Chapter 16: Luring the Snake from Its Lair

When she returned to the estate, Hongyu was assigned to Shen Sisi, filling the gap left by a maid who had been sold off by Lady Han after the last incident. Shen Sisi was furious, hurling her cup at Hongyu. “What’s wrong with you? You can’t even handle a simple task, and now you’re involved with Brother Lin—how could Lady Han allow you into my courtyard if she found out about this?”

Hongyu cowered on the floor, anger simmering beneath her fear. “Miss, it’s my fault, but the lady hasn’t discovered anything. It was Second Miss who pitied me and arranged for me to come to your courtyard, so I could follow you to Marquis Jiang’s residence when you marry.”

Her excitement was barely concealed as she bowed her head even lower, afraid Shen Sisi might notice something amiss.

“What! Wonderful, truly wonderful!” Shen Sisi drew a deep breath, sinking onto the beauty couch, her gaze sharp and venomous.

What did this mean? She wasn’t even married to Jiang Lin yet, and her chief maid was already destined to become his concubine. No, she would never allow such a thing; she refused to marry Jiang Lin.

Staring at Hongyu kneeling on the floor, Shen Sisi kicked her aside in anger, then signaled to another maid. “Come, Zijuan, follow me to the study to find Father.”

Hongyu felt a sharp pain as her back struck the floor. Only after Shen Sisi had left did she slowly pick herself up, brimming with defiance. After all, the chief maid of the young lady was always meant for the future husband. Now that she was at least Jiang Lin’s person, Hongyu resolved that once she gained favor, things would change.

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Shen Qingyun was aware of the commotion on Shen Sisi’s side; this was precisely the scene she had hoped for. In her previous life, Hongyu had aided Shen Sisi in humiliating her, but now the two shared a husband—a spectacle of dog-eat-dog that promised much entertainment.

At present, Shen Qingyun sat in the Warm Jade Pavilion, sipping tea, her thoughts drifting. She spoke softly, “Mother, this tea is exquisite. Its color is emerald, its taste refined, and its aftertaste lingers. Is it Biluochun?”

Lady Han smiled tenderly. “It’s newly harvested after the spring equinox. If you like it, I’ll send a packet to the Reed Pavilion later. It was Master Xu who taught you, and you put your learning to good use.”

“Master Xu’s instruction is thorough; I’ve benefited greatly, though there’s still much to learn.” Shen Qingyun glanced at the silent, reserved Fu’an nearby. “This tea—was it brewed by you, Sister Fu’an?”

Surprised to hear her name, Fu’an paused before answering quietly, “Yes, Miss, I brewed it.”

She then stood obediently aside, appearing somewhat wooden.

Shen Qingyun’s interest was piqued. She regarded Fu’an carefully, “Sister Fu’an, how old are you this year?”

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“Miss, I am nineteen this year.”

“Nineteen.” Shen Qingyun considered this, then asked Lady Han, “Mother, if Sister Fu’an were to marry, who would make such delicious tea for us?”

Lady Han tapped Shen Qingyun’s nose playfully. “You’re still so young, yet you worry about Fu’an marrying. How shameless.”

Fu’an seemed startled, quickly kneeling and trembling. “Miss, Madam, I do not wish to marry; I only want to stay by your side, Madam.”

Shen Qingyun’s eyes flickered with a dark light, but she said nothing. By common standards, nineteen was already grown, and ordinary families would want their daughters wed.

Lady Han laughed heartily. “Fu’an, it’s my oversight not to notice you’re nineteen already. If you truly wish it, I’ll prepare two boxes of dowry for your marriage, so you’ll have a grand wedding.”

Such favor from the mistress was a mark of affection and meant dignity at marriage.

Yet Fu’an’s face was pale, showing not a hint of joy. “Madam, I have no other intentions for now; I only want to serve you and Miss well.”

Lady Han assumed it was shyness about marriage and instructed the matron to look out for suitable young men, as she was fond of this diligent, dutiful maid.

Unexpectedly, the matron indeed had several recommendations. Lady Han discussed them eagerly, occasionally asking Fu’an’s opinion, genuinely interested in finding her a good match.

Shen Qingyun watched Fu’an, her gaze deep. “Sister Fu’an, Mother truly values you.”

“I am not worthy, Miss.” Seeing Shen Qingyun’s sweet smile, Fu’an’s eyes were like the depths of a lake, sending a shiver through her heart as she lowered her head.

Shen Qingyun said nothing more, but accompanied Lady Han in some idle conversation before leaving the Warm Jade Pavilion.

Back in the Reed Pavilion, she summoned Pearl and instructed her to secretly watch Fu’an’s movements in the Warm Jade Pavilion that night. Pearl was just a small maid in the Reed Pavilion, diminutive and agile, inconspicuous and unlikely to be noticed.

Though Pearl didn’t understand her mistress’s purpose, she nodded earnestly.

Whatever Miss commanded, she would do her best.

Shen Qingyun felt pity for Pearl’s sincere yet clumsy demeanor. She was unsure if today’s probing had unsettled Fu’an, possibly leading to unusual actions, and it was Pearl who would suffer by keeping watch. She sighed at how few useful people she had and resolved to find some skilled in martial arts in the future.

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As night deepened, silence enveloped the entire Duke’s estate. Lady Han, frail of health, had extinguished her lamp and retired early.

Yet a shadow slipped quietly from the Warm Jade Pavilion, heading toward the secluded East Courtyard.

Judging by the figure, it was Fu’an! Pearl’s heart raced and she hurriedly followed, inwardly marveling at her mistress’s foresight.

Trailing her to the East Courtyard, Pearl saw that the usually vacant house was lit by a small candle.

Fu’an knocked, three long and two short taps, and soon the door was opened from within. The light inside was dim, making it hard to see clearly. Pearl dared not get too close, hiding nearby and craning her neck for a better look.

The person inside stepped out, and Pearl finally saw—it was the Duke himself. She shrank back in shock, covering her mouth, and slipped away through the darkness back to the Reed Pavilion.

Shen Qingyun was awake, listening as Pearl recounted what she had witnessed, sitting quietly on the beauty couch.

The flickering candlelight illuminated Shen Qingyun’s exquisite profile, her long lashes casting shadows over her eyes, shrouding her in a faint sadness.

Yet within, she burned with restless fury, unable to calm herself for a long time.

So it was Shen Zhifeng behind Fu’an after all!

No wonder, in her previous life after her mother’s illness, she had glimpsed Fu’an and Shen Zhifeng together; she hadn’t thought much of it then, but now everything made sense.

So the medicine must have come from Shen Zhifeng as well.

A woman’s reputation is as precious as the sky, and he had used such vile means against her, all to pave the way for his other illegitimate daughter.

Shen Zhifeng! Truly unworthy of being a father!

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