Chapter 63

Chapter 63: Night Encounter with Little Xie Marquis (Part 1)

The person standing opposite was not someone else but Xie Jing Xing.

Under the flickering light in the dark, his brows were as handsome as a painting but they were tightly knitted and there was a chill that was very different than during the daytime as if he was a different person.

Jing Zhe and Gu Yu had seen Xie Jing Xing several times so they naturally knew who this person was. With hearts full of surprise, they could not help but stand in front of Shen Miao to protect her.

However, it was Mo Qing’s first time seeing Xie Jing Xing. He did not know what kind of person Xie Jing Xing was but from Shen Miao words, he came to know that both of them knew one another. Xie Jing Xing stared at Shen Miao and after pondering for a moment, he smiled and let go of his hand. In a blink of an eye, the sword was returned to Mo Qing.

He lazily retreated to the door and said, “Shen family girl, to be able to meet here, one would say that you and I are fated or destined.”

She Miao did not pay attention to him and instructed Mo Qing and the two maids, “Quickly leave.”

Jing Zhe and Gu Yu glanced at Xie Jing Xing before nodding in agreement. However just as they were leaving, Shen Miao said to them, “You all leave first, I will follow behind.”

In the dark night and under the small light, one could see the small flame slightly flickering as Gu Yu panicky responded, “Young Lady…”

“Leave!” Shen Miao opened her mouth. Her order was short and firm making Gu Yu to tremble. Mo Qing shook his head and dragged one maid away by the hand and jumped out of the window and headed outside.

Xie Jing Xing’s hands were resting at his neck as he watched her actions with interest. Shen Miao fumbled to the front of the table and before the fire extinguished, she managed to find that incense burner and lit the incense that was found on the table. After which, she then wanted to withdraw from the room.

Just as she was about to do that, she saw Xie Jing Xing’s brows knitted and suddenly with his fingers, he extinguished the flame. In the blanket of darkness, a figure suddenly swept in front of Shen Miao and lightly grabbed her waist. Before Shen Miao could react, she fell into a gentle embrace. That person held her and rolled to the area below the bed.

“You…” Shen Miao was incessantly furious.

With a “Sh”, Xie Jing Xing voice sounded by her ear, “There is someone coming in.”

Footsteps sounded in the room and Shen Miao stiffened.

She had never imagined that these people’s movements were actually this fast.

The fortunate thing was that these new persons did not lit the lights in the room but that was what she expected. According to that person’s nature and love of stimulation, naturally lights would not be lit.

Someone outside said, “Prince Lord, everything is arranged properly.”

“You all can retreat and stand guard outside. Don’t interrupt this Prince’s exhilaration” Another slightly hoarse voice sounded and Shen Miao’s eyes slightly moved. It was indeed Prince Yu.

“Shen Xin, Shen Xin…” Prince Yu’s voice was filled with complacency. It seemed that there was an abnormal level of excitement. “This Prince want to try out, what is the difference of taste between your daughter and those other women?”

Footsteps headed towards the front of the bed.

Shen Miao’s fist gradually clenched and tightened.

Xie Jing Xing lowered his head slightly. Due to their positions, his chin was pressed against Shen Miao’s head and he could smell the young female’s light hair fragrance. Even though he was unable to see Shen Miao’s expression due to the darkness, from the tense posture of her body, she was not in the least indifferent as she seemed to be.

There were already sounds of clothes ripping from the bed. Prince Yu’s voice was ferocious and endless dirty language flowed out. Shen Yue seemed to have restored some of her sanity and started to show some resistance. But the sound was soft and it did not sound like resisting but as if it was welcoming.

The air was filled with a taste that made one’s heartbeat increase. As the smell gradually spread, together with some Orchid fragrance, it was sucked into one’s abdomen.

Shen Miao also gradually felt that something was not right. Her heart ‘ge deng’ a beat, now she had to suffer from the aphrodisiac incense that she lit before she wanted to leave. She had never encountered such a situation before and could not help but lash out on the uninvited Xie Jing Xing. If it was not because of Xie Jing Xing’s sudden appearance, most likely she would had long left by now and she would not have fallen into feeling such embarrassment. Thinking about this, she glared ferociously at the culprit.

Unfortunately there was no light and no one could see anything. Shen Miao hesitated a little, as she was afraid that any big action would startled the people on the bed, she could only cover her mouth and nose with Xie Jing Xing’s clothes.

She remembered that the fragrance was not a good thing and reminded herself not to smell it so much, so then she thought of using Xie Jing Xing’s clothes to cover her nose and mouth but had forgotten that Xie Jing Xing was a male.

