As soon as the calm words sounded, Ren Yuanyun's scolding stopped abruptly. She stared blankly at Shen Yuan: "What did you say?"

  "Now the entire Shen Manor is implicated, and our second house is at the forefront. This matter of my sister's has far-reaching implications; Father and I will lose our official positions, but Mother doesn't care about that. However, if it also implicates younger brother, would Mother not care about that either?"

  Ren Yuanyun looked at him, and for a moment her expression was somewhat flustered: "What does this have to do with Boer? Boer is still so young, how can he be involved in these things? No one is more innocent than Boer."

  "Mother, no one is guilty in this matter." Shen Yuan coldly smiled and said: "Am I not innocent?" After a moment of endurance, he continued: "Mother, when the rumors are spreading more and more fiercely, if the Shen family provokes things again at this time, it's likely that the entire manor will be affected." He looked at Ren Yuanyun with a heavy tone: "Even if Mother has the intention to die together with others in vain, must you also involve your younger brother?"

  Ren Yuanyun's body trembled, and she couldn't help but shudder. It was true that she had been harboring this thought in her heart. She hated Shen Miao with all her might, but the entire Shen household's coldness, Shen Gui's ruthlessness, Shen Lao Furen's opportunism, and the third wife's detached observation had already made Ren Yuanyun feel an immense sense of resentment towards the Shen household. She even thought that if she could drag down the main house with her, it would be a form of revenge.

  But Shen Yuan pointed out one thing, that is, once the Shen family was really in trouble, even Shen Yuanbai could not avoid it. Since ancient times, emperors have loved their eldest sons, and common people have spoiled their youngest children. Shen Yuan has been clever since childhood, and Ren Yuanyun hasn't worried much about him. It's Shen Yuanbai who is young and mischievous, and Ren Yuanyun loves him dearly. If Shen Yuanbai also died, it would be something she didn't want to see no matter what.

  "Then... Shen Yuan, what should we do?" Ren Yuanyun looked at Shen Yuan, the frantic state from just now was completely gone, as if Shen Yuan was her lifeline, her mainstay.

  "Mother, one cannot be greedy." Shen Yuan looked at her, his eyes filled with ruthless cruelty: "Sister and brother, you can only save one of them."

  The prison cells near the gate of the capital city, with guards standing outside.

  In the case of the extermination of the Wang family, Shen Qing was actually in a very awkward position. On the surface, she seemed to be a pitiful person who had just married into the Wang family and encountered the tragic event of the extermination of her husband's family, but fortunately managed to escape with her life. However, upon further investigation, there were many suspicious points about the case, and it was possible that Shen Qing was involved in some way. Even if she was not involved, all sorts of salacious rumors and speculation about her had already begun to circulate, making her name a topic of discussion for everyone on the streets. From this perspective, it would have been better for her to have died cleanly in the extermination case.

  The attitude of Emperor Wenhui towards the case of Yuqin Wangfu is also thought-provoking. He said that he wanted to investigate immediately, but instead handed it over directly to the Jingzhao Yin and the Yamen, without even asking a single question. Given Emperor Wenhui's close relationship with Yuqin Wang, it is impossible for him to let this matter pass so lightly. The thoughts of the emperor have always been difficult to guess, and the officials below also couldn't understand what Emperor Wenhui really wanted, so they could only temporarily put Shen Qing in prison to await trial.

  It's actually quite ironic, the only woman who survived a massacre became the prime suspect, unarmed and helpless. That's just how things are in this world sometimes.

  When Shen Miao arrived at the prison gate, the jailer looked up and saw her, hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward and asked: "Who are you?"

  "My family's young lady is the fifth daughter of General Shen's mansion," Xing Zhen took a step forward, handing over the sachet with silver buckles to the prison guard, saying: "I came specifically to take a look at the big girl."

