Chapter 96: Do It for Her

Chuchu and Shen Miao went out; Chuchu returned alone—little stir in the mansion. That night Shen Miao broke precedent and came to Old Madam's rear yard to see Chuchu.
Chuchu was arranging jewelry on the table—a jade bracelet especially dazzling, nearly transparent, fine quality. Such a piece would cost at least a hundred taels—Chuchu could not afford it herself. Yesterday at Zhenbao Pavilion Shen Miao had bought Chuchu some pieces—not this bracelet.
Shen Miao entered staring at the bracelet. Chuchu startled, fumbled it into a box. Shen Miao smiled. "Cousin's bracelet looks no ordinary piece."
Chuchu whispered: "Fifth Sister—know this bracelet?"
"I've seen a similar imported piece—inferior to yours—yet it sold for five hundred taels at auction. Cousin's must need a thousand silver to obtain." Shen Miao lied casually. The bracelet was precious but not worth a thousand—better jewelry existed for that price—but Chuchu's horizon would believe anything grander.
"Still, Cousin—where did such a precious bracelet come from? I never saw you wear it before."
"It was… a friend gave it." Chuchu said low.
Understanding flickered in Shen Miao's eyes. Sun Cainan did not win women with face and sweet talk alone—he spent silver freely. Else last life, as a deputy general's wife, Chuchu would not have strayed. First meeting—such a gift—for unsophisticated Chuchu, hard not to be moved.
"That friend must treat Cousin very well." Shen Miao said.
Chuchu blushed, looked at her. "Fifth Sister—why did you come?"
Shen Miao adjusted her robes unhurriedly. "I heard Cousin was escorted home today?"
"I—I met a kind gentleman." Chuchu frightened. "He meant well—I dared not refuse—but we kept all propriety."
"Cousin needn't be nervous." Shen Miao smiled. "Do you know who he is?"
Chuchu blank. "Who?"
"Personnel Minister Sun Tianzheng's only legitimate son—Sun Cainan." Shen Miao said.
Chuchu stared, all surprise.
Shen Miao sneered inwardly. Sun Tianzheng kept Sun Cainan on a tight leash; Sun Cainan seduced women but rarely named himself—unless taking a girl as concubine. With Chuchu he likely hid his rank. Chuchu probably thought him some rich young master—learning the truth, ambitious Chuchu would not let go.
"Cousin knows—Personnel Minister is a great official." Shen Miao smiled. "His mansion rivals ours. More—Minister Sun has only this legitimate son. Such a man escorting Cousy home—could it be…" lightly, "he favors Cousin?"
"Fifth Sister, don't talk nonsense." Chuchu denied—yet cheeks flushed fast, eyes drifting. Shen Miao's words had stirred her. She whispered: "Sir Sun and I are innocent."
"I didn't say otherwise." Shen Miao laughed. "Fair lady, noble gentleman—natural. Sir Sun is fine—handsome, wealthy family. Whoever became his wife would be mistress of the minister's house—Minister Sun has only this one legitimate heir."
Chuchu pressed her lips, silent. Shen Miao stood, smiled. "I came to mention it casually—don't take it to heart. World's affairs depend on fate. If fate exists—who knows what may come. Then Cousin could stay in Dingjing forever." She turned and left.
Alone, Chuchu pulled the smooth bracelet from the box, traced its patterns. She never imagined Sun Cainan was the minister's son. Why hide his identity—like opera plots—not wanting her to love his station—meaning his heart was true? Else why a thousand-tael bracelet at first meeting?
Honestly—Chuchu came from humble doors. Suzhou had princes pursuing her—but beside Sun Cainan's spending, that was child's play. She had tasted Dingjing's splendor—would not return to Suzhou. Shen Miao's last words had moved her—marry Sun Cainan, stay in Dingjing forever.
But… Old Madam's side?
Outside, Shen Miao crossed the yard and met Guansheng. His eyes lit. "Cousin—visiting Chuchu?"
Shen Miao nodded.
"Cousin and Chuchu grow closer." Guansheng stepped forward—Jingzhe and Gu Yu blocked him like against a lecher. He styled himself literati—could not shamelessly press closer.
