Chapter 100: Murder

The Jing family finally reached Dingjing days later.
Humble Suzhou folk—they learned petty triumph ten parts perfect. Learning Chuchu and Yuan's affair—they wept daughter's bitter fate—then clamored for court, demanded Yuan pay—even betrothal refused. Surface drama—clear eyes knew—they got advantage yet played victim—Yuan begging to marry Chuchu.
Birds of a feather—Old Madam's years of unreasonable rule—her kin's bullying matched. Several rounds—she lost—promised eight-palanquin wedding, hefty bride price.
Old Madam swallowed bitter fruit—daily facing Jing greed—face twisted, near stroke—furious retreat to Rongjing Hall—saw no one.
Jing kin wielded chicken feather as decree—within days all Dingjing knew Yuan would marry Suzhou Chuchu. Common folk knew not banquet secrets—outside rumor—Yuan loved Chuchu's gentle beauty—true heart.
Jing kin sculpted Chuchu into heart-stirring beauty—others' view aside—Yuan was suffocated.
Minister's mansion—Sun Cainan read the invitation, crumpled it into the waste basket.
"That bastard Yuan!" he hated.
Finally a woman worth notice—capital women jaded—Suzhou Chuchu stood out. Women he marked never escaped—this time he played hard—effort on Chuchu great—Yuan stole the prize.
The servant careful: "Miss Jing and Second Master Shen—misunderstanding, no choice."
Common gossip aside—great clans knew truth. Sun Cainan heard banquet details long ago. Face dark. "That slut Chuchu—took my gifts—playing me?"
Sun Cainan displeased—women like Chuchu aplenty—silver and gain won them easy. Banquet affair—likely Chuchu's hand too. Gifts on one side—scheming Shen marriage on other—for Sun Cainan, played by a woman was deepest shame.
"What will Young Master do?" servant asked. "Miss Jing's invitation—accept or not?"
Sun Cainan looked at the card—still fragrant—daughter's scent—like Chuchu's meek harmless shell hiding restless heart. Nearly another's wife—still came to tease once more.
"Of course accept." Sun Cainan laughed. "So much silver—not slept yet. Yuan got there first—already unhappy—sleep once—must." Glared at servant. "Go—send reply."
……
Yuan these days rarely home—Jing chaos below—seldom appeared. Chen Ruoqiu suffered—Old Madam's wrath one side, Jing greed the other—public silver dwindling—in only out—worried sick.
"Madam—worried these days?" Shen Wan returned from court.
Chen Ruoqiu forced smile—would not speak silver. "Jing kin daily trouble—hard not to fret."
Shen Wan sighed. "Mother lost wife and army—Yuan dragged down."
Yuan and Chuchu—Shen house knew truth. Third branch watched tigers fight—feared first branch more than Yuan. Pity—first branch untouched—second branch unlucky—they worried too.
"These days you've worked hard." Chen Ruoqiu gentle. "Shen trouble—you'll be pointed at."
Mansion chaos—great families' joke. Shen Xin coarse—feared no fingers—but Shen Wan cared for name—these days not light.
Shen Wan took Chen Ruoqiu's hand, shook head. "Nothing much—only Yuan married Chuchu—future mutual help in office—trouble." Sigh. "Yuan had most hope."
Chen Ruoqiu panicked inwardly. Shen Wan had no son—next generation only Yuan could carry weight. Office ran on kin ties—official daughter for Yuan—Shen Wan's path easier—Chuchu cut future wings.
Chen Ruoqiu lowered head. "Who knew—Fifth Girl so fierce now—Eldest Brother's branch… difficult."
"Don't worry." Shen Wan patted her shoulder. "Yuan is no ordinary man—Little Five schemed Yuan—Yuan will return. Eldest Brother and sister-in-law have helpless moments too."
"Husband means—" Chen Ruoqiu stirred.
"Yuan seems odd lately." Shen Wan low. "Feel something will happen."
