Chapter 5

When she first arrived at the Feng residence, she had only a single bundle to her name. Now that she was leaving, there was nothing to take with her. She stepped out of the courtyard gates empty-handed, only to look up and find her second aunt and Ayin standing before her.

Having spent half a day together yesterday, Ayin had grown familiar with her and ran toward her excitedly. "Big sister!"

Her aunt asked no questions. She smiled and said, "Your second uncle went out this morning and bought a few chickens. They are already stewing; we will be back just in time for the meal."

Her aunt and Ayin had hired a carriage for their arrival. Her aunt climbed in first, and Shen Mingsu held Ayin’s arm to help her up. Just as she was about to step in herself, Third Lady came chasing after her. "Sister Shen..."

Shen Mingsu turned back.

During her year at the Feng residence, this Third Lady had always treated her with sincerity. She pulled her foot back and, for the first time, addressed her by name: "Folan."

Folan walked up to her, glanced at the carriage behind her, and seemed unable to believe she would make such a choice. "Are you really leaving?"

Shen Mingsu nodded. "Yes."

Folan knew her words might hurt, but she couldn't help asking, "You are alone and have no one to rely on. Where can you go?"

"I am different from you. I have no father or mother; naturally, the world is my home."

"How can a young lady make the world her home?" Folan said anxiously. "I know you feel slighted now, but staying at the Feng residence at least provides you with a place to live. When you eventually become the eldest mistress of the Feng house, as time passes, you will surely have your day in the sun..."

"I don't want to wait," Shen Mingsu said, looking at her with a gentle smile. She had once been just like her—cherished by parents and carefree.

"I, too, wish to live as brilliantly as you, even if I end up in rags."

Folan was stunned.

Shen Mingsu bid her farewell. "I am leaving. Take care, Folan."

Folan watched blankly as she boarded the carriage and rode away. She didn't know if she had understood that last sentence, but she did not call out to her again.

—

A marriage discussion had turned into a broken engagement. The Grand Duchess’s expression did not recover for a long while. It was not that the Feng family absolutely had to marry her; they had gone to such lengths primarily to avoid the reputation of being ungrateful.

Otherwise, given the Feng family’s status, what kind of young lady could they not marry?

The Duke left the table first. Before departing, he turned to the silent Feng Chongyan beside him and said, "Handle your own affairs."

Feng Chongyan said nothing. He rubbed the jade-bone porcelain tea lid gently, sat for a moment, then rose and followed.

After walking through the long corridor, before he even gave an order, Fu'an asked proactively, "Master, as for Lady Shen... shall I go after her?"

How could he chase her? The marriage certificate had been returned; could he really bring her back?

A wave of agitation that he could not quell clouded his brow. "Prepare the carriage."

Before the two reached the door, Mr. Yan, an advisor to the estate, returned from outside. He stood in the path waiting for Feng Chongyan to approach and reported concisely, "Master, Young Master Zhou has returned."

Fu'an lowered his head, waiting for his master's further instructions.

After a few breaths, Feng Chongyan said, "The Censorate."

Mr. Yan followed along. Only after they were inside the carriage did he report in detail: "Early this morning, Chamberlain Gao An personally took Young Master Zhou back to the Zhou residence."

Feng Chongyan remained silent.

"In my opinion, Gao An likely knew about Young Master Zhou infiltrating the eunuchs beforehand. He was merely waiting for the right moment to capture him for maximum advantage. Prince Kang wants to snatch military merit from the Second Young Master; whether he succeeds depends on your will, Master. This is the moment. Otherwise, why the delay in sending the case to the Grand Court of Justice?"

"How is he?"

"He suffered a bit. He confessed everything that should and should not have been said." A young master from a noble family who had never experienced hardship would spill the truth the moment torture instruments were displayed; there was no need for brutal methods.

Young Master Zhou’s impulsive infiltration of the eunuchs to investigate the Emperor’s leg injury had caused quite a stir.

If it were just that, it would be trivial, but behind him was Zhou Guandao, behind Zhou Guandao was Feng Chongyan, and behind Feng Chongyan was the daughter of the Shen family.

If the Emperor were to find out that she had traced the massacre of the Shen family a year ago back to him, would he still trust the Feng family and Feng Chongyan without suspicion?

When they arrived at the Zhou residence, Lord Zhou was already in the study. A servant led Feng Chongyan over. As soon as he entered, he saw Young Master Zhou kneeling on the floor in shackles.

