The capital city was in an uproar over the shocking incident, with everyone discussing the tragic case of the Yuqin Prince's manor being slaughtered. Rumors spread like a snowball, growing bigger and more distorted as they were passed around. All sorts of speculation emerged, with some people even suspecting that the one who had annihilated the entire Yuqin Prince's manor was none other than the new concubine's lover, who had killed in a fit of rage for the sake of his beauty, allowing the entire manor to be buried along with her. This rumor made the whole thing sound even more scandalous, as if the brutal truth had suddenly taken on a hint of romance.

  Such rumors are everywhere, and when I hear them myself, I don't think much of it. However, among the numerous rumors, there is one that stands out as particularly shocking.

  This rumor means that the Henan Wangfu was exterminated overnight, but in fact it is the meaning of the Shen family. As for why the General's Mansion wants to do this, the water is too deep, and let the official think about it himself.

  If the previous rumors only brought ridicule and mockery to Shen Qing and his family, this conjecture with a hint of conspiracy was what truly pushed the Shen Manor into the spotlight.

  The Yuqin Royal Mansion was exterminated, and not a single person was left in the mansion. However, a newlywed bride who had just entered the mansion was spared. What luck did this new bride have to be pardoned by the ruthless enemy? Unless she had some connection with them. If it were the Shen family, everything would make sense. But why would the Shen family want to oppose the Yuqin Royal Mansion? On the surface, it might seem like dissatisfaction with the marriage arrangement, but upon further investigation, who knows if the Shen family was acting on someone else's orders or trying to convey something. These things are not visible to ordinary people, but old officials in the imperial court would not let them go unnoticed. For a time, the Shen family was put in a precarious position.

  Early in the morning, Bai Lu and Shuang Jiang came to invite Shen Miao to have some snacks. The Shen family was currently not in the mood to take care of anything else, even the meals in the small kitchen were just so-so. Except for Rong Jing Tang's side, most people were taking care of themselves, so Bai Lu and Shuang Jiang simply went out to buy some snacks and had Shen Miao eat some sweet porridge to warm up her body.

  After finishing breakfast, Shen Miao also finished washing up and took a look at her reflection in the mirror. She slightly furrowed her brow and immediately instructed Gu Yu to "Go get that fox-fur scarf that Big Brother sent over."

  "Huh, Miss wants to wear that scarf again." Gu Yu rummaged through the box and pulled out the scarf, intending to put it on Shen Miao for her, but was stopped by Shen Miao: "I'll do it myself."

  That fox fur scarf is pure white all over, without a single mixed hair, and it was also hunted by Shen Qiu in the northwest mountain forest. At that time, he thought the skin was precious, so he let the tailor make a delicate scarf for Shen Miao. However, Shen Miao never liked to wear it, so it was pressed under the bottom of the box. Today, I don't know how, suddenly remembered, and let Gu Yu have some joy, after all, such good-looking fur, placed at the bottom of the box every day without seeing the sun, it's also a pity.

  Shen Miao wrapped the scarf around her neck, and Gu Yu saw it, praising: "Miss, you look great with this scarf on, it makes your skin look even whiter. It looks warm and cozy too, really nice."

  Shen Miao lowered her eyelids, and her fingers lightly brushed over the soft fur, but she was thinking of the bruise on her neck from earlier in the mirror. That person had also been ruthless at the time, and although she hadn't noticed it yesterday, today it seemed especially obvious. Although the collars of winter clothes were all high, if someone accidentally saw it, Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan might not let it go easily. It's better to have one less thing to worry about, so it's better to wrap it tighter.

  She put down the copper mirror in her hand, Shen Miao opened the door and walked out. Just in time to see Shen Qiu standing under the tree in the courtyard, instructing a small soldier beside him. Shen Qiu's guards were all from the military, different from ordinary bodyguards, with an air of bravery and bloodiness. Seeing Shen Miao, Shen Qiu said a few more words to the little soldier before turning around and smiling: "Little sister."

