In Qizhou City, Wei Tianze sat in a secluded corner of a local tavern, next to a limping porter who, though slovenly in appearance, had a glint of shrewdness in his eyes.
Chapter 67 Bewitching
This lame portly man was named Chen San. In his younger days, he had wandered all over the country, but after injuring his leg, he made a living doing odd jobs in Qizhou. He had no wife or children and lived a solitary life. Because of his reclusive nature, he did not interact with his neighbors and frequently moved his residence, so no one noticed. Wei Tianze only met him by chance four years ago, learned his identity, and then secretly contacted him without revealing his identity in the slightest.
At this moment, he was dressed in plain clothes, sitting at a table covered in grime, speaking in a very low voice.
"Has there been any activity in that courtyard lately?"
"The woman was overjoyed when her son returned."
"Don't you have any worries?"
"There is one thing, and it is somewhat related to what the master is planning."
Outside, it's noisy with people drinking, but this inconspicuous corner is undisturbed, making it the perfect place for a solitary person to drink alone.
Wei Tianze kept his head down, pouring wine, and raised an eyebrow, saying, "Tell me about it."
"The woman has a niece who entered the household at the beginning of the year and quickly won the favor of the old woman in charge. She's kept by her side, a privilege even her own granddaughter doesn't receive. That girl is quite ambitious and has her eye on this man—" He held up two fingers and waved them, then quickly withdrew them, "It's just a pity that this man is already married, blocking her path. The mistress should know the woman's thoughts. Having married into a high-ranking family, she wants to elevate her own family as well. She's unwilling to let the entire family fall into the hands of the second branch, and she's also afraid that her little bit of power will be taken away. Since her niece is so charming, she's determined to keep her in the household."
This news cheered Wei Tianze slightly. "Is the news accurate?"
"It was Qiu Niang who inquired, so Master can rest assured."
Wei Tianze knew this Qiu Niang; she was originally Shen's dowry maid, destitute and alone. She served Shen for several years without merit or fault, and later, by a stroke of luck, married a man named Cao Ying. Unfortunately, although Cao Ying was honest, he wasn't very capable and loved to gamble secretly. Even with the powerful Fu family as his backer, he didn't make a name for himself. Seeing the stewards around Shen getting all sorts of lucrative jobs and rising above others, instead of reflecting on his own incompetence, he blamed his master for being heartless and unwilling to take care of those around him.
As this thought lingered, even Qiu Niang secretly complained. Although Shen Shi often gave her gifts, she felt that she was heartless and did not give her the same way to make money as others.
—It's somewhat like the saying, "A little kindness is appreciated, but excessive kindness breeds resentment."
Chen San had been keeping an eye on the servants of the Fu family for a long time. He was looking for an opportunity to slowly build a relationship with Cao Ying. Once the other party took the bait, he promised her a large sum of money. All she had to do was for Qiu Niang to help spy on the inner quarters. In return, he would give her money and land.
Although Qiu Niang harbored resentment towards Shen Shi, they were still mistress and servant after all, so she didn't dare to act at first.
Seeing Chen San's generosity and receiving tangible benefits, he was finally tempted. After being persuaded by Cao Ying, he gladly agreed.
Qiu Niang had served Shen Shi for most of her life, and even though she wasn't a high-ranking manager, she was quite trusted. By now, she had passed on many messages to Chen San, and having done so many things, she knew that if things came to light, she would be unacceptable to the Fu family. So the couple were completely devoted to each other and obeyed her every command.
This point about Shen Yueyi is probably true.
Wei Tianze took a sip of wine and asked, "I'm afraid the falling flowers are willing, but the flowing water is indifferent."
"Master guessed correctly. That man is known for not being interested in women, and his wife is as beautiful as an angel, so she might not be interested in anyone else. According to Qiu Niang, although the woman in charge of the household dotes on her niece, she wants her grandson to marry someone else since he is already married. The woman has been worried about this lately. Others may not know, but the close servants can all see it."
This is interesting, Wei Tianze narrowed his eyes.