Lord Zhou stood beside him, hunched over, pleading with the person seated at the head of the room. "Master National Preceptor, please be discerning. My son was eager to gain merit and believed the words of that charlatan Taoist, who claimed that if one understood the cause of a patient's illness, any ailment could be cured. I am ashamed to say it, but my son is a fool who has achieved nothing in his official career, which is why he came up with such crooked methods..."

Hearing the title "National Preceptor," Feng Chongyan narrowed his eyes slightly and turned to look at the man sitting at the wooden table in the hall.

The man was dressed in white with a silver crown. He was of similar age to Feng Chongyan, with long, narrow, upturned eyes. His expression held a kind of nonchalant arrogance, yet when he smiled, he appeared cultured and elegant.

Ling Mochen.

The current National Preceptor and the Emperor's apothecary.

Compared to Feng Chongyan’s hard-earned success, his path had been much simpler.

At sixteen, he was favored by the Emperor for his skill in cuju (ancient football), and later, through his expertise in divination and alchemy, he was elevated step by step to the position of National Preceptor. He had been at court for nine years now, and like Feng Chongyan, he was one of the people the Emperor trusted most.

Their status at court was like a scale, with each acting as a counterweight, competing yet checking one another.

Ling Mochen seemed surprised, smiling, "It seems the aged wine Lord Zhou has today is truly a rare vintage, as even you have come, Master."

Lord Zhou dared not look at Feng Chongyan’s face.

Since the Censorate had been placed under the supervision of the Secretariat two years ago, his useless son had tried to curry favor with Feng Chongyan by guessing his master’s intentions. Not only did he act without permission by infiltrating the eunuchs to pry into matters he shouldn't, he was caught on the spot, and now he had become a liability for Feng Chongyan.

—

"Master..." Lord Zhou called out.

Feng Chongyan did not look at him. He walked toward Ling Mochen, lifted his robes, and sat on the meditation cushion opposite him. "It is an honor to share wine with the National Preceptor today; it makes this trip worthwhile." He turned to Zhou Guandao, who had his head buried in his chest. "Lord Zhou, bring out whatever good wine you have."

—

After leaving the Feng residence, Ayin clung to Shen Mingsu, even taking her to see her "Little Peach Blossom."

Little Peach Blossom was a kitten, named so because of the pink spots on its fur.

After dinner, the two spent the afternoon in the courtyard playing with the kitten. The Second Uncle and Second Aunt did not disturb them. At dusk, the Second Uncle finally found her. "Since you are in the capital, we will not leave either. Although the Feng family is a prominent household that could have given you a lifetime of wealth and glory, you cannot be without family. With your aunt and me here, if anything happens in the future, or if you need to speak your heart, there will be someone to turn to."

They were well aware of the vast disparity in the marriage arrangement. Seeing her return this way, the Second Uncle did not directly ask for the reason, but he knew she had likely suffered a grievance.

Shen Mingsu did not hide it. "I have already broken off the engagement with the Feng family."

The Second Uncle was stunned. After a moment of silence, he sighed and said, "It is good that it is broken." Being trapped in that deep mansion was not as good as being free and at ease outside.

Shen Mingsu added, "Second Uncle, you cannot stay in the capital."

The two branches of the Shen family were distinct: the first branch studied human medicine, while the second branch studied veterinary medicine.

Seventeen years ago, when the new Emperor ascended, a batch of court officials, including the imperial physicians, were replaced. Shen Heyan was among those demoted, and upon returning to Youzhou, he made a living by treating the common people.

The second branch, led by Shen Nanzhao, studied veterinary medicine. In his youth, he had been a wanderer, and he had never had a fixed home.

Moreover, since she had now broken off the engagement with the Feng family, it was even less appropriate for the Shen family to remain in the capital. She felt the same. "I want to go to Qingzhou."

The Second Uncle frowned. "Why are you still..."

"I must see Yueyao with my own eyes."

"She is already gone. Qingzhou is in the midst of war; it is no place for you. If you truly have decided to break the engagement, we can go elsewhere—Jinzhou or Qizhou would be fine."

"Second Uncle, do you also believe that the deaths of my father and mother were the work of the former dynasty's remnants?" Shen Mingsu asked suddenly.

Seeing the Second Uncle’s expression freeze, Shen Mingsu said calmly, "It makes no difference where I go, but I cannot stay with you. Ayin is still young..."

The arrangements made by the Shen family elders had been far-sighted. She was grateful that her uncle’s branch studied veterinary medicine.

