Marriage

After a few days of snow in the Ding Capital City, the weather finally cleared up.

Shen Miao was in the courtyard airing some books. They were all the military books that Shen Qiu brought over, and one feared that mould would grow after being placed in the room for a long period of time, thus, they were being exposed to the sun. Jing Zhe and Gu Yu were sun-drying the beddings as Jing Zhe spoke, "One heard that the Chen and Shen families' lawsuit is very lively and many people are watching it. Now that it has dragged on for so long, one does not know what the final result would be."

"What other results can there be? It is strenuous and unrewarding for both sides." Gu Yu said in disdain, "To bring matters of the family up in court is ridicule. Fortunately, Lǎoyé and Fūrén had separated earlier on from them, else, one fears that it would be them implicated too."

Chen Rou Qiu's maiden family and the Shen family were fighting in a lawsuit.

Master Chen was an old man that was very stubborn and one who cared about his face a lot, hence, he was unwilling to lose. He would contend to get out of the predicament and would not let himself be the losing side.

Only when ghosts filled the air, could the spiritual master come in. Even though Chen Rou Qiu was married, Master Chen had to protect Chen Rou Qiu's reputation, not because he doted on her, but because he would not allow the Shen family to belittle the Chen family like this. Chen Rou Qiu's mother, however, was a powerful one. As she doted on Chen Rou Qiu, she convinced Master Chen with a few words and wanted to fight with the Shen family in a lawsuit.

The Chen family believed that Chen Rou Qiu was conscientious after marrying into the Shen family, and helped Shen Wan to manage the family. She even brought in a concubine for Shen Wan but he himself declined. Chen Rou Qiu had married into the Shen Residence for so many years and everyone outside knew that she was educated, reasonable, gentle and graceful. Now with a sudden appearance of a female of dubious background, Shen Wan then wanted to divorce his wife, this was just spoiling the concubine too much and neglecting one's wife.

The Shen family's theory was that even though Chen Rou Qiu was the matriarch of the family, she was unable to give birth to sons and did not think of bringing in a few concubines to spread out the branches. Now that the husband had brought someone in, she still blocked it, she was really very jealous.

One said the mother-in-law was merciless, the other said that the daughter-in-law was not filial. This was just a huge stage of farce that made everyone in the Ding Capital City watch in relish.

In the end, the lawsuit was brought to the government offices, but they rarely handled such types of lawsuits. Moreover, this lawsuit was not a big deal, but the Master of the Chen family was a document official of the administrative division and Shen Wan's rank was not low either, thus one could not offend either side and the matter could only be dragged on.

For Shen Wan and Chen Rou Qiu to be in court, the husband and wife relationship could be regarded as having ended. First, it was because Shen Wan was after all an official and to be in a lawsuit due to family matters, those censors who did not have much to do would definitely not let it off, thus Shen Wan's career would be affected by this. The second was because Chang Zai Qing was currently pregnant.

It was timely that Chang Zai Qing was pregnant at this time, because, for her to be pregnant at this juncture, it was as good as pushing Chen Rou Qiu out. Even though Shen Wan had been affectionate with Chen Rou Qiu for so many years, it did not mean that he really did not have expectations for a son. If Chang Zai Qing was really carrying a son, then, he would have an heir to carry down the ancestral line. Because of that, whenever he would see Chang Zai Qing, he would feel that it was good, and did not even take a look at the thrown away rotten cloth.

Shen Miao smiled gently, "Better not forget to bribe the Dàréns with money."

Gu Yu complied but was somewhat in doubt as she asked, "Does Xiǎojiě want to help Sān Lǎoyé or Sān Fūrén? The money is used for which side?"

Shen Miao let Gu Yu bring money to bribe the people in the government offices, but she did not know who the money was for, as Shen Miao did not let her read the letter.

Gu Yu said softly, "It is better to not be mixed in this matter. There is not a good person in that family."

