After a few days of snow in the Ding capital, the weather finally cleared up.
Shen Miao was in the courtyard airing some books. They were all the military books that Shen Qiu brought over and one feared that molds would grow after being placed in the room for this period of time thus they were exposing it to the sun. Jing Zhe and Gu Yu were sun-drying the beddings as Jing Zhe spoke,
One heard that the Chen and Shen families’ lawsuit was very lively and many people are watching it. Now that it had dragged on for so long, one do not know what would the final result be.
What other result can there be? It is strenuous and unrewarding for both sides.
Gu Yu said in disdained,
To bring matters of the family up in court is a ridicule. Fortunately Master and Furen had separated earlier on from them, else one fear that it would be one would be implicated in it.
Chen Rou Qiu’s maiden family and the Shen family were fighting in a lawsuit.
Then Chen Master was an old man that was very stubborn and one who cared about his face a lot and was unwilling to lose. He would content to get out of the predicament and would not let himself to be the losing side.
Only when ghost filled the air, could the spiritual master come in. Even though Chen Rou QIu was married, Chen Master had to protect Chen Rou Qiu’s reputation, not because he doted on Chen Rou Qiu but because he did not allow the Shen family belittle the Chen family like this. Chen Rou Qiu’s mother however was a powerful one. As she doted on Chen Rou Qiu, she convinced Chen Master with a few words and wanted to fight with the Shen family a lawsuit.
The Chen family believed that Chen Rou Qiu was conscientious after marrying into the Shen family and helped Shen Wan managed the family. She even brought in concubine for Shen Wan but he himself declined. Chen Rou Qiu had married into the Shen residence for so many years and everyone outside knew that she was educated, reasonable, gentle and graceful. Now with a sudden appearance of a female of dubious background, Shen Wan then wanted to divorce his wife, this was just spoiling the concubine too much and neglected one’s wife.
The Shen family’s theory was that even though Chen Rou Qiu was the matriarch of the family, she was unable to give birth to sons and did not think of bringing in a few concubines to spread out the branches. Now that the husband had brought someone in, she still blocked it, one was really very jealous.
One said the mother-in-law was merciless, the other said that the daughter-in-law was not filial. This was just a huge stage of farce that made everyone in Ding capital watch in relish.
At the end the law suit was brought to the government offices but there were rarely such kind of lawsuit that they handled. Moreover this lawsuit was not a big deal but the Master of Chen family was a document official of the administrative division and Shen Wan’s rank was not low either, thus one could not offend either side and the matter could only be dragged on.
For Shen Wan and Chen Rou Qiu to be in court, the husband and wife relationship could be regarded as the end. First it was because Shen Wan was after all an official and to be a lawsuit due to family matters, those censors who did not have much to do would definitely not let it off, thus Shen Wan’s career would be affected by this. Second was because Cang Zai Qin was currently pregnant.
It was timely that Cang Zai Qing was pregnant at this time because for her to be pregnant at this juncture, it was as good as pushing Chen Rou Qiu out. Even though Shen Wan had been affectionate with Chen Rou Qiu for so many years, it did not meant that he really did not have expectation for a son. If Cang Zai Qing was really carrying a son then he would have an heir to carry down the ancestral line. Because of that when he sees Cang Zai Qing, he felt that it was good and did not even take a look at the thrown away rotten cloth.
Shen Miao smiled gently,
Better not forget to bribe the Darens with money.
Gu Yu complied but was somewhat in doubts as she asked,
Young Lady want to help Third Master of Third Furen? The money is used for which side?
Shen Miao let Gu Yu bring money to bride the people in the government offices but she did not know who Shen Miao was it for as Shen Miao did not let them read the letter.
Gu Yu said softly,
It is better not to be mixed in this matter. There is not a good person in that family.
Although her voice was soft, it was heard by Shen Miao. Shen Miao said,
Neither side is.
In the case of lawsuit, it was something that burned money the most. When the poor pursue a lawsuit, it would be judged very quickly as they had nothing. But if one had a little family fortune, then one can last for a few more days. The people in the government offices would need to fish money out so the longer the lawsuit was, the more the government offices could fish.
When Shen Miao was in the Palace in the last lifetime, she had seen Fu Xiu Yi dealing with an official. That official was previously Prince Zhou’s people so when Fu Xiu Yi wanted to deal with him, he could not openly do it thus he schemed for that official to be embroiled in an lawsuit and it caused him to be bankrupt.
