Chapter 2

Chapter Two

Everyone in the Feng Manor knew that five years ago, the master of the Feng family had made a military blunder on the border. In a fit of rage, the emperor had stripped him of his noble status, demoting him to commoner. The eldest son, Feng Chongyan, sought to clear his father’s name and traveled to Youzhou to gather evidence. Along the way, he was ambushed by bandits but was saved by the Shen family.

Thereafter, the eldest son stayed with the Shen family for three years to recuperate and grow stronger. Three years later, through his own efforts, he fought a remarkable comeback.

The Shen family, grateful for his life-saving debt and for taking him in, naturally expected the promise of marriage to be honored when the young master rose to prominence.

Yet Feng Chongyan’s comeback was so spectacular that he became the prime minister of the current dynasty in one fell swoop. When the world looked back at this marriage contract, many felt there was a mismatch in status, as if the Shen family had gained an unfair advantage.

The vast disparity in family background was a bitter pill for the Feng family to swallow. Though they never considered reneging on the agreement, a lingering dissatisfaction remained.

This dissatisfaction fell squarely on Shen Mingsu’s shoulders.

The Duke’s mansion provided her with the safest refuge in the world, yet no genuine affection was poured onto her. Neither the Duchess nor the provincial governor took much interest in her daily life beyond the necessary courtesies.

Those around could see clearly: this marriage was merely a repayment for a life-saving favor, devoid of any romantic feelings between Shen Mingsu and the provincial governor.

It was precisely for this reason that the Duchess was able to extinguish the fiery arrogance Shen Mingsu had when she first arrived.

Lian Sheng and Wan Yue still remembered the day Shen Mingsu arrived at the mansion. In front of everyone, she called out to the provincial governor, raising her voice: “Brother Feng, have you ever missed me?”

The provincial governor was the prime minister of a nation; he usually summoned only top ministers and was known for his stern demeanor and thunderous methods. Everyone feared him and dared not utter a single unnecessary word. This was the first time he was teased by ministers around him, “It seems even a divine figure like the provincial governor cannot escape worldly desires.”

Afterward, the Duchess scolded Shen Mingsu for being impolite and ordered her to return to her room and reflect. Shen Mingsu pounded on the door, questioning, “Brother Feng truly likes me, so why don’t you believe it?”

No one answered whether they believed her or not. The provincial governor’s subsequent treatment of her spoke for itself.

She probably already knew and never asked again.

A year had passed, and today the provincial governor suddenly remembered her and insisted on personally celebrating her birthday.

Lian Sheng and Wan Yue stood quietly under the beaded curtain, glancing at her several times. Whether she was too surprised or too delighted, Shen Mingsu quietly sat on the soft couch without a sound.

When they looked again, she suddenly raised her head and met Wan Yue’s gaze. Her eyes were bright and clear, holding a faint smile.

Wan Yue’s heart trembled inwardly, fearing all the efforts the Duchess had made over the past year might be in vain. Unexpectedly, Shen Mingsu spoke gently, “It’s late. Could you two ladies please prepare some water for me?”

There was none of the triumph or revenge they had imagined. Shen Mingsu remained calm until the next day when she left, and she treated the servants in her room with the usual courtesy.

The spring rain fell intermittently, and although the heavy clouds overhead showed no sign of dispersing in the afternoon, the raindrops had ceased.

Fearing Feng Chongyan and the others, Lian Sheng and Wan Yue escorted her out of the courtyard early. They lingered a moment in the corridor before seeing Anfu.

After boarding the carriage, they waited a while until Feng Chongyan arrived. When the curtain was lifted, the coolness of the spring rain clung to his purple robe. Shen Mingsu shifted slightly away but could not avoid the chill.

The carriage rocked as it moved forward.

Feng Chongyan looked at her fingers withdrawn into her sleeve. “Cold?”

Shen Mingsu shook her head. “No, the ladies prepared a cloak for me. If I feel cold, I’ll put it on.”

“Good.”

He said no more, seemingly still waiting for her to speak.

Indeed, she had come to see him many times, wanting to say something, but the year that separated them was unbearably long. They had met only a handful of times, and sitting together in the same carriage was unprecedented.

From eagerness to doubt, from questioning to calmness, it was no longer meaningful to speak. She asked, “Is the provincial governor not busy today?”

“Your birthday, no matter how busy, I must accompany you.”

He answered quickly, but Shen Mingsu could not fathom the meaning behind his words. It was as if he had suddenly remembered her birthday yesterday and wanted to celebrate it for her. She turned her head in confusion.

