Chapter 6: Shen Miao’s Poise and Undercurrents

 

Shen Qing looked at her mother, puzzled. Though hesitant, she held her tongue.

Shen Yue, still uncertain of what was amiss in Shen Miao’s words, noticed the flicker of unease on Chen Ruoqiu’s face and straightened herself, choosing silence.

Old Madam Shen frowned. Years with Old General Shen had not expanded her perspective beyond the inner courtyard’s narrow confines. The intricacies of the official world escaped her. She could not perceive the layers behind Shen Miao’s words; all she knew was that the Fifth Miss was boldly defying her, daring to challenge the matriarch’s authority. Anger surged, and she was about to erupt.

“Little Fifth has a point,” Ren Wanyun interjected, her voice calm and measured, a smile gracing her lips. “It was merely a misunderstanding. How could events from the front hall reach the inner courtyard? Pure coincidence. Prince Jin is broad-minded; he would never take children’s play seriously. Everything is a misunderstanding. Poor Little Fifth, frightened and drenched—she has truly suffered.”

Old Madam Shen’s lips pressed into a thin line. Ren Wanyun’s family, the renowned Ming Qi merchant clan, provided significant wealth to the household. Though displeased, Old Madam Shen did not wish to offend her. She snorted coldly, letting the matter rest.

Chen Ruoqiu quickly seized the moment, following Ren Wanyun’s lead: “Indeed, Yue, Qing, never mention what we just spoke of again. It was simply Little Fifth accidentally falling into the water, coincidentally seen by Prince Jin. What’s so strange about a coincidence?” She smiled at Shen Miao, though her eyes betrayed a subtle unease. “Little Fifth, Old Madam was only concerned for you, not truly angry.”

Shen Miao studied her closely. Shen Yue mirrored Chen Ruoqiu not only in appearance but in temperament. Delicate features, scholarly elegance, and a seemingly gentle manner—yet who could have predicted the turns fate would take?

When the Xiongnu envoys requested a marriage alliance, the palace had but one princess of suitable age: Wanyu. Chen Ruoqiu had volunteered Shen Yue, declaring her ready and destined for marriage. To legitimize the arrangement, Fu Xiuyi bestowed the title of Princess Yueru upon Shen Yue.

But ultimately, it was Wanyu who married first.

The journey ended in tragedy: Wanyu died before reaching the Xiongnu. Her palace and titles were transferred to Princess Yueru. Her Wanyu had not even reached sixteen.

Shen Miao’s eyes closed briefly. Could anyone believe Chen Ruoqiu had no part in this? Perhaps Chen Ruoqiu and Madam Mei had long conspired, letting Shen Miao cling to hope, only to watch it collapse.

Chen Ruoqiu’s smile faltered.

The young lady before her, once round-faced and timid, now carried herself with solemn dignity. The innocence had not vanished suddenly; it had matured into innate authority, subtle yet unmistakable. Chen Ruoqiu felt a tremor of unease. This was no longer the dim-witted First House daughter—this was someone of true status.

Shen Miao’s lips curved into a knowing smile, her eyes soft yet commanding: “I understand. Now, Third Aunt also believes that Little Fifth has done nothing wrong, right?”

Chen Ruoqiu blinked. Glancing at the displeased Old Madam above, she forced herself to respond: “While that may be true, Little Fifth falling into the pond was careless. How are the maids taking care of their mistress? With your eldest brother and sister-in-law absent, have the servants become so presumptuous? In my opinion, it would be better to replace them.”

Ren Wanyun let out a soft snicker. Chen Ruoqiu shot her an annoyed glance, but Ren Wanyun’s lips curved into a knowing smile.

Her sister-in-law appeared cultured and reasonable, yet her mind was sharp and calculating. Such words might fool a naïve girl like Shen Miao, but she likely aimed to replace the people around her. Now that Shen Yue had reached the age for marriage, no matter how far Shen Miao’s reputation for timidity had spread, in terms of status, Shen Yue remained below her. Shen Xin still commanded military power.

The Third House was beginning to make its move.

Shen Miao lowered her gaze, calm and deliberate. “Why does Third Aunt wish to replace Guyu and the others? They are the people Father and Mother left for Fifth Miss. The West Courtyard has already seen many servants replaced. I don’t recognize any of the new maids from a few days ago. If Guyu and the others are replaced too, Fifth Miss won’t know who to speak to in the West Courtyard.”

Ren Wanyun’s smile abruptly vanished.

Indeed, with Shen Xin and his wife rarely in the capital, nearly all maids and servants in the West Courtyard had been rotated—some sent by the Old Madam, others from the Second and Third Houses. Since the Second House managed daily affairs, their influence predominated. To outsiders, the First House’s daughter not recognizing a single servant might appear suspicious. Sisters-in-law had no right to meddle in the eldest brother’s courtyard.

Her mind raced. Masking her concern with a gentle smile, Ren Wanyun gave Chen Ruoqiu a sharp look before speaking to Shen Miao: “Your Third Aunt was merely joking. Guyu and the others were careless, nothing more. Our Shen family is kind-hearted and would not do such inconsiderate things. Little Fifth, do not worry.”

Her words carried an unspoken rebuke to Chen Ruoqiu.

Shen Yuanbai yawned, glancing first at his mother, then at Chen Ruoqiu. Old Madam Shen, irritated by the verbal sparring between her daughters-in-law, finally spoke: “Enough, these are trivial matters. Second daughter-in-law, bring Seventh Brother over. Everyone may disperse. So many people are giving me a headache.”

Ren Wanyun swiftly carried Shen Yuanbai to Old Madam Shen’s couch. “Mother, then we daughters-in-law will take our leave. Seventh Brother, behave while playing with Old Madam.”

Chen Ruoqiu glanced at Shen Yuanbai, placed her hands gently on her abdomen, and exited Rongjing Hall with measured steps. The Second House’s son had secured the Old Madam’s favor. No matter Chen Ruoqiu’s abilities, Shen Yue remained just a daughter. If only she had a son, the First House might have contested the Shen residence’s inheritance. The First House did have a legitimate son, but he was stationed with Shen Xin at the border, and his return remained uncertain.

Lost in thought, Chen Ruoqiu’s gaze fell upon the group heading toward the West Courtyard.

Shen Miao wore a deep red embroidered robe. She had always favored bright colors, and without parents to guide her attire, she often appeared rustic.

Yet now, the deep red seemed to illuminate her fair skin. Though her features remained unchanged, her presence exuded solemnity. Perhaps even… authority.

Guyu whispered nervously, “Miss, you haven’t fully recovered yet. Why rush to Guangwen Hall? We’ve already explained your illness; the lessons can wait. Perhaps—”

“No,” Shen Miao interrupted softly but firmly. “Prepare the carriage immediately.”

Though her words were not harsh, Guyu shivered instinctively, daring not to speak further.

Shen Miao’s quiet command carried an unspoken power, leaving everyone around her keenly aware: the timid Fifth Miss of old no longer existed.

Previous/Next