Chapter 41
The Fourth Daughter
Although Meng Ming was unhappy with Zhang Chunyun's attitude towards the Shen family's senior brothers, he couldn't bear to scold her given her current state. Zhang Chunyun had been a great support to Meng Ming, staying by his side through the ordeal of being sent away from the Meng household when his mother was framed.
Loyal to Meng Ming's mother and devoted to Meng Ming, Zhang Chunyun had encouraged him to persevere through tough times over the years. Zhang Chunyun, who was once not as harsh, had become this way out of necessity, struggling to protect herself and Meng Ming in a small town filled with disdain and criticism.
Meng Ming had seen all the hardships Zhang Chunyun had endured over the years. Though he lived to compensate Shen Wan, Zhang Chunyun remained his dearest and most valued relative, so he couldn't be harsh with her nor bear to see her like this.
"My apologies, elder brothers," Meng Ming said, looking remorseful on behalf of Zhang Chunyun. She was still causing a scene, pulling Meng Ming towards home. Seeing her disheveled and in tears, Meng Ming decided it best to go with her to clarify the situation before going to the Shen family to apologize.
The two brothers from the Shen family, reasonable men, had come with good intentions to deliver gifts to their future in-laws. Not being welcomed was one thing, but to be greeted with a tirade was more than they could bear. Even Meng Ming's apology left them looking displeased.
"What exactly happened? Who did we offend?" Meng Ming went with Zhang Chunyun, leaving the second Shen brother fuming in place.
"All right," the elder Shen brother said, his expression grim but without complaint, turning to ask the neighbors what had happened.
The neighbors explained, "It's all because of Zhang's mouth. The Zhang family has always been at odds with Chunyun. A few days ago, they heard Meng's son was to marry into your family, so they deliberately provoked Chunyun, and that's how the fight started, sigh..."
"So that means—" the second Shen brother puzzled, "Why take their anger out on us? What did we do to her?"
"You didn't do anything to her, but you're taking her precious Meng's son as a son-in-law," another neighbor interjected gleefully, "Zhang Chunyun has always seen her Meng's son as a future top scholar. She was never happy with your families' marriage arrangement. Now with Meng's son marrying in, with all the gossip in town, it's not just about scolding you; she might even be thinking of calling off the engagement."
"—That's enough, Li family!" an older neighbor chided, "You've gone too far with your words!"
The person scoffed dismissively, retorted a few words to the elder, and then turned to leave. After all, the spectacle was over, and there was no point in staying.
The elder watched her leave with a sigh, then explained to the Shen brothers not to mind her ramblings.
The Shen brothers bowed in thanks and then left as they had come, carrying their gifts back with them.
Upon returning to the Shen household, the third Shen brother looked at them in surprise and asked, "Eh, elder brothers, why have you brought everything back?"
"Thud—" The second Shen brother slammed the items onto the table, his face taut with frustration, "Don't even mention it, I'm furious!"
Shen Yi's third brother asked, "What happened? What's going on?"
Shen Wan's second senior brother took a sip of tea and said, "We kindly went to deliver goods to Meng Ming's home, but before we could even enter, we were chased away by Meng Ming's aunt!"
Shen Wan's third senior brother was shocked, "What? Why did Aunt Zhang chase you away?"
Recalling the scene made the second senior brother angry, "She said someone provoked her by mentioning Meng Ming marrying into our family, so not only did she fight with that person, but she also took her anger out on me and the eldest brother, telling us to get lost."
"Really?" Shen Wan's third senior brother was both surprised and skeptical, finding it hard to believe, "Aunt Zhang told you to get lost?"
The second senior brother said roughly, "Exactly! She even said it several times! And in such ugly terms!"
Shen Wan's third senior brother looked at him then turned to the eldest senior brother, who nodded in confirmation, "That's what happened."
The third senior brother became furious, "What kind of behavior is that? Aunt Zhang is taking us too lightly, we're practically family. How can she vent her anger on you just because of a few words from someone else?!"
"You might be right; maybe she never considered us family at all!" The second senior brother, remembering what the neighbor had said, hummed coldly.
The eldest senior brother interjected with a frown, "Enough, let's stop talking about it. I'll go find our master and decide what to do with these items," he glanced at the goods they brought back, "Where's the master?"
"She left shortly after you guys did," said the third senior brother.
"Alright, then we'll wait for the master to return before deciding," the eldest senior brother nodded, starting to tidy up, with the second and third senior brothers helping.