Although her voice was soft, it was heard by Shen Miao. Shen Miao then said, "Neither side is."

The case of a lawsuit was something that burned money the most. When the poor pursued a lawsuit, it would be judged very quickly as they had nothing. But if one had a little family fortune, then one can last for a few more days. The people in the government offices would need to fish money out so the longer the lawsuit was, the more the government offices could fish.

When Shen Miao was in the Palace in the last lifetime, she had seen Fu Xiu Yi dealt with an official. That official was previously Prince Zhou's people so when Fu Xiu Yi wanted to deal with him, he could not openly do it, thus he schemed for that official to be embroiled in a lawsuit, which caused him to become bankrupt.

The places that required the most amount of money were the government offices and medical halls. With regards to the Shen and Chen families, Shen Miao only needed to think about how both Shen Wan and Chen Rou Qiu poured in all their energy and framed the Eldest Household of the Shen family, thus she became very eager to shred these two pretentious people.

Was this not the same as slipping down from Heavens, when the originally gentle and refined husband and wife now wanted to oppose one another in court? Therefore, Shen Miao forked out some money herself to remind the people in the government to drag the case much longer. Not to make one bankrupt, but let both the Shen and Chen families be greatly undermined. Moreover, Shen Wan and Chen Rou Qiu were two people who wanted face, so this time it would be impossible for both of them to reconcile.

There was nothing more satisfying than this.

Shen Miao's gaze gradually became cold. She had not expected that Chang Zai Qing would be pregnant this time… Thinking of the role Chang Zai Qing played in Luo Xue Yan's death, Shen Miao could not help but sneer.

She said, "Call Mo Qing over. Let him go and find some people to receive someone in Liu Province."

There was not only Chang Zai Qing in Liu Province. Naturally, there was still Chang Zai Qing's husband and son there. In the previous lifetime, Chang Zai Qing destroyed Luo Xue Yan and lived a number of days with no worries of food and clothes before her background was torn off, but now she would be the one tearing off this background.

Inevitably, one had to make some jokes of the farce in the Third Household.

When Shen Miao was thinking about the Third Household, Shen Wan was in the residence of Prince Ding.

In the turmoil of the fight between the Princes for the position of heir apparent, Shen Wan was a smart person and did not pick his position. The Crown Prince was legitimate but was sickly and weak. Prince Zhou had his Consort Mother's favour but was rampant in his actions, and then there was Prince Li who had a network of relations but was unable to gain Emperor Wen Hui's favour. It was only Prince Ding's clique that looked like he was uninterested with the Imperial throne.

However, Shen Wan had the intuition that Fu Xiu Yi was not as uninterested with the Imperial throne as he appeared to be. And this made Shen Wan concerned instead, but now that the Shen Residence had fallen into misfortune continuously after Shen Xin's return, even Shen Wan felt there was some calamitous air. His career path looked more difficult and one feared that no one wanted him among the other Princes. At such a time, he thought about Fu Xiu Yi.

In the early years where Shen Xin had not separated from the family, Fu Xiu Yi treated Shen Wan rather well and his words, be it hidden or not, would have the intention of drawing him over. Shen Wan, of course, understood that Fu Xiu Yi was targeting Shen Xin's military power, but at that time he had a selection of choices and thus had put it off. Afterwards, Fu Xiu Yi understood his intentions and was no longer that enthusiastic.

Now that the Shen family had fallen and was no longer like before if Shen Wan still wanted to protect his career and flourish on… In addition, Chang Zai Qing might be able to give birth to a son for him, Shen Wan's previous thoughts had become an intention to try it out.

Riches and honour came with risk, and the greatest wealth would come with the greatest risk. However, he still wanted to try.

Thus, Shen Wan finally went to the residence of Prince Ding. He had finally made his choice. Shen Wan felt that it was somewhat funny, if he had made this choice a little earlier, perhaps Shen Yue would not have needed to marry to the Wang family, and there would have been no need to exchange marriages or run away from home. Shen Yue could even win over Fu Xiu Yi's heart. But if Shen Yue did not exchange her marriage, perhaps he and Chen Rou Qiu would not have come to this stage and Chang Zai Qing would not be pregnant, thus, he would not seek out Prince Ding.