The places that required the most amount of money was the government offices and medical halls. With regards to the Shen and Chen families, Shen Miao only need to think about how both Shen Wan and Chen Rou Qiu poured in all their energy and framed the Eldest household of the Shen family, she became very eager to shred these two pretentious people.
Wasn’t this the same as slipping down from Heavens when the originally gentle and refined husband and wife now wanted to oppose one another in court? Moreover Shen Miao forked out some money herself to remind the people in the government to drag the case much longer. Not to make one bankrupt, but let both the Shen and Chen families be greatly undermined. Moreover Shen Wan and Chen Rou Qiu were two people who wanted face so this time it would be impossible for both of them to reconcile.
There was nothing more satisfying than this.
Shen Miao’s gaze gradually became cold. She had not expected that Cang Zai Qing would be pregnant this time… Thinking of the role Cang Zai Qing played in Luo Xue Yan’s death, Shen Miao could not help but sneered.
She said,
Call Mo Qing over. Let him go and find some people to receive someone in Liu Province.
There was not only Cang Zai Qing in Liu Province. Naturally there was still Cang Zai Qing’s husband and son there. In the previous lifetime, Cang Zai Qing destroyed Luo Xue Yan and lived a number of days with no worries of food and clothes before her background was torn off but now she would be the one tearing it off this background.
Inevitably one had to make some jokes of the farce of the Third household.
When Shen Miao was thinking about the Third household, Shen Wan was in the residence of Prince Ding.
In the turmoil of the fight between the Princes for the heir apparent, Shen Wan was a smart person and did not pick his position. The Crown Prince was legitimate but was sickly and weak, Prince Zhou had his Consort Mother’s favour but was rampant in his actions and Prince Li had a network of relations but was unable to gain Emperor Wen Hui’s favour. It was only Prince Ding’s clique that looked like he was uninterested with the Imperial throne.
However Shen Wan had an intuition that Fu Xiu Yi was not as uninterested with the Imperial throne as he appeared to be. And this made Shen Wan concern instead, but now that the Shen residence had fallen into misfortune time continuously after Shen Xin’s return, even Shen Wan felt there was some calamitous air. His career path looked more difficult and one feared that no one wanted him among the other Princes. At such a time, he thought about Fu Xiu Yi.
In the early years where Shen Xin had not separated from the family, Fu XIu Yi treated Shen Wan rather well and his words be it hidden or not, would have the intention of drawing him over. Shen Wan of course understood that Fu Xiu Yi was targeting Shen Xin’s military power but at that time he had a selection of choices and thus had put off it. Afterwards Fu Xiu Yi understood his intention and was no longer that enthusiastic.
Now that the Shen family had fallen and was no longer like before, if Shen Wan still wanted to protect his career and flourish on… In addition, Cang Zai Qing might be able to give birth to a son for him, Shen Wan’s previous thoughts had become an intention to try it out.
Riches and honour came with risk and the greatest wealth would come with the greatest risk. However he still wanted to try.
Thus Shen Wan finally went to the residence of Prince Ding. He had finally chosen his choice. Shen Wan felt that it was somewhat funny, if he had made this choice a little earlier, perhaps Shen Yue need not need to marry to the Wang family as there was no need to exchange marriages or running away from home. Shen Yue could even win over Fu Xiu Yi’s heart. But if Shen Yue did not exchange her marriage, perhaps he and Chen Rou Qiu would not come to this stage and Cang Zai Qing would not be pregnant, thus he would not seek Prince Ding.
The events of the world arise from many causes and fate was fond of making fun of people.
Fu Xiu Yi sat on the main position and instructed people to poor tea for Shen Wan. There was no need of courtesy words as one knew the main purpose of this visit. Fu Xiu Yi smiled mildly,
Shen Daren is busy with domestic affairs of the family so what is with the sudden visit?
Shen Wan was at a loss. Currently Chen Rou Qiu and his matter was such a ruckus that the entire court was up about it. His colleagues looked at him with an expression of watching a joke and this was a painful torment for Shen Wan who cared for his image a lot.
Shen Wan said,
This official is willing to serve Your Highness wholeheartedly!
