"That's right." Su Mingfen was somewhat surprised by Xie Jinghang's attitude, and suddenly thought of something, smiling slyly: "Isn't that the girl you rescued at the archery range last time? It seems that she has some courage and isn't too ugly either. Wei Qian, this kid, is clearly unaware of his good fortune."
He saw Xie Jingxuan fall into deep thought and couldn't help but exclaim in surprise: "Hey, you can't have really taken a liking to that girl, can you?"
Xie Jinghang snorted and cast a cold glance at Su Mingfen, saying: "You're quite idle?"
"I'm certainly free," Su Mingfen furrowed his brow: "I'm currently 'seriously ill', can't attend court, and spend my days at the mansion playing with cats and dogs. You haven't been showing up often lately, and you're getting close to that doctor named Gao Yang. Are you hiding something from me?"
If it's said that childhood friendships are not shallow, then the more they grow up, Xie Jinghang becomes more mysterious. Although he gave reminders about the Su family affair, sometimes Su Mingfen felt like she knew nothing about Xie Jinghang.
Xie Jinghang threw an apple at him: "Eat yours."
It was clear that he didn't plan on continuing the conversation. Su Mingfang's eyes flashed, and a hint of bitter smile appeared at the corner of his lips, but he didn't say anything.
Not long after Shen Jia received the engagement letter from Wei's family, Ren Yuanyun also asked Xianglan to invite Shen Gui to Caiyun Garden.
Ever since Shen Qing's incident, there has been a rift between Shen Gui and Ren Yuanyun, and the two have not spoken much. In recent days, their relationship has become even more icy.
This time, it was still Ren Yuanyun who took the initiative to yield.
Xianglan and Caiju both greeted Shen Gui as he entered, while Ren Yuanyun sat at the table with a somewhat melancholy gaze.
"What's wrong with you now?" Shen Gui's tone was still stiff, and he was still unhappy about being scolded by Ren Yuanyun for being heartless and unrighteous because of Shen Qing. Although he appreciated that Ren Yuanyun could handle things well both inside and outside the house, he wasn't a broad-minded person, let alone being scolded by his own wife like a shrew.
"Master is here." Ren Yuanyun lazily glanced at him with a very haggard face. She had always been clever and spirited, but she had never looked like this before. Shen Gui's heart softened by three points upon seeing this scene. Knowing that Ren Yuanyun loved Shen Qing dearly, these days because of Shen Qing's worries, after all, as the first wife, she still had to maintain her dignity. He scolded Xianglan and Caiju: "How can the mistress be so haggard? How did you take care of your master?"
Ren Yuanyun also detected the softening of Shen Gui's tone, and her heart was delighted. She rubbed her forehead even more gently: "It has nothing to do with them, it's just me worrying about Qing'er. These days I've been unable to taste food or sleep at night, my heart is extremely distressed."
"Since Qing'er's matter has already been settled, thinking too much is useless. You should focus on taking care of yourself and recovering soon, as the household still needs you to manage it." Shen Gui glanced at Ren Yuanyun. Previously, it was Ren Yuanyun who managed the household, so naturally, there were many convenient aspects for him, such as using the silver from the Zhong Gong to give gifts, and Ren Yuanyun could also handle the accounts without any errors being found. Now that Ren Yuanyun had to take care of Shen Qing, Chen Ruoqiu temporarily took over the authority to manage the household, so it was only natural that things were not as convenient as before. Those advantages all fell into the hands of the third house, which also didn't sit well with Shen Gui.
Ren Yuanyun gritted her teeth, Shen Gui's heart was only for his own official career, and he didn't care about Shen Qing at all. She said: "I also think so, but now Qing'er can't leave people, and I'm not at ease."
"So it's better to marry her off to the Huang family." Shen Gui brought up the matter, and his tone, which had just softened, became rigid again: "A woman's opinion is that long hair means short sight, Qing'er is like this now, she should find a good family to marry into. The Huang family is large and prosperous, Qing'er will be the legitimate wife if she goes there, but you refuse to agree."
