Chapter 71

Chapter 71: Setting Fire to the Ancestral Hall (Part 1)

Naturally the Eastern courtyard of the General residence was very lively. Guests were walking around, those giving their birthday congratulations, those giving gifts, making the entire ambience before the start of the banquet joyous and harmonious.

Old Shen Furen had always put on a generous appearance when she was in front of outsiders, and when the young ladies came up to give their birthday wishes, she would often gift them a valuable gift for the first meeting. Seeing such a scene, those furens’ smiles became more real but Ren Wan Yun clenched her teeth secretly.

Ren Wan Yun was in charge of the public funds and had to manage all the matters of the three households. Old Taitai was extravagant and the amount that she could pocket was much lesser. Moreover Shen Gui usually had to make arrangements in the official circles, and as such, in the following period of time, money was as stretched as pulling the lapels and exposing the elbows.

This side was bustling but the other side was not the same. In the southwest corner of the Shen residence, the ancestral hall was cold and deserted at the moment but outside the courtyard, there stood some guards. An ancestral hall naturally need not require such disposition of forces. The reason for this is because these people are responsible for monitoring Shen Miao so that she would not be able to escape.

The ancestral hall was in the chilliest of land and in the year would often not see the sun, moreover it was currently the winter, thus one would feel the cold penetrating one’s bones when the wind blew. It was filled with a fragrance of incense and the smoke from the joss sticks were still floating up in curls, making the cold ancestral tablets look like they were walking on air.

“Young Lady,” Gu Yu rubbed her hands, “Today is Old Furen’s birthday celebration but they deliberately locked up Young Lady here. This is just too much!”

Not to even talk about letting Shen Miao out, there was not even anyone who came by to ask about her. This was practically as though Shen Miao had done a wrong and the servants were watching her.

“What is with the anxiety.” Shen Miao said while she stood in front of the window. There were bare trees outside the window which looked particularly desolate in the winter.

“How could Young Lady not be anxious?” Gu Yu had held back for these days and finally could not bear it, “They locked up Young Lady here clearly for a forced marriage. After waiting for Master’s and Furen’s return, Young Lady would have already married into the Huang family. Even if Master and Furen want to protect Young Lady, Young Lady’s entire life would be ruined!”

Jing Zhe had been fiddling with the charcoal brazier on the ground the whole time. In the entire cold ancestral hall, there was only this charcoal brazier that was providing some warmth. Seeing a small hanging pole in the house, Shen Miao shook her head, “Bring the few blankets in this house and sun them outside for a Shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours).”

“Young Lady!” Gu Yu stomped her feet and was anxious of Shen Miao’s nonchalant attitude. But when Shen Miao’s eyes swept over, she no longer said anymore and grabbed the few blankets while suppressing her inner feelings, and went out to follow Shen Miao’s instructions and sun the quilts.

“Today’s weather is a rare good one.” Shen Miao looked outside the window. The sun does not reach the ancestral hall and only shone on the middle of the courtyard. She could not leave this ancestral hall courtyard but was also unwilling to walk out of the ancestral hall.

“Young Lady said,” Jing Zhe finally stopped moving the charcoal pieces and continued, “Master and Furen will really rush back today?”

Shen Miao told Jing Zhe that there was nothing to worry about because on Old Shen Furen’s birthday, Shen Xin and wife would return to the Ding capital. Even though these words were absurd to say, because there was no one that came to inform that Shen Xin would be in the capital today, and there was still a period of time before the year ends. Shen Miao was locked in the ancestral hall every day so how would she hear such news? But when Jing Zhe faced Shen Miao, she was unable to ask the questions in her heart. She found a kind of never seen before bearing from her Young Lady. One point was that her words could unconditionally convince others.

Shen Miao said, “In a while, think of a method to stuff those guards outside and make them stay far away from the courtyard. They need not directly leave, but just a further away will do.”

“This servant understand.” Jing Zhe said. Even though she did not know why did Shen Miao arrange it as such, but these past days she has been with Shen Miao in the ancestral all and discovered that Shen Miao did not show panic about the entire scenario. For a person to not panic over the current situation, one was that the person was stupid and did not know of the situation, or the second was that they had a strategy to deal with it. And Jing Zhe did not think that Shen Miao was stupid. So even if Jing Zhe’s heart felt worried like Gu Yu, Jing Zhe trusted Shen Miao unconditionally and believed that she was able to deal with the situation on hand.

