Chapter 86: Resentment

Jiang Li, seeing Tong’er and Bai Xue looking confused, recounted to them what had occurred the previous night. The two maids had not attended the palace banquet and were wholly unaware of the latest developments; upon hearing Jiang Li’s account, both were astonished. Jiang Li did not mention her own machinations against Jiang Yu’e, only that, by a twist of fate, the medicated wine meant for her had ended up being drunk by Jiang Yu’e.

Tong’er was terrified, exclaiming, “Thank goodness it was Fifth Miss who drank the medicine! If you had drunk it, Miss…” She did not dare imagine what might have happened to Jiang Li, and, pressing her palms together, silently prayed, “It is all thanks to Madam’s blessing from heaven, always protecting you from harm. Amitabha…”

“Madam’s heart is too cruel,” Bai Xue said with a frown. “This was meant to leave you no way out. She appears gentle and kind, but in truth is venomous and cold-hearted. Miss, can we not tell the Master, so he might see her true nature?”

Jiang Li shook her head. “I have no proof. It is only my word against theirs, and they can easily refute me. Besides, now that Jiang Youyao’s engagement has been ruined for no apparent reason, Father already feels guilty toward her and is partial to her; nothing I say would be believed. It’s fine,” Jiang Li continued, “the breaking of her engagement with Zhou Yanbang is more than enough to deal a heavy blow to that mother and daughter. Since I was not harmed, as for their true natures”—she smiled faintly—“as long as I remain in this household, there will always be opportunities.”

Tong’er and Bai Xue exchanged glances. Since Jiang Li had spoken thus, they could only let it go. Tong’er asked, “So what will happen to Young Lord Zhou now? Will he marry Fifth Miss? I don’t think the Master would ever let Third Miss marry him after what happened.”

Even Tong’er could see that after this debacle, Jiang Youyao could never enter Zhou Yanbang’s household. Jiang Yuanbai would never allow her to degrade herself and tarnish the Jiang family’s name so.

“Fifth Miss cannot become the primary wife, either,” Bai Xue added. “Doesn’t Young Lord Zhou have some connection with that Miss Shen? Even Miss Shen’s status is higher than Fifth Miss’s. If they must explain things to Fifth Miss, they’ll have to do so even more so to Miss Shen. Between the two, Miss Shen will surely take precedence.”

Tong’er nodded vigorously, then, patting her chest, looked at Jiang Li in lingering fear. “Young Lord Zhou is entangled with so many women, and he’s not even married yet… Clearly, he’s no good match. It’s best that you broke off with him early, Miss. Let him go ruin someone else.” She felt immensely relieved that Jiang Li had long since severed her engagement with Zhou Yanbang; otherwise, the one heartbroken now would have been Jiang Li herself.

“But,” Tong’er suddenly recalled something, asking in puzzlement, “I never heard of Young Lord Zhou having dealings with Miss Shen before. How did they end up mixed together? Was it by accident?”

Zhou Yanbang, drunk, happened to see Shen Ruyun and was suddenly overcome with lust—was that what happened?

Jiang Li’s smile grew cold. The man may have been indifferent, but the woman was not; this was no accident, but Shen Ruyun’s carefully laid trap.

—

At the Shen residence, the servants kept their heads down, working diligently. Though their master now held the post of Assistant Director of the Secretariat and appeared kind and forbearing, his mother and younger sister were another matter. Unlike Shen Yurong, these two women were naturally sharp-tongued and bitter, and as Shen Yurong’s career flourished, their tempers grew ever worse, as if they were compensating for past hardships by venting all their grievances on others.

And their chosen targets, of course, were the servants. Everyone in the Shen household knew how harsh the two mistresses could be, so they dared not slacken in the least.

Inside, Shen Ruyun and Shen Yurong were facing off.

“You’ve gone too far!” Shen Yurong declared.

Shen Ruyun was unfazed. “Brother, I did nothing wrong. It was Zhou Yanbang, the Marquis’s son, who erred. Why are you blaming me? Are you really my brother?”

Shen Yurong laughed coldly, fixing his piercing gaze on her. “Oh? Was it truly his fault alone?”

His eyes seemed to stab straight into her soul, reading her every thought. Shen Ruyun shrank slightly, but stubbornly insisted, “Yes!”

He continued to stare her down, making her uneasy.

At the palace banquet, everyone had seen the outcome: Zhou Yanbang, the Marquis’s son, was caught in a scandal with his fiancée’s cousin, Jiang Yu’e, and even attempted to take liberties with the Assistant Director’s sister, Shen Ruyun. The marquis’s son, who had always seemed a refined gentleman, was exposed as a libertine.

People saw the result, but no one knew precisely what had transpired that night. Even Zhou Yanbang and Jiang Yu’e themselves were likely unclear; only Shen Ruyun knew the full truth.