West Court—Shen Miao set down her book, frowned. "What is Yuan planning?"
Mo Qing low: "Miss had me watch Baoxiang Tower long—now—"
"Continue." Shen Miao cut him—Mo Qing's face fell. Then: "But Guangwen Hall's Master Pei appeared—other orders?"
Mo Qing never knew why watch Liuying—leaving that day met Pei Lang—somehow felt Shen Miao knew Pei would appear from the start. Every task had purpose—yet hearing Pei, Shen Miao said nothing.
"No." Shen Miao said. "Do your duty."
"Didn't expect Master Pei—proper gentleman—at Baoxiang." Gu Yu blinked. "Doesn't seem the type." Pause. "Guard Mo neither."
Mo Qing flushed.
"Mo Qing—besides Baoxiang, watch East Court Yuan sometimes." Shen Miao said. Yuan always unsettled her.
Mo Qing assented. After he left Jingzhe asked: "Miss—will Second Young Master scheme again?"
"Strange." Shen Miao said.
After Jing affair Yuan neither investigated the swap nor tried to block. Chuchu must marry Yuan—but delay was possible—Yuan did not delay—only meant something more important. Shen Miao could not think what beat dealing with her.
Yuan schemed what—yet never home—she could not see.
"Miss needn't worry—oh," Jingzhe remembered, "Taoyuan says Cousin Miss sent invitation there—reply received—meeting tomorrow."
Shen Miao's eyes lit. "Good." Yuan unsettled her—some things must come sooner.
While they plotted, Fengxian Pawnshop's Linjiang Tower—others spoke too.
"Yuan gathered all evidence against Shen Xin—presented to Fu Xiuyi." Ji Yushu said. "Three days Fu Xiuyi organizes—memorial to Emperor. Shen house won't escape."
"Defying orders, false compliance—lightest penalty—strip rank, retire." Gao Yang said. "This Shen Yuan has skill—found such things."
"Didn't I say," Ji Yushu impatient, "Yuan moved on Shen Xin for years—waiting to use—merit, promotion, wealth. If not urgent—two more years—first branch executed entire."
"So Fu Xiuyi has eye." Gao Yang pondered. "Shen Xin too powerful—too many want him down. More—Ming Qi throne pleased—Shen Xin falls—throne steps on him."
"So what now?" Ji Yushu headache. "Yuan knows patience—same as Fu Xiuyi. First branch ruined—Miss Shen how sad."
"Still thinking of Shen Miao?" Gao Yang rolled eyes. "If not Shen Miao pushing cousin and Yuan caught in bed—Yuan wouldn't move so fast. His nature—two more years, net entire first branch—early move—Shen Miao forced him." Chin tap. "Yuan hates Shen Miao—this time won't spare her. Rest of first branch might live—Shen Miao's end—utter misery."
Ji Yushu frantic. "What then? That bastard Yuan—vile tricks on Miss Shen. Schemes own uncle—heart black as pitch."
"Relax." Gao Yang leisurely. "Yuan black—Shen Miao no soft touch. Curious what move she'll use. One strike wiped Prince Yu's house—walked free—won't surrender easy."
"Miss Shen wise—Yuan can't beat her." Ji Yushu thought, looked at Gao Yang. "Third Brother Xie forbade us meddling in Shen affairs before leaving—so… if she wins—you can't help Yuan."
"Confident in her." Gao Yang fanned. "I want to see her method." Seeing Ji Yushu relax—Gao Yang poured cold water. "Don't relax too much. Since Third Brother Xie's plan moved early—Dingjing shifted. One thing unchanged—Prince Ding's ambition. Shen house fat meat delivered—he won't waste. Shen Miao is only a boudoir girl—Prince Ding no fool like Prince Yu—one person vs many forces—Shen Xin's cap likely falls—and once fallen—" half sigh half lament, "for first branch— catastrophe—those he protects—none protected."
Ji Yushu's face darkened.
