Chapter 103: No Heirs Left

Three days later—Yuan's accidental killing of Sun Cainan closed. Sun Tianzheng bent on avenging his only son—Yuan executed at Meridian Gate.
Common folk spread word—wanted to see how promising talent fell so low. Some pitied Yuan—some cursed Chuchu femme fatale—noise lively.
Yuan likely never imagined this day—proud—climbed relentlessly—wanted all see his deeds—now pointed at by "rabble" he despised—misery extreme.
More threw vegetable leaves and rotten eggs—filth and stench plastered Yuan—surely Sun kin. Yuan knelt on execution platform—executioner beside—normally family could send last journey—last meal—last wine—today no Shen kin came.
Shen Xin need not speak—at war with rest of Shen house—would not come. Shen Gui always profit and harm—Ren Wanyun mad—Old Madam lame—even if mobile—would not come. Odd—third branch usually played gentle righteousness—also absent—likely chose between tact and offending Sun kin.
Shen absence—onlookers only sighed.
Yuan raised head—blazing sun over Dingjing—New Year just passed—winter chill lingering—gold light sharp as summer. Noon—executioner spat wine—raised ghost-head blade—struck down!
Blade fell!
Crowd cried—women covered eyes—head rolled from platform into crowd—rolled before blood sprayed. On ground Yuan's eyes wide—slight confusion—as if separated head might still speak.
Someone watched—turned quietly—vanished in crowd.
Shen mansion—dead silence.
Not unspoken—never happened—Yuan's death wounded Shen house deeply. Heirs not flourishing—Yuan among best—rare pillar—might have held sky— died under executioner's blade—Shen kin hearts not unmoved.
Shen Wan sat indoors—servant ran in. "Executed—platform men sending Second Young Master back."
Sun kin finally agreed return corpse—great concession. No open clash with Sun Tianzheng—handled Sun's way—but all knew—Shen and Sun feuding now—how deep the grudge.
"After return—no lying in state—bury within days fastest." Shen Wan sighed, heavy heart.
"Master still worried?" Chen Ruoqiu approached, gentle. "Yuan's matter—we're powerless—Sun not ordinary family."
"I only feel…" Shen Wan shook head. "Everything wrong—haven't you noticed? Shen house like cursed—incident after incident."
"Unclean things?" Chen Ruoqiu startled.
Shen Wan blank. "Nonsense."
Chen Ruoqiu hurried. "Random talk—Master don't mind." Inwardly annoyed—Shen Wan hated supernatural—careless words might displease. She echoed Shen Wan. "True—yet always Second Brother's branch—first Qing, then sister-in-law, now Yuan…" More uneasy. Once jealous of Ren Wanyun—Ren mad now—no ally left. Luo Xueyan? Shen Xin and Shen Wan different mothers—how true hearts?
"Exactly," Shen Wan said. "Don't know who Second Brother offended—strung together—seems long plotted."
"Second Brother offends people in office daily." Chen Ruoqiu said. "Why this year—counting from Fifth Sister's drowning wake—incident chains…"
"You won't say Little Five did it?" Shen Wan laughed. "If Little Five had such skill—world would chaos." Patted Chen Ruoqiu's hand soothing. "I know you've worked hard—don't imagine—girl can't have such skill. Eldest Brother and sister-in-law taught her maybe—but they'd never slow knife grind flesh—always clean decisive…" Shen Wan said. "I'll watch—don't overthink—focus on Yue's marriage—age for matchmaking."
At Yue's marriage Chen Ruoqiu suppressed suspicion of Shen Miao. Shen Wan valued children more than Shen Gui—never scorned Yue for being daughter—true love. Chen Ruoqiu smiled. "I hear Master."
West Court—Shen Miao dressing—Jingzhe arranged hair. "Second Young Master's coffin returned—bury soon—no proper funeral even."
Besides first branch—Shen kin loved face work. Old Madam's birthday feasts city-wide—Yuan legitimate eldest second branch—no funeral—cold. Hide shame—and few officials would offend Sun Tianzheng for Shen Gui—mourners scarce—more mockery.
"Second Master absent days." Gu Yu said. "Returns only Wan Yiniang's yard—own flesh—so heartless."
Shen Miao smiled. "Days—wooing estranged court colleagues. Nights—not Wan Yiniang's bed—share bed with mad Second Aunt?"
Gu Yu meant scold Shen Gui's coldness—Shen Miao said "share bed" boldly—Gu Yu awkward—why bolder on men-women matters? Conduct flawless—yet no shame—men would only see ferocity—who dare approach?
Shen Miao missed Gu Yu's thoughts. "News from Sun house?"
"Sun hid tight—servants know little." Jingzhe hurried. "Only know Cousin Miss's days must be bad. Heard first day—first day—" Could not continue.
"First day what?" Shen Miao turned to Jingzhe.