Feng Chongyan seemed not to notice the surprise in her eyes. He lowered his gaze and smiled gently.

She could no longer recall the last time he had smiled at her. It had been so long that she thought he would never smile again, or at least never smile at her. Now, meeting her gaze, his smile was natural and clear. His growing handsome aura gradually blurred the image of his previous smile in her memory, making it somewhat unfamiliar. Yet even this unfamiliarity was dazzling and blinding.

Wan Yue once comforted her, “Shen Mingsu, you need not be ashamed. Who wouldn’t like someone like the provincial governor?”

Shen Mingsu hurriedly turned her head away.

With nothing more to say, she looked out the window. The two lattice windows were tightly shut, allowing only shadows and light to be seen through the thin gauze curtains.

Just as she thought he would remain silent, she suddenly heard him call softly, “A Jin.”

Shen Mingsu turned slightly.

He whispered, “I’m sorry for the hardships.”

Shen Mingsu was stunned. His words seemed to grip her insides, causing a sudden ache. Her previously calm mood was disturbed by the spreading pain.

What did he mean?

She turned her head to find Feng Chongyan leaning against the carriage wall with his eyes closed. His usually sharp features appeared faintly tired.

She did not intend to say more or explain.

She had not misunderstood—his words meant exactly what she thought.

Indeed, he must know how she lived at the Shen family, how he treated her, and what he had said to her. She did not believe he could forget completely.

He knew everything but remained silent, watching as she was gradually tamed and became the image the Feng family envisioned. He was certain she could not resist.

Her eyes reddened, and she clenched her teeth.

Lian Sheng once asked her, “Do you truly think the provincial governor’s status and position today came from just one act of saving the emperor?”

Of course not. There was his scheming and skill.

He was no longer the Feng Chongyan who once depended on others. Over the course of a year, he had told her everything. How could she not understand?

Her back stiffened and trembled slightly. Feng Chongyan seemed to be asleep and did not notice her unease. When she had fully calmed, he opened his eyes, raised his arm, and gently placed his hand on her head, speaking in a coaxing yet resolute tone that left no room for refusal: “Forget everything about the Shen family. In a few days, we will discuss the marriage.”

Forget the Shen family...

A year ago, her parents were killed, and her younger sister was missing. Without the Feng family’s protection, she might not have survived until today.

Feng Chongyan had investigated on behalf of the Shen family. The killers were former officials of the previous dynasty. They had been angered because her father refused to treat them, and Feng Chongyan had avenged the Shen family’s grudge. None of the perpetrators survived.

Justice had been served, and the Shen family’s hatred was settled.

But where was Yueyao? Where was she?

Everyone advised her to accept reality. The Duchess and the two ladies in the house told her, “If Second Mistress were alive, she would have come to the capital by now.”

She did not believe it. One must see the living and the dead. Until they found her, Yueyao was alive.

Her mother had once told her before passing, “Even in your last moment, protect your little sister first. Remember that.” If she was not dead, her sister must be alive.

How could she forget?

She gave no answer, but she understood why he suddenly behaved so strangely. He was twenty-three now and it was time to marry.

And she was his fiancée in both affection and reason, one he could not simply discard.

—

She had been to the Bridge Market countless times, but this was Shen Mingsu’s first time seeing it as a spectator, and the scene was quite different from what Jiang Shijin had described.

Perhaps it was because the prime minister was with her. Wherever they went, only what he wanted to see appeared. The street vendors along the river were gone, the beggars under the bridge tunnel vanished, and from one end of the street to the other, everywhere they passed was festively decorated and bustling.

Shen Mingsu was silent all along. Feng Chongyan did not speak either. He led her into the crowd, and whenever they passed food stalls or toy vendors, he always glanced back at her, silently asking for her preference.

She was not new to the capital. Having stayed there for a year, she no longer found novelty or interest in anything.

Candied hawthorns grew tiresome, no matter how beautiful the lanterns were—they would eventually burn out, leaving only crumpled white paper held up by bamboo strips, easily torn and dull.

They stopped in front of a shadow puppet stage, and Shen Mingsu’s gaze finally paused.

This was a genuine, well-organized troupe, with puppeteers pulling strings, drummers, and gong players. Even before the show began, the audience was already lively.

Seeing her glance their way, Feng Chongyan slowed his steps and asked, “Want to watch?”