Shen Miao took note of her gaze and gave a slight sigh in her heart.

Between her four maids, Gu Yu was the most intelligent, Bai Lu was the most unflustered, Shuang Jiang was the most loyal and Jing Zhe was the most courageous.

At that time, in order to help Fu Xiu Yi consolidate power, Jing Zhen used her own beauty to become that powerful official’s concubine. That official lusted over beauty and Jing Zhe also had many means. Even though at the end she was beaten to death by the Furen, she managed to send the token of authority out before her death and successfully helped Fu Xiu Yi to pull the official over.

As a maid, she was indeed courageous. Jing Zhe was an unusual girl. So for this matter, Gu Yu, Bai Lu and Shuang Jiang were not suitable and only Jing Zhe was slightly better. But once Jing Zhe knew what Shen Miao planned to do, if she would help, Shen Miao had no clue about it.

After all, the things she wanted to do were going to be just too shocking to the world.

“In fact,” Jing Zhe tolerated but still softly said, “If Young Lady wants, it is possible to let Mo Qing think of a way to bring Young Lady out.”

Mo Qing’s skills were above the guards of the General residence. Even though it is hard for two fists to go against four hands, it was not impossible to escape with someone.

“And then?” Shen Miao answered the question with another question. “The skies and earth are big, would peace reign if one escape? The life contracts of you four are in the hands of Old Furen, if I leave, what would happen to you all?”

Jing Zhe suddenly knelt down onto the ground and said, “This servant knows that because of these servants life, Young Lady is then willing to stay here, but if Young Lady fall into adversity because of these servants, then these servants deserve to die ten thousand times. In the beginning, Master and Furen picked these four servants to stay by Young Lady’s side so that these servants would take care of Young Lady. How can now be in reverse and be Mistress that is taking care of these servants?”

There was a trace of being emotionally moved that appeared in Shen Miao’s eyes. Shen Xin indeed knew how to pick people. These four maids never had a trace of abandonment in her most difficult time in her past life. However people were not goods and in this world, things were simple, when there was gratitude pay it back and revenge when there was enmity. One could not give up the personal maids just to win over the hearts of others.

“Do not you worry.” Shen Miao said, “Nothing will happen to you all and me. Today it is Old Furen’s birthday celebration, I heard that Second Elder Sister had sewn a Goddess of Mercy painting for Grandmother, and since they have forgotten about me then I would not take a laissez-faire attitude to it.” She smiled gently, “I too have a large gift for Old Furen but do not know if she will have the fortune to enjoy it.”

Chapter 71: Setting Fire to the Ancestral Hall (Part 2)

Around ten Li (1 Li = 500m) outside the capital, there were horses drinking from a frozen creek. And at the withered grassland that seemed to have yellowed, some soldiers were taking a rest.

Sitting furthest away from the rest of the soldiers was a middle-aged man, his complexion was bronze in colour, most likely due to the sun and rain during the battlefield but his strength could be seen. His stature was like a little mountain and his thick brows were righteous and awe-inspiring with big eyes. Together with a full beard, in one glance one could tell that he had a forthright character.

The female that was sitting at his side was stroking the head of the horse. That woman was also middle-aged and wore a green short jacket and a pair of gold embroidered pants, and her hair was tied up in a simple bun. She had a pair of lively eyes and looked pretty but the thing that attracted others was her air of valiant heroism. There was a pair of double silver bracelet around her waist that made ding-ling sounds as she stroked the horse.

“Furen, there is still about one Shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours) before the capital is reached.” The middle-aged man laughed, “After spending all the time in the Northwest, the air is sweet upon returning to the capital.”

“How is the Northwest bad?” The woman’s beautiful eyes glared and asked forcefully, “I grew up in the bitter cold Northwest and if you like sweetness, why did you marry me for?”

That man quickly begged for mercy, “Furen is right, this capital has a trace of sweetness and not suitable for us coarse people. The Northwest is better, one can still hunt deep in the mountain in winter, and silver foxes run all around that can be hunted and then given to Furen for a coat.”

When the woman heard it, her lips raised to a smile as she scolded while laughing, “Seeing an official and speaking bureaucratically!”

These two people were not others but the formidable Grand General Shen Xin and his Furen, Lou Xue Yan. Today they returned in a rush in order to participate in Old Shen Furen’s birthday celebration. Before this, they had not disclose anything to the Ding capital as they had received the surrender letter in advance. Mostly likely it was to give the people in the capital a pleasant surprise that they came back this early in triumph.

