Chapter 17: Schemes and Plans

In her previous life, Shen Qingyun had always wanted to ask him: why, when the children were both his, did he not show her even a shred of compassion? She, too, had once longed for her father’s genuine affection.

Yes, her previous life.

A sharp pain suddenly stabbed through Shen Qingyun’s heart, as though a blade had been plunged deep within and twisted cruelly.

She could have had the chance to live a good life in her past life.

At that time, seeing Jiang Lin so wholly devoted to Shen Sisi, and feeling herself unworthy, lacking in both talent and virtue, she had suggested that Shen Sisi and Jiang Lin fulfill the marriage contract, while she would quietly seek someone ordinary, hoping only for mutual happiness.

But it was Shen Zhifeng who had persuaded her otherwise, assuring her that Sisi and Jiang Lin were nothing more than childhood companions, that a man’s heart would change after marriage.

Despite his words, she had remained hesitant.

Later, she was drugged. Though Jiang Lin had not touched her, many people had seen her in disarray, clinging to him; thus, matters between her and Jiang Lin were settled once and for all.

Because of this, she was always wracked with guilt toward Jiang Lin. He often berated her for shamelessness, blaming her for dragging him down. She endured it all, hoping that one day Jiang Lin might come to understand her sincerity.

In the end, her devotion was wasted—fed to the dogs.

She had thought it was Shen Sisi alone who had orchestrated her downfall, but in truth, Shen Zhifeng had been complicit from the very beginning.

How deeply human hearts could be biased.

Since she had suffered at their hands for two lifetimes, with new and old grudges entwined, how could she not repay them in kind? She would make Shen Zhifeng answer for all he had done.

But before that, she needed to strengthen her own forces.

The next morning, Shen Qingyun studied as usual with Master Xu. In the afternoon, she asked Lady Han for permission to go out and clear her mind.

Given all the recent distress, Lady Han did not want Shen Qingyun to brood and become ill, so she agreed, only reminding her to take several guards along.

“Mother, you’re always the one who loves me most. I’ll be off then,” Shen Qingyun said as she turned to leave, taking Pearl with her. Lady Han smiled in exasperation and went back to her needlework; she was embroidering a robe for Shen Zhifeng.

Shen Qingyun knew there was a brokerage behind West Street. When she arrived, she instructed the guards to wait outside a tailoring shop, then slipped away with Pearl through a back alley.

“Miss, where are we going? This doesn’t seem safe,” Pearl frowned anxiously.

“Pearl, just think—this time we were lucky, but what if we encounter danger again? We’re here to see if we can buy someone skilled in martial arts, someone clever to help us. This must remain between us,” Shen Qingyun explained with a gentle smile.

Pearl recalled the dangers at the temple and the hypocrisy of the Duke, and nodded solemnly. Since her mistress trusted her, she would keep this secret no matter what.

Shen Qingyun didn’t know exactly where the brokerage was, so she asked a few honest-looking women along the way. After winding through two alleys, she finally found the entrance.

Though veiled, her fine clothing, jewelry, and bearing clearly marked her as a young lady of wealth. A broker immediately came forward to greet her, “Miss, are you looking to buy a maid?”

“No, I’m seeking someone with some martial skill, clever and able to handle tasks,” Shen Qingyun replied coolly.

Her words were discreet, but the broker was experienced; he understood at once that she was looking for someone for covert work. In great houses, such things were not rare—those with money and power often kept secret guards. Still, it was unusual for a lady to come purchase one herself.

“Miss, what a coincidence! We do have just the kind you’re looking for. Please, take your time to choose. Only, the price may be…” The broker grinned slyly, gesturing with his fingers and flashing yellowed teeth.

Pearl was both disgusted and afraid, watching him closely, ready to pull her mistress away at any sign of trouble. But Shen Qingyun’s expression did not waver. “Show me. If they suit, money is no issue.”

Lady Han doted on Shen Qingyun, always ensuring she had plenty of silver when she went out, and often giving her extra private allowance. So Shen Qingyun was never short of funds.

“Very well, Miss, please come this way!” The broker beamed, his eyes nearly disappearing in his smile. He gave orders to someone nearby, then led Shen Qingyun into an inner courtyard, seating her at a chair as someone quickly served tea.

Shortly after, the broker returned with a group of young men. Their heights varied, but all looked sallow and thin, their clothes patched and torn. Clearly, this brokerage was harsh—punishments were likely common.

Shen Qingyun frowned as she looked them over. “Is this all? They hardly seem capable. I think I’ll try elsewhere.”

“Wait, Miss, don’t be hasty!” Seeing his big client about to leave, the broker hurried to stop her. “Tell me your specific requirements—I’ll make sure you find someone satisfactory.”

“I want someone who knows martial arts.”

A young fellow beside them whispered to the broker, “What about the one from a few days ago? He seems pretty capable.”

“That brat is fierce,” the broker muttered. But if he could palm off that troublemaker on this lady, so much the better—she probably wouldn’t be back anyway. He nodded.

“Miss, please wait. I have just the one. Would you like to take a look?” With that, he motioned for Shen Qingyun to follow.

She was already losing patience, for the place seemed unreliable, but decided to see for herself.

In a small woodshed, a boy of about fourteen or fifteen sat protectively beside another young man lying on the ground. The two shared similar features—likely brothers.

The one on the ground bore clear whip marks and a festering arrow wound on his chest. The boy sitting looked a little better, but his face was still deathly pale, with bloodstains on his clothes, clearly injured himself. His eyes held a wild, restrained fierceness, like a wounded, cornered leopard, guarding the man before him.

Had it not been for his vigilance, the one on the ground might have long since been left to die.

“What is the situation here?” Shen Qingyun signaled the broker to explain; she had no wish for unnecessary trouble.

The broker pursed his lips, not answering directly, instead fawning, “Miss, these two are both very capable fighters. My place is small and rough—if you don’t want that one, you can buy just this one.”

Shen Qingyun fell silent. The boy met her gaze and suddenly spoke, “If you buy me, you must take my brother too.”

Pearl, remembering her own situation not long ago, looked distressed but said nothing; she knew such people were rarely bought for households like theirs.

Shen Qingyun glanced at Pearl, then again at the boy lying on the ground. His dark eyes were wet with unshed tears. With a quiet sigh, she relented—she would count this as a good deed for the day.