Chapter 105: Leaving the Trade

At the word, Xie Jingxing's lip curved—interested sidelong glance at Shen Miao. "Long apart—your temper grows rougher."
Shen Miao sat at the desk, cold. "You still love arriving uninvited."
If anyone saw Xie Jingxing in her room—what trouble—yet he loved such things—as if danger lived in his bones. Shen Miao had decided to keep distance—his secrets too many, too deep—now he came himself—how not anger?
"Passing by—dropped in to see you." Xie Jingxing shrugged, comfortable pose. Plain dark robes today—white collar—winter season—yet his fine features filled the room with spring. He stroked chin. "One thing to ask."
"Speak." Shen Miao would not spare him a word.
Xie Jingxing unperturbed at her manner. "In Shen mansion—did Yuan trust anyone?"
Shen Miao surprised glance. She hadn't expected Yuan—unclear his purpose—still said. "No—Yuan returned recently—not close to household. Why ask?"
"Just searched his yard—found nothing—came to ask." Xie Jingxing lazy.
Shen Miao lowered eyes—perhaps Xie Jingxing sought something at Yuan's—found nothing—thought Yuan gave it to trusted person—asked her.
"What seek?" Shen Miao asked. "Same as Prince Yu mansion secret room?"
Silence instant. Moment—Shen Miao felt cold burst from Xie Jingxing. Danger brief—quickly Xie Jingxing smiled—jade grace when smiling—peach eyes hiding sharp edge.
Xie Jingxing did not answer—asked. "These days you fare well—heard second branch nearly ruined."
"Young Marquis knows Shen affairs thoroughly—might think you're Shen kin." Shen Miao mocked.
Xie Jingxing spread hands. "No choice—Shen guards like decoration—affairs interesting—hard not know." Studied Shen Miao. "I underestimated your ruthlessness."
"You may try too."
Xie Jingxing smiled at her. "I haven't that leisure."
"Sounds busy." Shen Miao stared. "Yet so much idle time wandering others' mansions." Slight anger showed. Xie Jingxing always drew small emotions from her heart—if Jingzhe and Gu Yu saw—they'd be shocked—Shen Miao hadn't shown such frank feeling long—anger and annoyance belonged to old Shen Miao.
Xie Jingxing said. "Girls always so fiery."
Shen Miao snapped. "Questions done—why not leave?"
Xie Jingxing stood—brushed robes—truly opened rear window to leap—remembered—turned odd look. "Almost forgot—Shen Miao—you love Pei Lang?"
Shen Miao: "……"
Before she spoke—Xie Jingxing looked her up down—disdain in eyes. "Probably wasted effort." Vanished.
"That bast—" Shen Miao nearly ground teeth. Jingzhe knocked outside. "Miss—water heating—I'll add scent." Entered puzzled. "Miss at window—don't catch cold."
Shen Miao withdrew gaze. "Nothing—just chased a stray cat."
"Stray cat." Jingzhe laughed. "Common this season—disturbs sleep—tomorrow drive them out—less trouble."
"Arsenic better," Shen Miao said. "Dead and clean."
"Huh?" Jingzhe confused.
Elsewhere Wan Yiniang worried—some hatred—to Dongling. "Don't know what Fifth Miss told Madam that day—Caiyun Pavilion servants say—Madam improves daily. Recognizes people—no tantrums—can work now—has maids brew porridge for Master—wants favor again. That day—we suffer." Wan Yiniang complained. "Fifth Miss truly helps Madam—cured her."
Dongling combing long hair at desk—hair down against lamp—pale eased—face sharper—eyes large—water-spirit beauty. "Yiniang overthink—Fifth Sister can't work miracles. Madam was feigning madness—Fifth Sister spoke—she stopped pretending."
"What?" Wan Yiniang startled. "Dongling—Madam feigned all along—Master's care for us—Madam saw—won't spare us when chance comes."