“We have yet to seen Mother’s birthday celebration before.” Luo Xue Yan said, “In the previous years, it was always after the year ends that we returned and gave Mother the bestowments that His Majesty gave you, as longevity presents. In a rush to return today, one do not know if this fire rat (T/N: no idea what is it, just take it as a type of huge breed of rat) coat will enter Old Taitai’s eyes.”

“Why would it not enter Old Taitai’s eyes?” Shen Xin heard it and immediately asked, “This is a good thing and even in the battlefield, this is also a treasure. With it, you can be invulnerable to knives and spears. At the beginning, in order to hunt that fire rat, I kept watch in the mountain for seven days and seven nights so if you insist on giving it to Mother, I will… Give it to you.” As his words reached the end, Shen Xin’s voice gradually softened. Obviously his words were somewhat uncongenial but a human’s heart is not a scale, and there were some parts that had bias. Even though Old Shen Furen treated Shen Xin very well, she was after all not his real mother and since there was no blood relationship, Shen Xin naturally dotted his own wife more. Moreover Luo Xue Yan followed him into the battlefield to fight normally and this fire rat cloak was more useful to her than to Old Shen Furen. If it was not because of Luo Xue Yan insistence to give it to Old Shen Furen, Shen Xin would have already gave it to Luo Xue Yan.

“What do you know.” Luo Xue Yan stared at him, “You have missed Old Taitai’s birthday every year and even though all of the rewards that His Majesty bestowed you were given to Old Taitai, who will really truly know. The last time we returned to the capital, I actually heard that people in the capital said that you purposely chose not to be close to Mother. I do all this, all for you. Even if you do not worry about reputation, Jiaojiao cannot be associated with an unfilial father.”

When these words were spoken, Shen Xin was also silent for a long time. It was indeed that the Ding capital was not like the Northwest region that was bitter and cold, and did not have traps from the enemies’ knives and spears. But how can it be considered as truly peaceful. Both of them, husband and wife, were not in the capital and the rumours would of course run rampant which was very maddening.

Luo Xue Yan continued saying, “You know that I do not know of all the twisting and tricky around the inner courtyard, as our Luo family do not have so many rules and regulations. I can only use the simplest method. This fire rat cloak is precious and if it enters Old Taitai’s eyes and makes her happy, when everyone sees that, the rumours would naturally be self-defeating.”

After a long while, Shen Xin then said, “It still Furen that thought out well.”

“I did not do it for you but for Jiaojiao.” Luo Xue Yan snorted and suddenly looked sullen, “Both you and I are most of the year not in Ding capital, even though the Northwest region’s conditions are brutal and Jiaojiao is still young of age and cannot be brought over. But during all these years, we did not personally taught or accompanied her, it is us that let her down.”

When Shen Xin heard it, he sighed again and hung his head as a touch of pain flashed in his eyes.

There were no heartless parents under the skies, and there were no parents that did not love their children. But he and Luo Xue Yan were unable to control their destiny who was to fight in the battlefield, but Shen Miao could not follow. When two armies were at war, all the methods were dazzling and killing the opponents’ relatives were common, and then they could only reluctantly and painfully separate from their daughter. At least in the Ding capital, one did not need to worry about Shen Miao’s safety.

Luo Xue Yan seemed to be sadder as she thought and continued speaking, “I often think it was truly safe putting Jiaojiao in the capital. Without parents by her side, was she really living happily? When we meet up with her every year, she always treat us coldly, but for whatever reasons it were, it would all be our fault. So no matter what she did, we cannot blame her at all.”

Shen Miao was not close to Shen Xin and his wife or even Shen Qiu because these so-called family did not accompany her since childhood. She was close to Ren Wan Yun and Chen Rou Qiu and even Old Shen Furen, because these people had contact with her all the time and was considered as ‘family’ in her eyes. And Shen Xin and his wife treated their daughter with being subservient to her every wishes, because this was all caused by them.

Shen Xin patted Luo Xue Yan’s shoulder, “There will always be a day where JiaoJiao will understand our difficulties.”

“Will she really understand?” Luo Xue Yan smiled bitterly, “There are some times where I would think that the unruliness of JiaoJiao was actually caused by who else? Shen residence…” She suddenly shut up and glanced at Shen Xin somewhat upset.