  Shen Miao took out the token Shen Qiu had given her from her sleeve and flashed it in front of the prison guard, who took one look and hastily bowed respectfully, saying: "It's Miss Shen Wu." Shen Xin was renowned throughout Dingjing City, and even if he were just a prison guard, officials would still have to show him some respect.

  "I want to go see Big Sister, would you please lead the way?" said Shen Miao.

  The head of the prison guards smiled and said, "Originally, these few days are not allowed to visit, but since Miss Shen Wu has spoken, follow me." After saying that, he also instructed the prison guards outside a few words, Jingzhen and Guyu stayed outside, and took Shen Miao inside.

  At present, Shen Qing's identity is very embarrassing, and no one can say for sure whether there will be a chance to escape punishment in the future. However, even if he really escapes punishment, with such a reputation, Shen Qing's life will also be extremely difficult.

  "In fact, Fifth Miss doesn't have to worry too much," the prison guard said with a smile: "Although Shen Xiaojie is still in prison now, once this matter is cleared up, Shen Xiaojie won't be implicated much either." He thought that since Shen Miao came to visit Shen Qing, it seemed that the two sisters had a very close relationship. No matter what, letting Shen Miao feel at ease would also count as doing a favor for Shen Xin.

  Shen Miao nodded: "Thank you, sir, for your guidance."

  When a stone staircase appeared in front of them, the prison guard stopped and said: "Miss Shen is being held downstairs. Fifth Miss, go down and talk to her. I'll wait outside with my men, don't take too long."

  Shen Miao thanked him again and waited until the prison guard and several other guards in the cell deliberately avoided them before walking down the stairs with a calm expression.

  Down the long flight of stairs, at the very end was a prison cell, surrounded by iron railings outside, with only a small window the size of a fist inside. This was where serious offenders were held. A row of torches on the stone wall cast flickering shadows, making it seem eerie and sinister.

  In the cell, there was a layer of straw on which lay a dirty quilt. On the quilt, it seemed that lice had been born, and some small black specks could be faintly seen. The person wrapped in the quilt sat on the straw with their head buried in their knees, it was unclear whether they were asleep or not.

  Shen Miao quietly watched for a while before walking over and gently tapping on the iron railing.

  The person who was buried in his knees suddenly raised his head, revealing a slightly frightened face. When he saw that it was Shen Miao clearly, the frightened expression turned into anger, gritting his teeth and shouting: "Shen Miao!"

  "It's me." Shen Miao took a step back, avoiding Shen Qing's pounce. She had guessed correctly, and the next moment, Shen Qing rushed up, her hands reaching over the iron railing to grab Shen Miao, but was separated by the railing and could only flail her arms in vain.

  "It seems you still haven't learned your lesson." Shen Miao snorted in laughter, looking at her with a leisurely expression: "Don't bother, it's useless."

  Shen Qing put down his hand with a huff, and suddenly burst out laughing: "Shen Miao, are you here to show off to me? Are you here to see how miserable I am? Let me tell you, one day, you will be a hundred times more miserable than me!"

  "What a pity," Shen MiaoLing said with a sympathetic gaze: "Even if that day really comes, you won't be able to see it."

  Shen Qing was taken aback, and a hint of fear suddenly welled up in her eyes. She had been locked up for several days, and even she herself wasn't clear about what was going on. She had always been pampered and spoiled, thinking that the night at Wudang Temple with Yu Qin Wang was the most painful moment of her life. But then came a series of terrifying events: getting pregnant, returning to the palace, getting married, and the bloody massacre on her wedding night. Now she had become a prisoner. She suppressed the unease in her heart and said stubbornly, "Don't try to deceive me, this matter has nothing to do with me, can I still be implicated?"

  "How can you not understand?" Shen Miao squatted down, looking at Shen Qing in the cell. She shook her head gently, as if an adult was looking at a child who didn't understand: "The entire Yu Qin Wang Fu was exterminated, and only you survived. Whether it's a conspiracy or not, whether you have a relationship with the murderer or not, as long as you're alive, you become a huge sin."

