Chapter 95: The Paramour

That New Year in the Shen mansion was lively indeed.
After Ren Wanyun and Shen Qing's affair the mood had been low—yet with Jing Chuchu and Jing Guansheng's arrival Old Madam Shen turned warm. She let the siblings wander freely. Shen Yue, skilled at socializing, soon called Chuchu "dear sister"—whether in earnest or not, no one knew.
Though Yue treated the Jing pair well, the siblings loved West Court most. Chuchu often brought pastries and food for the swordsmen. After her earlier lesson she brought enough soup for everyone—but compared to Shen Miao's brew, the taste fell short. The soldiers were blunt men; they still craved Shen Miao's soup and showed little gratitude for Chuchu's efforts.
Today was the same. Chuchu delivered food; Qiu said little and turned back to practice. Chuchu called: "Cousin—"
"Cousin should head back early." Qiu laughed openly. "These are rough men—blades have no eyes; if you're hurt it'll be bad. Besides—a young lady running here daily to watch us big men swing swords isn't proper."
A roundabout expulsion order.
Chuchu's face flushed red; she stared at Qiu in disbelief—eyes shimmering as if tears might fall. Most men would pity her. Qiu was never one to admire beauty—he stood there without moving to comfort.
Seeing Shen Miao, Chuchu's flushed face went pale. She bowed her head, lifted her basket. "Chuchu understands." She gathered her skirts and ran off—as if Qiu had wronged her somehow.
After Chuchu left, someone stepped from behind a pillar. Shen Miao said: "Elder Brother—you really don't know how to cherish flowers."
"Heh." Qiu scratched his head. "Wasn't I afraid Little Sister would be angry?"
"Why would I be angry?" Shen Miao said lightly.
Qiu felt a cold wind pass. "Little Sister—you don't like Cousin."
"Cousin and I have no quarrel—why wouldn't I like her?" Shen Miao countered.
"Jiaojiao—did that girl bully you in secret?" Shen Xin, just finished practicing, had overheard. "If she bullied you—don't talk—hit her!"
"What nonsense!" Luo Xueyan joined them, glared at Shen Xin. "Jiaojiao—don't listen to your father. How can a young lady hit people casually? If she bullies you, tell Mother—Mother will hit her for you."
"Still hitting," Qiu muttered. "Let me do it—I'm young and strong."
Shen Miao said: "She didn't bully me."
"Then why don't you like her?" Luo Xueyan asked. Even the dullest could see Shen Miao disliked Chuchu. Whenever Chuchu came, Shen Miao had Qiu demonstrate dart-throwing in the yard.
Dart-throwing was somewhat cruel—normally Shen Xin would not do it at home, lest maids be frightened. Live animals were used as moving targets—bloody, ugly sight. Each time Chuchu appeared Shen Miao would say: "Father, Elder Brother—I want to see dart-throwing."
Chuchu would turn pale with fear yet stubbornly stay—often nauseated afterward. Shen Miao enjoyed it—as if Chuchu's disgust eased her heart. Before long everyone in the yard knew Shen Miao was tormenting Chuchu on purpose.
Shen Xin and the others did not quite understand—but seeing Shen Miao's temper, they thought it petty friction between girls; as men they should not intervene—and indulged her. Today curiosity finally won.
"I don't dislike her." Shen Miao said. Jingzhe spoke up: "Miss prefers quiet. The cousin girl and cousin boy often come seeking conversation—especially the cousin boy, insisting on idle talk. Miss never liked speaking with strangers—likely she's somewhat weary."
Jingzhe's face was earnest. Shen Miao glanced back at her. Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan changed color—on the surface Shen Miao merely found the Jing siblings tiresome; beneath, a cousin boy constantly seeking his cousin's company sounded like pestering. Luo Xueyan raged: "What does that nephew of yours mean?"
"Wife, calm yourself." Shen Xin soothed her, then to Qiu: "You brat—so many guards in the yard and you never noticed your sister harassed daily by strays?"
Qiu aggrieved: "I really didn't notice—"
Of course he didn't. Guansheng chose "chance" encounters outside the yard—at the gate, in the garden, in corridors—everywhere, anytime.