  "What's going on?" Shen Miao asked. Every morning, Shen Qiu would always be standing in the courtyard practicing sword and spear, the best part of the west wing was this empty courtyard, where Shen Qiu and Shen Xin used to love to spar, occasionally Luo Xueyan would join in. Shen Miao had also gotten used to seeing Shen Qiu's figure practicing martial arts as soon as she opened the door, but today was unusually quiet, something must have happened.

  Shen Qiu chuckled and said, "Nothing, little sister. Why are you up so early? Don't you want to sleep a bit more?"

  He awkwardly changed the subject like this, but Shen Miao didn't even bat an eyelid and said: "It's about Big Sister and the Shen family's matters, right?"

  Shen Qiu hastily coughed and pulled Shen Miao into the house, waiting until they were inside before chasing out the servants and closing the door. Only then did he turn to Shen Miao and say, "Sister, don't mention this outside."

  "What's going on?"

  "Nothing big, just leave it to Dad and me. You don't have to go out these days, and don't worry about this matter."

  He was vague, roughly wanting to fool Shen Miao. But if even Shen Qiu could fool Shen Miao, then Shen Miao would not be able to live in the Shen family anymore. She stared at Shen Qiu without blinking: "Alright, big brother, you don't have to hide it from me, is it about the extermination of the Yu Qin Wang Fu? Others suspected my sister, and now they suspect the Shen family too, right?"

  Shen Qiu was taken aback, looking at Shen Miao, and suddenly felt a sense of powerlessness in his heart. He increasingly felt that he couldn't live up to the feeling of being an older brother in front of Shen Miao, as she knew everything. Previously, when she was foolish, he had been afraid that she would be bullied, but now that she was clever, it made him feel completely helpless.

  Shen Qiu didn't say a word, and Shen Miao continued: "Is big brother worried about this matter?"

  "Sister." Shen Qiu said seriously: "You're still young and don't understand the things in the imperial court. Although this matter seems simple, the people behind it have ulterior motives. If we're not careful, the Shen family will be implicated." He looked at Shen Miao, hesitated for a moment, then asked: "Sister, do you know about the Yu Qin Wang Fu case?" As soon as he spoke, he immediately answered himself: "I suppose sister doesn't know, after all, sister is just a young lady from a boudoir, how could she have such great abilities."

  Since Shen Miao told Shen Qiu about the conspiracy between Er Fang and Yu Qin Wang, Shen Qiu had been unable to swallow this tone. If Shen Miao hadn't stopped Shen Qiu from telling his parents and forced him not to act rashly, Shen Qiu would have taken revenge on Shen Miao with a mouthful of evil air in his heart. From start to finish, Shen Miao explained to Shen Qiu that he had a way to handle everything.

  Afterwards, the second house seemed to have fallen into a blood curse, with one misfortune after another. If Shen Qing's pregnancy was discovered at the return banquet, it was all thanks to Shen Miao's efforts that Shen Qing ended up marrying into the Yu Qin Wang Fu. Shen Qiu was already shocked enough. But this time, the entire Yu Qin Wang Fu was exterminated. If Shen Miao had a hand in this, Shen Qiu felt a chill rising in his heart. To make an entire royal house disappear silently from this world would require Shen Xin to take action, and even then it would be a complicated process. How could Shen Miao, a delicate little girl, possibly do such a thing? But the more he thought it was impossible, the more Shen Qiu had a feeling that there was a grudge between the Yu Qin Wang Fu and Shen Miao. Now that things had come to this point, what if Shen Miao had played a part in stirring up trouble?

  Shen Miao glanced at Shen Qiu and sighed, saying: "Big brother suspects it was me who did it?"

  "No, no, no, little sister. How could I possibly suspect you? You're just a young girl from a good family. If it were true, people would laugh at you." Shen Qiu hastily refuted, afraid of provoking Shen Miao.

