Chapter 28: Abandoning the Pawn to Save the King

The steward looked at Shen Zhifeng, trembling, and finally tears of regret streamed down his face. Shen Zhifeng’s words made it clear: he wanted the steward to take the blame and hide the truth. Otherwise, his wife and children might be in danger.

He had been a good steward, the shop’s business was thriving, his monthly wages were satisfactory, and his family’s expenses were well covered. Now, he was to become a prisoner. All the silver had been given by the Marquis to Yue Niang for her and her daughter’s indulgences, and the profits from the shop also went to Yue Niang.

He felt resentful, but what could he do? He uttered not a word in defense and was dragged away, limp and powerless, by two officers.

“All right, everyone, disperse now. Don’t crowd here,” the officer said as he walked.

With the excitement over, the crowd gradually scattered in small groups, discussing the day’s events as they went.

“Qingyun, come home with me. As a proper lady, you should stay in the Marquis's residence, not run about showing yourself in public as if this were the countryside. If Mr. Xu cannot teach you properly, I’ll find you another tutor so you can learn the rules of women’s conduct! Once home, mind your words and actions. Never bring up today’s events again. You wouldn’t want your mother to worry about you every day, would you? Do you understand what I’m saying?” Shen Zhifeng’s words were harsh, but his intent was clear: he did not want Shen Qingyun to tell Han about what had happened here.

Filial piety was paramount; Shen Qingyun would never foolishly contradict her father in public. She obediently replied, “Yes, Father.”

Shen Zhifeng nodded with satisfaction, feeling his dignity as a father was restored, and prepared to return home.

Shen Qingyun, however, walked over to Yue Niang with a radiant smile. “Madam, I was indeed reckless today. Now that everything is clear, and since you are my father’s late friend’s wife, why not come to the Marquis’s residence as my guest? It would allow me to express my apologies.”

Shen Zhifeng frowned. “Qingyun, don’t be mischievous. Everyone is tired after today’s commotion. Come home with me now, and tomorrow we’ll bring gifts to apologize.”

Yue Niang’s eyes flickered. She longed to visit the Marquis’s residence, but seeing Shen Zhifeng’s expression, she knew she could not push her luck and replied, “Second Miss Shen, since it was a misunderstanding, I won’t hold a grudge. I am indeed tired; let’s arrange another day. You should return with your father now.”

The maid, Ling’er, was now cowering, doing her best to make herself invisible.

“What day shall we choose? There’s no time like the present—why not tomorrow?” Shen Qingyun persisted. “Besides, Father often teaches us that we must act with courtesy. If Madam refuses, I will feel unbearably guilty. What do you think?”

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Yue Niang looked at Shen Zhifeng in distress. Shen Zhifeng discreetly shook his head, but with the conversation at this point, Yue Niang could hardly refuse.

Most importantly, she herself wanted to see the Marquis’s residence, to see what Han was like now. A woman without her husband’s favor, managing the whole household—she must be a weary, sallow woman. Compared to her, Yue Niang would surely feel superior.

“Very well. Since Second Miss Shen insists, I shall pay a visit tomorrow,” Yue Niang replied.

Shen Zhifeng’s eyes widened, but Yue Niang avoided his gaze.

Shen Qingyun smiled, “Then I’ll await your arrival tomorrow.”

With that, she led Pearl and the guards, following Shen Zhifeng home.

Upon arrival, they were immediately summoned to the Hall of Pine Extension by the old lady’s attendants.

“Shen Qingyun, kneel! Who gave you such audacity—to run off and nearly get into trouble with the authorities? Country-bred and uncultured, you’ve embarrassed the Marquis’s residence!” The old lady struck the floor hard with her cane, visibly enraged.

Clearly, someone had already reported the incident to the household.

Shen Sisi stifled her laughter, feigning concern. “Sister, how could you behave so improperly? I hear you often go out wandering. If you encounter ill-intentioned people, what then? You’d worry the family to death.”

The old lady snorted, “Learn from your sister! That’s what a proper lady should be. From today, you are confined and must copy the Rules of Women and the Female Commandments two hundred times and hand them to me!”

“I sent Qingyun to check things for me,” Han arrived just in time, her eyes full of pain at seeing Shen Qingyun kneeling.

“Today, Qingyun discovered the steward had falsified accounts and embezzled money. I have already reported it to the authorities. Not only did Qingyun do no wrong, she performed a great service. I shall reward her properly, so there’s no need for the old lady to worry,” she said, helping Shen Qingyun to her feet.

Han had always been obedient and gentle; it was the first time she had opposed the old lady so directly, leaving the latter momentarily speechless.

Shen Zhifeng slammed his hand on the table, “Han Rou, how can you speak to Mother like that!”

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Han turned to Shen Zhifeng, her eyes blazing. “I haven’t yet asked you—what’s the story with the woman from the jewelry shop?”

She had heard rumors and vaguely suspected the truth, but could hardly believe it. Her eyes were already red.

Shen Zhifeng suddenly lost his confidence, then became angry. “After decades of marriage, do you still not trust my character and sincerity? Han Rou, you truly disappoint me.”

“Master, I...” Han was stunned by his outburst, momentarily at a loss.

Shen Qingyun felt only irony in her heart. Shen Zhifeng was merely enraged and trying to shift blame, just as Jiang Lin had done in her previous life: when there was no clear evidence, he would blame the woman for his own faults.

But outwardly, she remained serene. “Mother, perhaps you misunderstood. That woman is called Yue Niang, the wife of Father’s late friend. I have invited her to the residence tomorrow for a small gathering.”

“Ah, Qingyun—is that so?” Han blinked, confused.

“Yes, Mother. Tomorrow we’ll entertain her properly together. That jewelry shop was established by Father and her husband. Today I made a fool of myself.”

As Shen Qingyun spoke with Han, the old lady and Shen Sisi were dumbfounded.

Both looked at Shen Zhifeng, whose expression was strange and gloomy. He merely nodded, left a curt, “Enough, I have official matters to attend to,” and turned away.

Shen Sisi trembled all over. Watching the half-smiling expression on Shen Qingyun’s face, she sensed a hidden mockery beneath that smile and dared not speak, clinging to the old lady.

Shen Qingyun had invited her mother to the Marquis’s residence as a guest—what was she planning? Did she really know nothing at all?

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