Since someone is blocking the way, they must be removed. Back then, when Old Madam Fu wanted Fu Hui's wife to have some power in the inner quarters, didn't she just run into a brick wall at Madam Shen's place because she wasn't skilled enough, and then simply went to hide outside? It was also because of this incident that although the Fu brothers respected their uncle, they weren't very friendly with Madam Shen's relatives, which he could see.
Once Shen has this idea, he can use it for his own purposes.
Given the urgency of the situation, and the impossibility of getting something for nothing, they had no choice but to take a risk and use it as a cover.
Wei Tianze lowered his head and drank, a sharp glint in his eyes. After a while, he whispered some instructions to Chen San, then paid for the drinks and left.
Chen San remained seated there until the tavern closed, then left, drunk and disheveled.
...
At the Fu residence, You Tong, exhausted from a long day, ordered hot pot to be prepared after Fu Yu left. She rested for a while, first soaking her feet to relieve her fatigue. Once the exhaustion subsided and her groggy mind cleared, she put the banquet and social obligations out of her mind and remembered the little incident Du Shuangxi had mentioned. She planned to find an opportunity to relay it to Fu Yu while they were having hot pot later—after all, Wei Tianze and Fu Yu were sworn brothers, and the Fu family was plotting to seize power. She had only been married into the family for a few days, and it wouldn't be appropriate to bring up such a suspicious matter too abruptly.
Who knew that while she was soaking her feet, Aunt Tian returned and said that Fu Yu wasn't coming.
There's nothing that can be done about it; Fu Yu is busier than the local earth god in the temple, and it's common for him to be out in urgent situations.
You Tong didn't say anything, but invited Fu Lanyin over to enjoy the meal.
In contrast, Shen Yueyi in Shou'an Hall looked worried.
She was only fifteen or sixteen years old after all. Even if she could be charming with sweet words, she wasn't particularly shrewd. During the day, the banquet was crowded and noisy, and she spoke with gentle and ingratiating smiles. But when she arrived at Shou'an Hall, thinking about the old lady's words, she felt disheartened and sad, and secretly wiped away her tears.
When Granny Sun, who was serving the old lady, saw this, she sighed inwardly. Later that evening, when the old lady was resting, she casually mentioned it.
There was no one else in the room, and Granny Sun was a trusted confidante. Upon hearing this, the old lady's usually stern face darkened.
"In the end, it's because she's immature. What kind of girl is she, coveting a married man? Letting her cry is good, so she can understand and I can treat her better in the future."
"The old lady has keen insight, but I'm afraid the madam..."
"She is too!" the old lady sighed. "Your wife is good in every way, but she can't see things clearly when it comes to her own family. I told her earlier to let Madam Wei help with the 100-day banquet, and the meaning was so clear, but she still couldn't understand."
Granny Sun was a little surprised. "So that's why you put the young mistress in charge?"
"Otherwise what? Does that lazy, stubborn Wei woman seem like someone who'd be willing to share burdens and work hard?" Her tone even carried a hint of complaint.
She held a prestigious position in the Fu family, and could reprimand and discipline all the servants and maids under her, but she rarely used such a tone to evaluate anyone.
Grandma Sun couldn't help but chuckle. "Even though it's a smelly stone, it's honest and straightforward, without any hidden agendas, isn't it?"
"Each has its advantages," the old lady said, leaning back on the soft pillows, her eyes slightly closed. "That Wei woman isn't clingy or of questionable character, and she's not bad after a while. As long as she behaves herself and takes good care of Xiuping, and doesn't cause me any trouble, I'll just turn a blind eye. As for Yueyi, I really like her personality. I can't say this directly, but you can remind Madam later that there's already a young mistress in the South Tower, and it's not good to add even a concubine. If Yueyi knows what's good for her, I'll keep her by my side and find her a respectable marriage. If she still has that idea, I'll send her back to the Shen family for some peace and quiet. Anyway, this Shou'an Hall... is used to being quiet."