When Xie Jing Xing realised that there was a problem with the incense, he had already breathed in too much and unfortunately there was also a little girl in his embrace. The current Shen Miao was still wet behind the ears and even though she had a flat body, she had the flesh and fragrance of a beauty. His body tensed up and in this critical juncture, Shen Miao shuffled closer to his body and half of her head was buried into his arms.

Xie Jing Xing took a deep breath. Since birth, this was actually the first time that he was in such a difficult situation. Looking at the top of his head, that big bed was squeaking and shaking non-stop and the female’s and male’s voices were intertwined, making anyone else blush. That sound of activity would make one suspect if this bed would be able to stand the action or collapse directly.

After clenching their teeth and hearing for almost half a Shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours), the movements on the bed got gradually smaller and halfway there was a rest. Shen Miao’s body was just too stiff but just at this moment, she felt Xie Jing Xing holding her and rolled out before taking the advantage of the open window and flew out. It was dark and there was no light and she did not know how he could see that clearly, but fortunately Prince Yu was not disturbed.

Not far away, they saw the anxious faces of the three of them. Upon seeing them coming out, Jing Zhe almost jumped up in excitement but was afraid that the sound could be heard outside, she softly said, “Young Lady, this servant was worried sick. Just now someone went in, would it be found out…” Her words ended abruptly because it was only at this moment that she clearly saw Shen Miao’s posture.

Shen Miao was still being carried by Xie Jing Xing, his body was well build and was able to carry her effortlessly. Jing Zhe angrily said, “Quickly put down my Young Lady!”

Xie Jing Xing raised his brows and let go of his hands. With a “pa” sound, Shen Miao fell directly onto the ground.

“You!” Gu Yu was enraged and indignant as she did not expect Xie Jing Sing would be let go in such a rude way. She quickly supported Shen Miao in anguish and comforted, “Is Young Lady alright?”

Mo Qing stared at Xie Jing Xing as his heart was filled with surprise and suspicions. This seemingly noble Young Master’s martial arts skills were superb and he himself was actually powerless against him. To possess such level of skills would make him raise his eyebrows but to appear here in the middle of the night was indeed suspicious. Just now when he brought Gu Yu and Jing Zhe out, they saw people going into Shen Miao’s room and behind them there was a group of highly skilled guards. If he did not hide quickly, then there would have been trouble. Mo Qing could not help but look at Shen Miao. Could it be that Shen Miao had long known that there would be such a group of people coming tonight? Then what was the reason for bringing Shen Qing over?

Shen Miao stood up and patted the dust on her body before looking calmly at Xie Jing Xing, “The deeper the night the more exposure there would be, will not disturb Little Marquis from working. We will leave first.” Her attitude was very alienating.

At this moment the heavens did not stop the drizzle and the fine silk-like rain landed on her, making her clothes wet. Just with that little light from the lantern outside, Xie Jing Xing’s eyes swept across her face and suddenly smiled as if he was watching a good show, “To leave here, one would need to go through the outer courtyard which had a number of guards defending it. If you want to head to death, this Marquis would not stop anyone from heading to their death. So please.”

His words were said annoyingly and there was a stubborn smile on his face. Shen Miao looked at Mo Qing. Mo Qing shook his head and said ashamedly, “This subordinate do not have any confidence alone.”

Although Prince Yu was incompetent, his subordinates were not vegetarians.

“Little Marquis seemed to know what to do.” She said after a moment of silence.

Xie Jing Xing’s lips hooked up to a smile as he got up to leave and did not pay attention to the intention of this group of people.

“Can you lend a helping hand?” She asked.

Xie Jing Xing turned back and after some pondering, he nodded his head, “It’s not that it cannot be done but… If you beg me, I will then bring you all out.”

Chapter 63: Night Encounter with Little Xie Marquis (Part 2)

“Can you lend a helping hand?” She asked.

Xie Jing Xing turned back and after some pondering, he nodded his head, “It’s not that it cannot be done but… If you beg me, I will then bring you all out.”

Gu Yu’s and Jing Zhe’s face changed. This Xie Jing Xing’s character was stubborn and obstreperous and his tone was so frivolous but facing this handsome face, any other female would have blushed. If it weren’t the close relationship between mistress and servants, one was afraid that Jing Zhe and Gu Yu would not be angry at all today.

Mo Qing frowned. Shen Miao was Shen Xin’s daughter and it would be assumed that on normal days she would be spoiled and pampered and by looks, she was also one that had a stubborn temperament. For Xie Jing Xing to be this provocative, one was afraid that Shen Miao would be extremely indignant.