"If we leave, we leave together. Your parents are gone, and I am your elder; there is no reason for me to abandon you." Refusing to let her say more, the Second Uncle was firm. "Regarding your parents' case, Feng Chongyan had no reason to hide the truth. The evidence was conclusive, the other party confessed, and the truth is just as it is. Ajin, it is time to let go." He stood up. "I will go have your aunt tidy a room. Sleep well tonight; your uncle is here for everything else, so don't overthink it."

The last remnants of the evening glow faded from the sky, and the old house was slowly draped in a veil of darkness.

Soon, the flickering lights of the lamps blended into the night, turning into a hazy glow. Though dim, everything was visible.

It was just like that night—her mother had gripped her hand tightly, her eyes filled with a mixture of resentment and hatred. She saw it clearly. She thought her mother had mistaken her for someone else, but she heard her say, "Remember, even if it comes to that, you must protect your younger sister first..."

"Su Ying!"

"What is it! Are the dozen lives of the Shen family not enough? I only want Ayao to live."

Her sleeve was tugged suddenly, and Shen Mingsu turned.

A small head popped up from behind her, watching her cautiously. "Mother says that Big Sister is missing Little Sister. Don't cry, Big Sister. Ayin is your younger sister too."

A tiny, delicate hand reached out, hooking onto her finger. It was soft and warm, striking straight at her heart. "Big Sister, I will take you to see the lanterns."

...

"Big Sister, look, is this lantern pretty?"

"Big Sister, weren't we going to the market? Are you going to keep your word..."

"Alright," Shen Mingsu answered.

Hearing Ayin pestering Shen Mingsu to go to the bustling market, the aunt went along as well.

Ayin held one hand of each. The little girl was only four or five years old, skipping and jumping all the way. Perhaps finding Shen Mingsu beautiful, she looked up to steal a glance from time to time.

Looking closely, Ayin really did look a bit like Ayao. In contrast, her own appearance was quite different from theirs.

The aunt said they had arrived in the capital three days ago. They were afraid of appearing suddenly, which might lead to groundless speculation that they were here to seek official positions or wealth. Seeing her that day had been an unexpected joy. "Your Second Uncle asked Ayin to give you the jade pendant because he wanted to see you alone. We didn't expect to frighten you."

The aunt asked her with a pained heart, "How exactly have you lived this past year?"

How had she lived...

After three months of fleeing, she had become jumpy and suspicious of every shadow.

"Listen to your Second Uncle. From now on, you will stay with us. Even though life may be a bit hard, dealing with cats and dogs is simpler than dealing with people."

The bustling night was lit by a variety of brilliant lanterns. The night breeze brushed against her face, bringing a damp, cool, yet warm sensation. It had been a long time since she felt so real.

For a moment, her heart was moved by those words, and she wanted to reply, "Alright." But in the end, she remained silent, gently squeezing the warm little hand in her palm.

Ayin didn't understand the adults' conversation. Seeing something novel, she pulled them forward.

The Great Ye Dynasty was divided into twenty-six prefectures, with the capital being the most prosperous. People in the city, rich or poor, loved to indulge. Besides visiting restaurants and teahouses, shadow puppetry was also highly favored; one could always find a shadow puppet troupe on any given street.

Ayin had never seen it and cried out that she wouldn't leave. Her aunt had no choice but to buy a long bench. Fearing that Ayin would make a fuss if she saw other children holding candied haws, she went to buy some, leaving Shen Mingsu and Ayin to watch the show.

There was no curfew in the capital, and the night was at its most vibrant. People bustled back and forth. A moment later, someone sat down on the empty side of the bench.

The dark brocade robe did not show its true color under the night lights, but the scent of cold plum was one Shen Mingsu knew well. She turned her head with vigilance.

Feng Chongyan was looking at Ayin, who sat beside her. His gaze was deep and probing, as if he were trying to interrogate the small body for the answer to a mystery he wanted to solve.

Shen Mingsu pulled Ayin into her arms and, turning around, saw her aunt approaching from not far away. She coaxed softly, "Ayin, be good. Mother bought candied haws. Go to your mother."

Seeing Ayin rush into her aunt’s arms, Shen Mingsu turned back to the person who should not have been there.

Feng Chongyan acted as if nothing had happened, asking her, "Second Uncle Shen Nanzhao, when did he arrive?"

"A few days ago."

"He should not have come to the capital."

Shen Mingsu did not answer him. "Master Feng, if you are looking for me, is there anything else?" The marriage certificate had been returned; the Feng family no longer needed to be heartbroken over marrying a mistress without any background.