"Third Brother Xie said—anyway—first branch cannot escape ruin." Gao Yang stopped fanning, eyes flickered. "Same as Xie house."
……
Next day—fine weather. Rongjing Hall rear yard—Taoyuan laid out clothes for Chuchu.
Since Jing parents arrived—the yard Old Madam gave Chuchu and Guansheng grew cramped. Jing parents barged in—seized largest yard besides Old Madam's—ordered Rongjing Hall servants—unknowing, might think Jing parents ruled, not Old Madam.
Chuchu at the mirror—careful brow stroke—light lip rouge—hair perfect—clearly dressed with care.
"The moon-white one." Chuchu said. Plain white showed pitiable grace best. Today she met Sun Cainan—whether he'd remember her—depended on this.
Vanity—or real feeling for Sun Cainan—knowing the meeting was risky—she tried anyway.
Taoyuan put away other clothes—door opened—Chuchu's mother entered.
Mother saw the dress, puzzled. "Chuchu—going out?"
"Buy jewelry." Chuchu evaded. "Soon Second Branch's young mistress—can't wear old pieces—would be looked down on."
"Should be so." Mother said. Jewelry silver from public purse—these days Mother skimmed plenty. "Alone won't do—I'll come."
"No!" Chuchu refused fast.
Mother confused. "Why?"
"I—I promised Miss Yi together." Chuchu shook Mother's hand. "In Dingjing must befriend these ladies. Mother don't come—Miss Yi dislikes strangers—you know great-house tempers."
Mother displeased. "What great-house girls— you'll be official's wife. Fine—go befriend—take many guards."
"No need." Chuchu declined. "Yi house has guards—I'd look odd. Mother don't worry—I'll bring you jewelry back." Continued brows.
Mother had to yield.
In the carriage Chuchu nervous. "That tavern you picked—safe?"
"Rest assured Miss." Taoyuan said. "Far, secluded—few patrons—Xiao Jiu in hat and veil—no one will know."
Chuchu eased.
Carriage passed south city—stopped at a lonely lane. Chuchu straightened hat, veil—Taoyuan helped her to the tavern.
Chuchu had wandered among Suzhou young masters—but identity differed now. Ming Qi manners open—yet betrothed woman meeting another man privately—no small crime.
Two floors—remote and empty as Taoyuan said—few guests, no notice. Taoyuan gave the keeper a silver ingot, smiled. "Keeper—yesterday's reserved room—where?"
Keeper sent a boy to lead Chuchu up.
Second floor—last room—all wood. Taoyuan thanked the boy, helped Chuchu in—inside Chuchu tore off hat and veil. "Stifling."
"Miss rest—some tea." Taoyuan said. "Sir Sun should arrive soon."
"Come fix my hair." Chuchu mirrored herself. "Hat messed it."
"Miss is lovely—today especially."
Door creaked open—Chuchu and Taoyuan startled—a familiar voice: "Chuchu—truly you."
Sun Cainan in the doorway, eager eyes—Chuchu flushed, reproachful glance at Taoyuan. "You go down."
"Good," Taoyuan smiled. "Sir Sun and Miss talk—I'll guard the door—no one enters."
Words hinted plenty. Chuchu bowed head—Taoyuan out, door shut—Sun Cainan stepped close. "Chuchu."
Chuchu hesitated, looked up—eyes star-water—half sorrow half attachment—had Shen Miao been present, she might admire the acting.
Sun Cainan before her, soft: "Chuchu—betrothal to Yuan—is it true?"
Chuchu paused, nodded.
"You—" Sun Cainan as if struck, stepped back. Chuchu reddened eyes, timid: "You're angry?"
"No." Sun Cainan paused—hand on her face. "I heard all—Yuan forced you—you had no choice—I don't blame you—I'm not angry."
Chuchu bowed head—none saw triumph flash in her eyes. Sun Cainan truly loved her—even betrothed to Yuan—could not bear blame.
