Chapter 98: A Scandal

"Open it!"
Old Madam's face already showed anger. The ladies never passed up spectacle—none left.
Chen Ruoqiu soothed: "Mother, don't anger—maybe a guest entered the wrong room." She signaled maids; two stepped forward, pushed the door.
The door looked shut—not latched tight—opened at a light push. Then "Ah!"—both maids startled, stepped back.
Their manner bred suspicion. Old Madam snapped: "What's going on?"
One maid seemed unsteady, steadied herself on the door—accidentally opened it wider. The scene inside exposed—all drew cold breath.
The tea-room was small—a rest nook with a couch and table. Cups shattered on the floor; on the narrow couch two figures overlapped—clearly a man pressing a woman—the earlier noise, cups breaking in struggle.
The chaos lay almost shamelessly exposed. Ladies covered their daughters' eyes—lest they see such filth.
Xi'er cried: "C-Cousin Miss!"
"Chuchu!" Chen Ruoqiu too.
"What?" Old Madam nearly fainted—Fu'er caught her.
"What is this?" Chen Ruoqiu feigned panic—in others' eyes, household scandal, momentarily lost. Inside—the man on the woman did not move; the woman struggled to push him off.
"Heavens." Xi'er covered her mouth, shocked. "Young Master was drunk and sent back—how is he—"
One sentence—listeners understood a third of the tale.
Drunk great-house young master; cousin girl changing clothes; lust uncontrollable—defiled her innocence.
"Qiu was always steady—how could he?" Chen Ruoqiu shook her head. "All wine's fault!" Heartbroken tone.
Words already convicted Qiu.
Shen Miao watched silently—almost identical to last life. Qiu woke unable to defend; Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan believed him—but facts before them; the girl suffered—if Qiu would not marry Chuchu, every lady present would drown him in spit. What had she done then? Shen Miao thought darkly—deep shame; a brother who defiled innocence—she joined others condemning Qiu.
Yue suddenly: "Fifth Sister—why don't you speak?"
All eyes on Shen Miao. Qiu was her brother—his disgrace stained her—would she defend him or disown him?
Yi Peilan loved Shen Miao's misfortune, fake sympathy: "Shen Miao—this isn't really your affair. Your brother is your brother—you are you—family, but not the same."
The more she said, the more they remembered—Shen Miao was Qiu's sister—his moral failure tainted her too.
"I only find it strange," Shen Miao said lightly, "discussing here instead of resolving—shall we call outsiders at the Shen gate to watch too? More the merrier."
Her sarcasm—a knife—hit center.
Yes—such scandal. Ordinary families would hide at once—yet Old Madam and Chen Ruoqiu seemed to want more witnesses—debating at the door. What heart—hardly kind. What for?
Old Madam and Chen Ruoqiu awkward—Shen Miao continued lightly: "Even without my mother here—someone should preside. Second Aunt replaced Third Aunt—has Third Aunt forgotten how?"
Chen Ruoqiu's face went green—Yue's too. Mentioning Ren Wanyun—meaningful glances. Chen Ruoqiu furious—Shen Miao implied her management fell short of Ren Wanyun's—slap in the face.
Shen Miao had lived years in the inner palace—those women were no soft touches; verbal war was blade and shadow—one sentence, ten meanings. Light words—deep thoughts.
Because Luo Xueyan was absent—they could bully Qiu? Qiu scandalized—they did not care—let everyone know? More—ladies were not fools—shock had blinded them; Shen Miao's calm made them cool—look again at the room—unclear whether scandal was natural or staged.
Old Madam, shamed and angry: "Fifth Girl—your brother did this—and this is your attitude! Stubborn to the end!"
Shen Miao nearly laughed—shook head instead. "This is serious—call Father and Second and Third Uncles before deciding."
Old Madam stunned. Chen Ruoqiu stunned. All ladies stunned. Such matters—fewer knowers better—now Shen Miao also wanted crowds. Chen Ruoqiu uneasy—everything proceeded as imagined—yet something felt wrong.
The door gaped open—inside little movement. Old Madam's maids would close it—Shen Miao laughed cold: "Don't close. Those who should see have seen—closing is deceiving ears. Whoever wants—look again, clear and plain."
Even Old Madam sensed wrong—wanted someone to enter—but Shen Miao's aggressive stance surprised—tiger on back—more action looked like cover-up. Old Madam could only swallow unease, watch Shen Miao order Shen Xin fetched.
Jiang Xiaoxuan wiped tears. "Miss Jing is so young—after this—what becomes of her life?"
"I ask all ladies as witnesses." Old Madam spoke. "Shen house has always been upright—such corruption of family conduct—we owe you an account. Chuchu is my kin's grand-niece—obedient—I meant to keep her and find a good match—who knew…" grief on her face. "We are not bullies by power—whatever comes—Chuchu is my Jing family's granddaughter-in-law—beyond doubt—we will give Chuchu justice!"
What grand excuse! What righteous face!
Without inside knowledge Shen Miao might applaud the performance. Eyes mocking—a singer's daughter—acting vivid as life.