When he finished speaking, his voice was very low and he was drowsy, as if he couldn't stay awake any longer.
Grandma Sun knew that the old lady was getting on in years and was most afraid of being surrounded by a quiet place, like an ancestral hall, and wanted to find someone to talk to.
Unfortunately, the rules of the inner quarters were strict, and Fu Lanyin didn't like to act coquettishly or try to please others. Only Shen Yueyi was perceptive enough to lower herself and know how to cater to her preferences.
What a pity.
She didn't say anything more to disturb her. After serving the old lady until she fell asleep, she went to the east courtyard to give Shen some pointers.
...
Madam Shen had clearly seen through the old lady's attitude during the day, and when Granny Sun mentioned it, her heart immediately felt as if it had fallen into an ice cellar.
Having said all that, they've already laid their cards on the table.
Unless the position of the young mistress of the South Building becomes vacant, the old lady will not cause trouble in the inner quarters for the sake of that little bit of favor.
The eldest son's family has already lost most of its power. If even this little plan of hers fails, what will happen in a few years?
Anxious, she dared not openly defy Shou'an Hall's wishes. After tossing and turning all night, she went to Shou'an Hall to pay her respects the next morning and then took Shen Yueyi to the East Courtyard. The aunt and niece talked behind closed doors. Shen was worried about power, while Shen Yueyi was heartbroken about her future. They wept for a long time before Shen Yueyi gritted her teeth and said, "After spending more than half a year, Aunt, I am not reconciled."
"You think I'd just accept this?"
“Since neither of us is willing to give up—” Shen Yueyi paused, glancing at Shen’s expression, and whispered, “Let’s try again.”
"The old lady is determined; in her heart, the stability of the inner quarters is the most important thing."
"If she won't help me, isn't there any other way? What if Wei Youtong is kicked out of the Fu family and her position becomes vacant?"
Madam Shen had also considered this matter, but she was wary of Fu Yu, so she could only rely on the old lady.
Now that path is blocked, we can only rely on ourselves. However, the Fu family's prison is as solid as an iron barrel, and it would be very difficult to do anything without leaving a trace.
She looked at her niece, pondered for a long time, and then said, "I need to think about this matter slowly."
Shen Yueyi then said with tears in her eyes, "It was not easy for Father to come to Qizhou. I really want to stay in the manor and help Aunt."
"We'll see, there'll be a way," Madam Shen sighed, then advised her niece to be patient before finally seeing her out the door.
After Shen Yueyi left, Madam Shen shed tears, her eyes slightly red. Not wanting to discuss matters with the steward's wife, she ordered someone to bring in tea. Qiu Niang seized this opportunity, took the tea tray from the maid, and brought it in.
Preoccupied with her own thoughts, Madam Shen didn't notice anything amiss. She took a couple of sips of tea, then looked up and saw Madam Shen standing there, seemingly confused. She finally asked, "Is there anything else?"
"I have something to say, but I don't know if I should," Qiu Niang said, having come prepared and closing the door behind her as she entered. Since the aunt and niece had just discussed matters and there was no one else in the room, she relied on the long-standing relationship between mistress and servant and said in a low voice, "It's about our young lady."
These words sounded strange, and Madam Shen stopped drinking in surprise.
Qiu Niang knelt down beside her, gently massaging her legs, and sighed, "I've seen how worried you've been lately, and just now when you went out with red eyes, it was even more heartbreaking. If I may presume to say this, I've served you for so many years and am considered an old member of the Shen family, so I can see some of your thoughts. Seeing you like this is truly distressing."
In order to find out the inside story, she deliberately took care of Shen after getting to know Chen San, and helped her solve her problems.
This time, he spoke to Shen's heart directly, appearing even more loyal and considerate.
Shen's secret could not be kept forever. Even if she could keep it from outsiders, the old servants around her knew her true feelings.
He sighed and remained silent.
