The little red birthmark in Cang Zai Qing’s hidden place was something that normal person would be able to see. But what kind of person Shen Wan was? If he believed these unfounded words that easily then he would not be able to survive so many years in court as an official. He swept a look at the letter and it indicated that the father and son had entered Ding capital and was living in a commoner place in the Eastern part of the city. The letter even indicated the address. Shen Wan shredded the letter quickly and said to the servant beside him,
Prepare the horse.
Shen Wan would not belive a stranger’s letter but could not believe Cang Zai Qing without reservations. It would be better for him to see to it himself.
When the horse carriage reached to the house at the Eastern part of the city like it indicated in the letter, Shen Wan did not get down of the carriage and hid in it before instructing his servants to knock on the doors.
The one that opened the doors was a young boy. Because the boy was too thin, there was a little less childlike innocence in his eyes and more maturity that he looked like a young male. When Shen Wan saw the boy’s face, he drew in a sudden breath of cold air.
At that moment Shen Yuan knew that what was said in the letter was real. There was no other reason except that this boy was too alike with Cang Zai Qing. Even the space between the brows was very similar. However comparing to Cang Zai Qing’s bright and frank worthiness, this child was weak and inferior. No matter what, he also had similar facial features.
Cang family had no other grandchild thus it was not possible for it to be Cang Zai Qing’s younger brother. Shen Wan’s servant also jumped in shock when he saw this boy’s appearance but he still followed Shen Wan’s instruction and asked,
Little brother, do you know where is Cang Zai Qing?
That boy gave him a warning look,
What do you want to do with my Mother?
Shen Wan closed his eyes.
Without a doubt what the letter mentioned was the truth. Cang Zai Qing indeed had a husband and son in Liu Province. It was just that one did not know why was this concealed that well. That servant exchange a few more sentence with that boy before returning to Shen Wan and asked Shen Wan carefully,
Master?
Investigate.
Shen Wan said in gasp breath,
Send people to Liu Province to investigate the ins and outs of Cang Zai Qing. It is compulsory to investigate everything very clearly.
The reason why Shen Wan appreciate Cang Zai Qing was because Cang Zai Qing had a gentle temperament and was talented, moreover she was now pregnant with his child. But if Cang Zai Qing really had a husband and child in Liu Province, then this would become a joke. He had feed other’s wife and was still immeasurably satisfied about it and since Cang Zai Qing had abandoned her husband and child, he was not as gentle as she seemed on the surface. Shen Wan was actually very picky on certain aspects, on one side he hoped that his wife was able to manage the household well and on the other side hoped that the other party would maintain a fairy-like air. As for everything that happened today, it was as if Cang Zai Qing had become a different person in that moment and made Shen Wan feel disgusted.
In the following few days, Shen Wan seemed to be busy. Every day he would be out and even if he returned to the Shen residence, he would head to the study thus Cang Zai Qing did not see him. Occasionally when she send some snacks to Shen Wan, he was not as intimate as before. Initially Shen Wan’s attitude mad Cang Zai Qing restless but Shen Wan’s personal servant told Cang Zai Qing that Shen Wan had accepted a tasks these days and was very busy thus he had no time for anything else. Only then was Cang Zai Qing relieved.
However, in actual fact, Shen Wan had received the letter that was from Liu Province.
In the letter from Liu Province, it was exactly the same as the letter from the stranger. Cang Zai Qing had a husband originally and was considered an anecdote at the beginning. When Shen Wan finished reading the letter, he became so angry that he almost flipped the table. The GuiQie that he brought in was another’s wife and now the other party’s husband and child were in Ding capital. Once this was discovered, one feared that one would become a joke for the entire Ding capital and not to mention the censors would take the opportunity to criticise him.