  "What does the murderer have to do with me!" Shen Qing retorted: "Why would I want to destroy the entire Fu family of Henan, I have no grudges or grievances against them, even if I did it would be you..." Her words stopped abruptly halfway through, and she looked at Shen Miao with some incredulity, saying: "Was it you who did it?"

  Shen Miao's lips curled up slightly at the corners.

  "Was it you?" Shen Qing suddenly grabbed the railing of the iron fence, looking at Shen Miao: "It was you, you had a deep hatred for Prince Yu, and you let someone destroy his entire family. You deliberately left me alive just to make me take the blame for you. Shen Miao, you've made a good calculation!" She looked at Shen Miao, her heart filled with shock and anger, shocked that Shen Miao was so sinister, and angry that she had ended up in this situation, all thanks to Shen Miao!

  "Sister, you must provide evidence for everything." Shen Miao smiled and said: "However, just now your words seem to have become smarter after being locked up for two days." Although she did not admit to Shen Qing's words, in Shen Qing's eyes, Shen Miao had already admitted to the crime she committed.

  Shen Qing flew into a rage: "What do you want to do? Shen Miao, you won't get away with this! My father and brother will definitely save me. They'll find evidence and in the end, it's you who'll be locked up, not me! By then, I'll think of a way to make you suffer a thousand cuts!"

  "You still expect Second Uncle and Shen Yuan?" Shen Miao sneered, "Second Uncle is now afraid of being implicated, he hasn't even come to see you. As for Shen Yuan..." Shen Miao smiled, "He could have had a good career with unlimited prospects, but because of your constant troubles, do you really think he would want to come and save you?"

  Shen Qing glared at Shen Miao, but in her heart she knew that Shen Miao was not wrong. What kind of person Shen Gui was, how could she not be clear? As early as when Shen Gui married her to Yu Qin Wang, Shen Qing had seen clearly that Shen Gui was the same as Shen Lao Fu Ren, only knowing how to advance her own interests and avoid harm. As for this second brother who had been somewhat unpredictable since childhood, although he had also solved a lot of trouble for himself in the past, but this time, affecting Shen Geng's official career, would Shen Geng still help her?

  "Shen Miao, stop spouting nonsense!" Despite feeling uneasy in her heart, Shen Qing still forced herself to say: "My mother won't just stand by and do nothing! My mother will definitely think of a way to rescue me. As long as my mother steps forward, with Second Brother's skills, it won't be hard to find out the truth. At that time, you'll be the ones who are in trouble!"

  "Second Aunt?" Shen Miao sighed, "I know Second Aunt is very good to you, you are the apple of her eye. If anything bad happens to you, Second Aunt will definitely go all out to protect you, just like she did for me back then..."

  Shen Qing's uneasy mood had slightly alleviated, and she felt a little complacent. Ren Yuanyun had always been overly indulgent towards her, among the three legitimate daughters of the Shen family, Chen Ruoqiu was slightly stricter with Shen Yue, Luo Xueyan rarely spent time with Shen Miao, only Ren Yuanyun was extremely lenient with Shen Qing. This was because when Shen Qing was born, Ren Yuanyun had a difficult labor and it was not easy for mother and daughter to be safe and sound, so Ren Yuanyun was particularly careful with this daughter. Even when Shen Qing wanted to compete for Ding Wangfu's Xiuyi, Ren Yuanyun didn't say a single word of disapproval.

  Now even if others are indifferent to her, as long as Ren Yuanyun is around, she will never be wronged. Shen Qing's triumphant smile had just risen when he heard Shen Miao's smiling voice: "But big sister, guess, between you and Seventh Brother, who has the upper hand in Second Aunt's heart?"

  Shen Qing was stunned, staring at Shen Miao without saying a word.

  Shen Miao looked at her gently: "Second Aunt dotes on Seventh Brother, everyone in the manor knows that. If it's because you want to compensate for Seventh Brother, do you think Second Aunt is willing to take this risk? Actually, I also look forward to knowing this answer, can big sister help me figure it out?"