Later, when Jiang Su returned, the eldest senior brother reported both the incident with the goods and about Zhang Chunyun.
Jiang Su frowned, "I've heard quite a few rumors outside today too. They're all about Brother Meng; no wonder your Aunt Zhang was upset."
The eldest senior brother didn't respond.
After thinking it over, Jiang Su said, "Alright, if Brother Meng doesn't come by tomorrow, go and ask him to visit. I think we need to reconsider his and Xiao Wu's marriage."
The eldest senior brother was surprised, "This..." He hadn't expected their master to consider changing the marriage arrangements.
Jiang Su said, "Now, everyone outside is belittling Ming Ge, saying he's only after our Shen family's wealth and accusing him of living off women on purpose. Even if we don't care, Ming Ge will definitely feel uncomfortable, and it might affect his relationship with Xiao Wu. So, considering they're not married yet, let's hold off on their wedding for now."
Shen Da had an epiphany.
At the Meng family.
After returning home with Zhang Chunyun, Meng Ming inquired about the situation.
Zhang Chunyun, without hiding anything, tearfully recounted the whole incident.
After hearing the story, Meng Ming frowned, and Zhang Chunyun, with tears in her eyes, exclaimed, "Those damned people are now slandering everywhere, Ming Ge! Listen to me, let's call off this marriage."
"Auntie?" Meng Ming was shocked.
Zhang Chunyun continued, "I never agreed to you marrying Shen Wan in the first place. You said Shen Wan and her family were kind to you, so I agreed to this marriage. But now, everyone is saying you're worthless, eyeing the Shen family's wealth and relying on Shen Wan. Tell me, how can I let you go through with this marriage?!"
"I don't care about those rumors, Auntie," Meng Ming said, pulling her back to explain, "Haven't we heard enough rumors over the years? I know you're worried about me, Auntie, but I really don't care what others say. Besides, Wanwan and the Shen family have been kind to us, and the marriage was agreed upon long ago, so I won't call it off."
Zhang Chunyun angrily retorted, "What kindness? The Shen family is hypocritical. If they had a bit of kindness, they wouldn't have you marry Shen Wan before your exam. They're clearly forcing you at this time!"
"The Shen family is a den of wolves! They never had good intentions. The little kindness they showed was to bind you to their family, waiting to take advantage of you after your success. And you, foolishly grateful for their small favors, are willing to sacrifice your entire life!"
Zhang Chunyun's eyes reddened again, "Have you thought about what happens after you marry into their family and return to the capital? What would the lord think of you, and how would the noble families view you?"
Meng Ming said to his aunt, "Even setting aside your views on the Shen family, I'm willing to marry in —" looking into Zhang Chunyun's eyes, "Ever since the Meng family unjustly accused my mother and expelled me, I've never considered that place my home. Now, you're my only family, Aunt. Marrying into the Shen family is fine by me; at least I won't have my children bear that surname."
Zhang Chunyun looked at him dumbfounded, and Meng Ming continued, "Aunt, I know you've always wanted me to make something of myself to reclaim my heritage, but I refuse. I've hated them since my mother died at their hands. They are my enemies!"
Even having lived a second life, Meng Ming still harbored hatred towards the Meng family. They had not only harmed his mother in his previous life, but it was also his so-called father who caused him and Shen Wan to be separated by death. Thus, he would never forgive them.
Meng Ming's hatred was palpable, causing Zhang Chunyun great sorrow. Although she had always resented the Meng family of the capital for their cruelty, which led to her and Meng Ming's downfall, deep down, she still wished for Meng Ming to be acknowledged by the Meng household.
Over the years, she urged Meng Ming to excel academically and to achieve fame, hoping that would earn him respect from Lord Meng.
Zhang Chunyun never expected Meng Ming to harbor such deep hatred towards the Meng family.
"Brother Meng…" Zhang Chunyun tenderly stroked Meng Ming's face, feeling immense sympathy for him.
Meng Ming held her hand, sensing her softening, he softened his voice and earnestly said, "Auntie, I have no home, no mother, only you. If you oppose my marriage, I naturally won't insist on it, but I truly like Wan Wan, so Auntie, can we... not call off the engagement, please?"
Zhang Chunyun, both frustrated and helpless, sighed deeply, "You, oh you…"
In the end, Meng Ming managed to dissuade Zhang Chunyun from the idea of calling off the engagement.
Afterwards, he gathered some items and then went to the Shen family to apologize.
At the Wei Wu Escort Agency, the Shen family.