Ren Yuanyun sneered in her heart, Shen Gui as a father was indeed ruthless and unrighteous. Huang Dexing was such a person, but Shen Gui could say that good people's families were like this. Although she had long known that the person by her side was a self-interested and cold-blooded person, now thinking about it, Ren Yuanyun still felt a chill run down her spine.
But at this moment, she wiped her eyes and said: "What the master said is right. It was I who thought wrongly before. Since I've been staying in the backyard all day, I couldn't see these big things. The family chosen by the master must be the best one. I didn't want Qing'er to marry into that family before, but now I think it might not be a bad thing for Qing'er after all."
Shen Gui was taken aback, then looked at her in disbelief: "You agreed?" Ren Yuanyun valued Shen Qing more than anything else, how could she possibly agree to this marriage so easily? After all, Huang Dexing was a good catch.
"Yes." Ren Yuanyun's face showed a sorrowful expression: "With Qing'er in this state, which good family will want her in the future? I've thought it over and over, and I think the Huang family is not bad. At least if she marries into their family, Qing'er won't lack clothes or food. If she really can't live well, then that's just her fate..." After speaking, she pulled at her sleeves and wept quietly with a bowed head.
Seeing Ren Yuanyun like this, Shen Gui's heart was put at ease, and he somewhat believed Ren Yuanyun's words. Nowadays, Shen Qing is no longer a young maiden from a good family, but the Huang family only needs a noble daughter to take the position of Mrs. Huang to deceive people's eyes. Shen Qing marrying Huang Dexing would be a worry-free life, which could be considered the best outcome. Although as a woman, she may never get emotional fulfillment in her lifetime, but after what happened, who would still want her?
Thinking of this, Shen Gui sighed and walked to Ren Yuanyun's side, patted her back, and comforted: "You've figured it out, that's good. Qing'er is my daughter after all, I won't harm her. Mr. Huang and I have some connections, I'll let him take care of Qing'er, Qing'er will marry into their family, she won't be wronged."
Ren Yuanyun felt contemptuous of Shen's grandiose words in her heart, but on the surface, she showed a dependent expression: "Then please trouble Old Master and Mr. Huang to mention it, let the Huang family send someone to exchange engagement letters."
"So soon?" Shen Gui was somewhat surprised.
"Qing'er now looks like this, where can she still hide?" Ren Yuanyun sighed: "The longer she hides, the more afraid I am that someone will discover her secret. After all, Qing'er has not gone out for a long time. Marrying into the Huang family can at least cover up a bit. Moreover," Ren Yuanyun stroked her chest: "the night is long and dreams are many, ever since Qing'er's incident, I have always been very afraid."
Seeing her anxious appearance, Shen Gui hesitated for a moment before saying: "What you said makes sense too. Qing'er's matter can't be delayed. In that case, I'll write to Lord Huang today and bring up this matter. If the marriage certificates are exchanged, discussing the wedding date is not out of the question."
"Everything depends on you, sir." said Ren Yuanyun softly.
Shen Gui said a few more words, and then left with satisfaction. Today, Ren Yuanyun lowered her eyebrows and eyes, admitted her mistake, and did as he said, making him feel much more comfortable in his heart. The gloom of the past few days was swept away, and his steps seemed to be filled with the joy of spring.
After Shen Gui left Caiyun Garden, Xianglan closed the outer door and then anxiously said: "Madam, is it really okay to keep this matter from Master?"
Ren Yuanyun let Shen Gui think that Shen Qing was really willing to marry Huang Dexing, but didn't tell her about the plan to have Shen Qing and Shen Miao sisters switch husbands. As a result, Shen Qing married the real good man Wei Qian, while Shen Miao married the dissolute Huang Dexing.
This matter naturally cannot be known to Shen Gui, no matter what the outcome is. As for Shen Gui's kind of person, as long as there is a possibility of affecting his career, he will not take risks. But Ren Yuanyun cannot let her own daughter step into the fire pit.
"Naturally, I have to deceive him, he's so heartless, wanting to use my Qing'er as a bargaining chip for his career, without even asking if I'm willing or not." Ren Yuanyun sneered coldly, her husband's indifference and daughter's misfortune had already made her look older over this period of time, as if overnight, wrinkles had deepened on her face, and the kind and gentle expression she once had was now replaced with a venomous gaze: "This matter must be foolproof. Even if he finds out later, it will be too late."
