Huai Sheng opened the door and once one entered, there was a strong alcohol scent that wafted over. Even though Shen Miao had a mask on, she could not help but frown. Seeing Shen Miao frown, Huai Sheng seemed to blush with shame. He ran to the other side to take an oil lamp and lit it up.
The flame was ignited and swayed around, making everything in the room slightly lighten up. One then saw that there was a middle-aged man lying on the bed. This male was very thin and his complexion was of a glazed yellow in colour as he snored in his sleep.
Huai Sheng looked at the two people in front uneasily. The female said, "Wake him up."
Huai Sheng nodded his head and walked over to the man's side and gently shook the man's arms as he said softly, "Diē. Diē. Someone has come."
Initially, there was no response from that man at first. Afterwards, he seemed to be annoyed by Huai Sheng's shaking and unconsciously slapped before yelling, "It's in the middle of the night. What are you crying about?"
On instinct, Huai Sheng closed his eyes but the slap did not come down. He carefully opened his eyes and saw his Father's fearful gaze and followed the direction. That beautiful male who had been looking on coldly and indifferently had reached in front of him at some point and the slender long hand was holding on to the man's throat.
"Immortal, immortal…" Huai Sheng got anxious. He was scared and worried but at the end, he still resisted his fear and said, "My Diē did not deliberately offend you. I beg of you to spare his life."
Shen Miao swept a glance at that male who was so scared that there were no more traces of sleepiness before quietly saying, "Let go of him."
Xie Jing Xing only then released his hand.
Huang Shen was somewhat afraid.
His father knelt on the floor and as he stared at the two people in front, his body trembled uncontrollably, he most probably felt that the dangerous air that the other person had, especially the seeming beautiful male.
Shen Miao said, "You are Tian Li?"
Tian Li nodded his head, "This lowly one is."
Shen Miao swept a look at Tian Li. From the rumours, at the beginning in Liu Province, Tian Li was also a handsome and suave scholar. He was talented and thus was able to win Chang Zai Qing's heart and marry her. It was only afterwards when he had failed in repeated examinations that, gradually, self-deprecation grew and he started to drink and gamble. Chang Zai Qing hated this kind of lifestyle, thus, she ran away. Seeing Tian Li's current appearance, she could slightly understand why Chang Zai Qing left. There was not even a little grace that Tian Li once had left now, and the man in front was obviously a disappointment and in dire straits.
"Is Chang Zai Qing your wife?" Shen Miao asked.
Hearing that, Tian Li's entire body trembled as he raised his head to look at Shen Miao. Even though he had tried his best to cover up, Shen Miao could see the anger and humiliation in his eyes.
"Do not worry, I am not Chang Zai Qing's friend. It is alright to speak your mind." Shen Miao said.
Tian Li looked at Shen Miao seriously and seemingly tried to confirm if what Shen Miao said was true or not. Shen Miao looked at him openly and broad levelled. After half a moment Tian Li spat and said, "That slut of a wife ran away with my money. Shameless!"
Huai Sheng shuddered for a moment and his gaze was somewhat laden with grief.
Shen Miao's gaze fell onto Huai Sheng and she said, "Huai Sheng, go to the courtyard. I have some things to discuss with your Diē."
Huai Sheng looked at Shen Miao and then looked at Tian Li but he did not say anything before he quietly walked out with the blanket.
After Huai Shen left, Shen Miao then let Tian Li elaborate on the ins and outs.
It was similar to what was found out by the people that Shen Miao sent. Chang Zai Qing's husband was Tian Li. In the beginning, when Tian Li and Chang Zai Qing got married, it was an anecdote that spread far and wide. Chang Zai Qing was a talented female in Liu Province and Tian Li was also a talented scholar. Tian Li's family also had several shophouses. Even though they were not considered as a wealthy family, they could be considered as a slightly rich family.