That night, she had encountered Jiang Li in the gardens and learned Zhou Yanbang’s whereabouts. After much hesitation, she gave in to her infatuation and went to Yuxiu Pavilion, hoping for a “chance encounter” with Zhou Yanbang—at the very least to exchange a few words, so he would remember her.

She still congratulated herself for that decision, for when she opened the door to Yuxiu Pavilion and saw Zhou Yanbang and Jiang Yu’e entangled, she nearly screamed on the spot. Fury and jealousy consumed her, and she almost ran out to publicize their disgrace, seeking revenge on that heartless man and that shameless woman.

But before leaving, Shen Ruyun, moved by some inexplicable feeling, returned to confront Zhou Yanbang: why was he doing this? If she had once had to give him up because he was engaged to Jiang Youyao, why was he now with Jiang Yu’e? Did he prefer Jiang Yu’e?

She recognized Jiang Yu’e immediately: Jiang Youyao’s younger sister, the loathsome little dog always begging for scraps at Jiang Youyao’s heels.

Yet when she summoned the courage to question Zhou Yanbang, he did not answer. He seemed to hear her, lifting his head in her direction, but his expression was dazed, flushed unnaturally as if drunk.

Shen Ruyun recalled Jiang Li’s earlier comment about Zhou Yanbang being tipsy. Had he truly lost his senses in a drunken stupor? She felt a glimmer of hope—was this all a drunken mistake?

But when she moved closer and forced herself to look at Jiang Yu’e, she found the girl was just as muddled as Zhou Yanbang.

Yet even the drunk are not usually like this.

A vague sense of familiarity struck Shen Ruyun; the scene seemed reminiscent of something she had seen before—until she noticed, in the corner of the room, a half-burnt stick of incense, its ashes scattered on the floor.

Suddenly, she understood! This tableau was identical to the one when her sister-in-law, Xue Fangfei, had been caught with her “lover”—both figures dazed and uncomprehending, unable to grasp where they were or what was happening. Only after much effort had they roused Xue Fangfei, by which time every onlooker had had their fill of the spectacle.

—

In this room too, two people lay half-conscious, overcome by the same incense’s subtle, suggestive scent. The longer Shen Ruyun lingered, the more parched and feverish she felt.

Without her experience from the Xue Fangfei incident, Shen Ruyun might never have put the pieces together. But now, she saw at once: Zhou Yanbang and Jiang Yu’e had been set up!

With this realization, Shen Ruyun hesitated. If Zhou Yanbang had been schemed against, then he was not at fault, and she need not take revenge. But if she left them there, when they woke, would Jiang Yu’e seize the opportunity to cling to Zhou Yanbang? The more she considered it, the more convinced she became. Perhaps Jiang Yu’e herself was behind it all.

The thought made her resentful; why should Jiang Yu’e profit so easily? If she walked away, she would be playing into Jiang Yu’e’s hands.

Unable to devise a better plan, Shen Ruyun fumed. If only it were herself tangled with Zhou Yanbang—then things would be simple. As the Assistant Director’s sister, she would be a fitting match for the marquis’s son. With the reality of a union between them, even Jiang Youyao would have to step aside.

The Jiang family would never allow Jiang Youyao to be a secondary wife.

What began as idle musing suddenly crystallized in Shen Ruyun’s mind. If she could link herself with Zhou Yanbang, Jiang Youyao would be finished. Why not act?

After all, Zhou Yanbang was senseless from the drug; he would never know if another joined in this “entanglement.”

But her position was not what it once was. She had a prominent brother to consider; she could not, like Jiang Yu’e, be found half-dressed beside Zhou Yanbang. She was a woman, and her reputation mattered.

It was at this point that Shen Ruyun exhausted all her cunning, fabricating a story of “being violated,” thus casting herself as the pitiable victim, while ensuring she and Zhou Yanbang were now inextricably linked.

Everything had gone smoothly. Even Princess Yongning stood up for her; judging from the marquis’s attitude, he would certainly provide an explanation.

Shen Ruyun dreamed, even in her sleep, of marrying Zhou Yanbang and becoming the marquis’s daughter-in-law.

But her own brother, Shen Yurong, had not sided with her; on the contrary, he reproached her for her actions.

Intimidated by his gaze, Shen Ruyun tried to change the subject. “Brother! What’s the use of talking about this now? The marquis has promised to make things right. Now that I’m tied to Young Lord Zhou, no one else will marry me. I have no other choice!”

“No other choice?” Shen Yurong snorted. “Did you not consider that when you acted thus?”

Shen Ruyun’s heart trembled. Her brother had seen through her—of course he had; he was far too shrewd not to.

“I know you like him, but he is engaged to the Jiang family!” Shen Yurong said coldly. “Now the Jiang family can only break the engagement. You’ve pitted the Jiang and Zhou families against each other. Do you think the Marquis’s household won’t resent you? The Jiang family will hold you responsible as well!”