The events of the world arise from many causes, and fate was fond of making fun of people.

Fu Xiu Yi sat in the main position and instructed people to pour tea for Shen Wan. There was no need for courtesy words as one knew the main purpose of this visit. Fu Xiu Yi smiled mildly, "Shen Dàrén is busy with domestic affairs of the family, so what is with the sudden visit?"

Shen Wan was at a loss. Currently, Chen Rou Qiu and his matter was such a ruckus that the entire court knew about it. His colleagues looked at him with an expression of watching a joke, and this was a painful torment for Shen Wan who cared for his image a lot.

Shen Wan said, "This official is willing to serve Diànxià wholeheartedly!"

When Fu Xiu Yi heard this, he only smiled but did not continue the topic, one was not sure if he had believed Shen Wan's words or not. There were only the two of them and some servants in the hall, and as such a silence gradually strained the atmosphere, and beads of cold sweat started forming on Shen Wan's forehead.

One did not know how long the silence went on until, and Shen Wan felt that his entire body was soaked with sweat, then he heard Fu Xiu Yi voice, "But now, Shen Xin has moved away from the residence, so what can you do?"

Shen Wan's heart thumped. Fu Xiu Yi was indeed targeting Shen Xin.

Initially, when the Second Household had not declined, Shen Wan had guessed that Shen Yuan was helping Fu Xiu Yi on secret matters. But what could Fu Xiu Yi let Shen Yuan do? Fu Xiu Yi had recruited Shen Yuan when he was young and it was inadequate for it to be the only talent. Afterwards, Shen Wan had thought it out, it is most likely because it was convenient for Shen Yuan to monitor Shen Xin, or it was to do some tricks in Shen Xin's official matters.

But afterwards, Shen Yuan died and Fu Xiu Yi was short of someone like Shen Yuan. Much afterwards, Shen Xin simply went to Xiao Chun City and this person was not needed.

Who knew that two years later, Shen Xin would return to the capital with more power and he definitely became a thorn in Fu Xiu Yi's eyes.

Shen Wan said cautiously, "Even though the residences are different, after all, we are still brothers. If Diànxià has instructions, this official will definitely do one's best."

"Good." Fu Xiu Yi said, "Běndiàn appreciates people of talent and also believes in Dàrén's abilities. Lately, there is just this one matter. Since Shen Dàrén coincidentally met with me today, then one would not bother others and as this matter is all about one's family, thus one believes that Shen Dàrén will do it well."

Shen Wan felt somewhat uneasy. Fu Xiu Yi's words clearly meant that he would be giving him a difficult problem and if it was done well, naturally he would be Fu Xiu Yi's people but if he could not do well, he would not be able to prove that he was a 'person of talent', and would be ruthlessly abandoned by Fu Xiu Yi. And all the consequences that this difficult problem would have, Shen Wan must bear all of it.

This was a transaction.

Shen Wan's heart dropped, "May Diànxià instruct!"

Fu Xiu Yi looked at him satisfied, "The matter is not difficult. Běndiàn knows that General Shen has a Di-daughter, Shen Wǔ Xiǎojiě, that he loves like precious jewels. Currently, the Shen Wǔ Xiǎojiě should have reached the age of marriage."

Shen Wan violently raised his head up!

Initially, when Shen Miao was chasing Fu Xiu Yi and indicated that she wanted to marry him, he did not even look at Shen Miao seriously. Occasionally, when the other Princes or officials brought it out, he would have an annoyed look on. After all, it was a rather shameful matter for a Prince to be admired by such a fool and idiot. But now… Shen Wan's heart started thumping. Shen Miao had grown pretty and her temperament had gradually become calmer, losing the previous appearance of an idiot, becoming one of the ideal noble Young Ladies in the Ding Capital City. If Fu Xiu Yi were to have the intention to marry Shen Miao… With the current ill relations between the Eldest and Third Household of the Shen family, once Shen Miao had power, she would definitely suppress him.