When Fu Xiu Yi heard it, he only smiled but did not continue the topic, one was not sure if he had believed Shen Wan’s words or not. There was only them both and servants in the hall and such a silence gradually strained the atmosphere and beads of cold sweat started forming on Shen Wan’s forehead.
One did not know how long the silence went on, until Shen Wan felt that his entire body was soaked with sweat then he heard Fu Xiu Yi voice,
But now Shen Xin had moved away from the residence, so what can you do?
Shen Wan’s heard thumped. Fu Xiu Yi was indeed targeting Shen Xin.
Initially when the Second household had not decline, Shen Wan had guessed that Shen Yuan was helping Fu Xiu Yi on secret matters. But what could Fu Xiu Yi let Shen Yuan do? Fu Xiu Yi had recruited Shen Yuan when he was young and it was inadequate for it to be only talent. Afterwards Shen Wan had thought it out, it is most likely because it was convenient for Shen Yuan to monitor Shen Xin or it was to do some tricks in Shen Wan’s official matters.
But afterwards Shen Yuan died and Fu Xiu Yi was short of someone like Shen Yuan. Much afterwards, Shen Xin simply went to Xiao Chun City and this person was not needed.
Who knew that two years later Shen Xin would return to the capital with more power and it definitely become a thorn in Fu Xiu Yi’s eyes.
Shen Wan said cautiously,
Even though the residences are different, after all one are still brothers. If Your Highness have instructions, this official will definitely do one’s best.
Good.
Fu Xiu Yi said,
This Prince appreciates people of talents and also believe in Daren’s abilities. Lately there is just this one matter. Since Shen Daren coincidently meet today, then one would not bother others and this matter is all about one family thus one believe that Shen Daren will do it well.
Shen Wan felt somewhat uneasy. Fu Xiu Yi’s words was clearly meant that he would be giving him a difficult problem and if it was done well, naturally he would be Fu Xiu Yi’s people but if he could not do well, he would not be able to proof that he was a ‘person of talent’ and would be ruthlessly abandoned by Fu Xiu Yi. And all the consequences that this difficult problem had, Shen Wan must all bear all of it.
This was a transaction.
Shen Wan’s heart dropped,
May Your Highness instruct!
Fu Xiu Yi looked at him satisfied,
The matter is not difficult. This Prince know that General Shen has a Di daughter, Fifth Shen Young Lady, that he loved like jewels. Currently the Fifth Shen Young Lady should have reached the age of marriage.
Shen Wan violently raise his head up!
Initially when Shen Miao was chasing Fu Xiu Yi and indicated that she wanted to marry to Fu Xiu Yi, he did not even look at Shen Miao seriously. Occasionally when the other Princes or officials brought it out, he would have an annoyed look on. After all it was a rather shameful matter for a Prince to be admired by such a fool and idiot. But now… Shen Wan’s heart started thumping. Shen Miao had grown pretty and her temperament had gradually became calmer, losing the previous appearance of an idiot, becoming one of the ideal noble Young Lady in the Ding capital. If Fu Xiu Yi have the intention to marry Shen Miao… With the current ill relations between the Eldest and Third household of the Shen family, once Shen Miao had power, she would definitively suppress him.
Be it official or private matters, the better Shen Miao was, the better the Eldest household of the Shen family was, The more dangerous Shen Wan would be! He did not want Shen Miao to go higher and hoped that Shen Miao would sink so low as dust!
Shen Wan suppressed the harsh thoughts and said,
Your Highness… Want to marry Fifth Lady?
: Marriage (Part 2)
Shen Wan suppressed the harsh thoughts and said,
Your Highness… Want to marry Fifth Lady?
This Prince?
Fu Xiu Yi laughed as if he had heard a funny joke. He shook his head and said,
Not this Prince, it is this Prince’s Older Brother.
Shen Wan was startled.
Fu Xiu Yi’s voice slowly drift to his ears.
Let the Fifth Shen Young Lady marry this Prince’s Fourth Older Brother, Prince Zhou.
Shen Wan was shocked incessantly but after thinking immediately, he suddenly felt a slight chill in his heart.