  Shen Qing's body began to shake violently. She knew better than anyone the position Shen Yuanbo held in Ren Yuanyun's heart, and at her current age, having Shen Yuanbo was extremely precious. Moreover, although Shen Yuanbo was mischievous, he was also very likable. Most importantly, Shen Yuanbo was a son.

  In this world, it's always harder for women. In Ren Yuanyun's heart, she has always been more biased towards her youngest son. If she really had to sacrifice herself for Shen Yuanbai, Shen Qing knew the answer in her heart - she would be the one to be abandoned. However, no matter how fearful she was in her heart, when facing Shen Miao, Shen Qing never wanted to show any weakness. She looked at Shen Miao with a cold smile: "What do you want to say? Are you going to say that I'm doomed no matter what? Don't forget, I have the royal family's bloodline in my belly! The child in my womb has the king's blood, and for his sake, I won't be afraid of anything!" After saying this, Shen Qing stroked her belly, revealing a loving smile. This was truly astonishing - just a few days ago, she had been hitting her belly, wishing she didn't have this "wild seed".

  "Sister, do you really think he is your lucky charm?" Shen Miao's gaze floated lightly onto Shen Qing's slightly bulging belly and said faintly: "If it were in the past, with Your Majesty's regard for Prince Yu, naturally, this child would be kept safe. But now... perhaps it will become your death sentence."

  "What do you mean?" Shen Qing didn't understand what Shen Miao was saying, but from Shen Miao's gaze that seemed to be mustering up a storm, she suddenly felt a surge of fear in her heart. She had a hunch that Shen Miao wasn't favoring her, so why would the child in her belly become a harbinger of doom for her?

  Shen Qing naturally didn't know, but some rumors spread in the palace and reached the emperor's ears. As a result, some things quietly changed. If it were before, to preserve the bloodline of Yuqin Wang, Emperor Wenhui would not have let Shen Qing accompany him in burial so soon. But now, once the seeds of suspicion sprouted, the emperor became ruthless and showed no mercy, fearing that he would want to eradicate them completely, letting Shen Qing and the evil spawn in her belly go to hell together as soon as possible.

  Seeing Shen Miao smile without speaking, Shen Qing's heart became even more panicked. She shouted: "Shen Miao, I have no grudges or grievances with you, why are you harming me like this?"

  "Without grievances or resentment?" Shen Miao seemed to have heard a funny joke, she looked at Shen Qing: "When you and your mother plotted against me, did you ever think about being without grievances or resentment?"

  "You...” Shen Qing's eyes were filled with resentment as she gazed at Shen Miao, her voice trembling with rage. "You've ruined me! You'll definitely come to a bad end! The wheel of fortune will turn, and one day your family will become the laughing stock, trampled by others. None of you will have a good ending!" Her words ended in a shrill tone, as if she could only conceal her fear by speaking in such a manner.

  But in her scolding, Shen Miao's expression didn't change. She said softly: "The phrase 'the wind and water turn' isn't wrong, but waiting for heaven to turn things around might be too difficult. Matters of the world are ultimately up to people; it's just that nothing has been wasted."

  What Shen Qing said was unbearable, and she had already tasted it in her previous life. At that time, Luo Xueyan had passed away, Shen Qiu had drowned, and all the slaves in the main house of the Shen family, including Shen Xin, were imprisoned. According to the rumors spread by the small eunuchs in the Cold Palace, Shen Xin was locked up in the most terrifying prison, with iron chains piercing his shoulder blades to prevent him from escaping, and a "囚" (prisoner) character branded on his cheek. For a general who had fought bravely on the battlefield, this was undoubtedly the most unacceptable thing. If physical torture could still be endured, then spiritual humiliation was what made Shen Xin suffer the most. And at that time, she was locked in the Cold Palace, watching Fu Ming being demoted from the position of crown prince, and seeing Madame Yuan gloating.