Old Madam's words won immediate favor.
"True great house—dares act and remedy."
"Then Miss Jing's later life has support."
"Shen integrity is real—Old Madam's choice wise."
"Didn't expect such breadth from Old Madam."
Half praised Old Madam's error and fix—half pitied Chuchu's calamity. Qiu—almost unanimously—a shameless lecher.
Then hurried cries outside: "Chuchu! Chuchu!" Shen Miao's messengers had brought Shen Xin and the others.
Not bad—they had not called official colleagues—only Shen Xin and his brothers and Luo Xueyan. Foremost—Jing Guansheng. He strode forward; ladies made way. Guansheng stood at the door without entering—staring inside, struck by lightning.
"What happened?" Luo Xueyan urgent.
Chen Ruoqiu wiped tears. "Sister-in-law, don't panic—not Qiu's fault—all wine."
Shen Gui and Shen Wan had heard en route. Shen Gui, eager for Shen Xin's misfortune, feigned regret. "My fault—I should have stopped Qiu drinking—sober, this wouldn't happen."
"Second Brother, don't blame yourself." Shen Wan sighed. "No one wanted this—think what to do now."
"What else?" Guansheng's eyes red. "My sister came here fine— plotted against, innocence ruined—must have justice!"
"Watch your filthy mouth!" Shen Xin exploded. "I raised Qiu—I know him—he can't do this!"
"True." Luo Xueyan laughed cold. "Chuchu isn't peerless beauty—border years, how many officials wanted daughters for Qiu—any one prettier than Chuchu. Ruin his future for Chuchu—is Qiu stupid?"
Shen Xin killed on battlefields—hard or soft, unmoved. Luo Xueyan was fierce—no roundabout speech—Guansheng pale; Old Madam speechless with rage.
Yet they had a point. Chuchu pretty—not rare. "Plotted against" was excessive.
Shen Miao almost laughed—last life Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan defended Qiu thus. Pity Chuchu's harmless mask was known; before everyone's eyes—nothing to say but accept defeat. Old Madam gathered capital madams to "witness"—no retreat for Qiu.
"Witness and evidence before you—how deny!" Guansheng raged. "Can my weak sister force Qiu! I thought Qiu a gentleman—face unlike heart—I will report to authorities!"
Report—from private shame to public scandal. Old Madam roared: "Enough!" Soft to Guansheng: "Guansheng—you're my grand-nephew—these days you know how I treated you. I adore Chuchu—let her suffer? I won't allow it! Rest assured—you'll have justice!"
"First branch!" Old Madam turned, raged at Shen Xin. "Qiu wronged first—your father taught you. Shen family stands upright—ruin a girl's innocence—take responsibility! Qiu did this—must marry Chuchu—treat her well forever!"
Stand upright—Old General Shen's constant lesson to Shen Xin. Before, Shen Xin might swallow the loss for Old Madam's sake. This year in Dingjing—friction deep—he looked at Old Madam's face—hypocrisy hateful—nameless fire—Shen Xin roared: "I said—Qiu cannot do this!"
"But—" from the rear, unnoticed—Shen Dongling spoke: "Why does no one go in look—yet say it's Elder Brother inside? Is Elder Brother really there?"
All froze.
True—was it really Qiu? From start to now—no one entered—only overlapping bodies visible. Ladies understood—deep water—drunk mistake, likely calculation—yet calculated this far, Qiu could only accept misfortune.
Chen Ruoqiu smiled. "Dongling—what talk. Only Qiu left drunk—who else?"
"Second Brother too." Shen Miao said lightly. "Why is Second Brother also gone? Why only my Elder Brother must answer?"
"What responsibility, Little Sister?" A sudden voice—Chen Ruoqiu's head exploded—all turned. Not far—Qiu neat in dress, Feng Anning beside him, puzzled at the crowd.
"Anning!" Madam Feng startled, pulled her away scolding. "Why wandering!"
"I got lost returning from privy—wandered forever—met Shen Elder Brother—he brought me here. What happened?"
Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan paused—then Shen Xin laughed loud—triumph plain to all.
Qiu fine here—who inside?
"Seen enough," Shen Miao smiled. "Someone—show us clearly—who must take responsibility?"
Old Madam too late to stop. Luo Xueyan's maids were sturdy—before Chen Ruoqiu spoke, they rushed in. Too fast—before reaction—a groan inside—two maids dragged the man out. "Madam—Second Young Master!"
Yuan disheveled, flushed face before everyone. Compared to empty accusations without looking—this evidence irrefutable—all eyes on Shen Gui and Old Madam.
Shen Miao's mocking voice: "What—just a misunderstanding—nearly made Elder Brother carry blame. You servants—eyes bright next time—ruining reputation gets you prison!"
"Little Sister—what blame?" Qiu scratched head.
"Qiu—someone tried to push a wife on you." Luo Xueyan saw it now—Old Madam and Chen Ruoqiu had pressed her—false alarm—fire rose—words sharper. "I said—Qiu's wife must pass my eye. Qiu keeps propriety—wouldn't casually bring a wife to his room."