"Could this be disadvantageous to Second Miss?" Cai Ju asked: "Even if Yi Jia becomes the bride, how can the Huang and Wei families who know the truth be willing?"
"Don't worry," Ren Yuanyun said, pinching the paperweight in her hand: "The Huang family only wants a name, any one will do. As for the Wei family, if they dare to speak out, I'll accuse them of framing an innocent girl, and there's always a way to shut them up. Besides," her face suddenly turned ferocious: "What's wrong with my Qing'er? Can't she compare to that little slut Shen Miao? If it were my Qing'er who married into the Wei family, it would be their good fortune!"
As soon as Shen Miao was mentioned, Ren Yuanyun's whole body trembled with hatred, Xiang Lan and Cai Ju suddenly fell silent and lowered their heads, not daring to speak again.
After a while, Ren Yuanyun's voice sounded: "However, for now, the most important thing is to let the two marriages be done as soon as possible. It must be before Big Brother and Sister-in-law return to Beijing."
"Old Master Da will only return to the capital after the New Year, which is still a few months away." Xianglan stepped forward and reminded him, "On the other hand, it's that Fifth Miss, her temper is too arrogant. If she finds out that we secretly arranged the engagement, I'm afraid she'll make a big fuss, who knows, she might even sneak out of the Shen Manor at night, what can be done then?"
"Run?" Ren Yuanyun said viciously, "It depends on whether she has the skills. Now isn't she being confined in the ancestral hall? From today on, lock up that hall for me!"
It's actually going to lock Shen Miao up alive!
Xianglan and Caiju were shocked, both lowering their heads. In the past, although Shen Manor had suppressed Shen Miao, it was all done with a poker face, not a single hint of it showing. This was the first time they had used such drastic measures on Shen Miao, almost completely disregarding any pretenses.
"That little wretch has many tricks up her sleeve, only locking her up will do. When the time comes, a cup of wine will be sent to the sedan chair, and she'll be called out, but won't respond. The Huang family isn't one to spare oil either. After a few days of proper training, she'll behave herself." Ren Yuanyun's words were laced with malice: "If all else fails, there's still the Prince's Manor." She smiled smugly.
The winter days are getting colder and colder, and the northwest desert frequently sends good news. Shen Xin led the army to defeat the enemy, fought bravely, and the enemy was terrified on the battlefield. In the capital city, people naturally speculated that by the end of the year, Shen Xin would return to Beijing and be rewarded with countless merits.
The glory of the Shen family is indeed enviable, but it was all earned through real battles and struggles on the battlefield. Now that the Xiongnu have not retreated, and there are neighboring countries eyeing them covetously, the Mingqi imperial court naturally wants to reuse the Shen family, but as for what will happen in the future, it's hard to say. The saying "the death of a cunning rabbit is followed by the boiling of a loyal dog" has always been a favorite pastime of imperial courts, after all, one day an emperor, the next day a minister. Especially now, with the nine princes of the Mingqi imperial court secretly maneuvering and plotting, it's not something to be taken lightly.
If there's anything exciting happening in the capital recently, it's that the Shen family is planning to get married. However, for some reason, this matter has been kept very secretive, and only two families have come forward with a proposal: one is the Wei family of the Minister of Rites, and the other is the Huang family of the Directorate of Imperial Supplies. Both families are high-ranking officials and wealthy households, and their young masters can be considered as talented youths who match well with the Shen family. Shen Yue still attends classes at Guangwen Hall every day, so everyone has been guessing that the ones getting married must be Shen Miao, the eldest daughter of the main branch of the Shen family, and Shen Qing, the eldest daughter of the second branch of the Shen family.
As for Shen Qing, it's over. However, Shen Miao's identity is somewhat subtle. Among the current military officers, only Lin An Hou can be mentioned in the same breath as him. But Lin An Hou seems to be a clever person, except for the imperial edict, he generally stays in the capital. Shen Xin, on the other hand, guards the border all year round.