  Shen Qing was already somewhat disheveled, after all she was young and had never experienced anything, and Ren Yuanyun had always spoiled her as she grew up. Once something unexpected happened, the way to bear it was very low. She shrieked: "Shen Miao, you're not human! You'll come to no good end!"

  "Shen Qing, how does it feel to see your hopes being shattered one by one?" Shen Miao asked quietly as she gazed at her.

  Shen Qing glared at Shen Miao with hatred in her eyes.

  "When I was at a dead end, you once saw me off on my journey. So this time, I've come to see you off on your final journey." She said with a smile, but her eyes were devoid of any amusement, and the clear, limpid pools of her eyes instead rippled with dark waves, like black clouds that heavily shrouded the other person.

  Before her death, she saw Shen Qing and Shen Yue standing behind Mrs. Yuan, with a sly smile on their faces. The main house of the Shen family ended up in a miserable state, but the second and third houses were not to be underestimated. She relived this arduous life just to pull out the venomous fangs one by one from the young snakes that had not yet grown up, and then slowly torture them.

  Shen Qing didn't understand what she was saying, and could only grit his teeth in hatred: "Shen Miao, you won't die a good death..."

  Shen Miao stood up, looking down at Shen Qing with a condescending gaze. Her slightly immature face in the gloomy prison cell showed an unapproachable majesty and elegance, and within that majesty, there was a hint of a dark storm brewing, which eventually transformed into a cold smile on her lips.

  The purple skirt fluttered in front of the cage as if about to fly away, and the figure gradually disappeared. The last thing Shen Qing heard was...

  Shen Miao said: "Shen Qing, you are the first."

  The East Wing of Shen's Mansion was eerily silent on this particular day.

  Shen Gui stayed in the house, his face showing a gloomy and depressed look. Today, from the eunuchs' mouths in the palace, he had heard that Shen Qing's affair was indeed difficult to handle.

  There was a problem between Emperor Wenhui and Prince Yu, which was apparently much more serious than what the courtiers had imagined. Now it's difficult to advance or retreat, if Shen Qing's case is handled, I'm afraid Emperor Wenhui will be displeased, but if Shen Qing is not handled, rumors will spread further, and when trouble arises, he will be the first to be blamed.

  He sighed here, and Wan Niang walked up to him, gently pressing his shoulders.

  Shen Gui was a lustful man, and there were many concubines in the mansion. However, Ren Yuanyun managed them strictly, and none of those concubines were able to bear him a child. Even if some of them did give birth, the children would die soon after. But this Concubine Wan, under Ren Yuanyun's nose, actually gave birth to a daughter named Shen Dongling, who grew up healthy and strong, showing off her skills. In the past, the servants in the mansion all said that if Concubine Wan had given birth to a son instead of a daughter, she might have been able to rival Ren Yuanyun's status.

  Wan Yiniang and Shen Lao Furen were both former songstresses, but Ren Yuanyun looked down on them. Shen Lao Furen also felt that this identity was somewhat infuriating. However, Wan Yiniang was indeed a famous actress, originally the leading lady of the theater troupe, born with a charming and sentimental nature, and when she played the role of Huadan, it was incredibly beautiful.

  Since giving birth to Shen Dongling, Wan Yiniang has been quietly staying in her own courtyard, as if she had disappeared from everyone's eyes. Even the frail and sickly Shen Dongling rarely leaves the house, only appearing during festivals and holidays, and is almost forgotten by others. Now that Shen Qing is in trouble, Shen Lao Furen is unhappy, and whenever Ran Yuanyun and Shen Gui meet, they quarrel. Wan Yiniang has returned to the scene. These days, she has been serving Shen Gui with great care, and when looking at Ran Yuanyun and her daughter, she can't help but feel a deep dislike.

  "Master is still worried about Miss's affair." Madam Wan said while pressing Shen Gui's shoulder, "Master shouldn't be too anxious either. Since Miss didn't do that thing, there will come a day when the truth will be revealed."