  His cautious expression fell into Shen Miao's eyes, and Shen Miao let out a faint sigh in her heart. She couldn't tell Shen Qiu the truth, as the people of the Shen family's main house were kind and honest. If they knew that such a vicious thing came from her hands, they would surely be very hurt. She could only lie to Shen Qiu, and Shen Miao smiled slightly: "I really don't have such skills, big brother doesn't need to suspect me. The things you're worried about now are actually not worth worrying too much."

  Shen Qiu looked at Shen Miao, and unknowingly, when he faced Shen Miao, his conversation also had a questioning tone. He asked: "Why does sister think so?"

  "People of the world are not fools, how can a few rumors be used to convict someone? If they really want to convict, they will naturally produce conclusive evidence. Besides, what does Big Sister have to do with our family? Father and Mother are rarely in the mansion, even if this dirty water is splashed everywhere, it won't reach us here. Even if there are a hundred chaotic situations now, we don't need to worry about them, there will naturally be 'capable' people who will solve these problems."

  "Capable person?" Shen Qiu wondered: "Who is that?"

  Before he had finished speaking, a loud voice was heard from outside: "Second Master, how did you come here?"

  "Look," Shen Miao turned back, a smile flashing in her eyes: "A clever and capable person has arrived."

  Shen Qiu's eyes rolled around, and he took three steps in two strides to the door, opening it to reveal Shen Yuan standing at the entrance. Shen Yuan had always been particular about his appearance, but now, after a night of rushing about, he looked somewhat haggard. Compared to his usual pretentiousness, his gaze towards Shen Miao and her brother was uncharacteristically gloomy. He said, "Fifth sister, I have something to discuss with you in private."

  "My sister has nothing to say to you." Shen Qiu blocked in front of Shen Miao, deliberately emphasizing the three words "my sister".

  "It doesn't matter, big brother," Shen Miao said: "Just right, I also have a few words to say to second brother."

  "Sister." Shen Qiu hastily said, almost blurting out "that thing is not a good person". Shen Miao patted Shen Qiu's arm: "Don't worry, if you're still worried, just guard the door."

  "I'll just stand guard at the door." Shen Qiu hastily said.

  The two siblings' behavior made Shen Yuan's face turn even greener. In the past, no matter how much Shen Qiu disliked him, he would still put on a harmonious face. This time back, however, it was like needles pointing at cotton, and Shen Yuan's gaze fell on Shen Miao. Many things that started out fine had ended up going off the rails because of Shen Miao.

  She is the biggest variable in the Shen family.

  "Come in with me, Fifth Sister." Shen Yuan gave Shen Qiu a cold glance: "Big Brother, please also stay at the door and keep watch." After saying this, he himself stepped into the house first.

  Under everyone's worried gaze, Shen Miao also walked in.

  The door was slowly closed, and Shen Miao turned around, only to meet Shen Guan's gloomy expression: "It was you who did it."

  His tone was very affirmative, without any probing, Shen Miao smiled slightly: "What is the second brother talking about? The case of the extermination of the royal palace or the rumors that are circulating?"

  "Which one wasn't done by you?" Shen Yuan coldly sneered: "I underestimated you."

  "Perhaps Second Brother overestimates me," Shen Miao said nonchalantly: "I don't have such great abilities, and yet I was able to escape unscathed after causing such a disaster."

  "Oh?" Shen Yuan looked her up and down before saying: "You're not living a very happy life now, are you?"

  "It's none of my business what others say about me. Since you're so insistent on thinking that way, I'm too lazy to explain, anyway you won't believe me. You've come over, isn't it just to interrogate and condemn?"

  Shen Yuan endured again and again, the girl in front of him had a faint smile, her lips curled up into a mocking curve, her clear eyes reflected his slightly disheveled appearance. He was proud and arrogant, but now he was outsmarted by a young maid, naturally he felt extremely resentful. However, things had reached this point, indeed it was because he underestimated the enemy.