With Shen Xin holding such great power, whoever marries Shen Miao will gain a powerful ally. The imperial family of Ming Qi is watching closely, fortunately the two who came to propose are both civil officials and not military generals who can't be swayed. Moreover, both the Wei and Huang families have good reputations but are actually mediocre, and for now haven't been involved in the struggle for the throne, so this marriage proposal is relatively smoother compared to others, especially when compared to the previous rumors of Shen Miao's romance with Prince Ding.
In Guangwen Hall, Yi Peilan asked Shen Yue: "Your sister and younger sister, are they really going to get married? They even stopped coming to Guangwen Hall."
Since the incident at Wulong Temple, neither Shen Miao nor Shen Qing had left the mansion gates, let alone mention coming to Guangwen Hall. Shen Miao was under house arrest, while Shen Qing needed to take good care of her body.
Shen Yue smiled: "I don't know either, Mother is being mysterious, probably."
"But to say, your sisters are quite lucky," Jiang Xiao Xuan thought for a moment: "Especially Shen Miao, both Wei Gongzi and Huang Gongzi are not bad. How come none of them fell in love with you?"
Shen Yue pretended to be angry: "I still want to stay in the mansion for a few more years, I haven't thought about getting married." But in her heart, there was also a lump. Indeed, at their age, they would naturally start to worry about their own marriage. However, in the Shen Mansion, Shen Miao was two years younger than her and had already been engaged, leaving only her behind. Shen Qing didn't care, as she was surrounded by people who had ruined their bodies, but knowing that even Shen Miao might be able to find a good match made Shen Yue feel an indescribable jealousy.
It's probably because Shen Miao is not as good as before, especially when she was inferior to Shen Miao in the past. Now, a family like the Wei family has come to propose marriage, which means they have acknowledged that Shen Miao is still okay. If it weren't for Chen Ruqiu's persuasion, Shen Yue might still be stuck on this point and wouldn't come out.
"Ah, you," Bai Wei tapped her forehead: "At your age, it's only natural to think of yourself. But," she nodded towards the other side: "What do you think of him?"
She was facing Cai Lin, Shen Yue followed Bai Wei's line of sight and looked over. Cai Lin noticed Shen Yue's gaze, turned her head, was taken aback for a moment, and actually awkwardly dodged away.
Shen Yue's eyes suddenly turned red and she bit her lower lip tightly.
In the past, the young man who was infatuated with himself now avoids him like a snake's scorpion. A proud person like Shen Yue naturally feels extremely humiliated.
Cai Lin dodged Shen Yue's accusing gaze, feeling a bit anxious. Ever since he was taught a lesson by Shen Miao on the testing grounds, every time he saw Shen Miao, he would feel an inexplicable fear. It was as if his innate fear of danger made him want to avoid Shen Miao, and besides, Xie Jinghang had seemed to help Shen Miao out that day. Cai Lin may be a big shot in Dingjing, but he wouldn't dare cross Xie Jinghang, so naturally, he wouldn't take the initiative to provoke Shen Miao again.
But that day, Shen Yue didn't look at him from start to finish, and it completely cooled down the passionate heart of this young man.
Seeing Shen Yue's embarrassment, Yi Peilan pouted and changed the subject, smiling: "However, isn't it your family's old madam's birthday in half a month? I should probably go pick out some gifts too."
Every year on her birthday, Mrs. Shen would hold a grand celebration that rivaled those of the royal family. She believed that the more extravagant the celebration, the more glory it brought to her face. Many officials would be invited every year, and Shen Gui and Shen Wan were naturally delighted by this, as it also allowed them to get along better with their colleagues.
On such a birthday, gifts are naturally to be received. It seems that next month at the half-year banquet, Yi Peilan and others will all be there; after all, every year at this time, the slightly better-off official families of Mingqi have all been invited by the Shen family.
"Right," Bai Wei seemed to have just remembered: "I almost forgot about this, thanks to Pei Lan's reminder. Yue Er, what gift did you prepare for Old Lady Shen?"