Out of Mo Qing’s contrary, after Shen Miao heard it, she actually quickly said, “Alright. I beg of you, bring us out.”

Her words were said too quickly that Xie Jing Xing could not help but choke a bit. He carefully examined the young female in front. Even though she was asking for help, her eyes were very calm, her posture was unruffled and there was no trace of being lower than the other. That kind of feeling was very subtle, as if she was not seeking help from others but a far superior person ordering around.

Not waiting Xie Jing Xing to speak, Shen Miao immediately said, “Little Marquis want to go back on one’s word?”

“You truly have a villainous heart.” Xie Jing Xing smiled and said to his back, “Come out.”

With only the blink of an eye, a crowd of black clad people came out from the surroundings. Roughly counting, there was actually around ten over people, which was comparable to the amount of people that Prince Yu brought along.

Jing Zhe and Gu Yu jumped in shock and Mo Qing was also surprised. His martial arts were not weak but he did not know that there were so many people were hiding here and the others’ skills were all higher than him. Moreover this young fellow who was able to gather and move so many high level players, it really made others doubt this identity.

Xie Jing Xing said, “Actions must be carried out cleanly. Don’t beat the grass and scare the snake (inadvertently alert the enemy).”

The black clad people lowered their head and agreed before disappearing in a blink of an eye to the darkness of the night. Their actions were surprisingly consistent and it was difficult to have such traits in the guards that were kept in Ming Qi’s families. Shen Miao was thinking deeply when she heard Xie Jing Xing speaking, “Some time would be required so we should head the other way.”

He turned and walked towards the opposite direction. From his actions, one could tell that he was very familiar with the layout of this temple.

“Follow him.” Shen Miao said.

One did not know how did Xie Jing Xing’s subordinate arranged but the entire way they did not encounter anyone at all. Even upon reaching Shen Qing’s and Shen Yue’s Southern pavilion, there was not a single guard in sight. After safely reaching, Shen Miao said to Mo Qing, “You can return.”

The guards had an area where all the guards stayed and Mo Qing sneaked out of it tonight. If one discovered it, there would be changes.

Gu Yu and Jing Zhe accompanied Shen Miao into the room but Xie Jing Xing did not leave. Jing Zhen stepped up and blocked Xie Jing Xing’s steps from entering the room before glaring at him vigilantly, “Gentleman, do stay back.”

Xie Jing Xing really stayed back and smiled as he look at Shen Miao’s back, “Shen Miao, you even save explaining even after wasting this Marquis entire night?”

Shen Miao’s steps paused as her heart slightly sighed. Xie Jing Xing this person seemed to have been born with a clever and exquisite heart and his sharp ears and keen eyes made one jealous as he could see many things clearly with one look. She was also too lazy to hide it from him. She glance at Jing Zhe and Gu Yu, “Both of you go to the outer chambers to sleep first. Little Marquis follow me in.”

“Young Lady…” Gu Yu was somewhat panicking. “This is not appropriate…”

It would be a shock to the world if it was spread out that one spent the night with a strange man in a room. If anyone were to catch it, Shen Miao would be truly be finished. The small matter with Fu Xiu Yi can be said as a young female’s spring dreams since nothing actually happened but this matter would impact on one’s reputation and even if one jumped into the Yellow river, one would never be able to wash oneself clean.

“Since no one knows, what is wrong?” Shen Miao did not intend to listen to the two maids and looked at Xie Jing Xing, “Come in.”

Xie Jing Xing shrugged his shoulders and followed Shen Miao into the inner chambers. After seeing the unsettledness in both maids’ eyes, Shen Miao calmly closed the door.

After lighting the lamp and closing the windows, the entire room was isolated from the rhythm of the rain outside and Shen Miao sat down at the table.

Xie Jing Xing stood against the wall and asked with interest as he watched her pouring tea, “Why are you not afraid of me?”

“Why should I be afraid of you?” Shen Miao asked in reply.

“A unmarried lady and a strange male in a room at the same time. You are not afraid that I would do anything to you?” His smile became vile but his looks got outrageously more handsome under the light.

“Just now, I have already listened to the affairs of the bed chambers of others with you and to be now afraid, don’t little Marquis find that it is too late already?” Shen Miao plainly said.