Shen Xin naturally understood the meaning outside her words and there was a slight change in his expression. A moment later, he sighed and held his beloved wife’s hands, “Furen worry too much. Mother and DiMei would teach JiaoJiao well and if is not right JiaoJiao would not be so close with them.”

Shen Miao’s attitude towards the two ShenShens was so good that it made one jealous. As such even if one have some ideas, it became nondescript.

“It is me that worry too much.” Luo Xue Yan said. She was a precious treasured Di daughter of the Northwestern Luo family and was also from a military lineage family. Even though it was a third ranked official, everyone else in the family were iron-blooded men. Luo Xue Yan was the youngest little sister and there were three older brothers in front of her, so ever since she was born there were only parents and older brothers in the family and there was not much filthy events, thus the knowledge on shameful secrets of the large families was little and she did not understand the sinister in it.

If she were to know about it, she would definitely be willing to take the risk and keep Shen Miao at her side, and not let Shen Miao stay in that terrible Shen residence.

Just as they were speaking, they heard someone behind calling out, “Father, Mother.”

Shen Xin’s expression dropped and he angrily said, “When there is someone outside, call me…”

“General Shen!” The oncoming person quickly said.

“Do not be bothered about your father.” Luo Xue Yan rolled her eyes at Shen Xin, “Putting on airs.”

The oncoming person was a twenty-something youth and had a dignified look. He had a wheat-coloured skin and when he laughed, there were two dimples on his face which added a rare childishness to his face. This young man looked quite similar to Luo Xue Yan and was Shen Xin’s Di son, Shen Qiu.

Shen Qiu was twenty-two this year and was brought along by Shen Xin when he was ten to experience the battlefield, saying that a strict teacher produces outstanding students. Shen Qiu was also brave, after so many years, he had earn a few meritorious deeds and was currently a fourth rank small General.

“Father, Mother, your birthday gift is set then what do I give?” Shen Qiu scratched his hand and was in a somewhat loss.

“This muddled-headed boy, why ask us on what gift to send. A man should make the decision swiftly, how to go to the battlefield if one cannot make a small decision like this!” Shen Xin seized the opportunity to criticise his son.

“I have not participated in the Grandmother’s birthday celebration for a long time.” Shen Qiu awkwardly said, “I also do not know what to give and cannot report up how many enemies I have killed. It is not auspicious for the birthday celebration.”

Lou Xue Yan laughed at Shen Qiu’s words, “It is alright. Previously His Majesty rewarded you with a bolt of fine silk brocade, you should give it to Old Furen. I heard that there is a shortage of this kind of fine silk brocade in the Ding capital that even the Ladyships in the Palace would not have any. If Old Taitai gets a blot, she would naturally be happy.”

“But that is to give to Younger Sister!” Shen Qiu hurriedly said.

“Let the matter drop.” Shen Xin waved his hands, “Have you seen your Younger Sister liking such brocade?”

Even though Shen Xin did not know a female’s likings, he knew that this daughter of his did not liked those elegant materials and prefered to wear gold and silver, the more tacky they were the better. Even though he was helpless, he could only leave it to her as she was happy. Even though the fine silk brocade was beautiful, Shen Miao would not necessarily appreciate it.

Shen Qiu heard it and felt that his Father made sense so he bowed his head and squatted down before saying softly, “This time because of the rush return, one did not bring any gift for Younger Sister. Thinking about it made one feel guilty.”

In fact Shen Qiu’s and Shen Miao’s relationship in the past was very good, and both sister and brother supported each other and life was considered blissful. However, Shen Qiu started following Shen Xin to the battlefield every year and then only saw Shen Miao once a year. Afterwards, Shen Miao’s temperament worsened with each passing year and both brother and sister almost did not exchanged any words. No matter how much Shen Qiu wanted to get closer to this Younger Sister, Shen Miao would only give him a lukewarm attitude.

Shen Qiu did not know of the reason but Shen Miao knew. In fact it was Shen Yue and Shen Qing and also Gui Momo that circuitous attacked and reminded her that her parents only brought Shen Qiu along by their side, and it was obvious that they valued males and belittled females. Sons could carry on the ancestral line so they were valued, whereas daughters were not valued as much. Shen Miao was young and was easily swayed by a few words, and when she saw this elder brother, she naturally felt that he had stolen all of her parents’ love and felt hateful towards him, thus she was not willing to be close with him.

“Never mind.” Shen Xin patted the dust of his body and stood up, “Call all those brothers up and continue the journey back. Must return to the Ding capital in one Shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours)!”