Shen Ruyun hated mention of the Jiang family. Though she was now the Assistant Director’s sister, she was not as illustrious as the grand chancellor’s daughter. She could not help but retort, “Jiang family, Jiang family—you only care about your career. Now that the princess is on our side, why should you fear the Jiangs—?”

A sharp slap cut her off.

Shen Yurong had struck her, causing her to stagger. His eyes were bloodshot, his hand trembling as he glared at her. “Watch your tongue.”

Shen Ruyun was so frightened she could not even cry.

She knew her brother was clever; even as a child, he excelled at his studies, and the tutors always said the Shen family would produce a top scholar. And so it proved.

Shen Yurong was always kind to their mother and to Shen Ruyun herself, but when truly angered, even she feared his temper. Since Xue Fangfei’s death, Shen Ruyun had found her brother increasingly cold and unfamiliar; now, she was terrified, unsure what he might do.

Hearing the commotion, Madam Shen hurried in, only to find Shen Ruyun clutching her face, eyes brimming with tears. She rushed over, brushing aside her daughter’s hand, and, seeing the mark, rebuked Shen Yurong in fury, “How could you raise a hand against your sister?”

Shen Yurong, seeing his mother, rubbed his brow in resignation. “Mother, please stay out of this.”

“How can I not?” Madam Shen cried. “I am your mother! Ruyun suffered such humiliation last night—what did she do wrong? She is your sister! I know you are accomplished now, and I cannot control you, but if you think your mother and sister are a burden, tell us now. We will pack up and return home, not daring to trouble you, the great scholar!” With that, she sat on the ground, wailing, “If only your father hadn’t died so early and left us in this mess! I slaved to raise you, and now you deny your own mother. What retribution…”

Shen Ruyun dropped to her knees, clinging to her mother. The two sobbed together.

The servants outside dared not breathe, pretending not to have seen or heard anything, keeping well away. Such scenes were not uncommon in the Shen household; whenever Madam Shen could not sway her son, she would resort to loud, theatrical wailing.

As expected, Shen Yurong swiftly admitted defeat. “Mother, when did I say I would abandon you? It is all my fault, I am unfilial, I am to blame. Ruyun, I will go to the Marquis’s residence at noon. I won’t let you be wronged. Zhou Yanbang… just wait at home.”

Shen Ruyun was secretly delighted but still sniffled, “Brother, please don’t deceive me. Please don’t think me unreasonable. If the Marquis’s family won’t give me justice, I have nowhere else to turn—I’ll have to become a nun. You know how this city treats women who are no longer pure…”

She broke off abruptly, glancing uneasily at Shen Yurong.

No one was allowed to mention Xue Fangfei in the house; everyone assumed this was because it was shameful for a husband to have a faithless wife.

Shen Yurong’s brows twitched, but he did not lose his temper. Instead, he fell silent, his expression growing cold. “I understand. Wait here—I am going out.” With that, he left without another word.

This time, Madam Shen did not resume her wailing. Once her son was gone, she slapped Shen Ruyun’s back, scolding, “Why bring that up? Look how you’ve upset your brother again.”

Shen Ruyun regretted it too; at such a critical moment, she had no wish to anger her brother, though she still would not relent. “What is wrong with Brother? Why does he still act so affected when she is mentioned—could he still be thinking of her?”

“Nonsense!” Madam Shen snapped. “Your brother and that woman are long over! She made him the laughingstock of the capital—what man could endure such disgrace? Her death was a blessing! Had she lived, your brother would have been dragged down; he would never have had his current success!”

Seeing her mother’s stern face, Shen Ruyun did not dare argue further. After a while, she asked, “Mother, will Brother really go to the Marquis’s residence on my behalf?”

“Of course he will!” Madam Shen squeezed her daughter’s hand, a cold gleam in her eyes. “Even if he does not, the Marquis’s family must answer for having ruined your reputation in front of so many. If all else fails, we’ll have the princess help us… In any case, you cannot be wronged!”

Shen Ruyun felt a pang of guilt. Her scheming against Zhou Yanbang was known only to Shen Yurong; even Madam Shen knew nothing. If the Marquis’s family ever learned the truth, they would not let her off—but judging by Zhou Yanbang’s state, he was unlikely to discover what had really happened.

Thus, her plan was flawless; she would have her wish and marry into the Marquis’s household at last.

—

At the Marquis’s residence, the sound of a woman’s weeping filled the main hall.

“Husband, stop, please! Yanbang can’t take any more—please stop!” The Marchioness tried to snatch the whip from her husband’s hand, but he pushed her aside, sending her sprawling, and brought the black, gleaming whip down on Zhou Yanbang’s back, drawing a cry of pain.

