The Shen Family Residence.
Shen Pu sat at the head of the table, his face glowing with satisfaction as the family enjoyed a lively meal together. Outside, a servant’s voice announced:
"My lord, the Ping Princess Consort has arrived."
"The Princess Consort is here? Bring her in at once!" Lady Shen immediately rose to her feet. Moments later, Shen Hua'er entered the room.
"Father, Mother, how have you been?" Shen Hua'er clasped Lady Shen’s hands. "It’s been so long since I last visited."
"Your father has been in excellent spirits lately," Lady Shen replied warmly, gesturing for a maid to bring an extra seat for Shen Hua'er.
"What good news has Father received?"
"Those old-fashioned officials at court have started treating me with more respect," Shen Pu said, taking a sip of wine. "Even the Emperor has begun entrusting important matters to the Shen Family. Especially the Shen and Gu families—they no longer look down their noses at me."
"This is truly wonderful news!" Shen Hua'er exclaimed, both surprised and delighted. "I always knew Father’s talents would earn the Emperor’s favor."
"The Shen Family has waited a long time for this day," Shen Pu mused. "Once the Grand Imperial Grandson passes the imperial exams, our family will lend him our full support."
"Thank you, Father."
Shen Hua'er had come to sound out her father’s stance, and with such promising news, her mood lifted. "Mother, I’d like some fruit wine as well."
"Very well. Today is a joyous occasion—indulge as you please."
But the wine proved too much for her.
"Princess Consort, why not stay the night?" Lady Shen asked, supporting her daughter with a worried expression.
"No, the mansion is in chaos these days. If I’m not there to oversee things, trouble will arise." Shen Hua'er rested her head on her mother’s lap. "Mother... I truly need the Shen Family’s help."
"Your father will support you."
......
Shen Hua'er returned to the Ping Prince’s Mansion by carriage. Tipsy, she went straight to her chambers.
An hour later, Song Yanzheng rushed in, frantic. "Where is the Princess Consort?"
"Your Highness, the Princess Consort drank a bit too much at the Shen residence and is resting inside," a maid replied.
But Song Yanzheng, too excited to wait, brushed past the maid and called out from behind the screen:
"Princess Consort! On my way back, I saw imperial rewards being sent to the Shen Family!"
"Truly?"
Shen Hua'er forced herself upright. "Just as Father said—the Shen Family is regaining its influence!"
Today it was rewards; tomorrow, it could be an edict for promotions and titles.
"This is fantastic!"
Song Yanzheng spun in excitement, while Shen Hua'er grinned—until a sudden wave of nausea hit her.
"Ugh—"
Alarmed, Song Yanzheng rushed around the screen and saw her retching by the bed. "The Princess Consort is unwell! Fetch the physician!"
In his panic, he even reached out to steady her.
Her personal maid was the first to rush in, freezing at the sight. "Princess Consort... Your Highness..."
Song Yanzheng immediately let go, his hands burning where they had touched her.
"I—I just remembered something urgent. I must go."
He fled the chambers, leaving Shen Hua'er staring blankly at her maid. "Did Yanzheng just..."
"Princess Consort, I saw nothing. Nothing happened."
The maid’s voice was barely a whisper, terrified of being overheard.
A strange tension filled the room. Meanwhile, Song Yanzheng gasped for air outside, slapping his flushed cheeks.
Next time, he mustn’t act so recklessly.
......
Song Yu and Song Shihuan remained oblivious to the incident between Shen Hua'er and Song Yanzheng, preoccupied with their impending departure from the capital.
On the day of their leave, Song Yu scanned the city gate but saw no sign of Emperor Yuanyou.
"Your Highness, first time’s awkward, second time’s routine. The Emperor probably couldn’t be bothered to see you off," Shen Qingping teased.
Song Shihuan smirked—after all, the Emperor had sent Wu Qi with gifts for her the night before.
"Fine."
Song Yu pouted. "Once I pass the imperial exams, I’ll return to the capital and make a grand spectacle in the Zichen Hall."
"Count me out."
"Father, me too."
Seeing his daughter and teacher united against him, Song Yu pinched Song Shihuan’s nose. "Your loyalty lies with me alone. Let’s go."
Once inside the carriage, he leaned out the window, locking eyes with Shen Qingping.
"Be careful. Don’t get yourself killed."
"Don’t worry. I’ll live to see you and the Princess again."
As the carriage rolled away, Shen Qingping’s smile faded, replaced by a ruthless glint.
"Third Master."
"Return to the mansion. Bring Scarface with us."
......
The Shen Residence.
After two weeks of peace, Scarface lit up at the sight of Shen Qingping—he’d heard this young master was as cunning as he was ruthless, perfect for their line of work.
If Shen Qingping wanted him to investigate the Shen Family alone, he’d rather take a swift execution. Falling into the Shen Family’s hands meant a fate worse than death.
But if this man was joining in...
There was fortune to be made!
Scarface’s eyes gleamed. If they could overthrow the Shen Family, he’d rise in status too.
"The goods are ready. What have you learned about the Shen Family’s routes?"
Shen Qingping’s tone sent a chill down Scarface’s spine.
"That... that can only be confirmed aboard the ships. We’ll check the docks for salt traces—it’s always the same ports, just the order changes."
"Aside from their routes, I need evidence of their salt smuggling. I can provide manpower."
"What... what do you need evidence for?" Scarface tensed.
"To take them down from within."
Shen Qingping toyed with a jade stone, his voice casual.
"Leave it to me!"
Scarface grinned. He’d long resented the Shen Family’s lackeys who looked down on him. Now was his chance.
"When do I leave? And how many men can you spare?" he pressed. "I’ve got a few dozen underlings, but they’re no match for the Shen Family’s forces."
"Leave under cover of tonight. I’ll give you fifty elite men. Three months—can you carve a piece out of the Shen Family?"
"Absolutely!"
What a windfall!
Watching Scarface’s excitement, Shen Qingping smirked.
If only the fool knew those fifty "elite men" were imperial guards...