"No matter—we're family." Shen Miao smiled, walked on without another glance.
Gu Yu whispered: "Miss—do you mean to match Cousin with Sir Sun?" Shen Miao's praise of Sun Cainan sounded like a matchmaker—utterly odd.
"When have you seen me so kind?" Shen Miao said flatly.
"Then why—" Gu Yu more confused.
"Must make Cousin's heart unsettled," Shen Miao smiled faintly. "Old Madam and Cousin shared one goal—naturally intimate. If they want different things—what then?"
Jingzhe started. "Dog eat dog!" Then panicked. "This servant didn't call them dogs—I can't read—"
"Not far off." Shen Miao said. "Dog eat dog is a good phrase. Also—these days, befriend Fu'er in Rongjing Hall."
"Fu'er?" Jingzhe paused.
"Old Madam will marry her to the steward's one-eyed son." Shen Miao said. "Fu'er is unwilling."
"Heavens." Jingzhe stunned. "Fu'er grew up at Old Madam's side—how—" Even cats and dogs earned affection—how marry a girl in her prime to a one-eyed man? Fu'er was capable—sharp-tongued but loyal to Old Madam.
"Old Madam got the steward's annual field profits—must reciprocate. Won't pay silver—must pay with people. Blame Fu'er's bad fate and good looks."
"Miss means to help Fu'er?" Gu Yu asked carefully—strange feeling. Shen Miao cared little for Rongjing Hall folk—not a bodhisattva now; helping Fu'er seemed impossible.
"Of course help." Shen Miao calm. "Every mistake Old Madam makes is our chance."
"Buy Fu'er off?" Jingzhe asked. "Will she turn? She was most loyal to Old Madam."
"Loyalty unrewarded—betrayal hits hardest. A dog raised at your side gone mad bites deepest." Shen Miao said lightly.
……
Days passed quietly. Chuchu no longer haunted West Court—often took Shen guards shopping, claiming she wanted to see Dingjing's bustle. No one stopped her; West Court folk preferred she stay out—guards could relax.
Yet Chuchu's dress grew richer daily. Old Madam gave the Jing siblings silver—but stingy, not much. Chuchu's finery surprised even Shen Yue—but Chuchu said family silver from home. Guansheng's purse loosened too—more tips for Shen servants.
People said the Jing siblings had widened their eyes in the capital—small-house habits fading—they looked more like Dingjing natives.
The Jing pair comfortable—someone else was not. In Rongjing Hall Old Madam watched Chuchu, eyes fierce. "Chuchu—how have you been lately? Any discomfort in Dingjing?"
"Thanks to Old Madam's grace—Chuchu is well."
"Since you're well—why haven't you used the medicine packet I gave you?" Old Madam's triangular eyes pinned Chuchu—voice heavy—a timid soul might weep.
Chuchu bowed her head, voice unchanged. "Old Madam—Chuchu can't even get near Cousin now—no opportunity."
Old Madam had given Chuchu the packet long ago—drug Qiu at first chance. Days passed—Shen mansion calm—Chuchu never acted.
"You wander outside till late—of course you find no chance." Old Madam sneered coldly. "Chuchu—are you unwilling? If unwilling—forget it."
"I am willing." Chuchu hurried. These days she met Sun Cainan in secret—pretending not to know his rank. He was tender, sent clothes and jewelry—those gifts made her hesitate. Compared to Qiu—northwest bitterness, absent half the year—Sun Cainan meant ease. But would Sun Cainan marry her? Chuchu guarded her purity—men's sickness: let them see but not touch, touch but not taste, taste but not sate—that hooks the heart. She had Sun Cainan enthralled—but he was minister's legitimate heir; she was humble birth—even if he loved, Sun Tianzheng would not agree. Concubine—she refused.
So Chuchu hesitated. With Qiu, Old Madam promised legitimate wife—but Sun Cainan was generous. Hearts are greedy—bowl in hand, eyes on the pot—Chuchu could not decide; never drugged Qiu.
Her delay panicked Old Madam—here to condemn her.
"If willing—why delay?" Old Madam asked.