Xie Jing Xing was surprised for a moment and a look of incredulous appeared on his face. In these years, he had experience a number of things and he has knowledge of things that others at his age would know and would not even know of. At least in Ding capital and even in Ming Qi, it was considered to be broadly knowledgeable. But this was the first time, and a female moreover, to bring out the words ‘affairs of the bed chambers’ without having their face changing colours.

Just now in the dark he was unable to see Shen Miao’s expression but now to think about it, after leaving there, Shen Miao’s voice was calm and her attitude was unhurried as if the person who was with him listening to the affairs of the bed chambers was someone else. He almost started to doubt if this girl was a monster.

“Are you a woman or not?” Xie Jing Xing said as he folded his arms.

A normal female would be shy and embarrassed and would not mention the mater at all but she did not react then and afterwards even bring it up without knowing any shame. Even if she was the daughter of the formidable General, this was just too unusual.

Shen Miao did not speak.

Xie Jing Xing nodded his head, “Almost forgot that you are naturally not a woman. You are just a little girl.”

Even though Shen Miao’s conduct was matured but with her looks, she could act artfully to get what she wanted. Especially her fair egg-shaped face with the baby fats that had yet faded, when she did not speak, she look younger than her age. Xie Jing Xing said in his heart, probably she was too young and did not know the situation of the affairs of the bed chambers, that’s why she had a calm attitude.

The more he thought the more he felt that it was the reason. Xie Jing Xing walked over and looked condescending at Shen Miao, “Just now I did not hold you accountable for that aphrodisiac incense that almost tripped me.” He held Shen Miao face tightly and pinched twice, “What do you say to that?”

Shen Miao blanked out for a moment as she did not expect that Xie Jing Xing would suddenly do that and the other person seemed to feel that it was rather fun like this and pinch another two times but it was not done lightly but forcefully without caring if she was the fairer gender. As it she was really a little girl that was ignorant of the worldly affairs.

“Impudent!” She subconsciously scolded softly.

When the words were out, both of them froze.

In the lamp’s light, the youth’s handsome face stiffened and the pair of sharp dark eyes instantly had a complex look. He retracted his hand and chuckled lightly, “This is the first time that someone said impudent to me.”

Shen Miao was somewhat angry at herself for that moment of gaffe. Xie Jing Xing this person would always do things outside expectations and just now in her urgency she brought out the attitude that she had as the Empress of the Inner Palace. This person was extremely smart and it would not be good to be discovered. But she did not know what to say so she could only stay silent.

Xie Jing Xing broke the silence and sat down on the chair facing Shen Miao before pouring a cup of tea for himself. Suddenly he thought of something and took a something that was wrapped in paper from his chest and it was some intricately designed pastry. It looked much more beautiful than the Guang Fu Zhai’s snacks in the capital.

Xie Jing Xing ate the pastries and drank the tea in big mouthfuls as he spoke, “Come out in a hurry that dinner was not taken. Ze. This tea is really difficult to drink.” Just as if he was like a picky noble youth.

“Xie Marquis is here to drink tea and eat snacks?” Shen Miao looked at him.

“Naturally not.” Xie Jing Xing suddenly smiled and picked up a snack to place it in Shen Miao’s mouth. His actions were too fast and before Shen Miao could react, her mouth already tasted the sweetness.

Xie Jing Xing rested his chin in his hands and looked at her. Even though he had a leisure attitude but his words were very sharp.

“Now answer my question since you have eaten my stuff.”

The light fragrance of the pastry spread out in her mouth and there was a touch of sweet and fruity flavour that left an aftertaste on one’s lips and mouth. Even Shen Miao, who don’t like to eat sweet stuff, could not help but felt that it was delicious.

“What is the relationship between Prince Yu and you?”

Shen Miao looked at him, “You might as well ask me why did I do this tonight.”

“I would wash one’s ears and listen with great respect if you are willing to say.”

“Insult a person and one will humiliate back. A tooth for a tooth, an eye for an eye.”

Xie Jing Xing’s eyes changed a few times before his lips smiled and he spoke in an inexplicable manner, “You are indeed ruthless to pile your older sister with Prince Yu that old dog.”

To call Prince Yu as an ‘old dog’ was only something Xie Jing Xing, that lawless person, would dare to say.

“When they sent me out, they have never thought that I was the younger sister.” Shen Miao oppose with equal harshness.

Her words were cold and did not conceal the disgust and disdain she had for those people. In the light, she had an indifferent expression but her pair of eyes seemed to have a fire burning in them.

“Really a girl without knowledge of the complexity of things.” Xie Jing Xing lazily stretched, “Prince Yu will not let you off after the matter.”

“And that depends if he has that ability to do so.” Shen Miao remained unswayed.