It was just that later on, others picked a fight with the Tian family business and the shophouses were mortgaged. The husband and wife of the Tian family were unable to withstand the blow and passed on and, thus, Tian Li was affected by it and failed to pass the examinations that year and subsequently every year was worse than the previous. At that time Chang Zai Qing was already pregnant and gave birth to Huai Sheng, thus, there were more areas that required money. As the saying went, poverty couches a marriage, and both of them kept on quarrelling. Tian Li fell in love with alcohol and gambling and Chang Zai Qing despised these kinds of days as it was not how she wanted to live. Thus, on one fine day, she sold the last remaining land deed and took the money to run away.
Tian Li also sent people to search but was unable to find Chang Zai Qing's whereabouts. It was likely that Tian Li did not know that Chang Hu and Old Shen General had some relations. Thus, he did not know that Chang Zai Qing came to Ding Capital City.
When Tian Li was speaking of Chang Zai Qing, he was still clenching his teeth, "That poisonous woman took the land deed that was supposed to be left for Huai Sheng to marry when he grows up. She actually took that and sold it. She does not even have Huai Sheng in her heart. She is a slut."
Shen Miao sighed as Xie Jing Xing folded his arms and stood at the other side, looking outside the window, as if he was not interested in Tian Li's words in the room. However even if he just casually stood there, no one could ignore the chilling atmosphere.
In the end, Tian Li asked, "Someone brought both of us here and said that we can see that woman. Xiǎojiě, is the person who brought us over to Ding Capital City, you?" Tian Li could see that the two individuals had an unusual identity, especially that male. How could ordinary people have such a bearing? Moreover, breaking into private houses in the middle of the night, such arrogance, ordinary people do not have the guts.
"It is me." Shen Miao said, "I know where Chang Zai Qing is at."
Tian Li was stunned and when he spoke again, his voice shook as he asked, "Where is she?"
Shen Miao frowned slightly. In Tian Li's voice, other than anger, there was a trace of longing. Perhaps, it was because he had been husband and wife with Chang Zai Qing for a number of years or perhaps it was because Chang Zai Qing was, in the end, Huai Sheng's mother. One feared that this Tian Li was not as good as he said and was soft-hearted towards Chang Zai Qing.
This was not what Shen Miao wanted to see.
She said, "Chang Zai Qing is currently in the former Shen Residence of the Formidable Great General and has become the concubine of the Shen Residence's Sān Lǎoyé, Shen Wan. Currently, she is pregnant and Shen Wan treats her very well. She has all of Shen Wan's favour and one thinks that soon, she would be able to give birth to Shen Wan's Di-son. There are no other Di heirs in Shen Wan's residence, thus, once the child is born, perhaps Chang Zai Qing could be raised to the official position. Even if she was not raised, that child would be brought up with brocade and jaded food for its entire life."
Tian Li's expression changed. First, it was being angry due to the green hat he was wearing (aka being cuckold) then it was humiliation and it became complicated. That little trace of softening of his heart disappeared after hearing Shen Miao's remarks.
The child that Chang Zai Qing was giving birth to, could be brought up with brocade and jaded food for the entire life. But in retrospect, Huai Sheng, in the future, would not have anything since the land deed for him to marry a wife was also sold. Many years later, the two children who both crawled out of Chang Zai Qing's stomach would be so far apart, like dirt and clouds. One was most afraid of comparison, thus, Tian Li's heart was irreconcilable.
Shen Miao smiled gently, "Not only that, Shen Sān Lǎoyé even divorced his wife for Chang Zai Qing and went to court with his wife. One thinks that he truly loves Chang Zai Qing. Now, the former Shen Sān Fūrén has become a street rat that is scolded by everyone. She is rather pitiful."
Tian Li sneered, "This Shen Sān Lǎoyé is also one without a brain." Towards Shen Wan, Tian Li had no good feeling as he hated that his wife was shared with others and moreover, as a poor person, one would always be hostile to the rich. Especially so since Chang Zai Qing would often express her direction to head towards the wealthy, therefore, Tian Li was very resentful of Shen Wan.