"Go—guard the yard entrance. If you see those two again, say we're closed for sword practice—admit no one!" Shen Xin roared.
Qiu went at once to pick men.
Luo Xueyan stroked Shen Miao's head. "Jiaojiao—if anyone harasses you again, don't be polite. Hit him."
Shen Xin: "……"
When Luo Xueyan and Shen Xin returned to practice, Shen Miao swept Jingzhe with a cool glance. "You talk too much."
"This servant was wrong—but Miss," Jingzhe bowed her head, "the cousin boy clearly means you ill. You saw it long ago—why not tell Master and Madam?"
"Guansheng is a clever man," Shen Miao smiled faintly. "Wasting a clever man would be a pity—borrow force to strike force; I still have use for him. Still," she shifted, "what you said today will likely speed certain matters. We'll wait and see."
……
After Qiu posted guards at West Court's gate, barring Chuchu and Guansheng, the yard grew quieter. Without their pestering Shen Miao lived easier. On their side—peace; on another—panic.
In Rongjing Hall Old Madam Shen's sharp eyes pinned Chuchu—the earlier tenderness an illusion. "Chuchu—what have you been doing? You can't even enter first branch's yard now?"
Chuchu lowered her head, annoyed, whispered: "I don't know why—Fifth Sister guards against me so tightly. Cousin is actually kind to me—but Fifth Sister always keeps him distant. The guards at the yard gate were her doing too."
"That girl again!" Old Madam's face went iron-green. Zhang Nurse patted her chest. "Old Madam, calm yourself."
"That dead-eyed creature—your brother is one thing, but now she blocks you too—infuriating!" Old Madam's plan: Guansheng against Shen Miao, Chuchu against Qiu. Shen Miao was a woman—in affairs of men and women the woman always suffered; Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan's tempers might explode unpredictably. With Qiu, Chuchu would be the one harmed—logic on their side. West Court men were battlefield roughnecks—never petty about trifles; who expected this sudden lockdown?
"Old Madam," Zhang Nurse pondered, "Fifth Miss's manner suggests suspicion of the cousin girl. Step by step will be hard now."
Chuchu burned with shame. She thought herself beautiful and clever—in Suzhou even princes fell for her soft fragility. With Qiu she hit a wall—humiliation she could not swallow.
"You mean—" Old Madam frowned.
"Strong medicine for grave illness," Zhang reminded. "Drag this out until the Master picks a high-born bride for the Young Master—and it'll be too late."
Old Madam started. "You're right—then it'll be too late." She looked at Chuchu, pasted on loving smile—false to every eye. "Chuchu—do you want to marry Qiu?"
Chuchu bowed her head. "I do."
"To marry Qiu—would you do anything?"
Chuchu paused, guessed something, heart pounding. She navigated men easily—pitiable grace won Suzhou's wealthy sons. The Shen house was a great general's mansion; Qiu was legitimate heir—wealth beyond compare—her heart leapt. She had never done such a thing—but Old Madam's words made gold and silver flash before her. She clenched her fists, whispered: "Chuchu… is willing."
Old Madam smiled, satisfied.
……
For days the Shen mansion was quiet. Chuchu and Guansheng stayed in the rear yard behind Rongjing Hall—busy indoors, rarely out.
One day Shen Miao met Chuchu in a corridor. Chuchu wore moon-white jacket, jade-green skirt—petite Jiangnan beauty, rare flavor in Dingjing, enough to stop passersby.
"Fifth Sister." Chuchu bowed.
Shen Miao smiled. "Cousin—where are you going?"
Shen Miao rarely spoke with Chuchu—Chuchu startled. "Back to my room—for embroidery." Shy bow. "Nothing else to do."
"Since you're free, come out with me. I'm going to a jeweler—if you don't mind, pick something too."
Chuchu was truly stunned. Shen Miao had always been cool—no matter how Chuchu fawned. Today, for the first time, an invitation. Chuchu's back-court life had taught her wariness among rival wives—but at "jeweler" her eyes lit.