“To tell me so much…” Xie Jing Xine wondered and suddenly he leaned forward so much that he almost reach Shen Miao’s nose. Shen Miao could not help but be slightly surprised at the closeness. However as she did not want to be supressed by that imposing manner, she did not move and just sat tight.

The youth with such a handsome face had an evil smile on his face but his voice deliberately sounded frivolous as he whispered to her ears, “Not afraid of me telling others?”

“Little Marquis can do whatever one loves to do. Anyways, I am also very curious what kind of actions will the residence of the Marquis of Lin An take with regards to the eldest Di son coming to Wo Long Temple to relieve boredom in the middle of the night.”

Xie Jing Xing appeared tonight at this moment was by no means accidental. Moreover he brought a group of black clad people with extraordinary skills which made his identity more shocking. In this world, there were no such things as coincidences and Xie Jing Xing did not come here to see her, thus most likely he was coming out with some plans when they met.

The youth’s eyes was very pretty. It was a pair of beautiful peach eyes. When smiling, it would attract one’s minds but when they cook down, a dangerous cold light exudes from them.

For a moment, even Shen Miao was suppressed by that imposing manner. It’s not that she had never seen those coercive people. Qin country’s Imperial family, Ming Qi’s Imperial family and even those arrogant Xiong Nu. But in front of this person, it seemed to be more dangerous.

“Your guts are not small.” He smiled lightly.

“Likewise, likewise.”

Xie Jing Xing stood up and swept his eyes at her before saying lightly, “The matter with old dog, this Marquis have no interest at all. If you dare to reveal any bit of tonight’s matter, Shen family’s girl, murdering to silence someone was not a matter to be taken lightly.”

The words just landed and he opened the window to jump out and disappeared into the blanket of rain in the dark night.

The fine drizzle float in following the opening of the windows and landed on Shen Miao’s cheeks. The coldness climbed up her cheeks and the wind blew onto her face and making her mind much sober as Shen Miao gave a sigh of relief.

Dealing with Xie Jing Xing was as if one was walking on a rope. To be unfathomable at just a young age that every sentence seemed unintentional but was used to test at every turn. This kind of dangerous feeling made her uneasy. Even though she had never treated the residence of the Marquis of Lin An as the enemy of the Shen family, the relationship between two residence was clear and Xie Jing Xing naturally would not cause an obstruction.

The encounter tonight was most likely because Xie Jing Xing was here to do something. As compared to the frivolous joking little Xie Marquis, he was very much different. The him under the raining night was as if it was a different person. At first he only knew that Xie Jing Xing had some skills but now upon consideration, the secret with the residence of the Marquis of Lin An was not that simple.

Her eyes landed on the table at the snacks that Xie Jing Xing did not finish. If not for these, everything was as traceless as a dream. But now was not a time to think about such stuff. To her, Xie Jing Xing was not very important. Tomorrow… Everything had to be dealt with tomorrow.

At the back of the mountain the rain had covered the entire mountain but under the tree stood an entire line of people.

Lead by a slender youth, the rain landed on his clothes and made his hair wait but he stood there as still as a status and look at the mountain with deep thoughts.

After a moment in a place somewhere below the mountain there was an abrupt small bloom of fireworks. It was said to be fireworks but it was more like a small flare that disappeared very fast and in the short moment it scattered around.

The youth turned around and one was unable to hear the waves in the tone, “The matter is completed.”

“Young Master is injured.” The middle-aged man beside frowned.

He lowered his head and looked at the fresh knife wounds on his arms. Just now the incense was targeted for males and once inhaled one would lose all rational thought and become crazy. It was not that effective to females, thus that girl escaped. Even though his rationality exceeds normal range but he was not a saint and fearing that an accident would arise, he could only use this method to keep himself awake.

“Talk after returning.”

“Young Master.” The middle-aged man had some hesitation as he continued speaking, “That Young Lady from the Shen family had seen…”

“Tie Yu, I do not need to take any actions against a little girl.” The youth’s beautiful peach eyes flashed and his voice tone got cold.

That person seemed to fear him and after some thinking he still mustered his courage and said, “But the Shen family would perhaps know…”

“The Shen family do not know.” The youth coldly said, “The Shen family are all stupid and it is with difficulty there is a smart one.” As if he had thought about thing, he smiled, “What a pity.”

The middle-aged man moved his lips but he finally did not speak.

“Leave.”

Almost the same time at the Northern pavilion.

At the adjacent of the house, Ren Wan Yun sat in front of the table. She only lit a small lamp and the flame was clearly fluttering like her heart.