None of the servants or family dared to intercede. Zhou Yanbang knelt, trying to evade the lashes, but was beaten all the more harshly.

His back was soon crisscrossed with red welts, hideous on his normally delicate skin.

“All for your folly!” the Marquis cursed as he struck.

The Marchioness, unable to stop him, could only watch in agony until, exhausted, the Marquis threw down the whip and stalked off in a huff.

She hurried to her son, who lay barely breathing, her tears falling unchecked. She ordered the servants to fetch a doctor at once.

The physician arrived quickly, writing out prescriptions, and the Marchioness sent for the medicines to be decocted in the kitchen. She herself applied ointment to Zhou Yanbang’s wounds.

After a while, Zhou Yanbang regained consciousness and murmured, “Mother…”

Her tears fell on his hand as she alternated between pity and anger, longing to scold him but unable to bear it. “What on earth have you done?”

Zhou Yanbang could not answer. What had he done? Since last night, he had been in a daze, remembering nothing clearly.

The Marchioness continued, “If you had only gotten involved with Jiang Yu’e, it would be manageable—she’s just a concubine’s daughter, and at worst, could be taken as a favored concubine. But why did you have to involve yourself with Shen Ruyun? She’s the Assistant Director’s sister, and His Majesty favors Shen Yurong above all others. Now you’ve offended the Shen family, the Emperor will surely look upon you and our household with displeasure. That’s why your father is so furious.”

Zhou Yanbang’s head ached. He had never sought out Shen Ruyun; he barely even knew what she looked like. He had only seen her clearly last night, when she wept and accused him in front of everyone. How could he have taken liberties with such a stranger? He could not make sense of it.

“Didn’t you say before that you fancied Jiang Li, the Jiang family’s second daughter? If you liked her, how did you end up with Jiang Yu’e, and now Shen Ruyun as well? Yanbang, what were you thinking? How could you make such a mess of things?”

Jiang Li? Zhou Yanbang froze, momentarily forgetting even the pain of his wounds. He remembered now—last night, he had arranged to meet Jiang Li at Yuxiu Pavilion. How had it become Jiang Yu’e instead? He remembered seeing someone approach, believing it to be Jiang Li, and was overjoyed—how had it ended up being Jiang Yu’e?

Seeing him lost in thought, the Marchioness asked, “What’s wrong?”

He snapped back to himself. “Nothing,” he replied, though his heart was in turmoil.

How had Jiang Li become Jiang Yu’e? The note had been delivered to Jiang Li—he was told she received it herself. Surely she would not have carelessly let it fall into someone else’s hands.

He recalled how, last night, after Shen Ruyun had drawn the crowd, Jiang Li had stood among them, watching him with a calm, chilling gaze.

She had known all along.

A wave of cold swept over Zhou Yanbang, making him shiver. The colder his body grew, the hotter his heart burned with hatred and anger.

Jiang Li, unwilling to meet him, had conspired with Jiang Yu’e to ruin him. Jiang Yu’e had schemed to marry into the family, and Jiang Li must have been aware, giving her the note on purpose.

So she had stood there, watching his disgrace with cold eyes!

Zhou Yanbang was furious beyond words.

Even he knew, after last night, that his career was finished. For a graduate of the Imperial Academy, the first requirement was moral integrity. His had been publicly shredded; he was a laughingstock. The Emperor would never favor him now—his prospects were destroyed!

All thanks to Jiang Yu’e and Jiang Li.

He hated Jiang Yu’e, but he hated Jiang Li even more. Not only did she refuse his invitation, but she had chosen this humiliating way to destroy him. She had treated his true feelings as nothing, discarding him like refuse, and ruined his life in the process.

What a venomous woman!

Seeing him trembling all over, the Marchioness, alarmed, asked, “Are you all right? Should I call the doctor again?”

“No need.” Zhou Yanbang suppressed his pain and chill, asking, “Mother, what should I do now? I am now entangled with both Fifth Miss Jiang and Miss Shen—what am I to do? As for Jiang Youyao, that engagement is surely at an end.”

The Marchioness was silent for a while, then shook her head. “The Jiang family sent word early this morning. Consider your engagement to Jiang Youyao as if it never happened.”

“That’s fine,” Zhou Yanbang replied. “It should never have been, anyway.”

The Marchioness found his tone odd and looked at him curiously.

Zhou Yanbang was thinking that his engagement to Jiang Youyao had always been a substitute for Jiang Li. Now that Jiang Youyao was gone, things had reverted to the beginning.

But his ties to the Jiang family were not wholly severed.

“What about Jiang Yu’e?” he asked. “I suppose I should give her a title. Mother, may I make her a concubine?”

“That is best,” the Marchioness replied coldly. “She should be grateful for even that. If she cannot accept it, she had best abandon any hope of entering this household.”