It would be alright if this was only the case but because he divorced Chen Rou Qiu because of Cang Zai Qing, he had made enemies with the Chen family. Now when it spread out, one would say that he had treated a fish’s eye as pearl. Feelings of regret started to faintly appear in Shen Wan’s heart. Admittedly it’s true that Cang Zai Qing was carrying his child but he had also buried his future career because of Cang Zai Qing. Between love and power, he at the end would value power more. Moreover how would Shen Wan forget that the female sleeping by his side was another’s wife,
His gaze became solemn for a moment and just as he was about to give out instructions, he saw one of his servants rush in and yelled,
Master, something happened.
Shen Wan frowned and scolded,
What kind of propriety is such hurriedness?
That servant tremblingly passed Shen Wan a letter and one did not know what but his eyes were somewhat evading.
Shen Wan looked suspiciously at that servant. This servant was one who often passed messages between his colleagues.
After reading two lines, Shen Wan’s expression suddenly became extremely green. If one were to look seriously, one could discover it also consist of some fear.
In the Imperial Study, Emperor Wen Hui was furious.
He threw the report in his hands onto the ground violently. Emperor Wen Hui coldly sneered and the eunuchs by the side dared not even breathe louder. Millions became corpses when an Emperor was angered. It was especially so t this moment that one dared not bump to Emperor Wen Hui.
In the report, there was a series of items that indicated all the things that Shen Wan had done for the past few years and it seemed that it was nothing serious. Afterall Emperor Wen Hui was one who fought in rain and blood with his brothers for power. But the report was written cleverly as each line highlighted the unusual relationship between Shen Wan and Fu Xiu Yi.
Among Emperor Wen Hui’s nine sons, the more assuring ones were the Crown Prince and Prince Ding. The Crown Prince was legitimately born and he had a weak health thus Emperor Wen Hui would unconsciously be relaxed with him. However for Prince Ding, even though he was outstanding, he does not ask about court matters and in addition with Consort Dong Shu who was not one who fight or snatch, it made Emperor Wen Hui feel comfortable. All the hidden fights between the Princes was being watched by the Emperor and as long it was not overly excessive, he was one who enjoy the situation where there was numerous mutual checks and balances. After one gained power, one would not be willing to put it down thus watching as his son grew up and reached the fiercest age, Emperor Wen Hui also became vigilant.
What he hated most was the closeness between the Princes and officials. Although this was an unavoidable fact, as each of his sons had their own supporters. But when this was Prince Ding, a Prince who normally did not fight or snatch, Emperor Wen Hui found it somewhat unacceptable. On the contrary, his anger became worse than it had been in the past.
Fu Xiu Yi’s previous attitude of doing as he liked and his uncaring of the affairs of the world had now became one word for Emperor Wen Hui. Pretence.
Kill the chicken to warn the monkey.
Emperor Wen Hui said solemnly,
Each and every one is treating Zhen as a fool. Since this is the cause then Zhen will satisfy their wishes.
It was always a turmoil and temperamental during court as the Heavenly one pressed down on the government. If one had committed a crime, it would be lucky if one was demoted but most often many would implicate nine generations of the family in imprisonment and beheading.
Shen Wan was such a person.
Few days back when the Shen and Chen families were fighting, one had thought that things would gradually smoothen down. However who knew that suddenly a group of officials were sent to the Shen residence for an arrest. The curious commoners enquired and heard that Shen Wan performed poorly and implicated the entire Shen residence but the exact nature of the crime was not clear. However the commoners were easy to coax as they believed when it was said that he performed poorly. However the smart people could see that this matter was unlike usual. One had to know that even if performance was truly lacking, how it would implicate the entire residence. This was obviously actions of a crime that would implicate nine generations of the family.
Those commoners who were passing by would look at the Shen residence differently. Not only did they point and talk, the conversation would lead towards the Formidable Great General, Shen Xin. Two years ago, the Shen family people wanted to spilt up with Shen Xin when he was at his desolate situation but afterwards Shen Xin was struck off from the Shen family. One did not think that Shen Xin with gained blessing out of this misfortune and escaped from this calamity.
When these words were spread into Shen Miao’s ears, Shen Miao only smiled without any care. Luo Tan clenched her fist tightly and said angrily,
This is the saying that it is not that things are not known but it is that the time have yet to arrive. At the beginning they tread all over Eldest Bo and BoMu, and if they knew that they would end up like this, one fear that they would be so furious.