  "Alas," Shen Gui sighed: "Whether she does it or not, things won't be that simple anymore. Qing Jie's actions this time may end up implicating everyone."

  Wan Yiniang heard this and anxiously said: "Although it's like that, but in this world there must be a distinction between good and evil. She said: "I and the third miss don't have anything to do with each other, as long as we follow the old master, whether we live or die is not important. But the second young master's career is just starting, and the seventh young master is still so small, if they are implicated, what can be done?"

  Shen Gui's face changed, and he felt a little annoyed in his heart. Although he was selfish and greedy for wealth and beauty, he still had great hopes for his two sons. It is unknown why the Shen family's descendants were not prosperous until their generation. However, having two sons in their household was something that made Shen Gui extremely proud. In Shen Gui's eyes, daughters were nothing more than objects to be exchanged for benefits, but sons were treasures that could carry on the family line.

  Now, in order to avenge his daughter Shen Qing, he has to sacrifice his own two sons, and the thought of it makes Shen Gui feel suffocated.

  "I've heard that Madam is now busy running around for the young lady, it's truly heartbreaking for parents. If I weren't so weak and powerless, I would also like to help out in some way." Continued Wan Yiniang.

  "What are you helping with!" Shen Gui heard Wan Niang mention Ren Yuanyun, and he felt even more annoyed. He said: "It's all because of that madwoman who taught such a shameless good daughter, now she's dragging everyone down, it's unbelievable!"

  Madam Wan seemed to be startled, suddenly shrinking back, and the hand on her shoulder also stopped for a moment. After a pause, she said in a soft voice: "Master, don't blame Madame. Something big has happened, and Madame's heart is not feeling well either. If Miss had an accident in prison and did something irrational, how heartbreaking would Madame be?"

  "What can she possibly do..." His voice suddenly paused, and Shen Gui slowly muttered: "Something irrational?"

  Wan Yiniang's eyes flashed, but her voice was full of worry: "A young girl, just married and something like this happens, and she's been locked up in prison. Big sister has always been spoiled since childhood, if she can't think it through, it's very possible. Someone should go and persuade her, don't let her do anything stupid."

  Shen Gui suddenly stood up and looked outside. The sun was about to set in the west, and the winter sky darkened especially early. He said, "I'll go out for a bit."

  "So late, where is Master going?" asked Wan Niang.

  "There's something I need to take care of, you eat dinner yourself." Shen Gui walked out with big strides.

  When the shadow of Shen Gui could no longer be seen, Wan Yiniang finally closed the door and walked to the table to sit down. The dinner dishes on the table were colorful and appetizing, but at this time when the entire east wing was filled with gloom and desolation, her food was exquisite as always. But who knew that a few years ago, when she was eating moldy buns and spoiled porridge, and was so poor that she couldn't even afford to pay for Shen Dongling's medical expenses after being wronged by Ren Yuanyun, what was going through her mind at that time?

  The wheel of fortune has turned, and it was her bad luck in the past. Now it's Ren Yuanyun and her mother who are having a streak of bad luck. Ren Yuanyun has made her daughter so cautious for many years that she hasn't even had the chance to leave the house, let alone become a concubine. Now Shen Qing is in prison, and for the rest of his life, he will likely be more miserable than Shen Dongliang was in the past.

  "Go and invite Third Miss to have dinner." She ordered her maid beside her, the maid responded and left.

  "Auntie, will Master really lay hands on Miss?" another maid asked cautiously.

  "Of course." Wan's wife smiled with a thousand charms: "He must do it." After being husband and wife with Shen Gui for so many years, she knew better than anyone what was going on in his mind. Just now, she deliberately reminded him of some things. If Rèn Yuán Cloud found out that her own daughter was finally solved by her own husband's hands, I wonder how delightful it would be.

  She scooped up a spoonful of wonton soup and savored it slowly.

  At the same time, Shen Yuan in Caiyun Garden also put on his cloak and walked out of the Shen Mansion's gate without saying goodbye to anyone.