Chapter 71: Setting Fire to the Ancestral Hall (Part 3)

As time passes, the birthday banquet in the Shen residence was about to start. The various Furens and young ladies were seated and there were ten full tables of them. Old Shen Furen’s reputation was very big as such to an event, all the officials’ Furens with a little rank had all come. Of course, all the people who came to this banquet were not because of Old Shen Furen’s face but because of Shen family’s Shen Xin’s reputation. Even so, this birthday celebration banquet was bustling, just like previous years.

Shen Yue wore a hundred pleated Ruyi moon dress (T/N: no idea what is it) and the white moon colour made her look incredibly tender and gentle. She was already adorable and attractive but with today’s specific dressing, there was a scheme of showing her maturity. Now that Shen Qing and Shen Miao had someone to marry, all the Furens that were present had various thoughts on Shen Yue and naturally thought about the benefit of having this Second Young Lady of the Third household in the Shen residence married into their residence.

The men who had handed over their gifts were all at the other side, accompanied by Shen Gui and Shen Wan.Those two of course would not give up this opportunity to win over their hearts and in no time, people were laughing and bustling around.

Master Su held a cup of wine but he was in somewhat a headache. His family had good relations with the Marquis of Lin An residence and the Shen and Xie family were always opposing one another but the Shen family unexpectedly send an invitation to him. Master Su was a good person and since others had sent an invitation, there was no reason to refuse so he thickened his skin to participate. But his heart was somewhat envious of his own ‘lying sick in bed’ eldest son. At least he need not watch these bunch of wily old foxes harbouring ulterior motives pushing cups and testing one another.

“Father.” Su Ming Lang blinked his eyes. Today he was also dressed up by his mother and even so, he seemed to look like a upright and principled dumpling. He tugged Master Su’s sleeves, “I want to walk around.”

“Do not anyhow run about.” Master Su warned. Even though his eldest son did not participate, his youngest son who was usually not interested in such stuff clamoured noisily the wish to participate, and Master Su did not know the reason why. But Su Ming Lang vented out so much that Su Furen agreed and Master Su could only bring this little child.

Su Ming Lang put his hands down in grievance. He heard that this was Old Shen Furen’s birthday celebration, which was Shen Miao’s grandmother’s birthday celebration. Thinking of the long period that he had not seen Shen Miao in Guang Wen Tang, he was especially concerned. He thought of taking advantage of this opportunity to see Shen Miao but who knew that Shen Miao did not even reveal a glimpse today. When he heard that Shen Miao had rash and was unable to see others, Su Ming Lang’s heart ached as he wanted to see Shen Miao. He had very little friends and others would always dislike his clumsiness but only Shen Miao was gentle to him. In this heart, Shen Miao was long considered his only friend.

Out at the female side of the banquet, Jiang Furen laughingly coaxed, “Heard that Huang Furen and Wei Furen, should specifically offer a cup of wine to Old Furen, after all…”

After all, in the future they would be their children in-laws.

Those words were not spoken but all the Furens present in the banquet were well aware of them. Huang Furen was a refined and delicate Furen, and only smiled when she heard those words and one was unable to feel anything out of it. Most likely she was well aware of it, that this marriage was not considered a good marriage as each took what they needed from it. If the Shen family really doted on their daughter, even on the righteousness they would not agree to this marriage. The so called noble and benevolent character was only a pretentious surface. Thus it was somewhat ridiculing in one’s eyes.

But it was Wei Furen that was somewhat uncomfortable. The Shen family background was indeed not bad, so being related to the Shen family was considered climbing high branches but previously, Shen Miao was just too stupid and it was unbearable to let her have the position of the primary mother. After the academy examinations and inquiring that Shen Miao seemed to have matured and her temperament had calmed down a lot, is when she then proposed marriage on behalf of her son.

But who knew that she would not see Shen Miao today and also heard that she had contracted a rash. Wei Furen was somewhat worried. If it was an unpleasant ailment, would it spoil her son’s life? Thinking of these, a somewhat reluctant expression appeared on her face.

When Chen Rou Qiu saw these expressions, she sneered a few times in her heart. She was not a fool, and how could she not see Ren Wan Yun’s plan of exchanging the marriages for both sisters. Old Shen Furen and Ren Wan Yun could hide it from others but were unable to hid it from her. But these were considered as good news for her. Ren Wan Yun cared of the current chaos but one would not know how furious Shen Xin would be when he returns. At that time the First and Second household would be fighting and each would hurt their strength and her Yue-er could then be revealed to the fore.

