n

n

nThe Shen family banquet was held two days later.

nThe banquet was suggested by Old Shen Furen herself, the previous annual family banquets were always single-handedly arranged by Ren Wan Yun, but this year it was handled by Chen Rou Qiu. Now that the management power of the Shen family landed onto Chen Rou Qiu’s hands, Old Shen Furen naturally felt that this was giving Chen Rou Qiu a big face but did not know that behind the glorious appearance, it made one miserable.

nIn Qiu Shui Yuan, Chen Rou Qiu was sitting in front of a table holding an accounting book in one hand and the other hand was awkwardly calculating on the abacus. The two maids standing behind spoke out, “Furen, you have been calculating for an entire afternoon, it is better to take a break.”

n“The money just cannot seem to tally.” Chen Rou Qiu shook her head in distress, “Tomorrow’s entire account to Liang has to come out from my own pocket.” As she spoke, a trace of anger appeared on her face.

nChen Rou Qiu had flaunted herself as a noble female from a scholarly family, and thus was proud and aloof and could not bear the smell of money. In the beginning when Old Shen Furen handled the household power to Ren Wan Yun, it was not that she was not jealous inside but she could not bring her face down to fight, thus at the end there was a knot of it in her heart. After so many years of troubles, she became the matriarch of the Shen family but it was only now she found out that this management power was not easy to grasp.

nRen Wan Yun was from a wealthy merchant family and normally when Old Shen Furen wanted to spend more money, Ren Wan Yun could subtract it from her own dowry since she did not lack money. But the Chen family were only civil officials, if one were to speak positively, it was that breeze flowed into their sleeves (aka unsoiled by corrupt practices) but if one were to speak negatively, it was that they were poor, thus how could they be able to fork out more money to make up for it. Chen Rou Qiu thought that by taking over the management power, she would be able to divert money to subsidize her family expenses. But now looking at the situation, Ren Wan Yun had been fishing a lot for so many years that the money in the accounting books did not tally at all. Now that the family banquet was approaching, there was not enough silver.

nIt was still alright previously as Shen Xin would receive a generous reward from the Palace every year. But now that Shen Xin and the Shen family relationship was in a deadlock, there was no opportunity for the public funds to subsidise, thus Chen Rou Qiu felt some headache.

n“Obviously knowing that there was not enough money in the public fund, Old Furen still want to hold the family banquet at this time. This is bullying Furen.” Chen Rou Qiu’s maid felt indignant for her.

n“Eldest Master also intend to do nothing to save one from ruin. Since Furen’s money is not enough, why not ask Master for some?” Hua Yi also said.

n“What nonsense are you saying.” Chen Rou Qiu said, “Master’s salary is not enough to bribe in the official circles, how can one ask him to fork out money?” She continued, “Let me think of what to do.” Shen Wan set his heart to climb up in his official career but Shen Gui was different. Shen Gui bit off more than one could chew and he did not have any ability thus could only fawn and curry favour to keep up appearances. Shen Wan was climbing up a step at a time and even though his steps were slower, he was much more practical than Shen Gui.

nChen Rou Qiu always knew that because she was unable to give birth to a son, the only thing she could rely in the Second household was Shen Wan’s love for her. Thus in order to control Shen Wan, she was gentle and soft but if she was unable to resolve the small amount of money in the household then would it not be troublesome for Shen Wan? With Shen Wan’s qualification, there were lots of female who were willing to enter the Second household so why would she put herself at a disadvantage.

n“Moreover, this little money will not be spent in vain.” Chen Rou Qiu’s eyes flashed, “If there are profits to be harvested than it is worth to spend.”

n“Furen’s intention is…”

nChen Rou Qiu smiled, “It is strange that Old TaiTai did not hold the family banquet earlier or later but at this time. Moreover, I had heard that in previous days that SuZhou Biao Young Lady likes to head to the Western courtyard…” Chen Rou Qiu’s eyes showed a trace of disgust as she spoke, “Old TaiTai’s action are really low level but… It is suitable. I also do not like Shen Qiu.”