"Yiniang worry what." Dongling silver comb idle strokes. "Eldest Sister and Second Brother's affairs—Father despises Madam. Even if Madam wakes—Father surface tolerant—heart disgust. Madam can't regain old place—knows it—rest easy."
Wan Yiniang puzzled. "If Madam knows Father won't forgive—why stop feigning? What did Fifth Miss say?"
"Madam has nothing but Seventh Brother—Fifth Sister likely worked on that. Yiniang should try bear Master a son—concubine or legitimate—son means foothold—none step on you."
Wan Yiniang bitter laugh—how not want son? Early years Ren Wanyun crushed her—if Dongling weren't daughter—mother and child dead long ago. Ren mad now—but Shen Gui cold—she no longer young—how hold Shen Gui's heart—how conveniently bear son?
Mind wandering—Wan Yiniang changed topic. "Why speak this—Dongling guess what Fifth Miss wants. Help Madam—oppose us."
"Not necessarily." Dongling shook head. "Fifth Sister not simple—our second branch rank low—as is, good enough. Don't meddle—live our days—or trouble finds you."
Wan Yiniang heart hammered—tentative. "So…"
"Don't look, don't ask, don't speak." Dongling at mirror. "Let nature run—one day—we'll live well."
Shen mansion—Caiyun Pavilion discussed—Qiushui Pavilion too—Ren Wanyun's name raised.
Chen Ruoqiu in plain inner robe on couch. "Second Sister-in-law improving—Master—what does Second Brother say?"
Shen Wan rubbed brow—Yuan's affair—colleagues scorn Shen house—he suffered too—shook head. "Second Brother didn't mention."
"Even if Second Sister-in-law well—second branch only Seventh Brother." Chen Ruoqiu said. "Second Brother's nature…more concubine rooms…" Rabbit-dead-fox-sad feeling. Unlike Ren Wanyyun—Chen Ruoqiu held Shen Wan's heart—but third branch no son—Yuan dead—Old Madam eager both sons propagate. Shen Gui needless—never faithful—but Shen Wan—if pressed… Chen Ruoqiu panicked—man's favor how long—womb uncooperative.
Shen Wan saw her face—puzzled. "What's wrong—ill?"
Chen Ruoqiu forced smile—shook head. "Thought of Eldest Brother and sister-in-law." Pause. "Division firm—even threaten clan elders. Fear no unfilial charge."
"Mother wasn't careful." Shen Wan said. "Handle in hand—provoke Eldest Brother—expose framing Qiu—capital will pierce our backs."
Chen Ruoqiu nodded. "Yes—banking on that—they're confident." Chen Ruoqiu said. "Peaceful so many years—why divide at this juncture?" Thought of Shen Miao—since temperament change—Shen affairs shifted. Once Shen Xin couple good to Shen kin because Shen Miao good to them—now Shen Miao shows disgust—attitude changed at once.
Shen Wan sighed. Chen Ruoqiu asked. "Master—any room to turn back?"
Shen Wan shook head. "If us—couldn't accept either. Eldest Brother's family—no grit in eyes—value Little Five most. Jing kin and Mother plotted Qiu and Little Five—violated taboo. Division alone—is mercy. Old Eldest Brother's temper—might overturn Shen mansion."
"But—" Chen Ruoqiu said. "Division bad for us now."
Shen Wan looked out window. "Second branch crippled—Second Brother and my paths blocked. Once rode Eldest Brother's power—divided—all know Shen discord—flatter Eldest Brother—not us. Shen road harder."
"More—public silver—" Chen Ruoqiu reminded. Shen Xin rewards vast—northwest years—spent little—all to public purse—Old Madam spent freely—Ren Wanyun subsidized—still strained. Divided—even if Shen Xin forgoes legacy—days grow harder.
"That alone tolerable." Shen Wan's eyes dark flash. "After divide—Eldest Brother's troops and name—better and better—eventually press us—two powers—must come to this."