Shen Mingsu nodded but did not enter. She stood behind the crowd, watching.

A burst of drums and gongs sounded as the curtain slowly lit up. A man clad in armor rode a horse, pointing his long blade and shouting, “Hua Xiong takes the field!”

The play was “Guan Yu Slays Hua Xiong.”

“The one who dares come here, how dare you bark like a wolf...”

It was sung in the Youzhou dialect.

Youzhou and the capital’s shadow puppetry purposely shared similarities, but the singing styles differed. Having not heard the Youzhou dialect in a long time, Shen Mingsu was momentarily lost in thought.

As she listened intently, a low harmony whispered in her ear: “Since you know my name, dismount and die.”

Surprised, Shen Mingsu turned her head. Feng Chongyan was looking into her eyes, his narrow pupils curved into a smile as warm as polished jade. Following the rhythm of the troupe, he sang line by line:

“I have heard Hua Xiong’s fame like spring thunder; his strategy rivals the Duke of Gongsun. Who are you, a nobody...”

After a year apart, the unfamiliar face finally bore traces of the past.

Wan Yue often said, “The provincial governor is one in a million.” That was before she had seen him smile. This smile was like a warm flame; which girl wouldn’t willingly leap into its glow?

Ding—

The crisp sound of a copper gong rang out and faded away.

...

“Brother Feng, I’m afraid to sleep alone. Can you stay with me?”

“Aren’t you afraid when there are many people?”

“Yes.”

“That’s easy then.”

He had taught her shadow puppetry before he was the eldest son of the Feng family, patiently showing her how to carve figures, pull strings, project shadows, and sing.

She learned quickly and with confidence. “When Brother Feng returns to the capital, I’ll go too. I’ll set up a stage by the street and make a living with shadow puppetry.”

“Good. I’ll wait for you.”

...

“Sister, why didn’t Mr. Feng come to fetch us? Has he forgotten us?”

“No.”

“Sister, you go first. Cross the river and find Mr. Feng.”

“Yueyao, don’t be afraid. Hide here well.”

The river water covered her nostrils, rushing fiercely into her mouth and lungs, causing sharp pain and suffocation. Shen Mingsu gasped awake. The play on stage had ended without her noticing, and the crowd was dispersing.

Feng Chongyan tugged her arm to avoid the oncoming crowd. As they moved forward, he commented on the performance, “The music had good momentum, but the singing was lacking. You could tell they weren’t from Youzhou. Still, it’s surprising to hear the Youzhou dialect in the capital.”

He spoke casually, in a gentle tone far from the imposing prime minister.

Shen Mingsu followed behind him. The gloomy rainy day cast a dim light. He carried a lantern the entire time. When he spoke, he did not turn his head. His wide sleeve brushed before her eyes, the purple cloud embroidered at the cuff within reach.

After hesitating, she finally reached out and touched the cool moisture on the corner of his robe. That small piece of fabric was the warmth she had longed for in her dreams.

He seemed unaware. Her heart raced, and she clenched her palm tightly. Holding the cloth in her hand felt like after a long journey through mountains and rivers, she had finally grasped a lifeline to rely on. All her unease and confusion were soothed in that moment.

A surge of warmth flooded her chest, and her eyes grew moist.

The words she had been desperate to tell him a year ago now spilled silently into the darkness behind his back:

“Brother Feng, my parents are dead, Yueyao is missing, and only you remain for me.”

The spring water was hazy, and their blurry reflections shimmered in the faint light of the jade pool. Ahead, their footsteps gradually slowed.

No matter how slow the pace, this road would end. How she wished it had no end.

She had long ceased to act out, but today was an exception. From her waist, she took out a small paper packet. The yellow powder inside glittered in the firelight, but before she could act, the person ahead suddenly raised his sleeve, extinguishing the lantern.

“Don’t be naughty,” Feng Chongyan said, turning back to stop her.

She had been found out again.

She had succeeded once before, slipping medicine into his drink, just to see how the usually stern and reserved gentleman would smile.

She remembered that time he laughed for half a day, a clear, joyous sound that seemed to shake the rafters. Tears even came from his laughter.

But he was gifted and sharp-witted. Having lived with the Shen family for three years, he learned her father’s lifelong secret techniques and could recognize her powders at a glance, always finding a way to neutralize them immediately.

The hand that held his sleeve was flung away as he dismissed his sleeve, widening the space between them. Crossing the stone bridge, Shen Mingsu fell several steps behind.