"To be honest with each other, Shen Sān Fūrén entrusted this to me." Shen Miao said, "Shen Sān Fūrén was forced by Shen Sān Lǎoyé and currently felt that she had no way out. Shen Sān Fūrén planned to make it so that either the fish dies or the net splits and to make Shen Sān Lǎoyé and Chang Zai Qing not live well, thus she found you.
"I…" Tian Li looked at Shen Miao and gradually realised what she was going towards and said, "Your noble one meant?"
"At the most appropriate timing, clarify to Shen Sān Lǎoyé that Chang Zai Qing is your wife. Let Shen Sān Lǎoyé stop this mistake as early as possible."
Tian Li said, "I…"
Shen Miao did not give Tian Li time to hesitate and said, "Could it be that you are willing to watch your own wife growing old with others? Your feelings for her have not ended and you want to give her a route to live? She, however, did not even consider you for one little bit. If she still had a conscience in her heart, do not mention yourself, she would be reluctant to part with Huai Sheng. But in actual fact, she even left with the last land deed that was for Huai Sheng's future. Chang Zai Qing's heart only had herself and had never put both father and son in it. To even requite evil with good, Tian Li, could it be that your Tian family are all disciples of Buddha and all do not discriminate right and wrong?"
These remarks were really impolite that even Xie Jing Xing who was listening at the side also lifted his lips and looked at Shen Miao meaningfully. Tian Li's face turned red upon listening but he did not dare to refute Shen Miao's words.
"The most important thing is that on what basis does Huai Sheng have to live through such hardships while Chang Zai Qing's and Shen Wan's son could live freely? If there was one day that Huai Sheng encountered this half-brother, the Dìdì would be a person above others whereas Huai Sheng could only serve him as a subordinate. Chang Zai Qing would only acknowledge the Dìdì and not acknowledge him, what would Huai Sheng think? Tian Li, just think carefully if you are truly reconciled to this?"
Shen Miao's words always had a faint enchantment that would make others unconsciously follow her words to think, moreover, what she said was obviously what Tian Li was most concerned about. No matter how bad Tian Li was, even if he treated Huai Sheng crudely, he had more conscience than Chang Zai Qing, otherwise, even though he was a gambler, he still kept the last land deed for Huai Sheng to marry a wife.
Tian Li said, "Noble person. I understood. I am unreconciled, but she is after all Huai Sheng's mother. I only want her to come back; and if she was beaten to death by others, Huai Sheng would be upset."
"Just do not let Huai Sheng know of the matter." Shen Miao said, "After the matter is successful, Shen Sān Fūrén will give you father and son a large sum of money. This amount would be much more than the value of the land deed you had before. With this sum of money, both of you can go as far as you want, to a place where no one knows of you and start anew. In this world, there are two things that cannot be detained, one is water that was splashed and the other is people who leave. Chang Zai Qing took the initiative to walk out of your lives and is now living in brocade and jaded food, so how would you be able to get her back? With your sincere heart or the motherly care for Huai Sheng? Do you think it is possible?"
Tian Li closed his eyes in pain.
Shen Miao said correctly. Chang Zai Qing was living so well and one could not think of any reason to go back to the previous lifestyle. If she really thought of him and Huai Sheng, she would not have sold the land deed and run away.
The female wearing a mask stood in front and said calmly, "One looked out for oneself, else Heavens and Earth would destroy you. It was her who was heartless first. So, why do you still speak of righteousness? Now, there is an opportunity for you to change your life. If you miss this one, there would not be a second time. Even if it is to step on Chang Zai Qing's life to walk forward, you are not wrong. Because this is what Chang Zai Qing owes to both father and son. Will you do it or not?"