Luo Ling thought for a moment before shaking his head,
What crime did the Third Shen Master commit that warrant such great fanfare?
Shen Miao said,
Since His Majesty mobilised so greatly, he must have behaved atrociously. This matter has nothing to do with us.
Luo Tan nodded her head,
Indeed. Let just wait and watch a good show.
Shen Qiu looked at Shen Miao in melancholy and did not say anything. After Luo Ling and Luo Tan left, Shen Qiu did not leave and pulled Shen Miao into the room. Seeing that the doors were locked, he then asked Shen Miao,
Younger Sister, is the Shen family’s matter your doing?
Shen Miao did not know whether to laugh or cry,
Eldest Brother, why you always put me in responsible for everything? His Majesty is the one dealing with ineffective people. I do not have the ability to interfere with Third Shu’s work.
Shen Qiu’s head somewhat ached and he pressed his forehead and said,
Younger Sister, Eldest Brother know that you have some matters that is unwilling to tell others. But the matters of court are not as easy as you think. Someone it looks like you are winning but perhaps there would be changes in the variables in the future and would implicate you in.
He nattered on before Shen Miao said helplessly,
Eldest Brother, to tell you the truth, this matter has nothing to do with me. Shen Wan is imprison because Chen Rou Qiu stabbed him in the back. When Chen Rou Qiu and Shen Wan fought endlessly, do you think Chen Rou Qiu will take it lying down?
This time it was Shen Qiu that was surprised as he asked,
Chen Rou Qiu?
Chen Rou Qiu after all lived with Shen Wan for so many years and knew about Shen Wan’s matter like the back of her hand. If she were to really stab him at the back, it would be much easier than ordinary people.
Shen Miao continued,
Shen Wan was harmed by the person by his pillow side and implicated the entire residence. What does it got to do with me?
When Shen Qiu heard it, he first pondered about it carefully before looking at Shen Miao suspiciously,
How do you know of the matter so clearly?
I have been hoping all the time for them to be in misfortune, naturally one had sent people over to watch their every move.
Shen Miao had mixed with Xie Jing Xing too long that her words also consist of some sense of fearing nothing in Heavens or Earth.
Normally Shen Qiu would see Shen Miao with a dignified appearance and this was the first time seeing her being like this. One did not know why but he felt that this was somewhat familiar. He then shook his head and interrupted his wild imaginations,
Even if one monitored them, this matter is too much of a coincidence.
His eyes widen and he looked ridiculous,
Younger Sister, could it be that you are the one pushing the waves and adding to the billows behind the scene?
Shen Miao laughed,
It is whatever Eldest Brother thinks then. Anyways, I did not touch any one bit of the matters at all.
Shen Qiu’s face crumbled,
Why is your courage this big? This is a matter that pierce through the skies.
Shen Miao interrupted him,
Why have Eldest Brother become so womanishly fussy. It is just a small matter. The Shen family deserve the fall to such a state. If Shen Wan did not do his job well, how would others be able to catch his weakness? If he was in perfect harmony with Chen Rou Qiu, then how would one be provoked successfully? One have to first think of what one does wrong before saying others correct?
Shen Miao’s words made Shen Qiu dumbstruck. It was until he was sent out from the courtyard before Shen Qiu recovered himself. He smacked his head and recovered. Shen Miao was obviously twisting words and forcing on the logic. One did not know where she learned all these things as it was just too daring of her to play with the Monarch and Officials on the palms of her hand but she said as though she was innocent. Shen Qiu was surprise. When did Shen Miao learn all these confident nonsense? Moreover one seemed to have seen these kinds of gestures and attitude before.
: Imprisonment (Part 2)
In the room, after Shen Miao sent Shen Qiu off, she sat at the table with a sigh of relief.
Just now the topic was broached. Emperor Wen Hui had a character of passing like thunder and moving like wind. Most likely he was unable to tolerate the closeness of the Prince and officials and with all those instances started from a few years ago.