She studied Shen Miao. Snow-azure skirt with ink-crane cloud brocade, coral single-layer vest—Shen Miao favored deep colors yet never looked old; jade skin, overwhelming nobility. Chuchu secretly envied—she thought her looks matched Shen Miao's, yet standing together she felt shabby. Shen Miao wore grace born to her; Chuchu looked small-house bred at a glance.
The more one envies, the more one covets. Chuchu's gaze fixed on Shen Miao's lotus-pearl hairpin—large round pearls, light almost blinding. She quickly lowered her head lest greed show. "Since Fifth Sister has no companion—I'll come."
Bailu and Shuangjiang behind them exchanged contempt. Small-house eyes—jewelry could lead her by the nose. No wonder Shen Miao said Chuchu was no threat.
They left the mansion by carriage, Qiu's guards following—quite imposing. At Zhenbao Pavilion Shen Miao picked a few pieces casually; Chuchu handled this, touched that—so enamored the shopkeeper stared. Chuchu was pretty enough—Suzhou women's water-softness unlike capital daughters—but petty manners dulled her beauty. In Dingjing face alone did not suffice.
Seeing Chuchu so, Shen Miao did not stint—paid for everything she fancied. Chuchu felt closer to Shen Miao. Near noon Shen Miao said: "Let's eat out—we're hungry after a morning of shopping. You've likely never been to Kuaihuo Tower—common folk don't get that fortune."
Chuchu looked at the grand restaurant with longing. Shen Miao had bought jewelry and fabric today—Chuchu had never seen such spending; she felt dizzy. The Shen wealth sank deeper; resolve to enter the family hardened.
Seated upstairs by the window, the waiter listed dishes; Shen Miao ordered signatures. Chuchu listened, dazed. After the waiter left Shen Miao said: "Patrons here are rich or powerful—many great officials. Don't underestimate them."
Chuchu nodded eagerly.
Shen Miao smiled, lifted tea—hand slipped. The cup overturned; most of the tea soaked her skirt. Chuchu startled. "Fifth Sister?"
"Nothing." Shen Miao waved, stood. "They must have changing rooms—clothes in the carriage too. I'll change—wait here." To Bailu and Shuangjiang: "Come."
She left; the Shen guards followed. Chuchu cried: "Fifth Sister—these guards—" she was afraid.
"Don't worry. Broad daylight—no one will trouble you." Shen Miao's tone was gentle, firm—Chuchu did not argue. When she recovered, Shen Miao and the guards were gone.
Chuchu's face darkened. Shen Miao always stood above her—that gap fed resentment. She heard Shen Miao was once a stupid rough block—why did such an untalented girl hold first branch's legitimate place, win Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan's obedience, pick palace gifts first? Comparison drove jealousy mad.
She lifted her teacup, sipped small mouthfuls like Shen Miao—as if some nobility might rub off.
Then a party passed, sat at the next table. The leader was young, refined, splendid robes—even his servants wore fine cloth.
Remembering Shen Miao's words—rich and powerful—Chuchu's heart moved.
The young man noticed her, looked over, eyes brightening at Chuchu's face.
Moon-white jacket, jade skirt, snow skin and flower face—and that soft timid air. One glance at him, then fright, head down fast. Capital women, bred in the imperial city, were bold and proper; such delicate Jiangnan girls were rare. The more his gaze heated, the lower Chuchu bowed.
Time passed. Dishes arrived; Shen Miao did not return. Chuchu alone at the table—too awkward to eat, sipping tea in small sips, lost.
Finally the rich young man could not bear it. Before everyone's eyes he sat opposite her, soft voice: "Miss waits alone so long—is someone coming?"
Chuchu startled, looked up, blushed, whispered: "I—I'm waiting for my cousin."
He asked kindly: "Why hasn't your cousin come—leaving you alone?"
Chuchu shook her head, red-faced, wanting to speak yet afraid—as if bullied. He decided: "Then since I'm free, I'll keep Miss company while you wait."
"N-no need." Chuchu hurried. "Sir, you needn't—"
"No trouble." He smiled. "Alone here—ill-intentioned men might cause trouble. With me—safer."
Words gentle, face cultured—easy to trust. Chuchu bowed her head. "Then thank you, Sir."
"You don't look from Dingjing?"