Ren Wan Yun stood up with a smile, “That being the case, then I should first congrats the two Furens with a cup.”

Everyone laughed louder, Feng An Ning frowned and gave an expression of displeasure.

In the other side, inside the ancestral hall, after dispersing all the maids, Shen Miao knelt in front of the ancestral tablets and looked at the hourglass in her hands. The sand had flowed quickly and the time that she had arranged was almost here.

She inserted the three joss sticks in her hands into the urn and gently prayed.

But just at this moment, a slight movement was heard.

In the past lifetime, those years in Qin country made her develop the habit of being very vigilant no matter the time or circumstance. Shen Miao stood up in a moment and said, “Who?”

“Little girl’s senses are sharp.” A familiar voice sounded. Shen Miao turned her head and saw that purple clad youth leaning against the window, looking at her with smile but not a smile. Seeing her head turning over, he leaped over and jumped into the ancestral hall.

No matter how calm Shen Miao was, she could not help but be somewhat stunned. Xie Jing Xing actually wandered randomly into other people’s residence in broad daylight. It was not possible for him to be invited as the Shen and Xie families’ relationship was like on thin ice, unless Shen Gui and Shen Wan went crazy.

“Now that the courtyard outside the ancestral hall were guarded, how did he come in?” Shen Miao accidentally asked the question that was in her mind.

“The guards in Shen residence cannot be put into good use.” Xie Jing Xing said, “I walked in.”

Shen Miao frowned, “What are you doing here?”

Xie Jing Xing smiled and did not pay attention to her and was like searching for something in the room. However in only the time of a stick of incense, it was completed. But the result was obviously unsatisfactory as he did not find anything.

Shen Miao stared at his every move and doubts sprouted in her heart. Xie Jing Xing being like this was like searching for something in the Shen residence. But what kind of thing could the General residence possess that would make him be a gentleman in the air (aka thief), and braved such a big risk to personally search for it. Was there something that she did not know about?

“What are you looking for? Say it, I can help you to find it.” Shen Miao said.

Xie Jing Xing’s actions paused and he turned his head around and looked enquiring at her and said interested, “Shen family girl, I know that you are the smartest in the entire Shen family but it is better not to devise a plan on me.”

“When you come over to my residence to steal things in broad daylight, does not this be considered as devising a plan against the Shen family?” Shen Miao remained unmoved. She was somewhat resentful in her heart that Xie Jing Xing was one that was rigorous in his words, that not one drop of water could leak out and she admitted defeat, but she only wanted to know what was it. But at the end this person was so vigilant and did not give her a little chance.

“Steal?” Xie Jing Xing seemed to have heard something funny and his beautiful peach blossom eyes sparkled in a dangerous light, “That was originally this marquis things and it can only be considered as take it back.”

Shen Miao heart moved as if it had caught something, but that idea disappeared too quickly that she was unable to capture it at all.

“However,” Xie Jing Xing looked at the ancestral hall, “With so many people guarding here, I thought it was to protect something but it is arranged so as to monitor you.” He looked at Shen Miao and crossed his arms around his chest before saying, “What wrong did you do that so many people were ordered to monitor you? An ancestral hall is not what a young lady should stay at.”

“What does it got to do with you?” Shen Miao looked at that hourglass and the last bit of sand had already flowed down and the time had reached. But Xie Jing Xing had not left yet. Her patience had also exhausted and she said, “Since Little Marquis had not yet found ‘your thing’, then please leave. The ancestral of the Shen family does not want to see the heroic bearing of a gentleman in the air.”

Her words were filled with sarcasm and suspicion that Xie Jing Xing had lived for so long, and there has not be anyone that dared to say such things to him, moreover it was from a girl. But he did not get angry and just teased, “Indeed, the ancestors of the Shen family are not willing to see this Marquis, but are willing to see their future generation being forced into marriage and that can be considered as exciting.”

“You are not willing to marry Wei Jian?” He asked.

“What of willingness? What of not willingness?” Shen Miao answered a question with another question.

“Wei Jian can be a good husband but you are not necessarily a worthy wife, so you are in an advantageous position. Such a person who is unable to tell good from bad, it is the first one I see.” He narrowed his eyes and his lips pulled up into a evil smile that was dazzlingly handsome as he frivolously said, “It cannot be that you admire this marquis so you are not willing to marry to Wei Jian?”

