Chapter 59: The Room

"This…" Ren hesitated. Share a roof with Shen Miao—if harm came, hard to escape blame. Before she found another way Shen Miao went on: "If Aunt refuses—Eldest or Second Sister may squeeze with me."
Yue's eyes flickered—she said nothing. Qing did not know her mother's full plan yet guessed this trip targeted Fifth Sister—and hated her too much for fake warmth. Cold: "I am used to sleeping alone."
"So…" Shen Miao seemed to ponder.
"Then I will stay in north pavilion with Fifth Girl." Before Shen Miao finished Ren spoke fast—afraid of new trouble at the last moment—same building far enough—blame need not stick. Shen Xin far as heaven—then her word would be truth.
Shen Miao smiled slight. "Thank you, Second Aunt, for keeping me company."
Polite words—Ren's brow jumped—then full smile again. "All family."
Lodging settled—unpack. Qing and Yue claimed fatigue—no shared vegetarian meal; servants brought trays to rooms. At north pavilion before Ren spoke Shen Miao said: "I am weary too—no meal with Second Aunt—I rest first."
Ren paused—smiled: "As you wish. Sleep early if tired."
Shen Miao nodded yes.
The acolyte led mistress and two maids to the room—Shen Miao could not help a sigh.
In this plain cold temple this chamber was oddly refined. Trees close outside—quiet. Furnishings simple yet careful—pleasing at first glance.
"Beautiful here," Guyu said, surprised.
"Young donor—this is the guest room for honored visitors. The lady of your house ordered it for you," the acolyte bowed.
"Thank my second aunt for her kindness." Shen Miao said flat. Eyes measured the space—innermost room of north pavilion—pretty scenery, nearly sealed off—screams would not carry far.
They had even blocked escape. The fine trim was likely for *his* comfort.
"What incense is this?" Jingzhe lifted sticks from the table, sniffed. "Like orchid—but sweeter." Eyes on the orchid-shaped burner. "Lovely censer."
Guyu smiled. "Temple must have asked around—you burn scent before sleep. Light it when tired—sleep well."
"Maybe Wolong is not bad," Jingzhe teased. "No wonder Second Madam insisted on deep-mountain prayer."
Shen Miao's brow creased. She took the sticks from Jingzhe, smelled—frown deeper.
Both maids hesitated: "Miss—is something wrong with the scent?"
Wrong where all was right—from entering Wolong she had not relaxed one inch. The more perfect the fit, the clearer the trap. She did burn scent before bed; girls loved pretty things—the censer was pitiable-cute—play with it, light incense to match the quiet elegance.
For her—not so. Women of the inner palace climbed by every hidden means. Years as empress left eyes sharp—private tricks seen many times. Aphrodisiac in incense—worn path among consorts.
A normal boudoir girl would never know the name.
"Nothing good." She released—the sticks fell on the table.
Guyu and Jingzhe startled, looked at each other. Jingzhe: "Shall I throw it out?"
"No." Eyes on the table. Ren and *that man* had worked hard for this gift—waste would be pity. Cold smile bloomed on her lip. "Keep it. It will serve."
……
Far across the yard Ren sat on her couch. A hunched old woman stood before her—Nanny Gui.
"You know tonight's business. Success—reward. Fail—" Ren sniffed cold. "You know the end without my saying."
No gentle aunt now—eyes froze blood.
Gui fawned: "Madam rest easy—all on this old body—no error. Tonight will go smooth."
Ren eased. "I trust you—you are closest to Fifth Girl. We do this for the Shen house. When she grows wise she will know you meant well—no slight to you."
Gui nodded yes, scorn inside—when Fifth learned she would hate Gui to death—how was this *for her good*. Thinking what tonight would bring—Gui's heart hammered—never thought the always-smiling First Madam of the Shen house could plan such poison. For any unmarried girl—lifetime worse than death.
Ren glanced at maid Caiju—Caiju smiled, brought a sachet, pressed it into Gui's hand. "Trouble Nanny Gui to watch tonight."
Gui squeezed—weight heavy—face blossomed. "Madam will be satisfied."
Few more words—Gui left.
"Madam truly sleeps here tonight?" Xianglan asked. "Same pavilion as Fifth Miss."
"No matter." Ren waved careless. "Tomorrow morning my word is law. When the eldest brother returns—whether this person still walks the earth—unknown. Nothing to fear." Smile turned fierce. "Eldest brother, eldest sister-in-law—who told you to block my Qing's road?"