Jingzhe stammered. "Heard first day—drugged Cousin Miss and stable horses—made them… Master Sun had all servants watch outside stable."
Gu Yu nearly choked. "Person and horse?"
Jingzhe flushed red. Gu Yu still asked. "Sun kin all perverts!" Person with horse—Chuchu's pain—not body alone—servants watching—worse than death.
Gu Yu pressing—Jingzhe annoyed—filth should not dirty Miss's ears—turned—Shen Miao calm—no surprise—no shame—dropped jaw words: "Minister Sun too merciful—could have used oxen."
"M-Miss—" Jingzhe gaped.
Shen Miao glanced. "What's shocking." Inner palace punished disobedient women thus often. She preferred direct death—no extra trouble. Once saw Consort Mei's maid who paired with eunuch—bull given rut drug—maid thrown in pen—tortured dead.
Sun Tianzheng's method—no surprise. Jingzhe and Gu Yu found it world-shocking.
After silence Jingzhe found voice. "Miss—where now?"
"Caiyun Pavilion."
"Why?" Gu Yu wondered. "Second Master absent—seek Wan Yiniang?"
Shen Miao shook head. "Second Aunt."
"Second Madam mad—" Gu Yu reminded.
"Not necessarily."
Caiyun Pavilion—turned upside down.
Few months—whole Shen house—accurately second branch Caiyun Pavilion—earth-shaking change.
Once proud Second Madam now mad—clever eldest daughter prison suicide adultery slut. Outstanding young talent Second Young Master—public criminal—executioner's blade before all. Life opera—Caiyun's tragedy too bitter.
Only comfort—Ren Wanyun still had legitimate second son Shen Yuanbai—raised at Old Madam's—if Ren not mad—Yuanbai could hold main wife seat temporarily. Temporarily only—who knew—Shen Gui take more concubines? Lustful—another son possible.
Ren Wanyun misfortune chained—Wan Yiniang cold years welcomed spring. Humble decades—daughter hidden—this time divine aid. Shen Gui kin cold—good to women. Wan Yiniang hold Shen Gui's heart—favor restored—Dongling rises.
"Dongling—in days Master will change your yard." Wan Yiniang sewing, smiled at Dongling. Yuan dead—Yuanbai small—Ren Wanyun no threat—joy at brows and words.
"Change what yard?" Dongling behind screen looked up.
"You share with me—other misses your age have own yards—you should move—crowded here."
"They're legitimate—I am concubine-born." Dongling calm.
Wan Yiniang's heart ached—birth unchangeable—her sore spot. Dongling no worse than Qing or Yue—decades humble—how watch continue cautious.
Wan Yiniang said. "Eldest Miss's yard empty—don't sleep her room—other room. Good light, fine view—waste empty. Master treats us well—will agree."
"No need, Yiniang." Dongling refused. "Now not time to stand out. Endured ten years—not urgent. Father good now—but his nature—you know. Wait stable—then discuss."
Wan Yiniang would persuade—maid Luhua rushed in. "Yiniang—Fifth Miss in our yard!"
"Fifth Miss?" Wan Yiniang stood. "Why me?"
Dongling looked at Luhua.
Luhua shook head. "Not you—went to Second Madam's rest room."
"Fifth Miss see Second Madam!" Wan Yiniang's voice rose. "Why—Second Madam mad!"
"Wanted to eavesdrop—Fifth Miss's maids blocked tight—others far—can't hear see." Luhua asked. "Yiniang—what now?"
Wan Yiniang paced uncertain. "What—visit Second Madam? They had friction—how kind?" Looked at Dongling. "Dongling—your say?"
Dongling lowered eyes, thought. "Can't eavesdrop—stay quiet don't pry. Fifth Sister not simple—prepared fully—our tricks won't work."
"Just let it be?" Wan Yiniang unwilling. "Plot with Second Madam?"
"Second Madam and Fifth Sister won't smile away grudges." Dongling flat. "We never opposed Fifth Sister—she won't target us." To Wan Yiniang. "Watch the play."
Outside Caiyun Pavilion—Gu Yu, Bailu, Shuangjiang guarded steps away—Jingzhe entered with Shen Miao. Other maids worked properly. Ren Wanyun mad—no need fawn—people step on low lift high—Ren harsh to servants—prefer gentle Wan Yiniang.
Facing first-branch-backed Shen Miao—maids did not block.
Not all—Ren Wanyun had loyal maids Xianglan and Caiju—now glaring at Shen Miao.
Shen Miao unmoved—if they won't leave—hearing fine.
On couch—woman wrapped in quilt corner—vacant eyes—hair combed then torn—drool on clothes—lips moving—staring ceiling—muttering.
"Fifth Miss—you see—Madam ill—your disturbance worsens her." Xianglan said.
"I came tell Second Aunt something." Shen Miao smiled. "Likely she knows—sick but news sharp—Second Brother executed noon—corpse in coffin—soon buried."
