wang Bi or not, as long as she thought of Shen Dong Ling's comfortable life that should have belonged to her, the more Shen Yue became even more resentful.
She hated Shen Wan's ruthlessness and also hated that Chen Rou Qiu was disappointing. At this moment, she also understood that with her current self, it was not possible to approach Fu Xiu Yi and if she were to return to the Shen family, Shen Wan might arrange a crappy marriage for her due to the anger he had for Chen Rou Qiu.
Shen Yue also had the unique characteristics of the Shen family of being cold towards relationships. Shen Wan and her had been father and daughter for so many years and it was happy and loving but now, Shen Yue looked at Shen Wan with more vigilance than when looking at a stranger.
Shen Yue thought that instead of being married to some unknown family, It would be better to be Huangfu Hao's concubine. Huangfu Hao was handsome and young, the best of all, he was Qin's Crown Prince. If in the future she was able to have Huangfu Hao's favour, perhaps she would be able to rise up the ranks. The most important part was that, currently, she was able to borrow Huangfu Hao's help and she could protect herself as well as Chen Rou Qiu.
Thus, Shen Yue became Huangfu Hao's concubine.
In all fairness, Huangfu Hao treated Shen Yue rather well, and there was also a reason to deliberately win Shen Yue's favour. However, currently in Ming Qi, among the concubines that Huangfu Hao brought along, Shen Yue was the most favoured one. Perhaps, Huangfu Hao enjoyed the taste of having a Di-daughter of an official being his concubine and was currently coveting this freshness.
Shen Yue asked the maid beside her, "The letter for the Chen family has been sent already?"
The servant said, "It is en route and most probably has already reached."
Shen Yue drank a sip of tea in response.
*****
Chen Rou Qiu received a letter.
One did not know who it was that sent the letter into her room. Currently, Chen Dàrén and Fūrén did not want to see Chen Rou Qiu as it was she who greatly undermined the Chen family. The public fund had been reduced by a lot, thus her older brothers and Sǎozi see her like a spirit that stirs up trouble in the family. Chen Rou Qiu was not living well and would simply stay in her room and not go out.
She looked around and did not see anyone, thus, she opened it up curiously and a letter fell out. When she opened it up, she was shocked after a look.
Chen Rou Qiu could not be clearer of the words on the front of the letter, as it was Shen Yue's handwriting. Shen Yue's soft handwriting was learnt from the only book written from the calligraphy master, Wang Fūrén, and this was searched by Chen Rou Qiu specifically for her. As Shen Yue's strength was weak, she could only learn seventh to eighth tens of Wang Fūrén's calligraphy, thus Chen Rou Qiu was able to recognise Shen Yue's handwriting with one look.
She very quickly looked around and saw that there was no one else in the room before she felt assured enough to open it up. It had indicated for her to go to a rather isolated inn to meet up, but there was no signature at the bottom. However, Chen Rou Qiu understood in her heart that it was definitely Shen Yue who wanted to secretly meet up with her.
The stone in Chen Rou Qiu's heart was finally put down. For Shen Yue to write to her and seeing that steady handwriting, she should be safe now. The worries that she previously had were all swept away, and Chen Rou Qiu gradually calmed down.
These days, each event came continuously that made her feel shocked and unable to normalise; the worst of it was that she felt that life was hopeless. However, Shen Yue's letter seemed to have lit up her hope as she still had a daughter. Chen Rou Qiu's heart was suddenly full of fighting spirit. At least, she was not alone. How could Chang Zai Qing, that kind of woman, be able to enter and steal her belongings? Chang Zai Qing still wanted to give birth to Shen Wan's son? She wanted to see if she had that ability.
Having a pillar in her heart, Chen Rou Qiu gradually calmed down. Later in the day, the servants by Chen Rou Qiu's side also discovered that Chen Rou Qiu's mood had changed a lot and seemed to be that gentle and graceful Third Shen Fūrén. Even when a servant bumped into her, Chen Rou Qiu would only just smile.
If a more observant and smart person saw it, one would discover that the fighting spirit in her eyes had rekindled and burned brightly.
The next day, Chen Rou Qiu went out.
No one in the Chen family stopped her. Chen Fūrén was somewhat worried but after being glared at by Chen Dàrén, she then did not speak. Chen Rou Qiu's Older Brothers and Sǎozis were even more dismissive. If it was in the past, Chen Rou Qiu would have quarrelled with the few Sǎozis no matter what, but she did not have the mood to do so today. She wore an inconspicuous brown dress which had a style that was a few years old; one that Chen Fūrén had worn before. She had not brought any money when she left the Shen Residence as she was acting rashly. She only took some jewellery and only brought a few pieces of clothes. Afterwards, she was so busy with the lawsuit that she did not have time to purchase and now the Chen family was unable to afford it.
Chen Rou Qiu could only press down the humiliation in her heart of wearing unsuitable and outdated clothes. She brought along a bamboo hat to wear so that others would not be able to see her; but even if they were to see her, one feared that they would not be able to link this shabbily dressed woman with the talented female that was previously applauded by the entire Ding capital city.