From the beginning, one must not forget who one was dealing with. After the rebirth, one had become indifferent to many matters, just like this household of the Shen family, even if she did not do anything, they would still cause their own dead. However it was different from Fu Xiu Yi.
Fu Xiu Yi was like the most vicious snake that was hidden in the dark. It looked harmless but one would be caught off-guard and bitten by it. Just like the last time when he got Shen Wan to match make herself and Prince Zhou. Even if Shen Miao hid herself from Fu Xiu Yi as much as possible, Fu Xiu Yi still fixed his attention on her.
It was no longer appropriate to endure silently and work out a strategy any longer. Instead it was better to tear off one’s mask and start playing a game with evenly matched adversaries.
What was Fu Xiu Yi most afraid of? He feared that his ambition would be unveiled to everyone.
With regards to Shen Wan’s matter, even though this would make Emperor Wen Hui’s heart suspicious, with Fu Xiu Yi’s methods, it would not be so easy for him to be knocked down. He would definitely think of a method of rebuttal.
However, how could Shen Miao be able to miss this opportunity? Even if one was unable to knock him down this time, she must definitely remove a layer of skin from Fu Xiu Yi.
Just one Shen Wan was not enough. This round of chess must be even more exciting. Shen Miao called Jing Zhe to get Mo Qing in and instructed Mo Qing a few words.
From the splendid residence to imprisonment, it only took one night.
Shen Wan felt that in these two years the Shen residence was very unlucky. It was just like one had offended something that nothing went smoothly. First it was the Second household that had mishaps then after that it was the Third household turn. Now the entire Shen residence was imprisoned, other than the Eldest household. Currently the Eldest household was valued again by Emperor Wen Hui and regardless how the future would be like, it was at least more impressive than them.
Speaking of which, the continuous misfortune that the Shen residence met with seemed to have started after the separation from the Eldest household. However to be more precise, it started two years ago when Shen Xin returned to the capital. Could it be that someone put a curse onto the Shen residence?
In the prison cell next door, it contained all the females in the Shen family and Old Shen Furen and Cang Zai Qing were both locked up there. When Shen Wan heard the moaning and complaining from Old Shen Furen, his heart started to feel irritation.
Thinking back two years ago, people who came to visit the residence of the Formidable Great General was abundant even though most of them did it for Shen Xin’s reputation. However Shen Xin was not in the capital all year and the Shen residence was not short of money, thus one had an imposing manner when walking about. Although Shen Gui and him were civil officials, they would be promoted each passing year and both daughters were elegant and their marriages could be a great help. Shen Yuan Bo and Shen Yuan were still alive and Ren Wan Yun was astute, Chen Rou Qiu was gentle. It was a good image of a happy and harmonious family.
However in just two short years things had remained the same but people had changed and they handed in such a situation.
Shen Gui asked dispiritedly,
Third Younger Brother, what did you actually commit that His Majesty actually capture our entire residence?
I committed something?
Shen Wan laughed coldly,
Second Older Brother is also a person who work in court and know that if His Majesty want to arrest anyone, just any casual excuse will be enough to arrest anyone. This is His Majesty excuse to arrest me.
If it was truly that one performance was poor then the entire residence of people would not be arrested. This is clearly intending to attack with condemnations.
When Cang Zai Qing, at the cell beside, heard it, she exclaimed in shock and her words contained some anxieties,
It is unexpectedly His Majesty’s doing on purpose. Why would His Majesty do this on purpose? Could it be that Master had angered His Majesty in some ways?
If it was on normal days, Shen Wan would surely say some words of relief but once he thought of the information that he received from Liu province that Cang Zai Qing really had a husband and child, he felt very disgusted. Cang Zai Qing wholeheartedly chased for a wealthy future so she concealed her true appearance but now that the wealth has become bubbles and shadows, one feared that it was too late for regrets.
He waved his hands and said impatiently,
One does not know.
