Volume One, Chapter 13: Leverage

Moreover, with his talent and learning, this poetry gathering was sure to attract many gifted scholars and beautiful ladies, all well-versed in literature. Her attending would only gain her more connections, with no harm at all.

On the contrary, she could use the opportunity to spread her reputation as a talented woman through these literati, thereby increasing her own leverage.

While Shen Qingdai contemplated all these possibilities, Pei Jingzhu’s thoughts were far simpler.

He could tell at a glance that Miss Shen was a learned lady. He was hosting the poetry gathering merely to deepen his own understanding of scholarship, so he spontaneously invited her, hoping they might exchange ideas during the event.

He truly harbored no other intentions.

After all, even in his dreams at night, he was always studying and preparing for the imperial examinations.

Seeing him walk away, Shen Qingdai finally knelt down and gently spoke to Shen Muqing, “Next time, don’t be so reckless. Young Master Pei is kind and gentle, but if it were someone else, it might not be so easy. Offending a noble is no small matter. Remember that well, alright?”

Shen Muqing nervously tugged at the hem of her clothes and whispered, “I understand…”

After a pause, she looked up at Shen Qingdai and added, “I won’t do it again.”

Returning, they found that Fang Qiuxin had already arranged with the monk, who then led them to the vegetarian dining hall.

Shen Qingdai entered the room and took off her cloak. Seeing Fang Qiuxin preparing to offer incense and prayers, she couldn’t help but stop her gently.

“Mother, we didn’t come here sincerely to pray. Why trouble yourself so much?”

She pressed her down to sit on the soft couch. “Alright, the little Buddha hall where we pray is secluded. I’ve asked Pingchun to keep watch, so rest assured you won’t be discovered. Besides, I’ve heard that the vegetarian meals in this temple are the finest in Yangzhou. Since we’re here, let’s enjoy them properly.”

Fang Qiuxin gave her a helpless glance. “Fine, since you say so, I’ll follow your lead.”

Shen Qingdai smiled faintly, sent Fang Amah to call for the meal, then sat down quietly.

Shen Muqing lay over a small desk, engrossed in the copy of the Book of Rites Pei Jingzhu had given her, fully focused.

Shen Qingdai pondered silently. Once they obtained the medicine tomorrow and the soul-dispersing incense on her mother’s body had taken effect, one major concern would be resolved.

Yet, she could not swallow this grievance. This debt of hatred must be repaid to the Liu family at the earliest opportunity.

She remembered that the old madam’s illness had come suddenly and departed just as swiftly. In the previous life, her scripture transcription had lasted only two days before the old madam recovered from her grave illness—this very ordeal was to happen tomorrow.

Thus, she had not been overly concerned. In these past days, all the concubines in the mansion busied themselves attending to the sick and ingratiating themselves with Shen Dengda.

She had deliberately chosen today to come to the temple with her mother to pray, so that when the old madam recovered tomorrow, Shen Dengda would naturally bestow upon them the merit of having prayed.

In a few days, after attending the poetry gathering, she would find a chance to investigate the Liu residence.

While Fang Qiuxin coaxed Shen Muqing to eat the vegetarian meal, Shen Qingdai slipped away to the small Buddha hall, sent Pingchun away, and knelt reverently before the Buddha.

She did not speak aloud, but silently prayed in her heart:

“I do not know if my rebirth is a manifestation of the Bodhisattva’s grace, but may the Buddhas bless me. I am deeply grateful and will not squander this chance. If fortune favors me in the future, I will rebuild golden statues and restore the temple for all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.”

“May the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas manifest their mercy once more, granting me justice for my great grievance, success in my plans, and the fulfillment of all my wishes.”

She had never believed in ghosts or deities before, but after her death, she had indeed become a drifting soul. Having been granted this new life, she now regarded the divine with reverence.

After her silent prayer, Shen Qingdai respectfully kowtowed three times, then lit three incense sticks.

Returning to the vegetarian room, Fang Qiuxin had nearly finished eating. Shen Qingdai tidied the desk and glanced out the window at the evening sky.

Quietly, she said, “It’s late. We should return to the mansion.”

The journey back somehow felt much quicker than the trip there. Shen Qingdai first sent Shen Muqing to rest in her room, then took Fang Qiuxin back to her own.

Closing the door, she called for Pingchun and Fang Amah. The three exchanged glances and then began searching carefully.

The item had to be somewhere in this room. The poisoner would never leave such a thing in their own quarters; if discovered, there would be no chance for denial.

They searched meticulously, leaving no corner or crevice untouched.

Finally, in an inconspicuous corner of the antique shelf, they found a clue.

Fang Amah cautiously felt around. “Miss, it seems there is a hidden compartment here.”

Shen Qingdai approached and examined it carefully. “Indeed, the edges don’t fit flush. Let me find the latch.”

She bent down to search nearby and found a raised spot. It could not be pressed, but after a moment’s thought, she gently pulled outward.

The secret compartment slowly popped open.

Inside lay a small porcelain bottle. Shen Qingdai wrapped it in a cloth and carefully opened it. Inside were two fragrant pills.

She breathed a sigh of relief. The old scholar had said these incense pills were extremely rare. It seemed the Liu family would not be able to find more to poison her mother anytime soon.

She took two similar incense pills from her own sachet, placed them back in the porcelain bottle, and returned it to the hidden compartment.

For now, it was not wise to raise suspicion. These incense pills would serve another purpose.

Shen Qingdai looked at Pingchun and Fang Amah with resolve. “Amah, Pingchun, you two are the only ones my mother and I can trust in this Shen mansion. Today’s matter is grave. I ask you both to keep this completely to yourselves. Not even a sleep-talking word must escape!”

Pingchun and Fang Amah knelt immediately, their faces solemn and determined. “Miss, rest assured. We will guard our lips and not let a single word slip!”

Shen Qingdai’s eyes softened as she helped them up. Her voice was gentle. “It is truly hard to survive in this ruthless household. We must support and watch over each other.”

She released her hands and turned to Fang Qiuxin. “It’s late, Mother. You should rest. I must go back now.”

Fang Qiuxin suddenly grabbed her, her eyes filled with worry. “Promise me you won’t put yourself in danger.”

Shen Qingdai’s heart warmed, yet a bitter ache remained. She knew the day would come, but still managed to reply, “I will.”

Fang Qiuxin watched as Shen Qingdai left with Pingchun, standing there in a daze, her voice barely audible as if carried away by the wind. “Amah, do you think I made the wrong choice all those years ago...?”

Fang Amah, unsure how to comfort her, simply patted her back gently. “Don’t think about it too much. Take care of your health.”

Fang Qiuxin was silent. She rose and searched a cabinet, then took out a jade pendant and placed it in Fang Amah’s palm.

Though still pale, her expression revealed a spark of determination. “Tomorrow, when you go to the study to deliver the snow pear soup, place this pendant inside the food box.”

Fang Amah’s eyes widened in surprise. “You...”