  "You're doing this, aren't you afraid of implicating the Shen family? This way, even if Uncle and his family can't be blamed!" Shen Yuan said viciously.

  Upon hearing this, Shen Miao seemed to have heard a funny joke and smiled at Shen Guan for a moment until his anger could no longer be tolerated. Only then did she calmly say: "I didn't do anything. Besides, Second Brother's words are really strange. Even if this matter is related to the Shen family, what does it have to do with our main house?" She said lightly: "My parents and brothers are in the northwest all year round. You can't say that I, a young girl, can be the master of the main house. Even if the Shen family is really involved, Second Brother, at least the main house can be cleared of any wrongdoing."

  Shen Yuan took a deep breath of cool air.

  He didn't think of this level, but when he brought up this sentence, it was nothing more than seeing that Shen Miao fundamentally didn't understand the affairs of the imperial court. Even if Shen Miao was clever and cunning, those were all in the inner palace, but the imperial court was a man's world. In the Shen household, who would analyze the situation at court with her? Shen Gui? Shen Wan? Don't make me laugh. But now, Shen Miao's sarcastic words clearly indicated that she saw these circumstances more clearly than anyone else.

  "So you had a backup plan all along." Shen Yuan's expression changed, and he sneered: "It seems the main house isn't planning to take action?"

  "We've never had the leisure to worry about other people's business." Shen Miao looked at him with a calm and collected expression: "It's actually Second Uncle and Third Uncle who need to explain themselves now. But the one who should be most worried is you, Second Brother," she shook her head, somewhat regretfully saying: "Just returned to Dingjing City to take office, yet encountered this kind of thing, this is indeed a living obstacle blocking your path."

  She deliberately spoke in a tone that was both high and low, roughly saying that these days with Shen Qiu had also learned to kill people without making a sound. It made Shen Yuan's fist clenched even tighter.

  Shen Miao suddenly turned her head, stroked her soft and fluffy fur, and smiled: "However, considering that everyone has the surname Shen, I have an idea that can relieve the urgent need."

  "It's Fifth Sister's idea, I don't dare use it." Shen Yuan stared at her: "If you're not careful, you'll lose your life without even realizing it."

  "Second brother says I'm joking, but I don't have such a terrible idea. This idea is sincerely thought out for your sake. However, considering second brother's cleverness, you might have already thought of it. Since the Shen family has been implicated, wouldn't it be fine to just remove them from this situation? In fact, second brother also knows that rumors can't become truth, but if they're spread for a long time, people will inevitably have doubts. So at this moment when the rumor has just started, treating it as a 'rumor' would be good enough. But how to make it a 'rumor', big sister needs to clarify things."

  Shen Miao gazed out the window, where Shen Qiu was crouched under a tree, tightly clutching his rifle and peering into the house from afar. She smiled faintly: "I think that in this world, the most powerful cleansing is one that comes at the cost of life."

  "Ah!" Shen Jian suddenly stretched out his fist, but stopped just short of Shen Miao's head. He stared at her and said: "At your age, with such a venomous heart, Fifth Sister, you are the first person I have ever met like this."

  "He himself." A hint of pride flashed in Shen Miao's eyes, and she asked: "Do you think Big Sister would be willing to clear things up for the sake of your future, Second Brother?" She smiled warmly: "I think she should be willing, after all, you are blood siblings," but then suddenly shook her head: "No, I think Big Sister wouldn't be willing either. Big Sister is someone who loves herself dearly, and if Second Brother just sacrifices his future, that would be enough, but Big Sister would have to pay the price of her life."

  "Shen Miao, you won't be lucky every time." Shen Yuan gritted his teeth, his tone seeming to hate Shen Miao so much that he wanted to swallow her whole. He suddenly understood why Ren Yuanyun was furious when she mentioned Shen Miao, because the other party was indeed a person who made people hate her to the bone.