Be it official or private matters, the better Shen Miao was, and the better the Eldest Household of the Shen family was, the more in danger Shen Wan would be! He did not want Shen Miao to go higher, and hoped that Shen Miao would sink as low as dust!

Shen Wan suppressed those harsh thoughts and said, "Diànxià… Wants to marry Wǔ jiě'ér?"

"Běndiàn?" Fu Xiu Yi laughed as if he had heard a funny joke. He shook his head and said, "Not Běndiàn, it is Běndiàn's Huángxiōng."

(HidAnas: I learnt something new today! Apparently, author-san had used Běndiàn whenever Fu Xiu Yi addressed himself… So you ask what's the difference between Běndiàn and Běnwǎng? Me too! So I did a little researched and found out that Běnwǎng is used by princes that have been conferred with official status while Běndiàn is used by imperial princes that have not been conferred with official status… Actually, in this case, since Fu Xiu Yi has been conferred with an official status of Prince Ding / Ding Wáng, I am not sure why author-san used Běndiàn in this context… Well, keeping in mind that I am trying to keep the original context as much as I can, I will just use Běndiàn for now and change accordingly if author-san changes again… But don't worry, Rui Wáng is an official status so his usage of Běnwǎng.)

Shen Wan was startled.

Fu Xiu Yi's voice slowly drifted to his ears.

"Let Shen Wǔ Xiǎojiě marry Běndiàn's Sì Huángxiōng, Zhou Wáng."

Shen Wan was shocked incessantly but after thinking immediately, he suddenly felt a slight chill in his heart.

Who was Shen Miao? She was the Di-daughter of Shen Xin. 'Southern Xie, Northern Shen'. The Xie family had truly declined and the Shen family was the biggest in Ming Qi. Whoever married Shen Miao would have the greatest military power in Ming Qi. Shen Miao's identity had made her destined to be unable to marry to influence and power, as this would cause Emperor Wen Hui to become more suspicious. It would be best for Shen Miao to marry one who does not hold any government post or is incompetent, but definitely not a military official. Most likely because of such things, Shen Miao had not settled her engagement even at a marriageable age, and if she were to really marry a male without any government post, Shen Xin would definitely feel that he had wronged his daughter.

The nobles were like this and the Princes dared not even think about taking advantage of Shen Miao. It was still alright for the Crown Prince since it was orthodox, but if other Princes wanted to marry Shen Miao, it was almost like directly flaunting their ambition to be the heir apparent. This kind of weight looked like a blessing but was actually a curse.

Currently, in the fight for the heir apparent, the wind was blowing in the direction of Prince Zhou. Prince Zhou's and Prince Jing's Consort Mother was favoured and also had some abilities herself. Seeing that their forces were getting bigger, followers started to increase a lot. If they were to be related to Shen Miao, then Prince Zhou would be pushed to where the wind and waves were the fiercest, and Emperor Wen Hui would be displeased while the rest of the Princes would be infuriated with jealousy, thus Prince Zhou would be suppressed. As for the Shen family, one need not continue to stand as a team so openly, one feared that once the people of Qin and Great Liang left, the Shen family would die miserably.

Killing two birds with one stone it would be the point of perfection. Shen Wan's heart suddenly became timid towards Fu Xiu Yi. This person's thoughts were too deep and vicious that it was rather scary.

Fu Xiu Yi seemed to have not seen Shen Wan's expression and smiled gently, "This matter will be handled over to Shen Dàrén." Unexpectedly, he did not mention how to do it or to what extent. Prince Zhou already had a consort and if Shen Miao were to marry over, she could only be a side consort.

There was no bottom in Shen Wan's heart at all but he could not portray that, thus he cupped his hands towards Fu Xiu Yi, "This official will do one's best."