Chen Ruoqiu startled inwardly. Years in Shen house—knew false harmony—Shen Xin couple absent—she and Ren Wanyun knew truth. Shen Xin and Shen Gui different mothers—not true brothers. Shen Xin better—other branches worse—one day opposition—never thought so fast.
"Master—even for Yue—can't be pressed down." Chen Ruoqiu massaged shoulders. "But how counter them?"
"Eldest Brother wary now—hard to move." Shen Wan shook head. "His troops not ordinary—find crack harder—wait opportunity." Shen Wan said. "Urgent—find good match for Yue—these days you watch."
Chen Ruoqiu tentative. "Master—Prince Ding—"
"Don't set sights on Prince Ding yet." Shen Wan stern. "After Yuan—court fears Shen ties—princes more careful. Now Prince Ding would dislike."
Chen Ruoqiu nodded. "Understood—Master rest early."
……
Next morning after meal—Shuangjiang ran in breathless. "Miss—trouble!"
"Speak slowly—what panic." Gu Yu scolded. Shuangjiang stuck tongue—couldn't hold—poured out. "Jing kin left for Suzhou—today officials say—road bandits—Jing family wiped—no survivors—Jing linked Old Madam—came to inform." Shuangjiang patted chest. "Bandits bold—broad daylight—no one left. Jing kin would regret coming Dingjing."
Shen Miao lowered eyes. Jing massacre—bandits or not—depends who thinks. Sun Tianzheng always swift—as in court. Chuchu caused it—Sun Cainan dead—Sun Tianzheng wouldn't rest—Shen Miao believed—if possible—Sun would wipe Shen kin too—Shen not Jing.
Jing same fate as last life—Chuchu's greed killed them. Chuchu still in Sun Tianzheng's hands—won't die easy—despair living—worse than death.
None of her concern now.
Shen Miao to Gu Yu. "Things prepared?"
Gu Yu said. "In box—but—" hesitant. "Miss—you truly—"
"Fetch." Shen Miao cut her.
Half hour later—West Court side gate—four walked out.
Leader—a pretty young master—moon-white robes—hat—graceful if short—carved jade cute—eyes rare clear—such looks—male entertainment house would chase.
Two attendants behind—walk clumsy—shy. Attendant behind—a guard—taller than the three.
"Don't fear." Shen Miao said. "Bold—don't show slip."
These four—Shen Miao, Jingzhe, Gu Yu, Mo Qing.
Jingzhe and Gu Yu unused to men's dress—tearful afraid—Shen Miao calm—Mo Qing inwardly wondered. Last life hostage in Qin—royalty forced men's dress—months—now vivid again.
In carriage Mo Qing drove—Gu Yu asked. "Miss—we truly go to B-Baoxiang Tower?"
"Of course."
"But—" Gu Yu said. "Can't speak outside—if seen visiting brothel—" couldn't finish—what happens woman visits brothel?
"Baoxiang is business—silver suffices—patrons don't talk ethics—loose place—play acting—no one notices."
Jingzhe and Gu Yu exchanged helpless eyes. Shen Miao's will iron—nine oxen won't turn—always grand reasons—this far—only forward.
Kuaihuo Tower private room—curtain lifted—Ji Yushu entered. "Third Brother Xie—good timing—Prince Ding—"
"Hm," Gao Yang paused—cup hand stopped. "Different this time?"
"What's different?" Xie Jingxing sat by window—poured tea—followed Gao Yang's gaze.
Baoxiang below—carriage stopped—several descended—foremost Mo Qing—three youths behind.
"Mo always alone—why so many today—Shen Miao's order?" Gao Yang chin on hand.
"I look." Ji Yushu craned neck—flash. "Maybe Miss Shen rewards good servants—day trip Baoxiang—I want to be her servant."
"Scram." Gao Yang pushed Ji Yushu's head. "These look familiar."
Before finish—Xie Jingxing sprayed tea.
"Third Brother!" Ji Yushu splattered—jumped—clothes—raged. "What doing!"