nChen Rou Qiu did not like Shen Yuan and similarly did not like Shen Qiu. If one were to say that she was a bit fearful of Shen Yuan but about Shen Qiu, she really looked down upon him. She herself could not give birth to a son so she could not see other people’s son being outstanding. Towards Shen Qiu, Chen Rou Qiu only felt that he was a coarse person who only know about swords and knives, for what reason he could gain so much praises from so many people. People would want to destroy things that they were unable to gain, and she dare not take action on Shen Yuan as he had deep thoughts but Shen Qiu was straightforward and honest. Moreover he had not grown up in the inner courtyard so he was much easier to deal with. The most important thing was that she did not even need to do it herself, as this time the person who took action was Old Shen Furen and she only need to sit back and watch the show.

n“I will go back and write a few more invitations.” Chen Rou Qiu said, “Go and find people to send the invitations to the various Furens’ residences.” It would be even better when more people come to watch.

n*****

nTwo days later at the Shen residence’s family banquet.

nEver since Ren Wan Yun went crazy, those noble Furens had broken the exchanges with her. After all it was not a glorious thing for one to have a young lady who got pregnant before marriage. Even though one did not know what happened to Ren Wan Yun, when the tree topples the monkeys scatters so no one asked about Ren Wan Yun.

nAnd those Furens that originally had a good relationship with Ren Wan Yun gradually got closer with Chen Rou Qiu. Even though one could not keep dealing with Ren Wan Yun but the relationship with the Shen residence still had to be maintained. There was not only one Furen in the Shen residence, but as compared to the rough and always not in the Ding capital Luo Xue Yan, Chen Rou Qiu who was from a scholarly family and was much better to fawn over.

nYi Furen and Jiang Furen had long came over and Jiang Xiao Xuan and Yi Pei Lan pulled Shen Yue to speak, “One can only go back to Guang Wen Tang after the end of the year. It is really boring to be lock in the residence.”

nThey had totally forgotten about the death of Shen Qing as they chatted, and also forgotten that just not long ago they were good friends of Shen Qing. The friendship between the Ding capital noble females were that thin, as friendship could not be compared against benefits. Getting along with another was not just because of a person but the forces present behind the person.

nShen Yue also smiled at their response, as if the few of them had an understanding with the rest to invariably forget about Shen Qing’s matter. It was Bai Wei who looked at a distant figure and said, “Oh? Who is that? Is that the Biao Young Lady that you all were talking about?”

nShe pointed with her chin to the young female standing not far away, who was wearing a simple apricot coloured dress talking to a servant by her side.

n“That is Third Younger Sister, Shen Dong Ling.” Shen Yue said with a smile, “She is born from a YiNiang and previously was sick so she did not come out. It is natural for you all not to see her before.” She deliberately focused on the word ‘YiNiang’.

nHearing this, Jiang Xiao Xuan’s and the rest’s eyes suddenly filled with disdain. Yi Pei Lan said, “What sickness?, she still… She still came out. Those who are raised by a YiNiang all have hidden intentions. You must not be swindled by her.”

nShen Yue smiled, “Third Younger Sister does not really come out of the courtyard. Look at that, that is my Biao Older Sister.”

nAs Shen Yue was speaking, she saw Jing Chu Chu walking over. Most likely she did not see Shen Yue and the three of them so she did not come to greet. It was Bai Wei’s sharp eyes that asked in puzzlement, “Did not you mention that your that Biao Older Sister is from SuZhou? Why do I just see that her clothes and jewellery seemed to be very expensive? Look at the bracelet she is wearing, it is better than the one you are wearing.”

nBai Wen said it unintentionally but Shen Yue’s face paled and she barely forced a smile, “I also do not know. Most probably it was gifted by ZhuMu.”

n“What is there to see.” Jiang Xiao Xuan said, “Could it be that someone from SuZhou can be better compared to us, young ladies in the Ding capital? Jewellry and clothes are just a pretense but exposure and temperament are not. You see that delicate and timid look, how can this be shown in public?”

nShen Yue shook her head, “You should not say that of Biao Older Sister.”

n“You are just too kind.” Yi Pei Lan felt resentful of iron not becoming steel, “You get close with everyone. Even that idiot from your residence that you also defended previously. Now people has grown up and do not place any importance to you. Speaking of which, why have one not seen that idiot?”

nThe ‘idiot’ she was speaking about was naturally Shen Miao. After she had the dispute with Shen Miao in Guang Wen Tang, Yi Pei Lan has viewed Shen Miao as her number one enemy and could not wait to step on her.