Afterwards, the two people said some mutually courteous words. Fu Xiu Yi's attitude towards Shen Wan was not warm and yet not cold. If it was two years ago, Fu Xiu Yi would most probably have treated Shen Wan better, but the past and present could not be compared. The Shen family was not like how they were in the past, and Shen Wan was just a civil official, thus Fu Xiu Yi naturally did not need to value him as before.

After Shen Wan left the residence of Prince Ding, Pei Lang then walked out from behind the screen.

Pei Lang walked over to a position lower than Fu Xiu Yi and looked at the teacup that Shen Wan drank from before and had left behind, "Diànxià is planning to use Shen Wan?"

Fu Xiu Yi looked towards Pei Lang, "What does Xiānshēng think about Shen Wan?"

(HidAnas: Gōngzǐ / Xiānshēng are both 'Gentleman'. It's just a difference of formality and degree)

Pei Lang shook his head, "Even though he can endure silently and have the means, but he is lacking in strength and has a messy household. If he were to be used, then one fears that there would inevitably be trouble in the future. It is alright to use for minor things but not major stuff."

Fu Xiu Yi smiled and looked at Pei Lang with eyes of admiration, "Xiānshēng's thinking is the same as me." He then sighed before saying, "Ever since the Xie xiōngdì died, there are a few things that one cannot instruct the people beside me to do. Keeping the Xie xiōngdì was a good chess piece that is now completely destroyed. Even though it was not an important piece, it could have saved me a lot of trouble."

Pei Lang frowned, "Diànxià does not plan to use Shen Wan?"

"Grass on top of the wall that sways with the wind." Fu Xiu Yi's laugh was a bit empty, "Previously, kept wavering and now due to the current situation, one is forced to defect to me. I do not dare to use such indecisive people. One only wants to use him to handle small matters."

Pei Lang added, "Does Diànxià think it is feasible to let Shen Wan think of ways to matchmake Sì Wángzǐ and Shen Miao?"

"One does not know if it is feasible. It is just that this matter is Shen Wan's only opportunity, thus, he would facilitate it at all costs. The Shen family has invaluable achievements, and Prince Zhou is powerful and it has reached the point where it is enough. If one does not take action now, one fears that it will really be too late."

Pei Lang no longer spoke. However, Fu Xiu Yi suddenly asked, "If I were to marry Shen Miao, what does Xiānshēng think?"

Pei Lang's heart jumped, but on the surface, he still had a light expression on his face as he said analytically, "One fears that it would not be good as it would attract Huángshàng's suspicion and jealousy from the other Wángzǐ."

Fu Xiu Yi nodded his head and he had some regret in his expression. One was unable to tell the tone of voice when he said, "It is a pity."

Pei Lang did not understand what pity Fu Xiu Yi was referring to. With regards to emotions, Fu Xiu Yi had never had other feelings for Shen Miao. If there were any feelings, then in the beginning when Shen Miao was chasing him all over the Ding Capital City, he would not have been so cold. If at that time Fu Xiu Yi had half an intention to protect Shen Miao, the rumours would not have been that unrestrained.

Then what was Fu Xiu Yi feeling pity about? That the Shen family's military power did not fall into his hands?

Pei Lang did not know what the answer was. After Fu Xiu Yi left, he also returned to his room and seeing that there was no one around, he started to write a letter.

*****

Tonight, it was rather sombre and desolate in the residence of Prince Rui.