Xie Jingxing ignored—surprised at figures below. "She came herself."
"Herself?" Gao Yang caught meaning—looked careful—clear—nearly fell back.
That jade young master—Shen Miao?
Under heaven—a woman visiting brothel—without seeing—Gao Yang thought only opera plots.
Shen Miao entered Baoxiang with Mo Qing. Door girl saw Mo Qing—practiced welcome. "Master Mo—Liuying again?"
Mo Qing nodded—girl noticed others behind—hesitated. "These—"
"With me." Mo Qing said.
Girl paused—thought something—teasing Mo Qing. "Didn't know Master Mo liked this… fine—merrier with crowd."
Jingzhe and Gu Yu flushed—Mo Qing awkward—only Shen Miao calm.
Girl led to Liuying's pavilion—Mo Qing regular—all girls knew—unremarkable—such pretty youths rare—especially Shen Miao—girls giggled glancing.
At Liuying's pavilion—knock. "Liuying—Master Mo visits." To Mo Qing's group. "I'll leave."
Mo Qing pushed in—woman at mirror—robe loose—black hair waterfall—combing. Heard movement—didn't turn. "Early today."
Jingzhe and Gu Yu odd look at Mo Qing—he coughed. "Not only me."
Liuying's hand paused—turned—Shen Miao's group startled—anger on pretty face. "What meaning?"
"I—"
Before Mo Qing finished—Liuying sneered. "If play like this—double silver!"
Not only Jingzhe Gu Yu—even Shen Miao looked odd at Mo Qing.
Mo Qing embarrassed—Liuying warm days ago—why rage today—cold distance returned.
"Miss Liuying—I am Mo Qing's mistress." Shen Miao broke ice—smiled. "We're not here to 'play.'"
Jingzhe and Gu Yu wanted cover eyes—pretend ignorance.
"Mistress"—Liuying paused—wary look up down Shen Miao. Shen Miao walked—Jingzhe Gu Yu moved chair near Liuying—Shen Miao sat.
"You had Mo Qing order my token daily?" Liuying asked.
Shen Miao nodded.
Liuying propped chin—suddenly seductive. "Master—confuses this slave. True feeling for me?"
Mo Qing looked at sky—Liuying brothel craft perfected—Jingzhe Gu Yu contempt.
Shen Miao looked at her. "What does Miss Liuying think?"
Liuying studied Shen Miao—paused—laughed. "Young lady wants opera's false phoenix game?"
Saw through woman's disguise—not surprised—clear features— men's dress jade skin—too delicate—serious look—can't hide.
"I want to buy your freedom." Shen Miao said.
Liuying stopped laughing.
Sold into Baoxiang long—past prime—fewer patrons—let alone fortune for redemption.
"Miss's meaning—Liuying doesn't understand."
"I once had a handkerchief—rare double-sided embroidery—Ming Qi only dozens can—" Shen Miao said. "Inquiry learned—from Miss Liuying's hand."
"You!" Liuying clenched hands. "How know mine?"
Shen Miao waved. "How I know—not important. Important—I have embroidery workshop—need master embroiderer—interest managing workshop?"
Liuying incredulous—suddenly laughed bending. "Miss—you want me leave the trade?"
Jingzhe Gu Yu displeased at Liuying's tone—Mo Qing frowned—many women crave wash away dust—Liuying young—good future possible.
"I was sold here early." Liuying flippant. "Learned bed arts—please men—manage workshop—sell labor—bitter days—I can't live. Not afraid I'll ruin workshop?"
Shen Miao stared—smiled. "Ruin or not—my affair—do or not—yours." Light. "For me—optional—for you—only way out."
"Thousands of people—ten thousand trades—each lives differently. I don't think brothel women lower—but world's eyes differ." Shen Miao said. "Like my Guard Mo—also servant—none despise him. My maids—some envy them. World so—people tiered—who not want rise—who want daily back-stabbing?"