In order to save money, Chen Rou Qiu only hired an old horse carriage. When the horse carriage reached the Eastern City, Chen Rou Qiu paid for it before heading to the inn as indicated in the letter.
Upon entering the inn, Chen Rou Qiu sized the surrounding up and did not see Shen Yue's presence at all. Just when her heart was doubtful, a waiter walked towards her and took a glance before asking, "Is Fūrén looking for a Gūniáng?"
Chen Rou Qiu was startled before nodding her head. With her and Shen Wan's lawsuit, everyone in Ding capital city was aware of it and she felt a little conscious and feared to be recognised and pointed out, and even more afraid that Shen Yue would be pointed out. That waiter then said, "May Fūrén come with me."
The waiter brought Chen Rou Qiu to a room up the stairs of the inn and stopped right in front of the doors before speaking with a smile, "The person Fūrén is waiting for is inside." Then he left.
Chen Rou Qiu pushed the door open to enter and saw that there was a young female sitting in front of the table in the room. Chen Rou Qiu could recognise that back no matter what. If it was not Shen Yue, who else could it be?
Chen Rou Qiu closed the door before crying out, "Yue-er!"
Shen Yue turned her head and could not help but was startled when she saw Chen Rou Qiu's appearance. It was only when Chen Rou Qiu came forward and held her hands that Shen Yue saw Chen Rou Qiu's face and shouted, "Mǔqīn!" But then she frowned, "How did you become like this?"
If she did not see herself, Shen Yue would not believe that this simply dressed female was her noble and gentle mother.
When Chen Rou Qiu heard it, a flash of resentment appeared on her face as she said with gritted teeth, "If it were not that slut, Chang Zai Qing, and your heartless Fùqīn, how would I be like this!" After finishing, she looked at Shen Yue eagerly, "Yue-er, where have you been these days? Do you know Mǔqīn's heart is so worried about you? Are you alright? Did something happen?"
Chen Rou Qiu only had Shen Yue, as a daughter and would dote and love her on normal days so this concern for her was not fake. When Shen Yue heard it, her heart felt sour but there was still a smile on her face, "Mǔqīn, does not need to be scared. I am currently living well. I have found a backer that is even richer than the Wang family. With this backer, the Shen family will not dare to bully us in the future."
Chen Rou Qiu asked in doubt, "Who are you talking about?"
Shen Yue hesitated a bit before saying, "Tàizǐ Diànxià of Qin country."
Chen Rou Qiu cried out in surprise but heard Shen Yue quickly explaining, "Tàizǐ Diànxià treated me very well. Initially, when I left the Shen Residence, one had encountered some gangsters and it was Tàizǐ Diànxià that saved me. Afterwards one wanted to send me back but due to the matters of the Shen Residence, I stayed in the residence of Tàizǐ. Tàizǐ Diànxià is a good person. Mǔqīn, do not think that it is not good. It is really better for me to follow Tàizǐ Diànxià than those impudent people of the Wang family. One cannot just let me be on equal status as Shen Dong Ling right? If I return to the Shen Residence, Zǔmǔ and Fùqīn would be even more unhappy with me, who knows how they would arrange my marriage? Mǔqīn, just go along with me once alright?"
Chen Rou Qiu's initial instinct was that it was not good but her expression became slightly better upon hearing that Huangfu Hao saved Shen Yue. However, as the other person was not from Ming Qi and even though Chen Rou Qiu did not understand the matters of court, she was influenced by what she saw and heard from Shen Wan after so many years, thus she was still vigilant.
"He is after all from Qin country and moreover a Tàizǐ…"
Seeing that Chen Rou Qiu was still disagreeable, Shen Yue's heart hardened a little and she told a lie, "Tàizǐ Diànxià said that in the future, upon returning to Qin country, he would bestow a new identity for me and let me be his Cèfēi."
"These words are genuine?" Chen Rou Qiu was in a daze. If Shen Yue left Ming Qi and upon arriving Qin country, became the Cèfēi then in the future there would be endless glory and splendour. After experiencing the matter with Shen Wan, Chen Rou Qiu's thoughts were different from before. What was the use of sentiments? Sentiments were just illusions, when flowers were lovely and the moon was round, naturally, relationships were close but in a blink of an eye, one could be treated coldly. And those stink of money that the books said were the things that one could truly rely on. Without money, even the Chen family could be mocked and ridiculed. If a Crown Prince's Cèfēi came from their family… Chen Rou Qiu's heart started to slowly warm up.
"Absolutely true." Shen Yue said.
Chen Rou Qiu hesitated for a moment before speaking, "The matter can be discussed later, there is still one matter at the moment."
Shen Yue asked, "What matter?"
"That slut Chang Zai Qing had schemed behind my back, behaved one way in front of me and another behind my back and I fell for it. Now, I have become a scurrying mouse but the person I hate the most is not Chang Zai Qing but your Fùqīn. If one had your Fùqīn's protection, how would I become like this? He did not even take into consideration the husband and wife relationship over the decades. I am not willing to let him live with a clear conscience! I hate it!"