Chapter 14: How Is Attempted Murder Sentenced?

Seeing the girl approaching with measured steps, the old madam felt her entire being unsettled. Years ago, it was the old master who arranged the marriage between Yu Fei and Shen Fangfei. Barely days after their wedding, the old master passed away. The old madam had never thought highly of that streetwise woman from Jiang City; after her husband’s death, she subconsciously blamed Shen Fangfei, thinking her a harbinger of misfortune.

Then came the incident where Shen Fangfei was kidnapped. The old madam was secretly delighted, refused to pay the ransom, didn’t call the police, and let her be. Soon after, she hastily arranged for Yu Fei to marry a young lady from a prominent Beijing family.

This Shen Qing bore a striking resemblance to her mother. Every time the old madam looked at that face, she felt an unexplainable irritation and liked her even less.

The birthday banquet today was well attended, with even members of the influential Qin family from the capital present. The old madam, unable to cause a scene, merely nodded in cold acknowledgement.

The Qin family didn’t fully grasp the intricate affairs of the Yu household. Qin Zi’ao, unable to contain his curiosity, asked Qin Lin, “Who is that?” The girl was strikingly beautiful.

Qin Lin’s expression was already sour, and her nephew’s question only made it darker. “That’s Shen Qing, your uncle’s ex’s daughter.” She intentionally left it vague—was this ex a girlfriend or a wife?

Qin Zi’ao clicked his tongue softly, a trace of intrigue flickering in his gaze as he looked at Shen Qing.

Noticing the old madam’s displeasure, Yu Fei went over to soothe her and gave Shen Qing a look, signaling her to stay aside.

Yu Min’er, as the center of the birthday celebration, received gifts from everyone. The old madam presented a family heirloom jade bracelet; Yu Fei and Qin Lin gave her a car.

“Happy birthday, cousin,” Qin Zi’ao said, placing a beautifully wrapped gift box in Yu Min’er’s hands.

Qin Zi’ao, representing the Qin family, was the most distinguished among the relatives present.

“This is a painting by Jiang Yu, exhibited at last year’s top-tier show in the capital.” Qin Zi’ao’s eyes shone with pride as he spoke.

Jiang Yu was a master of traditional Chinese painting who had burst onto the scene in recent years, hailed by the art world’s old scholars as a genius without peer. His works were nearly impossible to obtain.

The old madam was momentarily stunned. She descended from her seat of honor. “Is this truly a piece by Master Jiang?”

Qin Zi’ao nodded.

The surrounding guests murmured their amazement. “Master Jiang! I heard one of his paintings sold for tens of millions.”

“He’s undoubtedly the number one artist in the art world! The Qin family truly lives up to its reputation—such lavish gifts.”

“This Jiang master everyone’s talking about—how come I’ve never heard of him?”

“You really ought to check the news online…”

“Yu Min’er is talented at painting, has won so many awards, but hasn’t even held a third-tier exhibition yet. Master Jiang is already at the top!”

The crowd buzzed with discussion.

Yu Min’er’s expression shifted slightly as she accepted the gift with both hands. “Thank you, cousin.”

She had studied Chinese painting with the Qin family since childhood and was fortunate enough to have seen Jiang Yu’s works. His paintings exuded a grandeur that felt as if mountains and rivers could be swallowed whole—truly magnificent.

In recent years, Yu Min’er had been modeling her own painting style after Jiang Yu’s, and had gained quite a following online because of it.

“Min’er, shall we have a look at the painting?” The old madam had long wished for a piece by Jiang Yu but had never managed to acquire one. This made her think more highly of Qin Zi’ao; though the Qin family was not as powerful as it had been a decade ago, a lean camel was still bigger than a horse.

Amid the guests’ expectant gazes, Yu Min’er opened the box and unrolled the painting.

It was a landscape, a few ethereal strokes conjuring an idyllic paradise. One could almost imagine oneself as the young herder on an ox’s back, playing a bamboo flute, its distant, lingering notes echoing through dreams. Black mountains, white water—a world of interwoven black and white, so clear, pure, simple, and unadorned.

“It truly is a master’s work. I believe our Min’er will soon become the next Jiang Yu,” the old madam praised.

A hint of pride colored Yu Min’er’s face as she glanced at Shen Qing, who stood on the sidelines, absorbed in her phone.

“Elder sister, won’t you come and take a look?” Yu Min’er’s voice was gentle as she approached Shen Qing.

“Not interested,” Shen Qing replied, still engrossed in her game, not bothering to look up.

The others frowned. This Shen Qing was utterly lacking in manners.

Sensing the judging stares around them, Yu Fei’s face darkened. He spoke sternly, “Qingqing, it’s your sister’s birthday. Behave yourself.”

Shen Qing didn’t move.

Qin Zi’ao, half-reclining against the table, watched the girl who did as she pleased with growing amusement.

The old madam, known for her fiery temper, could endure no more. She strode over, intent on snatching away Shen Qing’s phone.

“Don’t touch me,” Shen Qing said coldly, her tone as icy as her gaze.

The old madam was startled, actually taken aback.

“Filthy.” The word dropped like a stone, making the old madam so angry she nearly coughed up blood.

“Shen Qing, how could you speak to your grandmother that way!” Yu Fei grabbed for her phone, yanking hard, but Shen Qing’s grip did not falter.

She shook off his hand, pocketed her phone, and slowly rose.

“I heard she used to be a delinquent at school.”

“Fighting and skipping class were everyday things for her.”

“My god, why did Yu Fei bring someone like her home?”

“I think her grandfather died, and with no guardian left, she came to Fancheng.”

“Maybe she’d planned to all along—her grandfather probably died of anger because of her.”

“The Yu family treated her well, but she acts as if the world owes her—such ingratitude.”

“No wonder she’s a bad student!”

Amid the relatives’ gossip, Yu Min’er’s lips curled in a faint, satisfied smile, though her voice remained soft. “Sister, it’s not right to speak to elders like that, is it?”

“Shen Qing, apologize!” Yu Fei’s patience had reached its limit.

Without looking at anyone else, Shen Qing stepped toward the old madam. “Tell me, what’s the penalty for attempted murder?”

“What… what did you say?” The old madam trembled.

Shen Qing smiled faintly. “I suspect, you were in league with the kidnappers eighteen years ago.”

“Outrageous!” Yu Fei finally heard her words clearly.

The old madam clutched her chest in fury, nearly losing her balance. “Yu Fei, look at your wonderful daughter!”

Qin Lin and Yu Min’er hurried to steady her, fearing she might collapse.

Yu Min’er had always known Shen Qing was a thorny character, unlikely to ever win the old madam’s favor, but she hadn’t expected her to infuriate the old lady to this extent.