nAnd the Shen Miao she was speaking about was at the moment in a room in the Western courtyard, drinking tea with Shen Qiu.

n“What is with ZhuMu?” Shen Qiu frowned as he spoke, “Why invite so many female guests over? No matter where one walk, there is so much twittering. So noisy.”

n“Most likely one had invited all Third Shen’s friends over.” Shen Miao poured some tea for Shen Qiu, “Perhaps they are here to admire your Deputy General’s elegant bearing.”

n“Younger Sister, spare me.” Shen Qiu waved his hands, “One is already tough to deal with, much less so many females. Even the battlefield is not this terrible.”

nShen Miao felt somewhat amused. The appearance of Shen Qiu seeing females like a fierce beast and severe floods was really funny but thinking about it, it was expected. Most females around Shen Qiu had ulterior motives and the Shen residence’s females were all not easy to deal with thus with his straightforward attitude, it was like a nest of demons.

n“How could it be that difficult?” Shen Miao tried to appease him, “In the future once you meet a young lady of your liking, you will not think that anymore.”

nShen Qiu did not speak and stared at her like he had seen a ghost. After a moment he then shook his head and said, “Younger Sister, the words you just said and that expression really look like Mother.”

nShen Miao, “…” Thinking about that, she felt that she really treated Shen Qiu like he was Fe Ming.

nJust as she was about to speak, suddenly there was some noise outside. She and Shen Qiu exchanged a look and both of them walked out and saw someone shouting at the courtyard door, “What is with you all? I am here to see Shen Miao, let me in!”

nShen Miao was startled, “Feng An Ning?”

nWhen that person heard Shen Miao’s voice, she waved her hands even though she was blocked by the guards, “It is me Shen Miao, quickly ask them to let go of me!”

n“Let her go.” Shen Miao said, “She is the Young Lady of the Feng family.”

nAfter Feng An Ning was released by the two guards, she then patted the dust on her clothes bad temperedly and said angrily, “What is the matter with you? Why is there so many guards in your own courtyard? I thought that you were in trouble and when coming in I was stopped by the people outside. Shen Miao, are you crazy?”

nIt was probably the first time Feng An Ning was stopped by someone and her bossy young lady attitude came out and she lashed out at Shen Miao. But coincidently she stepped onto Shen Qiu’s foot. Shen Qiu stood forward and said in a cold voice, “Who are you? To shout that loud in someone else’s house, do you know what is etiquette!”

nShen Miao, “…” For Shen Qiu to say one did not know any etiquette, it was really thought provoking.

nAfter being lectured, Feng An Ning wanted to refute when she looked up, but after seeing Shen Qiu she could not help but be slightly surprised for a moment. Shen Qiu had a handsome appearance and was different from the weak and delicate gentlemen of the Ding capital. Normally he had a smile on which made him look innocent but when his face was cold, he became the reputed Deputy General of the battlefield and had some predatory air.

nFeng An Ning immediately curbed her arrogance and softly asked, “Who are you?”

n“This is my Eldest Brother.” Shen Miao said.

nShen Qiu has a little reputation in the Ding capital. Southern Xie, Northern Xin. One would often compare the Little Marquis of the Xie family and the Deputy General of the Shen family, but it was a pity that Xie Jing Xing was not willing to enter officialdom else both of them would be the most outstanding Generals of this generation.

n“What are you here for?” Seeing that Feng An Ning was somewhat embarrassed, Shen Miao asked.

nOnce Feng An Ning heard this she complained, “I come to look for you to chat. You also know after those people from Guang Wen Tang knew that my relationship with you is not bad, they also excluded me. Who cares about that. So I came over to look for you.”

nAfter Shen Qiu heard this, his facial expression became a little at ease. She knew that Shen Miao was somewhat snubbed but unfortunately because he was not around most of the year, he could not always protect Shen Miao. Seeing that Shen Miao had a friend, even though she had an arrogant temperament and did not know about etiquette but… One made do with it.

nOf course he and Feng An Ning also did not know that the ‘not bad relationship’ was something that Feng An Ning felt herself, as Shen Miao really did not have the heart to make friends with others.

n“Since your friend came over, then you all should chat.” Shen Qiu softly coughed, “I will go out and speak to Father about some things.”