Following Shen Miao's words, a lot of things flashed in front of Tian Li. Chang Zai Qing's looks of disgust and disdainful eyes, the pointing and talking about him by the neighbours after she ran away, Huai Sheng always sitting alone in a corner thinking of what he did not know and also thinking that they could only wear worn-out clothes. If there was a day that he could change his life and could be like those wealthy and noble family and give a good life for Huai Sheng, Tian Li lifted his head and made a choice with determination, "I will agree and do as you have instructed but you must give me enough money so that both father and son are able to leave this place without worrying of clothes or food."
Shen Miao's eyebrows raised, sometimes rumours could not be trusted. It is said that Tian Li was a scoundrel but she did not expect that it would be this easy today. Tian Li was not difficult to deal with. Perhaps, it was because of Huai Sheng, even though this man did not have a good disposition, he still had a conscience.
"The money will be given to you." The person speaking was Xie Jing Xing. He stood in the shadows as he leaned against the door and said lazily, "Do not think of any other thoughts otherwise…"
Tian Li shook his head fiercely and lowered his head quickly before speaking fearfully, "This lowly one dare not." He did not know why but facing this male would make him feel unspeakable fear. From the beginning till now, the one speaking was the female wearing a mask but the purple-clad male's aura filled up the small house.
Shen Miao took a glance at Xie Jing Xing. Xie Jing Xing really did a good job. To scare a person, he need not even say anything serious and just show the look that he usually puts on, the other person would be paralysed.
After Xie Jing Xing and Shen Miao left the room, Huai Sheng came over and looked at Shen Miao before timidly asked, "Can you all find Niáng?"
Shen Miao looked at Huai Sheng and her brows became collected, "Sleep early." Then she walked out first.
Her steps were rather rapid. Xie Jing Xing followed and after walking out from the alley in the Eastern part of the city, they reached the streets outside. Xie Jing Xing took a glimpsed of Shen Miao's expression, "You felt apologetic towards that child."
"Apologetic but one will continue to do it." Shen Miao said, "I am also a selfish person."
Xie Jing Xing raised his brows, "Why say that?"
"Accompanying me in the middle of the night and helping me to threaten Tian Li, you are a disciple of Buddha. Else, how could one be this kind?"
Xie Jing Xing chuckled, "You do not seem to appreciate it."
Shen Miao's lips slowly raised. The relationship with Xie Jing Xing had gradually changed and there was no need to oppose one another with equal harshness as the other person was very clear and broad levelled. It was like many things were not completed by one person and it was very relaxing. Just like at this moment, walking in an empty street on a snowy night, it was just like taking a stroll. She was like that Empress Shen in her bones but there seemed to be something else that was not there before.
"Is my help required for Chang Zai Qing's matter?" Xie Jing Xing said lazily, "If you ask me, I can think about it."
"That matter does not need Rui Wáng Diànxià to bother." Shen Miao smiled, "There will be no complication regarding that matter."
"You have a plan ready?" Xie Jing Xing gave her a look and said with a half-smile, "Sometimes, one wants to know when will there be a difficult situation in the world that you are unable to resolve so that you can perhaps ask me."
"Most likely there will not be such a matter." Shen Miao replied.
"That is regretful." Xie Jing Xing's words contained some pity.
Shen Miao laughed.
There was always something new happening in the Ding Capital City and the new fresh happenings of the day would quickly cover the things of the days past. Just like the lawsuit between the Shen and Chen families, everyone took it as watching a joke and promptly forgot about it after seeing it. As for the Shen Residence, it was the same. The servants still did things that they should; the only difference was that Qiu Shui Yuan has changed to a new mistress. The new mistress was able to gain Shen Wan's favour, seemingly catching up to that year when Shen Sān Fūrén married in.
Comparing Chang Zai Qing and Chen Rou Qiu, she was more able to manage the relationships with the people around. Most likely it was because she did not have the arrogance and aloofness that Chen Rou Qiu had and since she was frank, it made others feel comfortable. Not only did Shen Wan liked her, even Shen Gui and Old Shen Fūrén also felt that she was good and felt that it was a wise choice to let Shen Wan divorce Chen Rou Qiu.