However his heart was thinking about the letter that he received.
The letter that his servant gave was from his private and considerably close personal friend in the official circle. One did not know where that official heard that Shen Wan’s arch-enemy had submitted a report. That report did not indicate other things but the evidence of the exchanges between Shen Wan and Fu Xiu Yi over these years.
Even though Shen Wan did not really work for Fu Xiu Yi these years but because he was indecisive in the early years and did not want to give up the Prince Ding chess piece, his attitude was rather warm. From the eyes of others, it looked like he had an alliance with Prince Ding very early on. When Emperor Wen Hui saw these evidences, it was conceivable that Emperor Wen Hui would be furious thus one feared that it would be difficult for the matter to be settled well.
As to how his arch-enemy would be able to suddenly gain all these information, Shen Wan could vaguely guess a person. Chen Rou Qiu had been his wife for so many years and because Chen Rou Qiu did not know about court matters, Shen Wan would not deliberately guard against Chen Rou Qiu. Some of the matters were very secretive thus if Chen Rou Qiu stabbed him in the back then everything would be plausible.
Thinking that how Chen Rou QIu treated him with graceful tenderness in the beginning and now it was either the fish dies or the net splits, Shen Wan’s gaze landed on Cang Zai Qing and his expression got solemn. If there was no Chang Zai Qing, Chen Rou Qiu and he would not be a separated couple and things would not be like this. Thinking like that, Shen Wan also felt indifferent even to the child that Cang Zai Qing was carrying.
On the surface the imprisonment of Shen Wan and family was due to poor performance but those who are aware of the situation knew that this was Emperor Wen Hui’s wrath for Shen Wan being close with Fu Xiu Yi in secret. This matter implicated the entre Shen residence and of course, Prince Ding, Fu Xiu Yi, was also inevitably affected.
Fu Xiu Yi has placed numerous spies and informants thus he quickly learnt about the truth of the matter. Fu Xiu Yi had never thought that Shen Wan’s and Chen Rou Qiu’s family affairs could involve him. Currently the crucial thing was never let Emperor Wen Hui be suspicious of him at this time.
At the same time, Fu Xiu Yi was also very puzzled. This year Emperor Wen Hui’s health was not as good as it was previously so he was very sensitive towards the relations between the Princes and the officials. Just at this sensitive period, it was spread that he was close with Shen Wan and it was indeed too much of a coincidence. Even though Shen Wan was in the pits, but in actual face, what he loss was not necessarily lesser than Shen Wan. The more he thought about it, the more irritated he felt. Fu Xiu Yi said coldly,
Not good enough to accomplish anything but more than enough to spoil everything.
Pei Lang said after thinking,
It is best for Your Highness to indicate early that there is no relation to the matter. No matter what method is use, one have to prove one’s innocence.
Naturally I know that.
Fu Xiu Yi said,
What does Gentleman think?
The evidence is undeniable so by denying it, it would look like it is deliberate. Your Highness can admit to it and push all of it to Shen Wan. Even though it is His Majesty’s taboo for Princes to form fractions, but if it was Shen Wan who took the initiative to defect to you and Your Highness could not withstand the annoyance, perhaps His Majesty would feel better.
Fu Xiu Yi nodded his head,
Gentleman’s analysis is exactly the same as mine. Shen Wan, this chess piece can only be sacrificed. However it would be more troublesome to leave this chess piece alone and it is better to get rid of it.
The meaning of these words was to sacrifice Shen Wan. There was no choice but to admit to the incidences in the report as there were evidences in each one and those who were interested could discover it if they dig. However all these were Shen Wan’s desires. It was Shen Wan who wanted to climb and attached himself onto Fu Xiu Yi and it was Fu Xiu Yi who remained unmoved. All these would be pardonable and Fu Xiu Yi would be the one who was implicated.
It’s just that with this method, the crimes that were placed on Shen Wan would be much heavier and with Emperor Wen Hui’s wrath, the punishment for Shen Wan would be even more severe. However Fu XIu Yi would definitely not care of the ending of Shen Wan. Fu Xiu Yi would not be even troubled to those who brought trouble to him.