Shen Yue, as a talented woman in the capital, naturally gave Shen Lao's wife a good face every year at her birthday banquet. If Shen Qing took out something valuable and expensive, Shen Yue would take out something unique and exquisite. Only Shen Miao, whatever she sent was always laughable.
"It's just a embroidered portrait after all." Shen Yue said humbly.
"Now that you mention it, I'm getting curious," Jiang Xiao Xuan said with a wicked tone: "What about your fifth sister? Won't she be busy embroidering her wedding dress and forget all about the birthday gift for the old lady?"
Feng Anning, who was leaning on the table, snorted coldly and stood up, leaving the table.
Yi Peilan's words also fell into the ears of Pei Lang, who was collecting his things on the stage. In recent days, he had naturally heard the news that Shen Miao was going to be engaged, but he had a strange feeling. The girl's eyes were like those of a beast, and she was already lurking in the back house at such a young age - would she?
At the same time, Shen Miao, who was being talked about by everyone, arranged the chess pieces in front of her one by one in the ancestral hall.
The wind in the temple hall was cold and chilly, with grey stone slabs on the ground that could cool down to the bone marrow of one's knees when kneeling. The arrival of Jingzhe and Guyu brought some soft cushions, but they didn't have much effect. So Shen Miao ordered them to decoct some medicinal herbs and place them in the corners of the house to fumigate and drive out the cold, preventing their bodies from falling ill.
Jing Zhen and Gu Yu didn't believe it at first, but later they saw that the herbal medicine was really effective, and asked Shen Miao where she learned this secret recipe. Shen Miao only said that she had heard others say so, but in fact, she had learned these things during her years as a hostage in Qin State. The weather was too cold, and silver wasn't enough, so they could only find the cheapest way to warm up and dispel the dampness from their bodies. Now, this little thing in the temple really isn't anything.
"The girl is still thinking about her chess move." Jing Zhen stomped his foot in surprise.
Shen Miao arranged the chess pieces in front of her in a row, and on the chessboard, the originally scattered and well-arranged pieces were rearranged by her into black and white, making it impossible to discern any strategy.
"Spring peach has entrusted Mo to bring the message over." Seeing Shen Miao remain silent, he continued: "The second madam wants to swap your and Eldest Miss's engagement with another family. But that young master Huang is a cut sleeve, what can be done about it? How can you still have the mood to play chess here?"
It was thought to be a good marriage, but Shen Miao refused the proposal of Old Lady Shen in Rong Jing Tang that day and was locked up in the ancestral hall. However, Chun Tao still found out that the Shen family had agreed to this marriage behind Shen Miao's back, only the people in the West Wing didn't know, which means everyone except Shen Miao knew she was going to get married.
If she were to marry Wei Qian, it would be fine, at least he is a decent and upright person. But Huang Dexing is a cut sleeve, if Shen Miao marries him, wouldn't she be a widow in name only? The maids almost went crazy when they heard this, Mo Xuan also spoke up, saying that if Shen Miao was willing, he could take her and run away together.
Mo Ke used to be a Jianghu person, so he naturally didn't know that running away was easy. Once you run away, it means that the things behind can be arbitrarily fabricated by others, and no one knows what the truth is like. Moreover, Shen Miao had no intention of escaping from the beginning, so she flatly refused this matter.
"If not, at least let Mo En replace the young lady to deliver a message to Master, this matter is also hidden from Master, they just want to take advantage of Master's absence from Beijing to get the young lady married, in this way, it will be too late for regrets. Gu Yu also advised. She knew that Shen Miao was now a resolute person, but she didn't say anything, so the few maids could only anxiously do things for Shen Miao."
"What are you talking about." Shen Miao said calmly: "The West Wing is now guarded by Ren Yuanyun's people outside, not even a fly can fly out. If I were to escape, what would happen to the people left in the yard? Although I am not a kind person, some of them were specifically left for me by their parents. Believe it or not, as soon as I leave, Ren Yuanyun will immediately kill everyone in the yard."
Insects awaken and spring rain falls.
"Besides, you think passing on a message is that simple. There are people guarding here day and night, their intention is to lock me up, do you think they will leave any loopholes for me? You guys underestimate this second aunt of mine."