  "I don't know if I'll be lucky every time," Shen Miao looked at him: "But Second Brother, you're currently out of options."

  "With a loud crash, Shen Yuan kicked open the door and strode away without looking back. His actions startled Shen Qiu so much that he hastily rushed into the house, only feeling relieved when he saw Shen Miao safe and sound. Curiously, he asked: 'What did you say to him? How could he be enraged like that?'"

  "Oh, it's just that seeing my sister suffer in prison makes me feel guilty and helpless." Shen Miao didn't even turn her head as she picked up the cloak from one side. Shen Qiu saw this and asked: "Is sister going out?"

  "Big sister is in prison, as a sister, I should go take a look." Shen Miao smiled slightly: "After all, she's my own flesh and blood."

  If such a big commotion in the capital city, if the owner of the pawnshop didn't know anything about it, that would be strange. I'm afraid even the ancestors of Bai Xiaosheng would know about it and come out of their coffins to scold people.

  In the pavilion of Linjiang Xian, Hong Ling brought up delicate pastries and placed them on the table, arranged tea cups, and then quietly retreated. Ji Yu Shu picked up a piece of pastry and took a bite, "Ptooey" spat it all out, saying: "What is this thing, really disgusting." After speaking, he looked at Xie Jinghang with a raised face: "Xie San Ge, can you lend me your chef for a few days?"

  Xie Jingxian gave him a concise and meaningful "roll" character.

  Gao Yang sipped his tea and said, "Nowadays, the whole city of Beijing is talking about the Prince's mansion, but you still have the heart to eat pastries. Ji Yu Shu, you are truly admirable."

  "No need to admire me too much." Ji Yu Xuan casually adjusted his collar: "I've always been exceptional. However, what does the Prince's Manor have to do with me? Why can't I just enjoy some snacks?"

  "Don't forget, the Chen brothers took action because of the news that spread from your Xuanxian Pawnshop." Gaoyang reminded: "What assassins and rebellions, the news you created is not small either."

  Ji Yu's book exploded as soon as he heard it, saying: "The one who made up the news is still Shen Miao. Hasn't she ever been anxious about eating a little heart? I heard that early this morning, she even got up to see Shen Qing in prison. Look at her, this is what it means to be transparent and calm, if I were Shen Qing, I would have died of anger."

  Xie Jinghang smiled slightly and pinched a piece of pastry to eat. The flavor was indeed not quite to his liking, he furrowed his brow slightly, put down the remaining half, and didn't take another bite.

  "How can you compare with her?" Gao Yang said coolly, "The courage of the fifth Miss Shen is probably not afraid to pierce through the sky. To know that after stabbing our Third Brother Xie with a hairpin, she could still retreat unscathed. This is the first time I've encountered such a person."

  "What?" Ji Yu Shu cried out in surprise, looking at Xie Jing Xing: "Third Brother, you've actually been stabbed?"

  Xie Jinghang glanced at Gao Yang: "Do you want to go back?"

  Gao Yang immediately sat up straight and said seriously: "What I just said was nonsense."

  However, Ji Yu Shu apparently discovered a new interesting thing and kept asking Xie Jing Xing: "How did she stab you? With a sword? Third brother, you didn't even dodge, so her movements must be very fast. In the end, she retreated completely, my god, third brother, can't you beat her?"

  Xie Jinghang finally couldn't bear it anymore: "Shut up!"

  "She's so skilled and looks quite good too, I suddenly feel that even the peony girl can't compare to her. Ah, Third Brother Xie, can you think of a way to win her favor? I think it's better to settle down with such a girl as soon as possible." Season Yu Shu continued to read on and on.

  "Also, you and Gao Yang go back together." Xie Jing Hang said with a expressionless face.

  Ji Yu finally closed his mouth with a humph.

  Gao Yang shook his folding fan and changed the subject, saying: "But with Shen Miao making such a big move, I somehow feel that the matter of the Prince's residence isn't over yet."