"Chuchu… Chuchu wanted certainty before acting. West Court guards are tight—hard to find chance. Startle them once—harder afterward."
"Chuchu—I favor you." Old Madam slowly. "But keep this up and I'll be disappointed. Won't catch the wolf without risking the child—so timid—you'll achieve little."
Chuchu bowed, assented.
Old Madam looked at her with something like disgust. "Go."
Chuchu fled.
After Chuchu left Old Madam smashed a cup. "Unworthy trash!"
Zhang Nurse ordered maids to gather shards, soothed softly. "Old Madam, don't rush. Cousin girl is young—such deeds frighten a girl."
"How can I not rush?" Old Madam fumed. "Yuan said yesterday first branch is scouting brides for Qiu—once settled, impossible later. I thought Chuchu had ambition—helped her—turns out mud won't climb a wall!"
Zhang patted her chest. "Cousin is young. Her point has merit—first branch guards tight—startle them and inside and outside tear—ruin everything."
"Then what?" Old Madam snapped. "Time is short—the girl won't act—watch Qiu marry high?"
"Old Madam," Zhang pondered, "cousin girl is young—risky for her. Better our people do it?"
"Our people?" Old Madam looked at her.
"Yes." Zhang said. "Our people—more thorough than cousin girl. If trouble—cousin girl stays clean—escape route. Should be fine—we did such things easily in old days—nothing to it."
Old Madam's eyes moved. Silence—then: "You're right. Since the girl won't act—help her. Send for Fu'er and Xi'er."
……
Rongjing Hall's shift went unknown—whether those who knew would speak was another matter. Outwardly everything proceeded orderly.
That day returning to West Court Shen Miao met Shen Yuan.
Since the Jing cousins arrived Yuan had been busy—rarely seen. Back in Dingjing, out early in late—Shen Gui displeased, thought Yuan avoided him over Ren Wanyun—quarreled several times, parted badly. Quarrels did not change Yuan—still absent from the mansion.
Here they met.
Seeing Shen Miao, Yuan slowed. "Fifth Sister."
"Second Brother."
"I hear Fifth Sister grows close to cousin girl and boy lately—" Yuan smiled. "Just from cousin boy?" He named only Guansheng—as if implying something between Shen Miao and Guansheng. Bailu and Shuangjiang frowned—Yuan's words sounded ugly.
Shen Miao swept Yuan, did not answer. "Second Brother seems from Second Aunt's side. I hear Second Aunt's episodes grew fewer—nearly recovered?"
Ren Wanyun had not appeared in ages—second branch affairs fell to Wan Yiniang. Even Old Madam, who despised Wan Yiniang, said nothing. Everyone knew—Ren Wanyun would never shine as before. Her merchant kin had silver, no power—could not help.
Yuan's face paused; he studied her, smiled. "Fifth Sister looks well lately—some happy event coming?"
With Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan back, Qiu daily fawned on Shen Miao. She was no longer the dull wooden girl—refined bearing, nourished complexion—impossible to ignore anywhere.
"What happy event could I have? Second Brother looks busy lately—perhaps you have one coming." Shen Miao replied.
Yuan's face showed something like open delight. "Oh? Noticed? Troubles lately—but Second Brother is dispersing them—things go smoothly—perhaps that's why I'm pleased." Meaningful look. "Fifth Sister needn't sell yourself short—I think your happy event comes soon too."
Shen Miao silent. Yuan bowed. "Still matters—won't detain Fifth Sister. Farewell." Stride away.
Bailu angry. "Second Young Master is too rude." Yuan's hostility, his barbed words—anyone could hear.
Shen Miao frowned tight, watching Yuan's back.
"Miss?" Shuangjiang worried.
"He's strange." Shen Miao said. She knew Yuan well—do not underestimate him. Indifferent to household affairs—most ruthless of all. She was certain—last life Qiu's end involved Yuan.
Though Yuan did not know some matters had shifted under Shen Miao's hand—those words hinted he still had reserves.
"Send Guard Mo to follow Second Young Master?" Shuangjiang suggested.