He, Feng Chongyan, was also liberated. The affairs of the Shen family had nothing to do with him anymore.

"Was the jade pendant brought to you by Shen Nanzhao?"

After a whole day, it was surprising he still remembered.

Seeing she did not answer, he asked again, "Is Shen Yueyao alive?"

Shen Mingsu replied, "She is dead." She added, "Just as you all thought."

Feng Chongyan did not speak. A moment later, he turned his head, watching the charming figures dancing on the screen, and tilted his chin. "If you like it, shall I have it moved to the residence?"

"Master Feng may do as he pleases." Seeing her aunt holding Ayin and constantly looking over, Shen Mingsu did not want to drag this out with him, so she asked again, "Master Feng, is there anything else?"

Feng Chongyan glanced at her and signaled for Fu'an to step forward.

The surrounding crowd had been cleared away at some point. Fu'an stood behind the two, bowing as if reporting official business.

"Four days ago, a victory report came from Qingzhou. The Second Young Master’s Yibai Army surrounded the Hu leader. As soon as the news arrived, Prince Kang immediately requested to go to Qingzhou to replace the Second Young Master."

Having spent three years with him in the Shen household, Shen Mingsu knew his intelligence and his methods of winning people over better than anyone. She could hear that he was lowering his posture, willing to offer her an explanation, telling her that he had been busy.

Feng Chongyan stared at her indifferent expression and let Fu'an continue.

"After the morning court session, the Master reported the marriage with Lady Shen to His Majesty. His Majesty bestowed ten chests of wedding gifts upon Lady Shen, which arrived at the residence this afternoon."

After finishing, Fu'an stepped aside.

Feng Chongyan slowly stood up and walked to her side. He was so close that his toes were almost touching her skirt. He leaned down, looked into her eyes, and asked softly, "Coming back?"

Shen Mingsu looked up, meeting eyes that seemed shattered by tenderness.

Back then, when he fought his way back from the brink of death, everyone at court said he was simply lucky. Two years later, those who still held that thought were likely only the foolish and the narrow-minded.

He had not reached his current status through luck, nor was it merely through the oppression of power, but through genuine submission and respect.

He was neither a sharp sword nor a fierce tiger, but a net lurking in the dark, using the heart as bait to lure people into his trap.

He knew what you wanted, and he gave it to you without hesitation.

She couldn't quite guess his true attitude toward this engagement. Was it merely a life-saving debt that had to be repaid?

Shen Mingsu turned her head to look at the shimmering light on the river. "The marriage between Master Feng and me has been annulled. Master Feng no longer needs to bear the burden of a life-saving debt, and given your ability and status, I assume you no longer need me to validate your reputation."

Since they met again in the capital, they had never sat down and talked as equals.

The longing for heart-to-heart talk had long been worn away by coldness and silence. She hadn't expected the first time she stood straight and spoke to him would be after the engagement was broken.

It was a long while before Feng Chongyan said, "Still angry? Because of Shen Yueyao?"

"Feng Chongyan." Shen Mingsu turned her head, looking him directly in the eyes just as she had when she was at the Shen house. "I am not angry."

"But I regret relying on you a year ago." She was telling the truth.

She had spent a year begging for his help, enduring through countless cracks, and in the end, Yueyao still died.

She did not look at his expression again. She looked up at her aunt and Ayin waiting ahead. Shen Mingsu said calmly, "I have said I will not pester you again, and you should not come looking for me."

—

On the way back, her aunt asked her, "Can you truly let it go?"

Shen Mingsu nodded. "Times change, and in an instant, everything is different. Everyone is pushed forward by fate and duty. My stance has long been different from his. He has his future to pursue, and I have my own path to walk."

She was trapped in a quagmire, and she could only rely on herself to climb out.

Her aunt looked at her in surprise, suddenly remembering something. She said softly, "Back then, your mother told me that of the two girls in the house, one was heartless, and the other never grew up. She didn't know how they would live when she and your father were gone. Now, it seems you didn't give her cause for worry. The heart grows up in an instant. If she could have foreseen today, she probably wouldn't have said those words."

At night, Ayin begged to sleep with her. The aunt had no choice but to prepare an extra quilt.

In the middle of the night, she fell into a dream and saw her mother’s eyes again, intertwined with resentment and hatred.

"Mother..."

She woke up in a cold sweat. She turned her head to see Ayin still fast asleep, her small body pressed against her, as if she feared nothing, calm and peaceful.

Shen Mingsu gently held the girl's finger and said in a hoarse voice, "Mother, I'm sorry."