Jiang Su and the five younger members of the Shen family were sitting in the hall when Meng Ming entered with items, deeply bowing to Jiang Su, "Today, my aunt was rude to the two Shen brothers, and I, Meng Ming, am here to apologize on her behalf."
Shen Wan's eldest and second brothers stood up to return the gesture, "Brother Meng, there's no need for such formality, we're all family here."
Meng Ming bowed again, expressing that the Shen brothers' understanding showed their magnanimity, but Zhang Chunyun's behavior had indeed been inappropriate, and he felt obligated to apologize.
The Shen brothers felt somewhat awkward but their resentment also dissipated.
With the misunderstanding resolved, Jiang Su then said to Meng Ming, "Alright, have a seat. I actually have something to discuss with you."
Meng Ming sat down, directly opposite Shen Wan, and after deeply glancing at her, he asked Jiang Su, "May I know what matter the escort head wishes to discuss?"
Jiang Su said, "I'm considering postponing your wedding with Xiao Wu."
Meng Ming, surprised, quickly responded, "If the escort head is making this decision because of the rumors outside, I think there's no need. I don't care about those rumors."
Jiang Su waved her hand, "It's not just about the rumors." She glanced at Shen Wan and then at Meng Ming, "I only have Xiao Wu as a daughter, and initially, I wanted you to marry into our family hoping you could be like her father and me. But now, I realize it's not appropriate. Although Xiao Wu is similar to me, you and her father are not the same."
"Xiao Wu's father had a calm and content nature, not bothered by external affairs, hence he could stay at home managing trivial matters. But you, with your talents and aspirations for official honors, cannot live as her father and I did."
"I…" Meng Ming, anxious, wished he could immediately say he was willing, that he could do anything.
"Let me finish," Jiang Su raised her hand to stop him, "I'm not doubting your abilities or ambition. I've decided to delay your wedding with Xiao Wu because I want you to go to the capital for the exams, and after achieving high ranks, marry her with honor."
"Can you do it?"
Meng Ming pursed his lips, looking from Jiang Su to Shen Wan.
The current situation was beyond his expectations. In his previous life, despite bad rumors about his marriage to Shen Wan, the Shen family had opted for a normal wedding instead of delaying it.
Meng Ming was unsure where things went wrong, leading to this situation, feeling uneasy but unable to contradict Jiang Su's words.
The Shen family's hope for him to marry Shen Wan gloriously after passing the exams put him in a dilemma. Disagreeing would imply a lack of confidence in passing, which would diminish his stature in their eyes. Yet agreeing stirred his underlying unease.
He was contemplating.
Jiang Su added, "I'm not pressuring you. I only have Xiao Wu as a daughter, naturally wishing for her to marry well. If you pass the exams, that would be ideal. But if not, the Shen family won't act ungratefully, and your marriage to Xiao Wu will proceed regardless."
With Jiang Su putting it this way, Meng Ming had no grounds to refuse.
Meng Ming looked deeply at Shen Wan, thinking this might actually be for the best. His previous marriage, marred by rumors and reluctance, was far from ideal. This time, if he was to make it up to her, it should start with their wedding.
He wanted to give her a beautiful wedding, to marry her with dignity.
A showdown between two masters of their own destinies.
The only one holding her own script, Xiao Wu, wonders: Who am I, where am I, and when exactly am I getting married?
"Ha-ha, my cuties, let's negotiate, okay? Help me with the pre-collection, and I'll add more chapters... ten collections for a thousand words, deal?" [Star-eyed]
Chapter 42
The Fourth Daughter
The night was calm, the moon quietly climbed onto the branches, and a shadow swiftly passed over the rooftops of Wei Wu Escort Agency, eventually sneaking into a room through a window.
A thin canopy of curtains enveloped the bed, as the petite shadow, guided by moonlight, slowly approached the bedside.
The person on the bed was deep in sleep, as the shadow drew closer, eventually placing its short limbs gently on the sleeper's forehead, plunging the dreaming person into a nightmare.
The shadow, observing the person's pain-ridden expression on the bed with closed eyes, apologized softly before turning to leave along the same path it came.
Under the bright moonlight, its agile figure moving across the roof was visible. It was a very beautiful cat, albeit small, about the size of an adult's palm.
"Tap, tap—" The small white cat jumped from the roof to another room's window and raised its paw to knock.
"Creak—" The window was promptly opened from the inside by Jiang Su, who appeared and laughed lightly upon seeing the small cat outside. She picked it up, stroking it before closing the window.