Qiu Niang continued, "I only dare to say these things to Madam. I understand Madam's situation these past few years. If you don't keep Miss by your side to help you, things will probably get even more difficult in the future. If I may say something I shouldn't, the Second Young Mistress over there is not very capable. If Madam can come up with a way to deal with her while her foundation is still unstable, it will be easier to handle her."
These words were truly presumptuous, and upon hearing them, Madam Shen's eyebrows furrowed slightly.
Qiu Niang then feigned fear and knelt on the ground, saying, "This servant is thinking of Madam's best interests. I have pondered this for many days before daring to say these words."
"Alright then." Madam Shen waved her hand, gesturing for Qiu Niang to rise. She only had a few capable people around her, and not much of her original dowry remained. Qiu Niang was a considerate woman, so there was no need to hide anything from her. She then asked, "You say this because you have a plan?"
"This servant is foolish and has no idea, just a few words of advice." Qiu Niang was still kneeling beside her and said in a low voice, "Men have always been lustful. Even if the Second Master is aloof, he will definitely become greedy when the young mistress's body matures, and then it will be difficult to deal with. It would be better to take advantage of the present and find a way to make the young mistress have some trouble and be forced to leave the manor. That would be much easier."
"Easy?" Madam Shen scoffed. "Easy for you to say."
Shen was well aware of Fu Yu's iron-fisted methods, and relying on her position as Deputy Military Commissioner, she often stayed in Qizhou.
The Fu family is very strict, both inside and outside. How easy would it be for her to do something underhanded?
Qiu Niang smiled and said, "It's not easy to manage things in the manor, but it's different outside. As you know, Madam, my husband is a bit of a scoundrel and knows some lowlifes. They may lack skills, but they're bold. As long as they're paid enough, they'll do anything. Madam, you just need to find a way to make the young mistress alone outside. Those people won't know her identity as the young mistress of the Fu family. If they cause any trouble, with your methods, do you think you can trace it back to her?"
These words reminded Shen.
She had been confined to the inner quarters for a long time, and all she could think about were ideas for the inner quarters, but she hadn't thought about this yet.
The Fu family is a powerful force in Qizhou, and everyone knows the insignia on their carriages, so the women of the family have always traveled safely. But if that insignia were gone, would outsiders still be wary? At that time, even if Wei's life isn't harmed, it wouldn't be difficult to make a reason enough for her to divorce him.
Many thoughts flashed through Shen's mind. She was terrified, thinking that this was ultimately a harmful thing.
Qiu Niang then whispered, "People say that nothing ventured, nothing gained. If you don't act soon, it will be troublesome once they gain a foothold there. Even if Second Master has extraordinary abilities, he will eventually leave Qizhou. As long as you leave no trace, even if he investigates, with us gentlemen here, how can he possibly find you?"
These words struck a chord with what Shen was thinking.
However, she was cautious after all. Even though she was tempted by his words, she didn't show her attitude. She just waved her hand and said, "I know your good intentions. It's fine to say these things to me, but there's no need to tell anyone else. I'm tired. You can go out now."
Having been with her for so many years, Qiu Niang could easily see the hesitation on her face, so she whispered her advice: "This servant thinks that Madam should make a decision as soon as possible and settle this matter while our two masters are still here. Otherwise, it will be even more difficult in the future." After saying this, she bowed and withdrew.
Shen was left alone in the room, slowly weighing her options.
Upon careful consideration, Qiu Niang's suggestion might not be a bad idea.
It's difficult to act within the manor, but the outside isn't as secure. Moreover, Qizhou is a peaceful region, and the women of the Fu family are used to a life of ease, rarely showing any suspicion when coming and going, making it easy to find an opportunity to strike. As long as she does it cleanly and decisively, cutting off the middleman, even if the matter comes to light, it will only be seen as some low-class ruffian being clueless and daring to mess with the powerful.
Even if Fu Yu is cautious and suspicious, would he really use that little bit of suspicion to question her, an elder, about her crimes?
It's just adding a little bit of resentment.
If things fail, it will not harm her at all, but if they succeed, it could provide Shen Yueyi with a turning point.