  "It's not over yet." Ji Yushu said, "Everyone is dead, how can it not be over? But to say that I also find it a bit strange, why would Miss Shen spread such rumors about herself, doesn't she fear dragging the entire Shen family into it? Others are eager to clear their names, but she's still looking for trouble on her own."

  "Have you ever seen someone fishing and then stop after catching a big fish?" Xie Jinghang glanced at him with a smile that was quite intriguing: "Originally, it's one ring linked to another, her plan has never been to end in the Prince's mansion."

  In the other courtyard of Shen's residence, Caixia Garden, Shen Yuan dragged his somewhat heavy footsteps back into the house. Ren Yuanyun rushed up to him as soon as she saw him and asked with hope: "Yuan'er, how was it?"

  Shen Yuan shook his head: "It's a bit difficult."

  "Brother, you must save Qing'er." Ren Yuanyun's tears flowed down instantly. These days, she had been crying every day, her eyes were swollen to the point of being frightening. And what's more, she didn't even take care of herself, and a strange smell emanated from her body. Shen Yuan quietly moved away slightly, but was suddenly grabbed by Ren Yuanyun again, who said: "She is your sister, you must save her! Qing'er is very pitiful, she is innocent, she must be very scared after being caught, we are not by her side, only you, this brother, can save her!"

  She spoke, tears and saliva spraying onto Shen Yuan's body. Shen Yuan was already feeling annoyed in his heart, seeing Ren Yuanyun behave like this only deepened the gloominess inside him. He said: "I understand." Turned around to head back into the house.

  Ran Wanyun was anxious at a glance, she pulled Shen Yuan: "Yuan'er, why did you go back to the house? Shouldn't you be going to the yamen to make arrangements? Or even ask the emperor for help? You're so clever and know many people in the court, surely you can speak up for your sister. Do you need silver? Mother will get it for you."

  "Mother," Shen Qiang suppressed his annoyance and said, "For now, I'm not of much help at the yamen, don't interfere blindly."

  "What nonsense are you talking about?" Ren Yuanyun was stunned for a moment, then shouted loudly: "I'm saving your sister! There's not a good person in this mansion! Your father is heartless, always messing around with that fox spirit, where does he care about our mother and daughter's life and death? Now you're going to ignore your sister too? Are you going to learn from your father? I've raised you with hardship and bitterness, and this is how you repay me?! Shen Yuan, your father is heartless, and you're a little heartless too!" Ren Yuanyun's voice grew louder as she spoke, now she was almost hysterical, unable to withstand the stimulation, Shen Yuan's words had unknowingly triggered her, making her behave like a madwoman.

  It wasn't just scolding, Ren Yuanyun even went so far as to push Shen Yuan, she was muttering and cursing, where was the elegant and noble lady of the past? She looked like a madwoman from a poor household. Shen Yuan suddenly felt a bit tired. Shen Miao's words echoed in his ears again.

  He originally had a bright future, and now returning to the capital to take office is just the beginning of his rapid rise. He will choose a wise monarch to assist, and eventually become a famous prime minister, trampling everyone underfoot, with every person looking up at him in admiration. But now, what's going on? His mother has become a shrew, his father is timid and useless, even his younger sister who might have helped him advance his career has become a prisoner. All of these have become obstacles for him.

  Bones and blood are important, but his great future is also not unimportant. He secretly became Fu Xiuyi's person for many years, going out to take office, just to make good plans for returning to the capital now. Who knew that such a thing would come out at this time? Shen Miao said it was right, rumors were just rumors before, and couldn't be taken as true. But if they were spread too fiercely and heard by the imperial family, even if Fu Xiuyi valued him greatly, he would still dare not to get close to him because of fear.

  Shen Miao laid out two paths before him, one of kinship and one of career. Yet, in a certain sense, he truly had no way to go.

  Shen Yuan looked at Ren Yuanyun and calmly said: "Even if you don't care about me, can you still ignore your brother's life?"