"All done?" Jiang Su asked, looking down at the small cat in her arms.
The cat nuzzled her and then nodded obediently, "Mhm, all done."
As Jiang Su stroked it, V0 purred contentedly and even rolled over for belly scratches. After the third world, V0 finally accumulated enough points to grow bigger and turn into a cat. It was thrilled, showing off its perfect body nearly all day after arriving in the fourth world with Jiang Su, not wanting to return to Jiang Su's consciousness.
Although Jiang Su found it amusing, she didn't stop it. To legitimize its presence, she even brought it home and told the Shen family it was a stray she'd found and would now keep.
The Shen family had no objections. The household was under Shen Yi's control, and the younger members, all orphans adopted by Shen Yi, had great respect for her; Shen Wan, her daughter, had been taught by her from a young age. Thus, they seldom opposed Shen Yi's decisions.
After all, bringing home a cat to keep wasn't a big deal.
"Su Su, Su Su," V0, comfortably sprawled in Jiang Su's arms getting its belly scratched, remembered its duties and called out to Jiang Su.
"What is it?" Jiang Su responded while continuing to pet it.
V0, instinctively seeking affection, rubbed against Jiang Su's hand and asked, "How many more times do I need to do mental suggestions for Wan Wan?"
"Until she believes those experiences to be real," Jiang Su replied.
Confused, V0 said, "But I don't know when Wan Wan will take them as real... QAQ. I've been doing this for several days, and she still shows no reaction during the day."
With the points from the third world, V0 not only upgraded to a cat but also unlocked new functions. Its intelligence increased, the database expanded, and in its physical form, it possessed greater mental power to influence people's minds.
"There is a reaction," Jiang Su assured, "Her agreement to postpone the wedding, isn't that a response?"
Jiang Su had been having V0 perform mental suggestions on Shen Wan, allowing her to see through dreams all she experienced in her past life. Jiang Su wanted Shen Wan to make her choices after gaining memories or feelings from her past life.
Otherwise, how could the female lead, already inclined towards the male lead who returned with regrets and guilt from his past life, resist his utmost affection and sincerity?
For Jiang Su, showing the female lead her past life's tragedy was the simplest way to complete the mission in this world.
In this world, the repulsiveness of a scoundrel reincarnating and then doting on the original protagonist lies in the fact that the scoundrel retains all memories from his past life, thus loving the female lead with regret and purpose. In contrast, the female lead, lacking memories of her past life and unaware of the pain she endured, is robbed of her right to refuse him.
Jiang Su, through V0, allows Shen Wan to empathize with and believe in the reality of those dreams, significantly shaking her feelings for the male lead.
"But today, I saw them meeting again. Will Wan Wan really believe what she saw in her dreams?" V0 hesitated.
Jiang Su chuckled, "Whether she believes it or not depends on you. Didn't you assure me you could do it?"
V0："…"
V0: "Yes, I definitely can!"
V0's hesitation and insecurity vanished instantly, reminding itself internally that it was no longer the small being it once was. Now larger, it was determined to assist its host.
Jiang Su was amused by V0's cute demeanor and reassured, "Don't worry, if it doesn't work out, it's not a big deal. We have other methods."
V0, showing affection, nuzzled Jiang Su's palm, "No, I must help Su Su!"
Jiang Su laughed heartily, "Then, go for it."
As night faded and dawn broke, a soft, warm sunrise slowly ascended from the east.
Shen Wan woke up in a sweat, abruptly sitting up and instinctively clutching her left chest.
There, in her recent dream, she had been brutally stabbed and died.
The dream felt so real that it gave her the illusion of having lived through those events. Yet, she neither wanted nor dared to believe that the dreams depicted her future, especially since in those dreams, the person who killed her was acting under Meng Ming's orders. Furthermore, not only was she targeted, but the entire Wewu Escort Bureau, her family included, was annihilated.
Shen Wan was reluctant to believe the dreams were true or to doubt Meng Ming could be such a person. However, the recurring nightmare felt like a warning, compelling her to consider and believe in its reality.
Clutching her chest, Shen Wan took deep breaths, then closed her eyes to calm herself. As the sound of roosters crowing filled the air, she opened her eyes, got out of bed, changed clothes, and after washing up, went to the training ground to practice with her sword.
Given the escort bureau's line of work, encountering unpredictable dangers was common, so the Shen family traditionally practiced martial arts daily. Recently, Jiang Su had provided them with several martial arts manuals, including two particularly effective ones, making their training sessions even more frequent.