nShen Miao complied and after Shen Qiu walked away Feng An Ning then softly said, “Why is your Eldest so fierce and vicious? I was scared to death just now.”

nFierce and vicious… Shen Miao was too lazy to explain so she said, “Yes, he kills people like cutting beancurd.”

nFeng An Ning quickly patted her chest and said, “Fortunately I admitted my fault early and next time I would not dare to just rush in anymore.”

nWithout realizing, it was time for the Shen family banquet to start.

nMale and female guests were seated separately. The females were all sitting at the hall of Rong Jing Tang while the male guests were under the care of Shen Gui and Shen Wan. Since Shen Xin did not have much interest in the family banquet, he did not care to go around fawning in the official circles, so he just sat down to drink.

nThere were not many guests that came over and most of them were civil officials who had good relationship with Shen Gui and Shen Wan, and thus did not have anything to talk with Shen Xin. Thus when one looked over at the bustling table, it seemed like Shen Xin and Shen Qiu were deliberately neglected. Shen Qiu was not in the slightest unhappy as he was happy eating the food by himself. But it was Shen Yuan who portrayed a shadow of Shen Gui, with his smooth and slick appearance that made Shen Qiu somewhat lose his appetite.

nAt the other side on the female guests, the ones who were naturally neglected were Lou Xue Yan and Shen Miao. Since they were Chen Rou Qiu’s friends, naturally they would give her face. Even though they could not ridicule Shen Miao in front of Luo Xue Yan, they could treat her coldly. Those young ladies and Furens keep talking to Chen Rou Qiu and Shen Yue, and even pretended to care about Jing Chu Chu and Shen Dong Ling and talked a few words with them. Only Shen Miao was purposely ignored.

nLou Xue Yan was somewhat angry and if it was the past Shen Miao, she would be acting out rashly. But now it was different and even if those Furen and young ladies were talking with excitement, Shen Miao would reservedly take her meal. Each move of hers had a type of majesty and grandeur, that made others have an illusion that it was not that others were deliberately neglecting her, but that Shen Miao herself disdained from talking to those people.

nAs if a punch had landed on soft cotton and after many times, everyone’s interest started to die down.

nYi Furen smiled and said, “It is always said that SuZhou is a place endowed with talents and previously I did not believe it but after seeing this Biao Young Lady from Old Furen’s family, one believe that those words were not false. Our capital would not be able to raise such a full of life young lady.”

nDuring the banquet Old Shen Furen had shown high importance towards Jing Chu Chu and even though the Furens present did not know the reason why, they were not fools. Since Old Furen wanted to enliven Jing Chu Chu up then there was no harm in saying that she was beautiful.

nJing Chu Chu was so shy that her face flushed and she lowered her head and dare not say anything. Old Shen Furen laughed, “Yi Furen words, this old person cannot agree. Yi Young Lady is also full of life that when I see I also like.”

nYi Pei Lan smiled and thanked Old Shen Furen’s praise. She became more curious about Jing Chu Chu and softly asked Shen Yue, “Old Furen look like she really like your Biao Older Sister.”

nShen Yue vaguely agreed and her heart was somewhat doubtful.

nEven though Shen Dong Ling sat at the corner of the banquet, Wan YiNiang did not have the opportunity to be present at this kind of situation. Since she did not have her birth mother to help or Old Shen Furen to lift up, she was a nobody. Even it was such, Shen Dong Ling did not reveal a hint of unwillingness and just ate from her bowl, and behave properly like what an unfavoured Shu daughter should be.

nOld Shen Furen at one end instructed Jing Chu Chu to eat more, and at the other hand talked to others about Jing Chu Chu good points. She practically made a pretty daughter from a humble family into one that was from heavens.

nUntil a servant came over to pour tea and accidently spilt tea over Jing Chu Chu then she stopped. Old Shen Furen scolded the careless servant, “How do you do thing? What if Biao Young Lady is scalded?”

n“It is alright.” Jing Chu Chu smiled, “The tea is not hot so I am fine.”

n“Are the clothes wet?” Old Shen Furen saw that the front of Jing Chu Chu’s clothes had a large patch of water and caringly said, “It is a cold day and one cannot wear such wet clothes. Xi-er bring Biao Young Lady down to change into a set of clean clothes.” She then also said to Jing Chu Chu, “One must not catch a cold.”