"I—I'm from Suzhou." They talked on. He was eloquent—soon Chuchu smiled shyly, growing familiar. He told amusing tales—traveled widely, substantial means—Chuchu smiled deeper.
In another Kuaihuo Tower private room, through carved window, they watched Chuchu's table clearly. Bailu said: "The cousin girl talks so long with a stranger." Contempt plain.
"That isn't an ordinary man." Shen Miao propped her chin, indifferent.
"Miss knows that gentleman?" Shuangjiang wondered. The guards in the room were also surprised—Shen Miao had left Chuchu alone seemingly to let her meet this man; now she knew him?
Shen Miao smiled, said nothing.
"I say," in another room Ji Yushu's eyes nearly popped, "she can't know Sun Cainan?"
"Sun Cainan is Minister Sun Tianzheng's only legitimate son—never entered office, raised to eat drink and ruin, never even Guangwen Hall—how would Shen Miao know him?" Gao Yang glanced over.
"You believe this is chance?" Ji Yushu excited. "What chance? Even a fool sees Miss Shen deliberately had Sun Cainan meet that cousin from nowhere."
"When did I say it was chance?" Gao Yang snapped his fan open, waved it theatrically. "I think she doesn't just know Sun Cainan—she probably knew his favorite seat. Isn't it strange? A sheltered young lady seems to know more than your Fengxian. I wonder what else she knows that we don't."
"Stop slandering Fengxian." Ji Yushu retorted. "Miss Shen was never ordinary. You and I watch her all day—Third Brother Xie will scold us for idleness."
"Watching her beats everything else." Gao Yang looked at Chuchu chatting with Sun Cainan. "Guess her purpose?"
Ji Yushu thought hard. "Matchmaking—for her cousin and Sun Cainan?"
"When have you seen Shen Miao so kind." Gao Yang poured cold water without hesitation.
"Then what?" Ji Yushu deflated.
"Minister of Personnel… and the Shen house—any recent dealings?" Gao Yang tapped his chin with the fan, deep in thought.
Upstairs Chuchu and Sun Cainan talked long—growing closer; from afar they looked a fairy pair. Then Shen guards came to Chuchu: "Cousin Miss—the Young Lady's clothes didn't fit, mood spoiled—paid the bill and left first. We're ordered to protect Cousin Miss—after you finish eating, we'll escort you home."
Chuchu surprised. "Fifth Sister left already?"
The guard nodded.
"How could Miss Shen leave you alone." Sun Cainan indignant. From Chuchu he knew the cousin was Shen Fifth Miss Shen Miao. He knew little of Shen Miao—only a rough block chasing Prince Ding. Now it seemed she was not just stupid—she bullied with power.
He would play knight; Chuchu would not waste his kindness—bowed her head anxiously. "Then I'll go back now."
"No—that won't do." Sun Cainan at once. "Leave now and waste this table—no one walks out on Kuaihuo Tower's fare." Seeing Chuchu's confusion, he smiled. "If Miss doesn't mind, I'll dine with you." Gentleman's manner. "Your guards are here—after eating they'll take you home—yes?"
"This…" Chuchu lost.
"Meeting is fate—don't waste heaven's gift." Sun Cainan's tongue was silver. "Seeing Miss today felt like meeting an old friend—that's why I spoke. Will Miss grant my request?"
After hesitation Chuchu nodded slowly. "Then… as Sir says."
They truly dined and talked together. In the distant room Shen Miao watched the pair—a cold smile slowly forming.
She knew Sun Cainan well. Last life this man cuckolded Qiu with the greatest green hat; hot-blooded Qiu dragged one crippled leg and killed him in one burst—only then learning Sun Cainan was Personnel Minister's only—
Because Sun Cainan was useless—pretty face and smooth talk seducing women, maidens and matrons alike. Sun Tianzheng feared censor memorials and rarely let him out—few knew Sun Cainan.
This life—even ashes she would know him.
Sun Cainan loved soft Jiangnan women—else last life he would not have dared sleep with Qiu's wife.
Shen Miao lowered her eyes, murmured only she could hear: "Sun Cainan, Jing Chuchu—this karmic tie I personally weave from our last life—don't disappoint me."