"No—Mo Qing isn't capable enough." Shen Miao shook her head. Fu Xiuyi was not the fear—those behind Fu Xiuyi were. "Wait and see."
Back in West Court, crossing the threshold—Gu Yu and Jingzhe waited anxiously. Gu Yu shut the door, pulled Shen Miao to the inner couch. Jingzhe whispered: "Miss—Fu'er from Rongjing Hall sent word."
"How?"
"Old Madam will act herself—in two days." Jingzhe angry. "Old Madam is too wicked—Master and Madam treat her so well—yet she plots against Young Master. That cousin girl—never a good person—shameless!"
"Enough." Gu Yu cut her. "Miss—what do we do now?"
"Why two days?" Shen Miao asked.
"In two days—a family banquet. Second Madam's close friend will visit Second Madam—" Jingzhe did not finish—the meaning clear. Old Madam would use the crowd to fix Qiu with defiling Chuchu's innocence—before everyone's eyes demand Qiu answer—how could he refuse?
Same method as last life—reborn, Old Madam's tricks had not grown cleverer.
"Then tell Fu'er this." Shen Miao beckoned Jingzhe close, whispered two sentences.
"Still need someone watching." Shen Miao said. "This cannot fail."
"This servant understands." Jingzhe's eyes sparked eager. "I'll do it well."
Shen Miao smiled faintly. "This is a good deed—don't botch it. Breaking marriages brings retribution." She tapped the teacup with both hands—calm as a ruler on high.
……
Night—hundreds of li from Dingjing, in a manor hall, one man sat.
Black-robed men in long boots stood—uniform, imposing. The leader bowed. "We failed—the message got through. Punish us, Master."
"Enough." The youth on the seat waved lazily—purple robes, golden dragon thread at the hem. Lamplight flickered—the dragon seemed to leap from flowing purple cloud. He played with a woman's hairpin—handsome face, smile demonic—like a dissolute noble from a great clan; yet those drunken peach-blossom eyes held wine frozen to ice—sober, unmoved.
"You couldn't hide it." Xie Jingxing said. "I never meant to hide forever—only buy time. Message returned—time grows tighter."
"Master," the leader frowned, "Dingjing affairs unfinished—time short—what will Master do?"
"No loose ends—first," he tilted his head, casual, "find a moment to deal with Xie Changwu and his brother." Half-blood kin—yet from Xie Jingxing's mouth, no hesitation—as if strangers, or cats and dogs.
"Master?" The man paused. "All these years—why now?"
"Lazy before—now they're restless." Xie Jingxing said. "Remove them—or I leave uneasy."
"But Marquis Xie already put them in office—these days both brothers stick to him day and night. He introduced them to colleagues—asked favor. Easy to strike—hard not to alarm others."
"Xie Ding—that fool!" Xie Jingxing's face darkened, anger edged. "Accomplishes nothing, ruins everything."
He spoke the Lin'an Marquis's name plainly—no surprise below, as if natural.
The man cleared his throat. "Master delayed entering office—Marquis feared no successor—had them fill the gap."
Xie Jingxing's willfulness was old news—Xie Ding truly helpless—else with his crooked heart how abandon Xie Jingxing for Changwu's pair.
"Forget it." Xie Jingxing frowned. "Lin'an Marquis matters wait—Princess Manor—from today, secretly protect Princess Rongxin."
"Master," the man hesitated, hardened. "Since it must be so—better cut ties with Princess Rongxin now—"
"Since when do you teach me?" Xie Jingxing's light glance—silence, cold up the spine. Then overhead: "I do or don't—that's mine. She accepts or not—that's hers. I've done enough."
Indifference and ruthlessness in the words—on that peerless face—chilling.
He stood; robe hem brushed the seat—flowing gold. "Proceed as planned."
"Buy time in Dingjing—I hear Shen Yuan gathered most evidence—after New Year perhaps complete—Shen house first to fall under the blade."
"Fine." Xie Jingxing shrugged. "If Shen Yuan hits trouble—help him quietly."
"But Shen Yuan is Prince Ding's man." The man reminded.
"I know he's Prince Ding's man." Xie Jingxing waved. "I only want Shen house to shield us awhile."