Ren Yuanyun's mind was not something to be feared in Shen Miao's eyes, but the world is strong for its mother. For Shen Qing's happiness, Ren Yuanyun would naturally go all out to complete this matter. In this matter, Ren Yuanyun also had a lot at stake. After all, swapping identities wasn't something she had discussed with Shen Gui, it was her own idea. If it succeeded, everyone would be delighted, but if it failed, Ren Yuanyun might lose her place in the second household.
"But miss, are we just going to let it go like this?" Jing Zhen hastily said: "I'd rather die than let you marry that eunuch!"
"Can you see this chess situation?" Shen Miao didn't say a word, but only pointed at the chessboard on the table.
On the chessboard, white and black pieces are arranged in two rows, with a clear distinction between them, which is somewhat strange.
"Slave, slave doesn't understand chess, but also can't understand what kind of move this is." After a while, Gū Yǔ replied cautiously.
"What did you see?" Shen Miao asked.
"The white and black ones are lined up together, very distinct."
"Alright." A glint of light flashed in Shen's eyes: "This game, from the start, was about putting all our chips on the table. You know my pieces, I know yours, and in the end, the winner will be decided by skill alone."
The Insects Awaken and Rain of Millet are staring at each other in confusion, not quite understanding Shen Miao's meaning.
"Rèn Wǎnyún thought she knew all my chess pieces, but that's not the case," she said, taking out another black piece from behind her and placing it next to the white one: "I still have a final move."
"The old lady's birthday is next month, isn't it?" she asked suddenly.
"It's true." Jing Zhen replied: "I heard that Chun Tao found out, the second madam's intention is to announce the young lady's engagement at the old madam's birthday banquet."
"It's all because we have to rush back before Father returns to the capital." Shen Miao smiled slightly.
"Yes, there are still a few months before the end of the year, but I'm afraid it's too late." Gu Yu was worried and anxious.
"Really?"
Shen Xin led the troops back to the capital, indeed it should be around the New Year. Unfortunately, in the 68th year of Ming Qi, Shen Xin defeated the enemy army in the northwest and they fled in disarray, so he was given a surrender letter ahead of time. The Shen family's army brought the surrender letter and returned to Dingjing several months early.
It's a coincidence, or Shen Xin wanted to show his filial piety. Every time it was Old Lady Shen's birthday, Shen Xin would not be in the capital. As this happened many times, people began to say that Shen Xin was unfilial. So for Old Lady Shen's 70th birthday in the 68th year of Ming Qi, Shen Xin returned to the capital ahead of schedule.
That day, Shen Xin suddenly returned to the mansion, where Old Lady Shen was hosting a banquet for guests. However, Shen Miao did not attend, because she was hiding in the Ding Wang Mansion. Shen Xin had originally planned to return home to enjoy family bliss, but upon learning that his daughter was so disregarding of etiquette, he turned around and went to the Ding Wang Mansion to fetch her. Yet, she ignored Shen Xin's words due to Fu Xiu Yi's hypocritical affection, even going as far as to threaten to die rather than marry the Ding Wang.
Now that I think about it, it's all a tragic fate. Shen Xinfeng rushed back, exhausted and covered in dust, only to see an unfilial daughter, dragging the Shen family into the abyss with no turning back.
In this life, she is not the same as in her past life. She did not leave the Shen family because of Yuqin Wang, nor was she infatuated with Fu Xiuyi's appearance. If Shen Xin returns and sees a different daughter, will he be able to redeem some of his past sins?
"Father has always been very respectful of Old Lady, right?" Shen Miao said calmly.
"It is." Jingzhen replied.
Madam Shen was a former songstress, and she was also skilled in acting. At first, she pretended to be a kind mother, and her performance was flawless. When the old general was alive, no one could find any fault with her. General Wu valued loyalty and repaid kindness, and he had received favors from Madam Shen in his early years, which made him unable to imagine that beneath her benevolent face lay a wicked heart.
"This time, Second Aunt has saved me some trouble," Shen Miao said with a hint of a smile, her bright eyes sparkling: "Just right, let's tear it apart and show the whole world."