Who was Shen Miao? She was the Di daughter of Shen Xin. Southern Xie, Northern Shen. The Xie family had truly declined and the Shen family was the biggest in Ming Qi. Whoever married Shen Miao would have the greatest military power in Ming Qi. Shen Miao’s identify had made her destined to unable to marry to influence and power as this would cause Emperor Wen Hui be more suspicious. It would be best for Shen Miao to marry to one who do not hold any government post or incompetent and not a military official. Most likely because of such things, Shen Miao had not settled her engagement even at a marriageable age as if she were to really marry to a male without any government post, Shen Xin would definitely feel that he had wronged his daughter.
The nobles were like this and the Princes dared not even think about taking Shen Miao’s advantage. It was still alright for the Crown Prince since it was orthodox but if other Princes wanted to marry Shen Miao, it was almost directly flaunting their ambition to be the heir apparent. This kind of weight looked like a blessing but was actually a curse.
Currently in the fight for the heir apparent, the wind was blowing in the direction of Prince Zhou. Prince Zhou’s and Prince Jing’s Consort Mother was favoured and also had some abilities herself. Seeing that their forces were getting bigger, followers started to increase a lot. If they were to be related to Shen Miao, then Prince Zhou would be pushed to where the wind and waves were the fiercest and Emperor Wen Hui would be displease while the rest of the Princes would be infuriated with jealous thus Prince Zhou would be suppressed. As for the Shen family, then one need not continue, to stand at a team so openly, one feared that once the people of the Qin country and Great Liang leave, the Shen family would die miserably.
Killing two birds with one stone and it would be the point of perfection. Shen Wan’s heart suddenly became timid towards Fu Xiu Yi. This person’s thoughts were too deep and vicious that it was rather scary.
Fu Xiu Yi seemed to have not seen Shen Wan’s expression and smile gently,
This matter will be handled over to Shen Daren.
Unexpectedly he did not mention how to do it or to what extend. Prince Zhou already had a consort and if Shen Miao were to marry over, she could only be a side consort.
There was no bottom in Shen Wan’s heart at all but he could not portray that thus he cupped his hands towards Fu Xiu Yi,
This official will do one’s best.
Afterwards the two person said some mutually courteous words. Fu Xiu Yi’s attitude towards Shen Wan was not warm and yet not cold. If it was two years ago, Fu Xiu Yi would most probably still treat Shen Wan better but the past and present could not be compared. The Shen family was not like previous and Shen Wan was a civil official thus Fu Xiu Yi naturally did not need to value him as before.
After Shen Wan left the residence of Prince Ding, Pei Lang then walked out from behind the screen.
Pei Lang walked over to a position lower than Fu Xiu Yi and looked at the the teacup that Shen Wan drank and left behind,
Your Highness is planning to use Shen Wan?
Fu Xiu Yi looked towards Pei Lang,
What does Gentleman thinks about Shen Wan?
Pei Lang shook his head,
Even though he can endure silently and have means, but he is lacking in strength and had a messy household. If he were to be used, then one fear that there would inevitably be trouble in the future. It is alright to use for minor thing but not major stuff.
Fu Xiu Yi smiled and looked at Pei Lang with eyes of admiration,
Gentleman think the same as me.
He then sighed before saying,
Ever since the Xie brothers died, there are a few things that one cannot instruct the people beside me to do. Keeping the Xie brothers was a good chess piece but now it is completely destroyed. Even though it is not an important piece, it can save a lot of trouble.
Pei Lang frowned,
Your Highness don’t plan to use Shen Wan?
Grass on top of the wall that sways with the wind.
Fu Xiu Yi’s laugh was a bit empty,
Previously kept wavering and now due to the situation one is forced to defect to me. I do not dare to use such indecisive people. One only want to use him to handle small matters.
Pei Lang added,
Does Your Highness think it is feasible to let Shen Wan think of ways to matchmake the Fourth Prince and Shen Miao?
One do not know if it is feasible. It is just that this matter is Shen Wan only opportunity, thus he would facilitate it at all cost. The Shen family has invaluable achievements and Prince Zhou is powerful and it has reached the point where it is enough. If one do not take action, one fear that it will really be too late.
Pei Lang no longer spoke. However Fu Xiu Yi suddenly asked,
If I were to marry Shen Miao, what does Gentleman think?
Pei Lang’s heart jumped but on the surface he still had a light expression on his face as he said analytically,
One fear that it would not be good as it would attract the Emperor’s suspicion and jealousy from the other Princes.
Fu Xiu Yi nodded his head and he had some regret on his expression. One was unable to tell the tone of voice when he said,
It’s a pity.