Xiang Lan said, “Furen, it is already the third of the five night watch periods (modern timing: 11pm – 1am), do rest.”

Ren Wan Yun shook her head and her face revealed some irritation, “Can’t sleep.” She did not know what but her heard felt some uneasiness and she did not know where did it come from. Moreover Gui Momo had already said that everything went smoothly.

Furthermore she herself left the courtyard and could hear the noise coming out from the innermost room. In the raining night, one could roughly hear things but could hear the female struggles and crying voice. Even though it was not very clear, the mournful and tragic sounds were very clear. Ren Wan Yun blushed and her heartbeat increased but she could not help but be frightened. The rumours of the many methods Prince Yu playing with females was plentiful and apparently it seems that it was true. It would be assumed that Shen Miao must have gone through some torture. Even though there was some fear in her heart, but in the fear, happiness bloomed out.

In the three Shen households, Shen Miao relied on Shen Xin and thus no matter what happen outside, one would first look at Shen Miao. Shen Yue was a well-known talent in the capital and only Shen Qing was slightly mediocre. But she still had a son and Shen Qiu followed Shen Xin, thus naturally will inevitably compete with Shen Yuan Bo for the family property. However wasn’t Shen Miao still being played with? And after her Eldest Sao, that had eyes on top, knew that her daughter had committed such a filthy scandal, would she still protect Shen Miao? Or would she give Shen Miao a piece of white silk?

With such a though, Ren Wan Yun’s frenetic mind calmed down a little. She looked at the skies, “I will just a little while.”

Xiang Lan and Cai Ju saw that she finally willing to rest and could not help but feel happy. They quickly supported Ren Wan Yun to lay on the bed before saying, “Furen must rest as there are more excitement tomorrow.”

“Indeed.” Ren Wan Yun murmured, “There are more excitement tomorrow.” After all that exciting act tomorrow had to wait for her to personally bring to an end.

Chapter 63: Night Encounter with Little Xie Marquis (Part 3)

This rain kept falling for the entire night.

In the quiet forest, the rain finally rest, everything was withered but it was cooler after the autumn rain. The air was filled with a moist aroma and early in the morning the monks in the temple started to ring the bell.

The dull sounds of the bell awaken the person who was sound asleep. Ren Wan Yun opened her eyes. She could not sleep peacefully the entire night as she kept having nightmares and finally fell asleep near dawn. When she woke up, her forehead was filled with sweat.

“Furen is awake.” Xiang Lan went up, “To wipe one’s face.”

After Ren Wan Yun washed up, she took a look outside. The peace was restored after the rain and the birds were cheerfully singing away.

She smiled, “Change to a set of brighter clothing. And also take out that ruby inlaid turquoise flower.”

Currently she was at her middle age and had long accustomed to wear dark clothes and it was rare that she would personally chose brighter clothes to wear. Cai Ju smiled, “Furen mood is indeed good and to wear such a bright colour, one’s spirits will be much higher.”

Ren Wan Yun looked at the mirror and smiled in satisfaction. Naturally she felt good. It could be said that she was in a cheerful mood and high spirits.

When everything was ready, she said, “Let us go. It is time to call my ‘tired’ niece out to eat.”

The Northern pavilion was the deepest and was so quiet that there was not a single maid. When Ren Wan Yun saw it, her gaze was filled with satisfaction. It was assumed that Prince Yu had handled matters very well that the maids were sent away.

If it was not that she was afraid the incident would be looked into, she could not wait to declare to the world immediately of what had happened inside. Because of the consequences, she could only suppress herself.

“Go and knock the door.” She said to Xiang Lan and a glimpse of revulsion flashed across her eyes.

She also looked down on females who had soiled their bodies but she had forgotten who was the one who initiated the plan to turn Shen Miao to that.

“Fifth Young Lady,” Xiang Lan walked to the door and knocked, “Second Furen is here.”

There was no movement inside, as if there was no one at all.

“Fifth Young Lady, Second Furen is here.” Xiang Lan continued saying.

But after knocking for a long time, they did not hear anyone answering.

Ren Wan Yun sighed and smiled, “This Fifth Lady is really a child at heart. The skies are already bright but she is still lazing around. It would not be good to delay the timing of the prayers. Let me do it then.”

She then walked to the front of the door and gently knocked before softly speaking, “Fifth lady, it is time to wake up and have a meal. After the meal we still need to pray. One must not be wilful.”

No one inside answered her words.