Shen Miao almost burst out in anger-laughter. She turned around and glared at Xie Jing Xing, “There is no room for criticism if you think it this way. I only can advise Little Marquis that for some things, one must not interfere with, else it would be too late for regrets.”

Her complexion was somewhat pale, most likely it was due to the improper sleep and food that were taken in the ancestral hall, and thus became thinner but it made the silhouette of a young lady more prominent. Her chin sharpened and that pair of eyes was especially clear and Xie Jing Xing could see fire burning inside.

“Young Lady!” Jing Zhe ran in and was shocked when she saw Xie Jing Xing. She suddenly protected Shen Miao by standing in front of her and pointing at Xie Jing Xing, “You, you, you, how did you came in?”

Xie Jing Xing shrugged his shoulders and did not answer.

“Treat it as though he is not here.” Shen Miao was too lazy to be bothered with him as she questioned Jing Zhe, “How was your arrangement?”

“I have let the courtyard’s Yin Xing buy wine and dishes and say that it was sent over from the birthday celebration banquet. They are now eating happily and slacking. But it is not possible to leave.” Jing Zhe was still somewhat afraid of Xie Jing Xing and kept looking at his expression as she spoke.

“Good.” Shen Miao looked at Jing Zhe, “Jing Zhe, can you be trusted?”

When Jing Zhe heard these words, she did not bother to worry about Xie Jing Xing. She immediately lowered her head and said, “This servant is loyal and devoted to Young Lady. Young Lady’s instructions, this servant will risk life and limb to fulfil it.”

“Then you listen, no matter if it was you or Gu Yu or even Bai Lu or Shuang Jiang. Afterwards, no matter what happen later, you all must not come in, nor look for me and also do not obstruct.” She put the hourglass in Jing Zhe’s hands, “Wait till the sand has flowed to this side—” She pointed to a little mark at the hourglass, “You then go out to call for people. You must take advantage of the confusion to run out and directly rush into the Eastern courtyard’s birthday banquet, and shout out for people in front of all the guests. I believe that you are one who have a mind of your own and is bold. No matter what I do not tell you to do, you will know what needed to be done the best.”

“This…” Jing Zhe was at a somewhat loss as she did not understand the meaning of Shen Miao’s words. But when she saw Shen Miao’s expression, she swallowed all the questions into her belly and solemnly said to Shen Miao, “This servant understands.”

“Good. Then leave now.” Shen Miao then solemnly instructed again, “Remember, no matter what is seen or what happen, you are not allowed to come in.”

Jing Zhe bit her lips and took a glance at Xie Jing Xing before looking at Shen Miao again then nodded her head before turning around and leaving the ancestral hall.

After Jing Zhe left, Xie Jing Xing then looked at Shen Miao and said lazily, “So mysterious. What are you planning to do?”

“What am I planning to do?” Shen Miao stared at him. Xie Jing Xing’s posture was leisurely and his pair of beautiful peach blossom eyes were as sharp as a knife. To be looked at by that pair of eyes was like all the thoughts in one’s mind could not be hidden.

“If Little Marquis do not want to be implicated, then leave first.” She coldly said.

“There is no one under the skies that can implicate me.” His words were arrogant as if it was true.

“Since you want to be buried with the dead, then I have nothing to say.” Shen Miao turned around.

Xie Jing Xing frowned. He had yet to understood the meaning of Shen Miao’s words, when he saw Shen Miao suddenly walking to the incense urn and stopping in front of the Shen family’s ancestral tablets. He stood rooted on the spot in shock in the next moment.

Shen Miao suddenly picked up those neatly arranged tablets and without a second word, she carried them and threw them into the charcoal brazier on the floor. The wooden tablets caught fire easily, so in an instant the withering glow of the charcoal burst into a big fire in a ‘Hong’ sound. The flames swallowed those wooden tablets and the names on it were faintly discernible in the fire.

“Are you crazy?” Xie Jing Xing looked at Shen Miao with eyes full of surprise.

Damaging ancestral tablets violates all morality and filial code, and such behaviour was enough to be strike off from the family registry. After a hundred of years, when one goes to the underworld, one’s own ancestors would not let one off with such an action. Moreover Shen Miao sudden action made one really puzzled. Was this due to dissatisfaction of the confinement? But her actions could only be subjected to greater punishment in the future.