Pei Lang did not understand what pity that Fu Xiu Yi was referring to. With regards to emotions, Fu Xiu Yi had never have other feelings for Shen Miao. If there was, then in the beginning when Shen Miao was chasing him all over Ding capital, he would not have been so cold. If at that time Fu Xiu Yi had half an intention to protect Shen Miao, the rumours would not have been that unrestrained.
Then what was Fu Xiu Yi feeling pity about? The Shen family’s military power did not fall into his hands?
Pei Lang did not know what the answer was. After Fu Xiu Yi left, he also returned to his room and seeing that there was no one, he started to write a letter.
Tonight it was rather somber and desolate in the residence of Prince Rui.
The servants all had a solemn expression and dared not even breathe loudly. Today when His Highness Prince Rui returned, he had an extremely cold expression. Gao Yang and Ji Yu Shu who was following beside him were in a rarely seen solemn expression too and Tie Yi and Nan Qi brought back a person dressed like a guard back and went in to the room with Prince Rui
Even if it was a personal study room, it was renovated to be spacious and with the splendorous and majestic furnishing, it did not look like a study room and had some feeling of a Palace. Only one person was sitting down and was currently playing the thumb ring in his hands. He was wearing a dark purple lined with gold embroidered robes and the clothes slowly paved itself to the large chair, as if it was a purple cloud flowing down from the skies (Translator: I have no idea what I am translating again… lol)
The person kneel on the floor was leaning over and could only see the boots in front of him. The green black deer hide boots that has a straight running seems which were so fine that the hide did not move at all. It was only a boot but it seemed to provide a glimpse of the magnanimity and nobility of this master.
Xie Jing Xing had one leg on the soft couch as it lean against the seat and look down towards them. His brows were unbelievably handsome and when he smiled gently, the romantic feeling overflows that even the gardens at springtime would not be able to compete but when his face was cold, it made others feel chilling. That beautiful peach blossoms eyes were like the water in spring that instantly became the icy spring on the top of the mountain. He spoke blandly and one was unable to hear joy or anger in his voice,
Speak. Who is your master?
That person clenched his teeth and did not speak.
Gao Yang and Ji Yu Shu frowned.
Xie Jing Xing smiled lazily,
It’s alright if you don’t speak. Throw to the tower prison.
He suddenly stoop down and approached the guard and said lowly,
Anyway I know who is it.
That guard’s expression did not change. There was a number of bruises on his body, seemingly had endured a number of torture before. Xie Jing Xing smiled gently but that smile did not reach his eyes,
Retrieve his order token.
Ji Yu Shu and Gao Yang was startled at the same time and could not help but looked at that guard.
The guard was startled and a trace of struggle appeared on his face. The word order token meant that Xie Jing Xing apparently knew his identity. Who knew that Prince Rui of Great Liang would be ruthless and be that unbridled? That tower prison was heard to be an even more daunting place thus his heart was trembling.
The guard simply knelt down and kowtow to Xie Jing Xing a few times,
May Your Highness show mercy!
Xie Jing Xing swept his eyes across the other person and sneered,
The people that Imperial Older Brother send over is of such conduct.
His words had a hidden sarcasm,
One thought that the bones will be thick. Not interesting.
Ji Yu Shu could not help but say,
What does His Majesty want you to do to Fifth Shen Young Lady?
This person was caught at the Shen mansion doors. This was all thanks to the people that Xie Jing Xing sent to keep watch of the Shen mansion, to avoid accidents from happening. This person’s martial arts skills was high and had a high sense of alert that Xie Jing Xing’s people had to take several days before they could catch him. Now thinking about it, it was no longer strange, after all he was Emperor Yong Le’s secret agent. If one did not have this level of ability, then the Imperial family of Great Liang would be in jeopardy.
That guards wanted to say something but upon meeting Xie Jing Xing’s smile but not a smile gaze, he could not help but felt a chill in his spine. One had to know that in the entire Imperial family of the Liang dynasty, this one who always had an indifferent smile, indolent and handsome Prince Rui was the one that could not be provoked. Two years ago he returned to Great Liang and there were a number of under current forces that were moving but was settled by Xie Jing Xing individually. Those high ranking officials that went against him were all eradicated that even a stalk was not left behind. His means were vicious, his schemes ran deep and no one was able to have any leverage when he took action. Other than handling the fighting in court, he also did a number of tasks beautifully and made those old guarding officials speechless. This made one love and hate him.