"Fifth Miss—Madam sick—can't hear!" Caiju snapped. Xianglan and Caiju fierce—no courage force Shen Miao out. All knew Shen Miao no soft touch—second branch's plight largely her push—near enemy—yet Shen Miao deep—Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan behind—thin second branch—none dare oppose.
Shen Miao ignored maids—smiled at Ren Wanyun. "Second Aunt knows—execution today—no Shen visitor. Second Uncle, Third Uncle, Third Aunt, Old Madam—none." Looked at Ren. "If Second Aunt well—you'd send Second Brother last stretch. Now—yellow spring road—Second Brother alone—pitiful."
"Fifth Girl!" Xianglan cried again.
"Afraid what?" Shen Miao curved lip. "Second Aunt sick—can't understand—afraid I'll stimulate her?"
"Of course not." Xianglan denied fast.
"Then shut up obediently," Shen Miao raised brow, "or I'll make you never serve your mistress again."
Xianglan and Caiju chilled—Shen Miao's certainty—horror.
"Second Brother fell ill before execution—never saw him. Second Brother must have grieved—end—no parents—tragic."
Ren Wanyun still ceiling—fool face—but hand at side—fingers imperceptibly curled.
"Days ago Wan Yiniang visited me." Shen Miao laughed. "Eager befriend me—if I speak for her before Old Madam—Second Uncle might elevate her equal wife."
Xianglan and Caiju pale. All knew Wan Yiniang favored again. Once Ren forced Wan humble—Wan risen equal wife—revenge total. Estranged from Shen Gui—Old Madam cold—Ren's days how miserable?
"I naturally refuse." Shen Miao tilted head. "Second Aunt is legitimate mistress—I stand with Second Aunt. But Wan Yiniang looks unwilling. Seventh Brother at Old Madam's now—but grown—Wan equal wife—Second Aunt still sick—Seventh Brother raised by Wan—tsk—Wan befriends me—perhaps that calculation?"
"Dare touch my Seventh Son—I'll make you worse than death!" Corner—Ren Wanyun shrieked—voice coarse ugly. Eyes locked on Shen Miao from ceiling—wolf vicious.
"Why would I touch Seventh Brother?" Shen Miao smiled. "Second Aunt disbelieves—I swear—if I plot against Seventh Brother—heaven strike me—bad death."
All surprised. Silent Jingzhe anxious—how such heavy oath—Shen Miao calm—no chance to stop.
Ren Wanyun not relaxed—cold laugh. "You came provoke—test if I'm mad—not just for oath?" "Shen Miao—I can't beat you—underestimated you—if reborn—kill you before you grew—no mercy!"
"Second Aunt jokes," Shen Miao said. "When were you ever merciful to me?"
"Driven this far—Qing and Yuan's falls—your hand—if not for Seventh Brother—die with you." Ren gritted.
"I know Second Aunt won't burn jade for Seventh Brother—so won't stay mad long."
"What do you want?" Ren stared. "What tricks—use them!"
Shen Miao smiled kindly. "Second Aunt so cold— I came give you a way to live."
"Live?" Ren bitter. "At this point—what life?"
"You think now worst?" Shen Miao surprised. "Second Aunt always clever—how muddled?"
"What say?" Ren darkened.
"Simple." Shen Miao laughed. "Wan Yiniang holds Second Uncle happy—Second Aunt never thought—if Wan bears son—where stands Seventh Brother?"
Ren stiffened.
"Second Uncle favors Wan or Second Aunt—you know—favor Wan's son or Seventh Brother—unknown. One day Wan equal wife—two legitimate sons—not same womb—you guess—" Shen Miao lowered voice, "will they tear each other?"
Ren heart hammered.
"That one Wan protects—Seventh Brother you protect—but Second Aunt—then—still speak in second branch as before?"
Words pierced—Ren retorted. "That slut never bore son before—never will!"
"Second Aunt clever." Shen Miao sighed. "That's my point. Think Second Uncle only Wan forever?"
So frank discussing elders' affairs—calm astounding. Ren stunned—right—Shen Gui's nature she knew best—one woman? Main wife years—rooms of concubines—if not infertility soup to fox spirits—second branch overcrowded.
"See—guard one moment not forever. One Wan—more concubines. Women who bear countless—want second branch gate countless. Unless Second Aunt controls inner court again—infertility soup every woman—can you now? Even then—Wan still bore Third Sister—another Wan later?"
Ren's face panic—Shen Miao stabbed soft spots. She relied on sons—without—what future?
"Second Aunt—watch home you ran—house silver—not Second Brother—not Seventh Brother—but other women's sons? Second Brother brilliant—second branch all his—now others harvest your work—you accept?"
Ren stared. "What say?"
"I give a way to live." Shen Miao smiled—from sleeve a packet—placed in Ren Wanyun's hand.
"Infertility drug—for men." She whispered.