Shen Miao coldly looked at the tablets that were gradually burnt black. It was not her that was disobedient and admittedly it was true the ancestors’ souls cannot be trample on lightly. But the most important thing in the world was the immediate future, her future, Shen Xin’s future, Shen residence’s future journey was more important. If the ancestors knew that this move would be able to resolve the Shen family’s crisis, then the spirits in heavens would be pleased.

“It is still not too late for Little Marquis to leave now.” Shen Miao did not care for Xie Jing Xing’s shock, and carried another big batch of tablets and threw them into the charcoal brazier. In a short moment, the flame became more powerful.

But she did not seem to be satisfied. After thinking, she walked inside and carried out several blankets that Gu Yu brought in after sunning them. The blankets were all quilts and after sunning, they were dry and soft.

“Shen Miao!” Xie Jing Xing softly shouted, “You do not want to live!”

Shen Miao spread all the quilts all over the ground. Most of the structure of the ancestral hall was made of wood and would be burn up easily. She picked up a tablet that was half lit in flames and lit the corner of the quilt.

The blaze raised up into the skies and thick smoke gradually emerged from the ancestral hall. Jing Zhe clenched her teeth as she stood outside. Her eyes were half red and until the sand flowed till where Shen Miao instructed, and until the guards outside were alerted by the fire and ran over to put out the fire, Jing Zhe then took advantage of the chaos and suddenly ran out.

She ran out in a breath to the Eastern courtyard where the birthday banquet was held. The entire courtyard was filled with guest and it seemed that no one discovered this somewhat sorry figure of a maid. Jing Zhe’s lips pulled back to a fierce and vicious smile and loudly shouted, “It is not good! It is not good! The ancestral hall caught fire and Fifth Young Lady is trapped in the fire—”

When the words were spoken, the entire courtyard was up in an uproar.

Was not Shen Miao recuperating in her own courtyard? Why was she in the ancestral hall? Without any rhyme or reason, why would it suddenly catch fire?

Ren Wan Yun was also shocked and she suddenly stood up as she did not know how did the fire started in the ancestral hall. Just as she was about to instruct others to quickly fight the fire, she saw Jing Zhe panting and without knowing why, her heart suddenly wavered.

If Shen Miao died in this fire then it would be more than justified to let Shen Qing marry in exchange, and as for the Huang family, she would go up to their residence to formally apologise. As for Shen Miao’s death, it can only be attributed to an accident. Who told her not to recuperate properly and ‘ran’ to the ancestral hall and cause a fire?

Thus Ren Wan Yun stood up and said pretentiously, “Everyone do eat and drink first, it seems that fire is not big. Most likely it was a child that played with flame and accidentally set a fire. I will go take a look first, and you.” She reprimanded Xiang Lan, “Quickly find guards to extinguish the fire!”

The whole ambience of the birthday banquet fell into a strange atmosphere. Old Shen Furen was not happy in her heart and hated that Shen Miao put a damper at such a time. However she still put on a matronly expression and anxiously asked Ren Wan Yun, “Quickly go and see what is Fifth Lady’s situation!”

But of course acting and real expression were not the same. If one were to really dote and love Shen Miao, knowing that Shen Miao had fallen into such a situation, one would absolutely not be this calm. Chen Rou Qiu and Shen Yue did not leave their seats and that could tell Shen Miao’s status in the Shen residence. The Furens and Young Ladies present were not fools, and could see the attitude of everyone in this Shen residence towards Shen Miao, and that made them feel some sympathy for her.

But just at this moment, there was a loud and bright laughter that sounded from outside, “General Shen, Shen Furen and Young Master Shen has returned to the residence— Open the doors and welcome the General—”

“What?” Not only the womenfolk, the male guest were also stunned. Shen Gui and Shen Wan looked at each other. It must be a joke that Shen Xin was back. There was still a number of days till the end of the year.

And at the same time, flames surrounded the ancestral hall and guards encircled the area. It was said to fight fire but no one actually went forward. People cherished their own life and seeing that this fire was violent, who would dare to enter and give up their lives.

“Shen family girl, you want to die?” Xie Jing Xing looked at the beams that had started to burn and frowned.

“It is is better for Little Marquis to quickly leave.” Shen Miao remained motionless, “There will be more people coming and even if you want to leave, it would not be successful.”

“Talk less nonsense.” Xie Jing Xing grasped her arm, “Leave!”

“Let got.” Shen Miao struggled out of his hand and her eyes were so determined that it was almost wilful. “Can you not see it? I am using my own life to bet on a future.”