Ren Wan Yun turned over and was somewhat helpless. She did not know how to explain to herself or others and softly said, “Forget it. Just directly push the door open and enter. Fifth Lady’s maids are also not matured enough. Upon return, one must be sure to punish them.” As she spoke, she wanted to push the door open and enter.

“Second Shen.” A fluttering light voice sounded in the silence. Ren Wan Yun was surprised and thought that the voice came from the inside of the room but heard Xiang Lan and Cai Ju speaking, “Fifth Young Lady. Second Young Lady.”

She then turned around in surprise, she saw Shen Yue standing together with Shen Miao.

Today Shen Miao wore an all-white silk dress and covered with a white peony designed cloak. At first glance, it was as if she was showing filial piety. After getting used to seeing Shen Miao wearing bright red and green and wearing rustic clothes, this plain attire was simply elegant. Coupled with her slightly cold expression, it had a somewhat moving feeling.

There was a flash of jealousy in Shen Yue’s eyes. She did not know when this idiotic Tangmei’s appearance had improved. But did not think that the original Shen Miao’s looks were actually not bad. It was only because she was deliberately dressed with a vulgar appearance. Now that her temperament has changed and coupled with her appearance, it was naturally not the same as before.

Ren Wan Yun was also dazzled by Shen Miao’s dressing. She frowned as she said, “Why is Fifth Lady dress so inauspiciously? This white and plain, if one did not know better one would think that there is bereavement in our family.”

“Second Shen however wore very brightly.” Shen Miao said with a smile.

Ren Wan Yun looked at her own clothes and suddenly remembered something before carefully sizing Shen Miao. She did not know how Shen Miao came back from outside and still had a look of calm. But she could bluff the others but not her on the happenings of yesterday night. She had the intention to confirm it so she walked up to Shen Miao and pulled Shen Miao’s arms as she asked caringly, “Did Fifth Lady slept well last night?”

“Thanking Second Shen’s attention. The sleep was not bad.” Shen Miao smiled.

Ren Wan Yun carefully observed Shen Miao’s expression and saw that her gestures were not fake before alarms rang in her heart. Since when did this Shen Miao became this capable without anyone knowing? When normal females meet with such matter, would not they lament to Heavens and knock their heads on the earth? How could she be this calm? Could it be possible that it was an act? She clearly heard the miserable cries last night.

Looking at Shen Miao’s pair of clear eyes, a sense of anxiety suddenly rose from Ren Wan Yun’s heart and this anxiety made her confused. She smiled as she went forward to Shen Miao and said, “I will be at ease since Fifth Lady slept well.

After the first glance she discovered that Shen Miao’s neck was as fair as jade. She was born with a fair complexion and at this moment it was as if it was a jade, without a single flaw, not to mention any injuries.

This was not possible. The means of how Prince Yu played with women had always been brutal, how could there not be a trace of it on Shen Miao?

Shen Yue looked at Shen Miao then looked at Ren Wan Yun. She felt that something most likely had happened but she did not know what went on.

Ren Wan Yun’s uneasiness grew bigger and bigger. She grabbed Shen Miao’s hands and pulled as she was speaking like usual, “The weather is really cold, is not Fifth Lady not cold from this thin attire?” As she spoke, Ren Wan Yun suddenly pulled Shen Miao’s sleeves up. When the white sleeves was suddenly pulled up, it revealed a fair wrist.

Her arms were fair and clean as if it was a high grade mutton jade, without a single flaw. Ren Wan Yun stood blankly on the spot as Shen Miao pull her arm back and smiled, “Second Shen seemed to be checking on something.”

“No…” Ren Wan Yun forced a smile, “Just now… My hands slipped.” Her heart was somewhat in a trance and did not know what expression to show. How could there not be an injury on Shen Miao’s body? She was also someone who went through it, not to talk about Prince Yu type of person, even it was a normal male, and there would also be some marks that would be left on the female’s body. Could it be that Prince Yu did not do it superficially? But Shen Miao’s current expression was not like someone who had suffered many blows.

But Shen Miao maintained the appearance as though nothing had happened. How to bring the matter out to the open?

Her eyes swept around the surrounding and only saw Shen Yue’s Huang Ying and Qing Luan but did not see Shen Miao’s Jing Zhe and Gu Yu. Her eyes turned and she said, “Where did the two maids beside Fifth Lady had gone to? Disappear so early in the morning.”

“I have let them go bring some porridge over this morning. Woke up early this morning and felt some discomfort at my throat.”

“The kitchens are far away from here.” Ren Wan Yun smiled, “This child, just say directly would do. But is not the kitchens at the Southern pavilion?”

