Chapter 21

“Heng’er, even the Emperor must obey the law, let alone us—merely the family of court officials!” Madam Shen was furious, grinding her teeth. She hadn’t expected someone to suddenly interfere.

“Second Aunt is right,” Shen Shaoheng narrowed his eyes, then added, “But we can’t have her drown herself and still drag some unlucky soul to pay with their life, right? That wouldn’t be right. You have such a kind heart, Second Aunt—you wouldn’t do something so cruel.”

Madam Shen’s face changed. “Heng’er, you—”

“Second Aunt, there’s no need to investigate further,” Shen Shaoheng pointed toward an artificial rockery across the pond. “There’s a cave there. I saw her hiding inside drinking wine. She must’ve panicked when she heard people coming, tried to run, and slipped into the pond. Butler, go look—there might be a wine jar inside.”

The butler didn’t move, only glanced at Madam Shen.

Madam Shen was almost certain Shen Shaoheng had killed Mama Wei, but she couldn’t expose him. Without evidence, she would only drag herself into trouble.

She remembered how she had once noticed Shen Shaoheng’s interest in Concubine Mei and schemed to have her brought into the household, then arranged for them to have an affair.

If their relationship was exposed, even the Old Madam couldn’t protect him, and the Marquis’s title would be out of his reach. This trap could one day be used to get rid of him entirely.

That day, Concubine Mei claimed illness and didn’t show up. Later, someone reported that Shen Shaoheng had secretly met with her, so Madam Shen had Mama Wei lure Liu Yue to catch them in the act.

Shen Shaoheng and Concubine Mei would have to kill Liu Yue to keep her silent, and Mama Wei would be hiding nearby, ready to “accidentally” witness the murder and expose their affair—killing two birds with one stone.

But instead, Mama Wei ended up dead.

Madam Shen was livid, but she had no choice but to nod and send the butler to check.

The butler returned soon with a wine jar and a money pouch. “Madam, the pouch has a red character embroidered on it.”

Mama Wei’s given name was Wei Hong (“Hong” meaning red).

Madam Shen stared at the pouch for a long time without speaking.

“Mother, perhaps we should ask the authorities to investigate whether Mama Wei really drowned while drunk. She has served you for years and is very proper. I can’t believe she’d be lazy enough to sneak wine behind your back,” Shen Qingtan said, glancing at Shen Mingzhu. “Second Sister is upset about Mama Wei’s death. If we don’t find the real killer, it might hurt our sisterly relationship.”

“Tanner, there’s no need to report this. I believe your elder brother—Mama Wei drowned while drunk. She must have been feeling low and drank in secret.” Madam Shen looked pale and exhausted. “If we involve the authorities, the whole Marquis household will become a laughingstock, and your own reputation will suffer. No matter how important Mama Wei is to me, she can’t compare to you.”

“Mother…”

“Enough. Mama Wei… brought this on herself.” Madam Shen swallowed her anger and ordered, “Buy a simple coffin and bury her.”

“Yes,” the butler replied, then asked, “The servants who came to the pavilion earlier are all waiting outside. Should we question them?”

Madam Shen glanced over and saw seven or eight unfamiliar cleaning servants. “The matter is settled. Send them away.”

“Yes.”

She then ordered coldly, “No one is to speak a word of what happened today. If I hear anyone gossiping, they will be punished severely!”

The servants kept silent.

The butler dismissed everyone, and Madam Shen told her maid Lü Yin to accompany Mama Wei’s burial.

Soon, the pavilion was empty except for Madam Shen, Shen Qingtan, Shen Mingzhu, Concubine Liu, Concubine Hu, and Shen Shaoheng.

Shen Shaoheng stared darkly at the spot where Mama Wei had fallen.

Earlier that day, Shen Qingtan had stirred his desire, and he sent word to meet Concubine Mei in the rockery cave.

In the middle of their tryst, they heard someone approaching, as if they had discovered them, and running away.

Through a crack, he saw a blue skirt and chased after it, picking up a dropped money pouch. Then he spotted Mama Wei sneaking by the rockery—wearing the same blue skirt.

He ordered his servant to catch her, pour strong wine down her throat, and push her into the pond to silence her.

At the time, he didn’t think much of it—until Concubine Mei warned him, “My lord, neither of us attended the banquet today. The Madam is probably watching us. The old marquis died early, and the title went to the current marquis. I’ve heard that when you came of age, they planned to make you heir—but now you’re 22 and still haven’t been granted the title. Maybe he’s changed his mind. If our affair is exposed, not even the Old Madam can save you, and I’ll be doomed as well.”

Shen Shaoheng didn’t believe it. “I rarely attend these events. Why would Second Aunt suspect us?”

“What if I was placed here by the Madam herself?” Mei said tearfully. “I was just a courtesan. The marquis saw me once and took me in. But he barely visits me. I’ve seen many men—he’s not a lustful type. If someone looked into who you care about, they’d quickly discover you wanted me as your mistress.”

Shen Shaoheng wasn’t stupid—her words made things click. Madam Shen had brought Mei into the house to tempt him into making a mistake and then ruin him. Mama Wei had been spying at the pavilion to catch him.

He had never cared about the title before—but if Madam Shen wanted to ruin him, he’d fight for it just to spite her.

“Second Aunt, you’d better control your people. Otherwise, next time, who knows who will end up dead for no reason.”

Throwing down those words, he strolled off with his hands behind his back.

Madam Shen’s face turned dark as iron. She took a deep breath to suppress her rage.

“Mother, I shouldn’t have scolded Mama Wei—” Shen Qingtan began, but Madam Shen cut her off. “Tanner, it’s not your fault. Today your sister and I misunderstood you and hurt your feelings.”

“Mother, I don’t blame you,” Shen Qingtan said softly, her eyes glistening. “It’s just… it hurts that you didn’t trust me.”

“I’m sorry, this was my fault. Mama Wei’s death shook me so badly I lost my judgment.” Madam Shen picked up the food box Lü Yin had set down. “You know I love jade bean cakes, yet you’ve been wronged so badly. Tell me what you want, and I’ll make it up to you.”

She knew Qingtan was softhearted and filial, and would probably refuse.

“Mother’s kindness—I won’t refuse,” Shen Qingtan said, lips pressed together as if reluctant to accept. “I want the pawnshop on Shun’an Street.”