Anning understood. "What—I was with Shen Elder Brother all along—he just sobered up. I've heard forced marriage—now forced wife-giving?"
Anning was talent—exaggerated on purpose—Madam Feng changed color. "Anning!" Anning stuck tongue out, silent.
"Grandmother, Cousin, Second Uncle—this situation—what now?" Shen Miao feigned difficulty—leisure plain—spectator's glee.
What is a slap in the face? This.
Old Madam panicked—today's affair was her order—preparations thorough. Why Qiu became Yuan—she could not fathom. One look at Shen Miao's smile—Old Madam knew—Shen Miao's hand.
Shen Gui dumbfounded—came to enjoy Qiu's fall. Reputation affects office—else why censors' high pay. Qiu became Yuan—Yuan just returned to capital—this—ruined his path!
Young ladies confused—madams saw clear. Today's play—Shen house's own drama—someone meant to trap Qiu via Chuchu—Qiu became Yuan—Shen Miao's attitude from start—her counter-move. Everyone said legitimate Fifth Miss was rough block, fool, lovesick—who dares now. Plotters never expected reversal. Even "witnesses" invited became Shen Miao's chips.
Old Madam tiger on back—eyes rolled, feigning faint to dodge—Shen Miao spoke: "Cousin—you must grieve for Cousin Sister. Rest assured—Grandmother said she will answer to Cousin Sister."
Old Madam stopped fainting, glared. "Yuan unconscious—clearly plotted against—Fifth Girl—don't talk nonsense!"
"Old Madam—what words are these." Luo Xueyan exploded before Shen Miao. "When you said inside was Qiu—never heard you spare him a thought. Yuan is your grandson—is Qiu not? Your bowl of water—too even!"
Luo Xueyan feared no breach with Old Madam—fiery nature—rapid fire—Old Madam could only rage: "You rebel!"
"Grandmother—let's discuss Second Brother's matter first." Shen Miao smiled—tone gentle throughout, no temper—Old Madam more ashamed. She mimicked Old Madam's righteous tone: "Grandfather said—Shen family stands upright—ruin innocence—must answer. Second Brother must marry Cousin!" Luo Xueyan snorted laughter. Shen Miao to the crowd: "Ladies all saw—Grandmother's word is bond—so short a time—she won't forget."
Ladies knew Shen Miao used them as guns—could only dry laugh. Old Madam red and white with rage—repeated: "Something wrong—something wrong!"
"I also think something wrong," Shen Miao raised brow. "Report to authorities then. Father—your men are fast—still time for the capital magistrate."
Before finish—Shen Gui shouted: "No!"
Shen Miao surprised. "Why not now?"
Shen Gui glared—report and no hiding—censors idle—memorial certain. Ugly scandal—what good public?
"Forget it." Shen Miao rubbed temples. "This depends on Cousin's wish." She looked at dark-faced Guansheng, smiled. "Cousin is most heartbroken."
Guansheng silent.
Old Madam roared: "Fetch a doctor first!" Chuchu and Yuan still motionless—likely drugged—Old Madam had nowhere to vent. Today should have been Qiu—now Yuan—yet she could not say.
Chen Ruoqiu saw ladies off—enough spectacle—Shen Miao versus the house—Shen Miao won. They promised silence, departed. Anning winked at Shen Miao, left with Madam Feng. Yue looked at the wrecked courtyard—disappointed.
So close to ruining Qiu—why Yuan?
Shen Xin and the others followed Old Madam to the main hall—must settle—Shen reputation—with so many who saw—not small matter.
Shen Miao walked last—someone called. Guansheng before her.
Shen Miao small—Guansheng plump and tall—pressure above. Usual gentle smile gone—dark viciousness—wolf out of sheep's skin. "Fifth Sister—you did this?"
"Yes." Shen Miao admitted freely.
Guansheng stunned—then angry fist at her. Jingzhe and Gu Yu blocked. Shen Miao cold: "I did it—what can you do?"
"Shameless!" Guansheng hissed.
"Shameless—me?" Shen Miao looked at him. "Cousin—you knew today's plan?"
Guansheng froze, glared. As Chuchu's brother—how could he not know Old Madam's design? Chuchu as Qiu's wife benefited him—who expected Yuan!
"Your sister a chip—now call me shameless. Cousin—isn't that disgusting?" Shen Miao laughed.
"You—"
"Done is done—try another angle." Shen Miao leisurely. "Cousin Sister lost innocence before so many—hard to marry well, be your chip again—who wants damaged goods?"
Vicious—Guansheng clenched fists—could not deny truth. Lose wife and lose the army—now he understood. Chuchu like this—no good family, no wealth.
"Cousin—for kinship I'll remind you." Shen Miao smiled kindly. "Marry into Shen house—for you, climbing high. Elder Brother or Second Brother—what difference?"
Guansheng stirred, looked at her silent.
"Second Brother young in office—future bright—as excellent as Elder Brother. Same scheme—sister for advancement—bed partner became Second Brother—elder sister-in-law to second—why not? No loss to you."
She studied her nails—as if to someone: "People must learn to adapt."