nJing Chu Chu lowered her head and looked at her old clothes. No matter how thin winter clothes were they would still be heavy, thus when tea was soaked into the cotton, it would not be comfortable if one were to continue wearing them. Thus at the moment she did not decline and agreed with Old Shen Furen as her face redden, and said her greetings to the female guests before following the maids to leave.

nJiang Furen said, “Jing family’s Young lady is really fortunate to have Old Furen to value this much.”

n“How is it her fortune.” The smile on Old Shen Furen face was wrinkled together, “It is this old person’s fortune. This girl is well-behaved and sensible, thus this one like.”

nHearing this, everyone started up flattering. Chen Rou Qiu glanced at Old Shen Furen and her gaze unconsciously went towards Shen Miao. Most likely she had felt her eyes, so Shen Miao also looked towards Chen Rou Qiu with some slightly puzzled intention.

nChen Rou Qiu smiled and lowered her head and a trace of pleased filled her heart. But she did not see that when she was lowering her head, the doubts on Shen Miao’s eyes disappeared and was replaced with a light smile. If one were to seriously look, that smile contained some kind of inexplicable excitement.

nIt was Shen Dong Ling who looked at Shen Miao without a trace before quickly lowering her head to eat the things from her bowl.

nAt the male side of the banquet it was not as meticulous as the female side, but it was like in the official circles and was filled with wine. Even though Shen Xin and Shen Qiu were left out, there were several colleagues who came over to toast and after a few cups, Shen Qiu’s head was a little dizzy and heavy.

n“Brat. Only drink a few cups and you got drunk. Did you not eat?” Shen Xin said angrily.

nShen Qiu rubbed his brows and shook his head, “One do not know.” As a man who grew up in the barracks, this little bit of wine was nothing. One need to know that normally in the army, one would drink by the jars and thus would look down on the wine in the Ding capital as it was not strong enough. Who knew that today one would be hit on the face.

n“Really taught you for nothing after so many years.” Shen Xin said exasperated that he did not live up to expectations.

n“Eldest BoFu must not be angry.” It was Jing Guan Shen who smiled as he explained, “It is not that Biao Older Brother does not have the volume for alcohol, but it is that he had drank Fu Tou Wine and Yin Guang Wine together.” He pointed to the wine cups in front of Shen Qiu. Indeed the wine in the cup was not as red as Fu Tou Wine and was not as silver as Yin Guang Wine but was like a kind of mixed version. Jing Guan Sheng continued explaining, “There are people here who are drinking Yin Guang Wine and some who are drinking Fu Tou Wine. Biao Older Brother most likely did not pay attention and poured it together. Others would have collapsed after drinking half a cup of Yin Guang Wine and Fu Tou Wine but Biao Older Brother is still awake. It is already not an easy feat.”

n“Hahaha.” A Daren heard this and laughed, “The heir’s alcohol volume is already not bad, General Shen must not blame him.”

nShen Yuan swept a look at Shen Qiu and said, “Eldest Brother cannot continue to drink like this. It is better to go to a room and rest.”

nShen Qiu waved his head and mumbled something with his mouth. It seemed that he was quite drunk.

n“Let me send Biao Older Brother back.” Jing Guan Shen said with a smile.

nEven though because of the Shen Miao matter, Shen Xin was quite critical of Jing Guan Shen but one would not raise one’s eyes to beat up a smiling person, and ever since more guards were placed at the courtyard doors, Jing Guan Sheng behaved better. Shen Xin looked at him, “That being the case then one would trouble you and Ah Chi to help him back.”

nJust as Jing Guan Sheng was about to get up, one saw Shen Qiu grab onto Shen Yuan shooking his head, “Ah Chi, you bring me.”

nShen Yuan was startled as Shen Xin frowned, “This kid has treated you as Ah Chi.” He then spoke to Shen Qiu, “You brat, quickly release your Second Younger Brother.”

nShen Qiu did not move. Shen Yuan’s gaze slightly moved and said, “Biao Younger Brother and me are the same, since it is as such, I will send Eldest Brother back to a room.” He supported Shen Yuan and headed out without waiting for Shen Xin to refuse.

nJust as Shen Xin was about to speak, Shen Wan came over with wine, “Eldest Brother, I offer you a cup!”