Now that he was under the sharp gaze, the guard did not dare to conceal anymore and blurt everything out,
His Majesty know about the matter of Fifth Shen Young Lady and feared that Your Highness remained in Ming Qi because of Fifth Shen Young Lady, thus instructed this subordinate to investigate… In no way wanted this subordinate to harm Fifth Shen Young Lady, it is all investigation…
Without aligning with one another, Gao Yang’s and Ji Yu Shu’s facial expression was somewhat bad. Even though Emperor Yong Le was situated in Great Liang but there need not be no informant in Ming Qi’s Ding capital. It was not possible to say what would happen after discovering Shen Miao and Xie Jing Xing relationship. But with Emperor Yong Le’s character, he would never allow things to happen outside of the plans. Shen Miao was afterall Ming Qi people and this identity would bring along a lot of variables. From Ji Yu Shu’s and Gao Yang’s view, it was unlikely that Emperor Yong Le would agree with Xie Jing Xing’s thoughts.
The thing that made everyone headache the most was that these two brothers were both equally stubborn and would never change anything that they set their mind to. If Emperor Yong Le obstruct, how would Xie Jing Xing submit obediently? In addition, compared to Emperor Yong Le, Xie Jing Xing had encountered numerous assassinations she he was in Ming Qi for so many years and his temperament was even more unreasonable and unyielding. If the brothers really start to fight, one fear that there would be foul winds, bloody rain, nightfall during the day and the earth darken.
Sure enough when Xie Jing Xing heard it, he then laughed,
Oh? Since it is only to investigate for information then there is no need to be locked in the tower prison. Send you back to Great Liang.
The guard was slightly stunned and before he could speak, he heard Xie Jing Xing’s voice coming from above,
Do you know what to say?
The guard hesitated. Prince Rui and Emperor Yong Le were both equally fearful. There was a bit of desperation in his heart as he asked tentatively,
There is no relations between Your Highness and Fifth Shen Young Lady?
Xie Jing Xing looked at him with interest and there was some kind of profound meaning in that pair of beautiful eyes as he said slowly,
How can Imperial Older Brother’s people lie?
Gao Yang tightened his hand around the fan and Ji Yu Shu swallowed her saliva.
Go back and tell Imperial Older Brother that he did not think incorrectly. This Prince stayed behind because of Shen Miao.
The youth’s lips was smiling softly but his brows were unyielding as he said,
Don’t have unrealistic thoughts of changing anything because this Prince do not allow it.
Yes. Remember to remind Imperial Older Brother.
He yawned,
Don’t forget the agreement with this Prince.
The tranquil night concealed everything. It concealed the undercurrents of the residence of Prince Rui, concealed the schemes and calculations in the residence of Prince Ding and also covered up the whispers of the General residence.
Someone had entered the inner chambers from the main hall in Qiu Shui Yuan. The original mistress had returned to her maiden family in a fit of anger and started a lawsuit with her husband’s family. With such incompatibility, everyone knew that it was not possible for Chen Rou Qiu to regain her former glory. Moreover this new YiNiang was gentle and magnanimous. She also has a child in her womb and one feared that she would climb to the skies in the future. There were a lot of servants who stepped on the lowly and flatter the lofty thus they immediately turned their heads and flatter this new master.
Cang Zai Qing sat in the room and touched her stomach with a trace of a gentle smile on her face.
Since the Western courtyard was too far away and was to desolate on normal days, Old Shen Furen found someone to do a calculation and discovered that it was a son in Cang Zai Qing’s womb thus she raise Cang Zai Qing up and Shen Wan moved Cang Zai Qing to Qiu Shui Yuan to take better care.
Cang Zai Qing had became the new female master in Qiu Shui Yuan and she was also very satisfied with the current situation. Although Chen Rou Qiu had strong abilities but she was old and did not have any son thus was less advantageous in this battle.
Shen Wan entered the room and place the tonic in his hands before walking over to Cang Zai Qing and touched her abdomen with a smile,
This is good.
Cang Zai Qing smiled back and suddenly said softly,
Does Master have some troublesome matters?
Shen Wan was startled and laughed bitterly,
There is really a troublesome matter.