The servants all had a solemn expression and dared not even breathe loudly. Today, when His Highness Prince Rui returned, he had an extremely cold expression. Gao Yang and Ji Yu Shu who was following beside him were in a rarely seen solemn expression too, and Tie Yi and Nan Qi brought a person dressed as a guard back and went into the room with Prince Rui

Even if it was a personal study room, it was renovated to be spacious and with the splendorous and majestic furnishing, it did not look like a study room but had some feeling of a Palace. Only one person was sitting down and was currently playing with the thumb ring on his hand. He was wearing a dark-purple robe lined with gold embroidery, and the clothes slowly plastered themself to the large chair, as if it was a purple cloud flowing down from the skies (Translator: I have no idea what I am translating again… lol. Ed: It's about the fluttering of the clothing, and how it's setting itself on the chair. Ed2: Also about how majestic XJX is, that even his clothing gives off an impressive aura)

The person kneeling on the floor was leaning over and could only see the boots in front of him. The green-black deer hide boots had straight running seams, which were so fine that the hide did not move at all, were only boots, but it seemed to provide a glimpse of the magnanimity and nobility of this master.

Xie Jing Xing had one leg on the soft couch, as he leant against the seat and looked down towards the prisoner. His brows were unbelievably handsome and when he smiled gently, amorous feelings overflowed, that even the gardens at springtime would not be able to compete, but when his face was cold, it made others have feelings of chills. Those beautiful peach blossoms eyes were like the water in spring, that instantly became the icy spring on the top of the mountain. He spoke blandly and one was unable to hear joy or anger in his voice, "Speak. Who is your zhǔzi?"

That person clenched his teeth and did not speak.

Gao Yang and Ji Yu Shu frowned.

Xie Jing Xing smiled lazily, "It is alright if you do not speak. Throw him into the tower prison." He suddenly stooped down and approached the guard and said in a low voice, "Anyway, I know who it is."

That guard's expression did not change. There were a number of bruises on his body, seemingly he had endured a good amount of torture before. Xie Jing Xing smiled gently but that smile did not reach his eyes, "Retrieve his order token."

Ji Yu Shu and Gao Yang were startled at the same time, and could not help but look at that guard.

The guard was startled and a trace of struggle appeared on his face. The words 'order token' meant that Xie Jing Xing apparently knew his identity. Who knew that Prince Rui of Great Liang would be this ruthless and unbridled? That tower prison was said to be an even more daunting place, thus his heart was trembling.

The guard simply knelt down and kowtowed to Xie Jing Xing a few times, "May Diànxià show mercy!"

Xie Jing Xing swept his eyes across the other person and sneered, "The people that Huángxiōng sends over are of such conduct." His words had hidden sarcasm, "One thought that the bones will be thicker. Not interesting."

Ji Yu Shu could not help but say, "What does Bìxià want you to do to Shen Wǔ Xiǎojiě?"

This person was caught at the Shen Mansion's doors. This was all thanks to the people that Xie Jing Xing sent to keep watch on the Shen Mansion to avoid accidents from happening. This person's martial arts skills were high and had a high sense of alertness that Xie Jing Xing's people had taken several days before they could catch him. Now thinking about it, it was no longer strange, after all, he was Emperor Yong Le's secret agent. If one did not have this level of ability, then the Imperial family of Great Liang would be in jeopardy.

That guard wanted to say something but upon meeting Xie Jing Xing's half-smiling gaze, he could not help but feel chills running down his back. One had to know that in the entire Imperial family of the Liang dynasty, this person, who always had an indifferent smile, indolent and handsome Prince Rui was the one that could not be provoked. Two years ago when he returned to Great Liang there were a number of undercurrent forces that were moving but were settled by Xie Jing Xing individually. Those high ranking officials that went against him were all eradicated so thoroughly that even a stalk was not left behind. His means were vicious, his schemes ran deep and no one was able to have any leverage when he took action. Other than handling the fighting in court, he also did a number of tasks beautifully and made those old guarding officials speechless. This made one both love and hate him.