Shen Wan treated Chang Zai Qing very well and Old Shen Fūrén even especially found a senior monk to take a look and he said that Chang Zai Qing was carrying a boy. In the end, Old Shen Fūrén did not fuss about Chang Zai Qing's background at all. The Shen Residence's most urgent task was to gain a male descendent as soon as possible, else others would laugh that the Shen Residence was unable to pass down its lineage.
Shen Wan was always smiling. Chang Zai Qing not only advised him on tactics but everything in the residence was arranged properly, seemingly very skilled, making him even happier and relaxed. To be able to do poetry and calligraphy, manage the household and help in one's career, most likely no man would not like it.
On this day, Chang Zai Qing and Shen Wan were chatting in the courtyard. Chang Zai Qing had a thick fur coat around her, a brazier next to her feet and a hand-warmer in her hands. Because Shen Wan feared that she would catch a cold, he had instructed the maids around her to serve her well.
Chang Zai Qing said, "Lǎoyé is a little free today."
Shen Wan took her hands and placed them in his and smiled, "Not only today. These days, there is nothing in court, thus, one can accompany you and the child more."
"This is really good." Chang Zai Qing smiled, "The child can get closer to Fùqīn."
These words made Shen Wan feel good and he hugged Chang Zai Qing and sighed, "Currently, what my heart hopes for is nothing but for you to give birth to the child, then it would be worth what I have done."
Chang Zai Qing became aware of it and saw that Shen Wan's heart was not smooth thus asked, "Is Lǎoyé still troubled by the matter of Shen wǔ xiǎojiě from a few days before?"
Be it letting Shen Miao marry Prince Zhou or to let Shen Miao have some relations with Prince Zhou, no matter which one, he was unable to create any wind at all. Even though Chang Zai Qing did not know why Shen Wan needed to do so much, she knew that the matter must be related to Shen Wan's career.
Shen Wan shook his head and laughed bitterly, "These days, Shen Xin watches over Shen Miao very well and Shen Miao does not even leave the residence so it is impossible to find an opportunity. Such a flawless barrel, where can one start?" As he spoke, he became listless, "This cannot continue like this."
Chang Zai Qing's eyes turned and she smiled, "What is so difficult about this? If Shen wǔ xiǎojiě does not leave the house then just let Shen wǔ xiǎojiě take the initiative to go out. Speaking of which, when Shen wǔ xiǎojiě leaves, General Shen will know and inevitably let her bring a squad of guards. With General Shen's background, the people around would definitely be highly skilled. Thus, if one really takes action, it must be successful on the first try. It is better to let Shen wǔ xiǎojiě leave the residence herself secretly, thus, not letting General Shen discover. Like this, it would be much easier."
Shen Wan's gaze flickered and he thought for a moment before shaking his head, "Shen Miao does not have any secret in her normal life so it is difficult to coax her out." Before, Shen Miao was in good relations with a Young Lady by the name of Feng An Ning but these days she also obediently stayed in the Feng Residence and if one were to get Shen Miao out by using Feng An Ning's name again, Shen Miao would definitely be alert.
"A gūniáng, no matter how calm one is normally, will always be timid and one's heart will always be troubled." Chang Zai Qing smiled softly, "Why not, Lǎoyé try to walk from the side? For example, use Shen wǔ xiǎojiě's parents or older brother as bait, saying that they are in danger or something. Once her heart is in panic, no matter how calm Shen wǔ xiǎojiě is usually, one would think that she would lose her mind when it concerns her blood family. Lǎoyé may wish to take advantage of this opportunity."
When Shen Wan heard it, he first thought it carefully before grabbing Chang Zai Qing's hands tightly, "Even though there are some loopholes, it is still a good idea. After adding more details, perhaps one can use it." He looked at Chang Zai Qing with some excitement and appreciation filled his gaze, "You always surprise me."