"Actually—" Chuchu turned away. "Second Cousin never touched me—only before everyone—hard to explain." Lower: "Sir Sun—I… I'm still innocent!"
That day with Yuan—nothing happened—only tangled before eyes—unclear. Later Chuchu checked—still intact. Yuan and Old Madam did not know—she kept silent—or they'd make trouble. To Sun Cainan—different. Men want their woman clean—if something with Yuan, knot in Sun Cainan's heart—if nothing—more pity.
Sun Cainan stunned. "What?"
Chuchu looked up, tearful. "A girl's body—for the man she favors. Second Cousin—misunderstanding only—no other path. I—Sir Sun—we met too late—will you despise me in your heart?"
Sun Cainan pulled her close, warm comfort. "How despise you? I adore you—ache for you—love you!" Joy wild in his eyes—thought Chuchu's innocence given to Yuan—sleeping once merely reclaiming—who knew virgin still—unexpected.
Chuchu in his arms—feigned struggle—then still—let him hold her—slowly undo her skirt ties…
Below—horse to tavern door—handed to boy to tie—walked in—to keeper, practiced silver—upstairs. The boy called: "Young Master!"
He turned—Shen Yuan.
"What?" Yuan asked.
Boy shook head, towel on shoulder, ran down—passing close Yuan heard whisper: "Whole world knows the green hat—poor thing."
Yuan paused—looked down—diners' eyes on him—pointing. Face darkened.
His usual tavern—messages with Prince Ding's men—nine princes, tangled relations—Prince Ding deepest hidden—care required. Yuan came careful—sometimes changed clothes—none should know him—why strange now?
He shook head—still upstairs—usual rendezvous room—last door—unexpected familiar face.
Taoyuan startled—Yuan's heart sank—Chuchu's maid—here? He stepped in—Taoyuan could not dodge—Yuan kicked the door open.
Wide room—two figures tangled on the couch—clothes scattered—intimate as could be. Taoyuan screamed: "Miss—Second Young Master!"
On the bed someone sat up—half white body bare—Chuchu—lost—looked at Yuan. "S-Second Cousin!"
Yuan cold. On the couch—Sun Cainan waking slowly, sat up—pampered life—interrupted mid-passion—irritated. "Who are you?"
"Second Cousin!" Chuchu recovered, pointed at Sun Cainan. "Second Cousin—he forced me—I wasn't willing!"
"Slut!" Sun Cainan laughed cold, slapped Chuchu. "You begged me here—now deny?"
"Sir Sun!" Taoyuan rushed indignant. "How treat Miss so? Why do this to Miss? Just to green Second Young Master? Must oppose Second Young Master!"
Chaos—none noticed Taoyuan's words wrong. Sun Cainan sneered. "Second Young Master?" Looked Yuan up and down—arrogant smile. "Yes—I greened your Second Young Master—so what? Yuan—you haven't tasted your fiancée—virgin—rather fine."
"You—you lie!" Taoyuan blank. "My Miss—"
"You still don't know?" Sun Cainan exaggerated glance at Yuan. "No wonder—played by a woman. But Second Young Master—however great in court—your woman I slept. And you must marry her—how's picking up damaged goods?"
Veins bulged on Yuan's brow—two steps—fist—Sun Cainan down.
"You dare hit me?" Sun Cainan pampered—rose, lunged at Yuan. Neither martial—pure brawl—you punch I punch—Sun Cainan taller, heavier—Yuan losing—pinned and beaten.
"Bastard!" Taoyuan rushed—grabbed Sun Cainan from behind for Yuan—Yuan found opening—hand felt something cold pushed in—beaten hard—without thought shoved forward.
A hiss.
Sound stretched—world still—Taoyuan's long scream—Chuchu's panicked face.
Yuan looked down—silver hilt in hand—only hilt—blade in Sun Cainan's belly—invisible.
Blood bloomed wide.
Sun Cainan fell back.