Chapter 53: Scheming

On the carriage back to the Shen house Shen Miao rode alone again. Guyu and Jingzhe beside her were full of worry. Prince Yu's evil name was known through Ming Qi—yet he had sent her an invitation. A maiden going alone was improper enough; any clear eye saw what he wanted.
If Shen Xin were home he would refuse at the cost of his life. The general was away; both sisters-in-law nursed schemes. When Shen Miao was small it mattered less—now at marriageable age their thoughts naturally fixed on her.
Jingzhe held back, then could not: "Miss—that Prince Yu today—what will you do? Shall we write the master? If he knew, he would ride back."
"Yes," Guyu said, troubled. "His intent is foul—and the inner yards now… and you shone today. More trouble will come to the house." She sighed.
When the girl was young nothing showed; the maids Shen's mother had chosen for her saw plain. Second and third branches envied the first branch's fame—open and hidden trips for Shen Miao. Narrow hearts—today's glory made her a nail in their eyes. Worse if Prince Yu tangled in—crooked plans she could hardly face alone. The first branch's people had mostly been swapped out by the other two.
Shen Miao said flat: "Fear nothing. Schemes need skill—and he may lack it."
Calm words carried faint authority and a thread of cold edge. Guyu and Jingzhe glanced at each other—panic eased, breath steadying.
At the manor she claimed fatigue and would rest in the west yard first. Ren Wanyun and Chen Ruoqiu smiled, told her to sleep well. Knowing Prince Yu's eye meant no good for her, their smiles could not hide glee. Ren even stroked her head kindly: "Fifth Girl is grown—lovely. Before long—marriage."
"Yes," Chen said, meaning thick. "A girl like our Fifth only suits high birth. Common houses could never win her."
Joy flickered on Shen Yue's face. Shen Qing could not wait: "Of course Fifth Sister will get a very 'noble' husband." She covered her mouth and gigged, knowing eyes on Shen Miao.
Even so Shen Miao did not stir. Qing's smile stiffened—the calmer Fifth was, the angrier Qing grew. Today's invitation—all knew Prince Yu wanted her. Her lack of fear—still the fool? Scorn flashed—truly stupid.
"Aunts and sisters have spoken," Shen Miao said mild. "By age Eldest and Second Sister are somewhat older—matchmaking should not skip ahead of them."
Faces checked. Ren laughed: "Child—your uncle is so often away from the capital. Aunts only fret for you. As for First and Second Girl—we are in Dingjing—no need to hurry."
"Is that so?" Soft echo. Clear eyes seemed blank yet made hearts jump—as if seen through, thoughts naked. Smile slight: "Since aunts care so—I must repay you one day."
Light words—yet unease pricked Ren and Chen. They threw the absurd thought away. Smarter now—but only fourteen—how large a wave? Besides—Prince Yu's matter—both grew smug.
"Fifth Girl need not be polite—we are family." Ren smiled. "Rest if you're tired. Your second aunt and I have business. Guyu, Jingzhe—guard Fifth Girl well."
The maids assented and followed her out.
When they were gone Ren and Chen met eyes—calculation mirrored.
Half an incense later in Rongjing Hall Old Madam Shen frowned. "You say Prince Yu has taken to Fifth Girl?"
Yue and Qing were sent to the inner room—girls should not hear—yet they slipped behind the screen, ignored Nanny Zhang's scold, and listened.
"Indeed." Ren beamed, words grand. "Fifth Girl excelled at review today—His Highness noticed. The invitation shows intent. Our Shen house may gain a princess consort."
Chen's mouth twitched. Grand words—but Yu had not promised lawful marriage. Even wed—Shen Miao's life might count in days. Consort not made before she vanished—Yu's name was poison in Dingjing.
Old Madam's face darkened. She wished the first branch no good. Why must the dead woman's son outshine hers? The old general had favored the first line in life—now a princess consort from that house—unbearable. "Fifth Girl's temper—how could she be consort? First or Second Girl would suit better."
Years in the rear court had dulled her to the outer world. At those words Ren and Chen both changed color. Behind the screen Yue and Qing startled—they knew what the old woman did not. Enter Yu's mansion—only torture and death, a hell pit.
Ren rushed: "Mother—not so. We want good for Fifth Girl. His Highness is widowed, older, ill-spoken—but the house stands high." Corner of mouth lifted. "When Seventh Brother Yuanbai grows, a prince's favor helps him. If Fifth Girl meets mishap, the Prince might compensate Seventh Brother all the more."
Trade Shen Miao's life for Yuanbai's road—Chen slanted eyes at her sister-in-law. Fine scheme indeed.