Chang Zai Qing lowered her head slightly and smiled, "Lǎoyé really knows how to joke. Now that one has followed Lǎoyé, one would do one's best to help Lǎoyé. Even though the matter is not upright and aboveboard, Zai Qing also knows that there are no familial relationships in court, so Zai Qing will put Lǎoyé first."
Actually, with regards to scheming against Shen Miao, it was considered a malicious scheme if one were to speak about it. Even though currently Shen Wan was very appreciative of this marvellous tactic that Chang Zai Qing had thought up but in the future, if he thought about it, he might find that Chang Zai Qing had a vicious heart. Chang Zai Qing said it out first with the rationale that there were no familial relationships in court and afterwards kept on mentioning putting Shen Wan first and not only would this make Shen Wan feel good, he would also appreciate Chang Zai Qing even more and find that she is open-minded. He would surely think that she is indeed a rare talented female who did not think of herself one bit.
Thus, Shen Wan looked deeply towards Chang Zai Qing, "With such a beauty, what other wishes does this Zhàngfū have?"
Chang Zai Qing said docilely, "Encountering Lǎoyé is Zai Qing's blessing. The good treatment that Lǎoyé showed to Zai Qing, Zai Qing dare not forget." The more she lowered herself and made herself insignificant, the more Shen Wan would dote on her, but he did not see a glimpse of pride that flashed in Chang Zai Qing's eyes.
In Chang Zai Qing's eyes, men and feelings are all nothing but smoke and clouds that passed one's eyes. Only when one really experienced poverty, one would really know how valuable wealth was. She must firmly grasp onto Shen Wan but it was not because of Shen Wan, the person, but the lifestyle of not needing to worry about clothes and food that Shen Wan could give to her. Chang Zai Qing was different from Chen Rou Qiu. Chen Rou Qiu loved Shen Wan in her heart, thus, Chen Rou Qiu would lose her sanity because of Shen Wan's actions. Chang Zai Qing loved the Shen Residence's wealth and the position of an official's wife, thus, she was clear-headed and understood what needs to be done.
Just like Shen Wan, this kind of man, Chen Rou Qiu, a clever and skilled female, would at the end fall into such a state. Chang Zai Qing understood in her heart that just with poetry, songs and romance would not be enough to grasp this man's heart. She had to demonstrate her talents and let Shen Wan feel that she was useful to him then Shen Wan would not abandon her.
Chang Zai Qing did very well.
Shen Wan accompanied Chang Zai Qing for quite a while before leaving as he still had some official duties to deal with. After carefully instructing Chang Zai Qing's servants, he then left with his servants.
After returning to his study, the personal servant went up to him and handed him a letter, "Lǎoyé, the people at the door said that someone brought a letter and specifically mention to pass it to Lǎoyé, but one does not know who sent it."
Shen Wan took the letter and saw that the top of the envelope was empty. It was obvious that one feared that it would be noticed by others. Officials of the court like them would occasionally have confidential documents, thus, Shen Wan dare not hold it up and quickly opened the letter.
After opening up the letter, the first line of it left Shen Wan stunned on the spot.
That line was, 'Shen Sān Lǎoyé, do you know that your favoured Guì Qiè is a worn shoe?'
Shen Wan almost could not steady himself. He held onto the table and collected himself before quickly reading the letter.
The letter was written simply but the content of the letter was not at all simple. In it, it mentioned that Chang Zai Qing was already married to someone in Liu Province and even had a son. Now, she had entered the Shen Residence and became Shen Wan's Guì Qiè, the most important thing currently was that Chang Zai Qing had not separated from her original husband. If this was true then it could be said that Shen Wan had snatched others' wife and could be sued in court.
Initially, Shen Wan did not believe it and looked disdainfully at this letter. He even wondered if this was evidence of Chen Rou Qiu's provocation. However, when he read the last line of the letter, he became stunned and went blank on the spot.
'At Chang Zai Qing's private area, there is a small red birthmark'
This was indeed a fact!