Now that he was under the sharp gaze, the guard did not dare to conceal anymore and blurted everything out, "Bìxià knows about the matter of Shen Wǔ Xiǎojiě, and feared that Diànxià has remained in Ming Qi because of Shen Wǔ Xiǎojiě, thus instructed this subordinate to investigate… In no way did he want this subordinate to harm Shen Wǔ Xiǎojiě, it is all investigation…"

Without aligning with one another, Gao Yang's and Ji Yu Shu's facial expressions were somewhat bad. Even though Emperor Yong Le was situated in Great Liang he still had many informants in Ming Qi's Ding Capital City. It was not possible to say what would happen after discovering Shen Miao and Xie Jing Xing's relationship. But with Emperor Yong Le's character, he would never allow things to happen outside of his plans. Shen Miao was after all Ming Qi's people and this identity would bring along a lot of variables. From Ji Yu Shu's and Gao Yang's view, it was unlikely that Emperor Yong Le would agree with Xie Jing Xing's thoughts.

The thing that made everyone have a headache was that these two brothers were both equally stubborn, and would never change anything that they set their mind to. Even if Emperor Yong Le obstructs, how would Xie Jing Xing submit obediently? In addition, compared to Emperor Yong Le, Xie Jing Xing had encountered numerous assassination attempts since he was in Ming Qi for so many years, and his temperament was even more unreasonable and unyielding. If the brothers really started to fight, one fear that there would be foul winds, bloody rain, nightfall during the day and the earth darken.

Sure enough, when Xie Jing Xing heard this, he then laughed, "Oh? Since it is only to investigate for information, then there is no need to be locked in the tower prison. I'll send you back to Great Liang."

The guard was slightly stunned and before he could speak, he heard Xie Jing Xing's voice coming from above, "Do you know what to say?"

The guard hesitated. Prince Rui and Emperor Yong Le were both equally fearful. There was a bit of desperation in his heart as he asked tentatively, "There are no relations between Diànxià and Shen Wǔ Xiǎojiě?"

Xie Jing Xing looked at him with interest, and there was some kind of profound meaning in that pair of beautiful eyes as he said slowly, "How can Huángxiōng's people lie?"

Gao Yang tightened his hand around the fan and Ji Yu Shu swallowed his saliva.

"Go back and tell Huángxiōng that he did not think incorrectly. Běnwǎng stayed behind because of Shen Miao." The youth's lips were smiling softly but his brows were unyielding as he said, "Do not have unrealistic thoughts of changing anything, because Běnwǎng will not allow it."

"Yes. Remember to remind Huángxiōng." He yawned, "Do not forget the agreement with Běnwǎng."

*****

The tranquil night concealed everything. It concealed the undercurrents in the residence of Prince Rui, concealed the schemes and calculations in the residence of Prince Ding, and also covered up the whispers of the Shen Residence.

Someone had entered the inner chambers from the main hall in Qiu Shui Yuan. The original mistress had returned to her maiden family in a fit of anger and started a lawsuit with her husband's family. With such incompatibility, everyone knew that it was not possible for Chen Rou Qiu to regain her former glory. Moreover, this new Yīniáng was gentle and magnanimous. She also has a child in her womb, and one feared that she would climb to the skies in the future. There were a lot of servants who stepped on the lowly and flattered the lofty, thus they immediately turned their heads to flatter this new mistress.

Chang Zai Qing sat in the room and touched her stomach with a trace of a gentle smile on her face.

Since the Western Courtyard was too far away and was too desolate on normal days, Old Shen Fūrén who had found someone to do a calculation and discovered that it was a son in Chang Zai Qing's womb, raised Chang Zai Qing up and Shen Wan moved her to Qiu Shui Yuan to take better care.

Cang Zai Qing had become the new female master in Qiu Shui Yuan, and she was also very satisfied with the current situation. Although Chen Rou Qiu had strong abilities, she was old and did not have any sons, thus, had less of an advantage in this battle.

Shen Wan entered the room and placed the tonic in his hands on a table, before walking over to Chang Zai Qing and touching her abdomen with a smile, "This is good."

Chang Zai Qing smiled back and suddenly said softly, "Does Lǎoyé have some troublesome matters?"

Shen Wan was startled and laughed bitterly, "There is really a troublesome matter."