I am really fated with the Shen family.
Fu Xiu Yi had an aloof expression on,
Again and again, matters were ruined in the hands of the Shen family. One did not know why but even though this time it started from Chen Rou Qiu, I still feel that it is not that simple. It is like someone is manipulating from behind the scenes.
Pei Lang’s heart jumped but on his face, it was still like as calm as it was previously,
The top priority now is still for Your Highness to testify personally. The longer this is dragged on, His Majesty’s anger would not diminish and it would even implicate Your Highness.
Fu Xiu Yi smiled,
Even though it is a little more troublesome, it is not a deadlock situation. However one ask Gentleman if the Shen family should remain or not?
Pei Lang replied warmly,
Since they have hindered His Highness’s great cause, then of course they cannot be remained.
Fu Xiu Yi grinned and stared at Pei Lang,
Gentleman’s words is exactly to my thoughts. I still have some matters so Gentleman can withdraw first. If there is matter, I will then discuss with Gentleman.
Pei Lang nodded his head in compliance and turn around to withdraw.
However he did not see that Fu Xiu Yi was starting at Pei Lang’s back as he leave with a flash of clouded look in his eyes.
The matter of Shen Wan and family being imprisoned was well known to everyone thus it was also naturally spread into the residence of Prince Qin. In front of the stone table in the gardens, Shen Yue was stunned when she heard the news and it was HuangFu Hao who gave a look to the scout and asked,
Oh? Really the entire residence is imprisoned?
It is absolutely true.
That scout said,
One heard that Emperor Wen Hui is very furious and wanted to give a death sentence.
HuangFu Hao turned around to look at Shen Yue’s expression. Apart from being overwhelmed and incomprehensible, there was no sadness or heartbroken expression. Involuntarily Chen Rou Qiu’s words from that day floated up in her mind. At that time Shen Yue felt that there was an additional meaning behind Chen Rou Qiu’s words. Could it be that the current situation of the Shen family were all of Chen Rou Qiu’s doing? Shen Yue dared not let HuangFu Hao discover her emotions and lowered her head to display a look of grief,
How could this be?
With only the reason of poor performance, how could Emperor Wen Hui seize the residence? One fear that it is not just this reason.
HuangFu Hao said,
There should be another reason.
After finished saying he then looked at Shen Yue and asked,
Does Yue-er want to take a look at Shen Daren?
Shen Yue jumped in shocked and stammered,
One fear that if one were to go now, it would only make Father sad and bring trouble to Your Highness, so it is not needed.
The Shen family was being seized and she was a female who had ‘married’ into the Wang family thus she was not implicated. However if someone discover that Shen Yue was still here, who knew if she would also be locked up. In face of a great calamity at hand, each one who fly in different directions. The Shen family was merciless to Shen Yue so Shen Yue did not have any morality to the Shen family. One feared that it would implicate oneself and was looking at hiding herself so why would one approach it?
Hearing this, HuangFu Hao did not get tangled with this issue and only laughed before dropping the subject. Shen Yue sighed in relief in her heart. After HuangFu Hao left, Shen Yue thought of writing a letter to Chen Rou Qiu to ask if this matter was related to Chen Rou Qiu.
Even though there was still some fear in her heart, seeing the entire Shen family were imprison, Shen Yue felt some joy in the calamity. This was especially so for Cang Zai Qing as she was the woman who took her Mother’s position and now had to suffer with Shen Wan. Thinking of that, Shen Wan did not find that it was lowly for her to be HuangFu Hao’s concubine and even felt complacent. If she remained in the Shen residence, now she would also be imprisoned.
Shen Yue had thought so but on the next day there was a secret which was spread in Ding capital. This secret was just like a stone that was thrown into the water and set off thousands of waves. The people who stood outside to watch the commotion found another interesting thing to talk about and the entire streets kept on constantly talking about it.
This also made the Shen family become a joke for others to talk about after meals and tea.