“Yes.” Shen Miao looked at her, “I came over from the Southern pavilion.”

“What nonsense are you saying to Second Shen.” Ren Wan Yun smiled, “Did you not stayed at Northern pavilion last night?”

Her words hardly landed when she saw a smile bursting on Shen Miao’s face. After she woke up from the fall into the water, her expression was very cold and most of the time it would be a slight smile but the smile now seemed to be from her heart which was very brilliant but she did not know why it made others feel cold.

Ren Wan Yun’s heart sank down like lead sinking down.

“Furen, it is bad, Young Lady disappeared!” With the panicked shouts from the female, everyone’s eyes landed on the two maid’s anxious expressions. It was not someone else but Shen Qing’s Yan Mei and Shui Bi.

“What did you say!” Ren Wan Yun suddenly screamed.

Shen Yue was slightly surprised for a moment. Shen Qing actually disappeared? She sneaked a look at Shen Miao and the latter expression was levelled and calm as if what was heard was only greeting words.

“How can Qing-er disappear?” Ren Wan Yun grabbed Yan Mei’s collar as she looked viciously at her like a mother beast.

“Oh, this I know.” Shen Miao suddenly spoke.

Everyone’s eyes landed on her.

In a blanket of silence, Shen Miao lightly smiled, “I just came over from the Southern pavilion. Why so? It was naturally because I was resting in the Southern pavilion.”

“Yesterday night, I really could not sleep so I went to look for Eldest Sister, hopping to be able to exchange the room with her. Eldest Sister agreed, most likely she felt that she would have a peace of mind with Second Shen by the next door. This morning upon leaving the room, this one met Second Older Sister and came over with her. Thought of coming over to thank Eldest sister as she was so considerate with me in exchanging rooms.”

With every word she said, Ren Wan Yun’s heart sank a little. Towards the end, the desperation was too overwhelming and her cheeks were slightly trembling as her eyes turn red as if she was a manic animal.

Seeing Ren Wan Yun like so, Shen Yue was somewhat afraid. She most probably had guessed that a major event had occurred but seeing the Second household that had always opposed her mother landed in such a situation, naturally she was gloating and followed Shen Miao words, “Yes. Early this morning, it was I who saw Fifth Younger Sister walking out from the room next door and at that moment came over to have the meal with Younger Sister.

Shen Miao’s voice was as light as a feather but was like a heavy mallet hammering into Ren Wan Yun’s heart, hurting it so badly that she almost spit out blood.

“The person who rested here last night was not me. It was Eldest Sister.”

Ren Wan Yun clutched her heart and took two steps back. She looked like she almost fainted onto the ground.

The person who was resting here last night was not Shen Miao, but was Shen Qing!

So that meant that the woman that Prince Yu was playing with, was her Qing-er! Those miserable and mournful cries were all from her Qing-er! She was just next door and was only separated by a wall with her daughter, but her daughter was insulted! This… How could she be able to accept it! This entire thing must be false! This was not possible!

Ren Wan Yun’s heart was almost minced as she looked at that closed door. In a split moment, she did not have the courage to open it. She dare not think and see what kind of tragedy it would be inside.

Feeling the skies and earth were spinning, she still remembered not to let Shen Yue and Shen Miao see what was inside as if it was spread out, if it was spread out… She could barely force out a smile that looked uglier than crying, “You all head back first, I just asked and Qing-er was still sleeping. Lets’ not wait for her.”

Shen Miao smiled, “Second Shen really know how to joke. Just now you do not even know Eldest Sister was resting inside and now you said that you have spoken to Eldest Sister. Could it be that Eldest Sister is hiding something privately?”

“No!” Ren Wan Yun flatly denied it and when these action fall into Shen Yue’s eyes, she felt more odd. Shen Miao’s eyes moved but shouted at an approaching figure, “Gui Momo! Need to trouble you to help Second Shen to open this door.”

Gui Momo bend her back as she walked over. Today she was also told to come over early and was not clear to the scene that was in front of her. Hearing Shen Miao speaking like that, she thought that Shen Miao had already spoken to Ren Wan Yun and also felt somewhat guilty in her heart. Gui Momo did not see Ren Wan Yun’s facial expression and did not see that it was at the moment was like the colour of soil.

Because Gui Momo was nearer to that door, Ren Wan Yun was unable to block it. They heard a ‘zhi ya’ sound as the door was slowly pushed open.

Every single thing was almost silent.

An intriguing smell quickly spread from the door.