In front of a shop at the corner, several sheets of fine sheepskin were spread out. Such complete skins were rare—enough to carve a full set of shadow figures.

Feng Chongyan walked a few steps without seeing her follow. He looked back, following her gaze, and patiently asked, “Do you like it?”

Shen Mingsu nodded. “Can you wait a moment? I’ll be quick.”

“All right.”

As he turned to walk back, a guard suddenly approached. “Provincial governor, Master Zhou has been found.”

Feng Chongyan’s eyes, warmed by the lantern light earlier, instantly sharpened like a startled snow leopard revealing its claws.

The guard lowered his head and whispered, “He is in the hands of the Minister of the Court. Lord Zhou cannot intervene. The provincial governor must think of a way. Under no circumstances can the Court of Justice open a case.”

Every piece of sheepskin was excellent. She could not delay; having this extra hour was already a blessing. Afraid he would wait too long, Shen Mingsu casually chose two sheets and rolled them up.

Turning hurriedly, the place ablaze with lantern light was now deserted, with no sign of anyone.

She did not feel disappointed; she was prepared. The dream would end sooner or later. The sweetness he gave today had a purpose. From now on, she must let go of her past and prepare to be the prime minister’s wife.

The guard stepped forward, offering her silver coins. “The provincial governor had to leave early. If Miss Shen likes anything, she can buy it.”

Back at the mansion, she sat quietly, wanting to walk a while longer.

As night fell, the streets grew busier. Just as she was about to return, a little girl suddenly appeared, holding up a lantern and saying, “Sister, this lantern is for you.”

Shen Mingsu was taken aback.

Before she could react, the girl pressed the lantern into her hand.

It was just an ordinary lotus lantern—pink petals, green lotus leaves, with a white jade pendant hanging at the end, swaying gently in the breeze.

Shen Mingsu stared at the white jade, her gaze suddenly frozen. Holding her breath, her hand trembled slightly as she gripped the pendant and slowly turned it over.

On the back was a clear engraving: the character “Yao.”

Yueyao.

Her ears seemed to lose hearing. Shen Mingsu’s blood drained, her face pale as snow. She suddenly turned toward the direction where the girl had disappeared.

The crowd was already empty.

Shen Mingsu rushed into the throng, scanning every face. Her heart pounded in her throat as she called out, “Yueyao, Yueyao...”

“Shen Yueyao...”

Where are you?

“Miss Shen,” a guard behind her followed closely.

Shen Mingsu heard nothing else. She searched relentlessly through several alleys but saw no sign of the little girl.

“What’s wrong with Miss Shen?” The guard was completely unaware.

If someone wanted to hide, how could she find them? Shen Mingsu forced herself to calm down. Feng Chongyan was the prime minister—powerful and influential. There was nothing he could not do. As long as he helped her find Yueyao, she could do anything.

“Where has the provincial governor gone?” Shen Mingsu asked the guard.

The guard, seeing her expression, did not hide anything. “To Lord Zhou’s house at the Censorate.”

Shen Mingsu turned toward the carriage.

The cold wind stung her face. Slowly, her lost reason returned. Her steps grew slower until her legs felt as heavy as lead.

The rules of high society demanded composure even if the sky fell. Past experiences taught her that rash actions would bring no good outcomes.

Since someone had given her Yueyao’s jade pendant, they must have a purpose—wanting something from her. They would surely ensure Yueyao was alive.

She stood before the carriage, motionless for a long while. The guard called her again, “Miss Shen?”

“Return to the mansion. I’ll wait for him.”

The carriage returned to the Feng family. Night had fallen completely. She did not enter the house but stood at the gate waiting.

In the past year, she had learned how to measure time in silence. When time dragged on, she counted the rhythm of dripping water, estimating the hours.

The heavy clouds above turned into fine drizzling rain at night.

Half an hour later, Lian Sheng and Wan Yue arrived with lanterns. Seeing her state, they guessed her thoughts. “Miss Shen, you should go inside.”

She shook her head without a word, clutching the jade pendant tightly.

...

“Sister, will Mr. Feng come to save us?”

“He will.”

“Sister, how far is the capital?”

“Very close.”

She would not go in. Lian Sheng and Wan Yue had no choice but to retreat to the screen wall. Gradually, maids from the side courtyard gathered, whispering, “Is she going to cause trouble again?”

Lian Sheng said nothing, looking out the door.

As night fell, that slender figure evoked a strange pity in her. Trouble? When had she not long been quiet?