n*****

nAfter the little waves in the banquet, no one put it in mind as there were many people who entered and exit. But when the banquet ended, the Furens were talking leisurely about the courtyard, Bai Furen suddenly seemed to remember, “Why has Jing Young Lady not returned yet?”

nAfter Jing Chu Chu’s clothes were dirtied by the maid, she went back to change her clothes. But after that she did not make another appearance. Old She Furen was surprised for a moment and asked Xi-er who was standing beside, “Go and find someone to ask why is Biao Young Lady not back yet.”

n“Perhaps one is a little drunk.” Shen Yue smiled, “Just then she had drank a lot of honey wine and even though it is sweet, the alcohol content is rather high. Biao Older Sister loves sweet things and one forgot to hold her back. Most likely she was a little drunk and is resting in the room.”

nXi-er complied and went out.

nFeng An Ning pursed her lips and slightly pushed Shen Miao, “Initially one though that since there are more daughters in your residence, it would be very lively during the family banquet so I insisted on following my mother. Now it seem that it is very boring.” Feng An Ning was the bright pearl in the Feng’s residence palm and did not have that many sisters, but Shen Miao had so many sisters but was not close to them. She was even deliberately neglected thus in Feng An Ning’s eyes, it was very boring.

n“So it is the case.” Shen Miao answered.

nFeng An Ning looked around, “I want to go to the toilet and will come over later. Wait for me.”

nFeng An Ning followed the servant and walked away when Xi-er also returned back to Old Shen Furen’s side before shaking her head, “Old Furen, Biao Young Lady is not in the resting room.”

n“Not in the resting room?” Old Shen Furen voice was rather high and the Furens’ gazes turned over to look. Old Shen Furen quickly tapered her voice down, “Then where is she?”

nXi-er shook her head, “The servants also do not know.”

n“This girl.” Old Shen Furen was somewhat anxious, “Could it be that something happened?”

nWhen her appearance landed into the sharp eyes of the noble Furens, naturally it was cause for reckon.

n“Old Furen?” Just at the right time Chen Rou Qiu walked over and asked about what had happened before smiling, “Old Furen need not be worried. I just came over from Master and think that Chu Chu is drunk. Speaking of which it is also coincidental that Qiu-er that child is also drunk, and was sent back to a room to rest. The alcohol in our family banquet is quite strong so perhaps Chu Chu is resting in another room.”

nShe had deliberately pointed out that ‘Shen Qiu was also drunk’ and Shen Miao’s eyes suddenly sharpened.

nOld Shen Furen shook her head and said, “Go and get a few people to search for Chu Chu since it is just in the residence. It would not be good if one were to catch a cold.” She looked towards other, “Speaking of which, this old one lately acquired from Zhang Qiao Xian a piece of a golden Buddha drawing that has embroidery on both sides. It is currently hung in the main hall of this one’s, if anyone want to see, this old one is willing to take all of you to take a look.”

nZhang Qiao Xian was the Ming Qi master embroidered, and one piece of embroidery could fetch a high value in the marketplace. Hearing that Old Shen Furen had a piece, everyone wanted to take a look to widen their horizons. Shen Miao’s lips hooked up. That double sided embroidery was bestowed from the Palace and was given to Old Shen Furen by Shen Xin a few years ago, but this stingy person did not let others see. Now with this appearance, to be willing to bleed this much, there must be for another thing.

nCould it be… Really as Old Shen Furen wished?

nFurens and Young Ladies were indeed very willing to follow Old Shen Furen to look at that embroidered picture. The main hall of Rong Jing Tang was like a tea room for guests to relax at, but usually there were few people who would go there as Old Shen Furen had few guests, thus the tea room was empty most of the time.

nHowever when one reached the doors, one saw that the doors were somewhat strange.

nSome noise sounded from the closed room and one could not hear what it was for the time being, as if something in the room was knocked over.

nEveryone abruptly stopped.

n“Who is inside? Where are the guards?” Old Shen Furen questioned.

n“Replying Old Furen, just now they were still here. Most likely there are no one in the tea room.” Xi-er said unconvincingly.

n“Really raise a group of idlers! Cannot even guard a door properly.” Old Shen Furen was somewhat angry, “Open up the doors!”

n