After sparring with her brothers for nearly half an hour, the cook called them for breakfast. They put away their weapons, washed up, and gathered in the dining hall for the meal.
The Wewu Escort Bureau was somewhat renowned in Suzhou, and though the Shen family was well-off, they employed few servants, maintaining the martial and self-sufficient lifestyle of their ancestors who were martial artists turned escorts.
"Bang, bang—"
Shortly after breakfast, someone knocked at the door. As the cook was about to answer it, Shen Four playfully stopped her, suggesting that Shen Wan could handle it, believing the visitor to be Meng Ming.
The cook smiled at Shen Wan's mention, a frequent visitor from Meng Ming to the Shen household, almost daily, prompting Shen Four's jest towards Shen Wan.
Shen Wan, amused by their banter, set aside her utensils to answer the door.
"Wan Wan," the person outside was indeed Meng Ming. Despite his reincarnation and years apart, he yearned to keep Shen Wan close, visiting her at the Shen household as often as circumstances allowed.
"This is for you," Meng Ming presented a wood-carved dagger to Shen Wan.
Surprised, Shen Wan took the dagger, feeling its texture before asking, "Did you carve this yourself, Brother Meng?"
Meng Ming, cheeks reddening, coughed lightly without answering, instead showing her another wood-carved dagger.
Shen Wan noticed her name engraved on Meng Ming's dagger, and indeed, her own dagger bore Meng Ming's name.
Touched, Shen Wan beamed, "I really like it, Brother Meng."
Meng Ming's eyes twinkled, his demeanor softened as he gently tousled Shen Wan's hair, whispering, "I'm glad you like it."
With a tender gaze and soft words, Meng Ming soon departed, conscious of maintaining propriety before their marriage to avoid displeasure from the Shen family.
After Meng Ming left, Shen Wan lingered at the escort bureau's entrance, clutching the wooden dagger and staring at the engraved "Meng Ming," her expression complex.
As she turned to re-enter, a voice suddenly called out, "Hey! Miss!"
Shen Wan turned, the voice continued, "Is this the Wewu Escort Bureau?"
Without responding, Shen Wan frowned slightly at the newcomer.
Before her stood not one but a group of people, robust and tall, each armed.
Despite her young age, Shen Wan, having traveled extensively with Shen Yi, had encountered various individuals and could tell that these seemingly ordinary-dressed men were far from ordinary.
—Ordinary people aren't accustomed to bloodshed.
"What do you want?" Shen Wan eyed them warily. Their demeanor hardly suggested they were here for business or to hire the escort services; they seemed more likely to cause trouble.
"Hey, girl! We're here for business, to hire escorts, of course!" the muscular man who had called out to Shen Wan spoke up.
Shen Wan's gaze flickered, scrutinizing the speaker, then shifting to another man with a rugged beard and a rough appearance. Being martially trained, Shen Wan's instincts told her these men were dangerous, particularly the bearded one.
She fixed her gaze on the bearded man, while the muscular man pressed her to confirm if she was from the escort bureau and hurried her to bring them inside, claiming they had significant business to discuss.
Though Shen Wan sensed danger from these men, business etiquette didn't allow turning away guests, so she led them inside.
Chapter 43
The Fourth Daughter
Shen Wan ushered the group of men through the door.
The Shen household was mostly empty, save for Shen Four, who was tidying up. He was surprised to see Shen Wan with such a group, asking, "What's going on?"
Like Shen Wan, Shen Four immediately noticed these were no ordinary men. Given his experience accompanying Shen Yi on more escort missions and broader exposure, he sensed a unique aura from them.
This aura was not something found in common folks, merchants, or martial artists; it was distinct to one particular group—
The military.
Shen Four glanced past Shen Wan to the group behind her and asked, "They are here for...?"
Understanding the implication of Shen Four's question, Shen Wan responded, "They say they're here to discuss business."
Shen Four frowned, "What business exactly?"
What business could the military possibly have with an escort bureau?
"Are you the head of the escorts?" The muscular man, instead of answering, questioned Shen Four's identity with a skeptical look. To him, Shen Four seemed too young to be in charge.
Shen Four indeed was not; he responded, "I'm not, I'm just an apprentice here. The head is my master."
The muscular man nodded, feeling that made more sense, "Alright then, call your master out. We have business to discuss with him."
Shen Four nodded and signaled Shen Wan, who understood and went inside to fetch someone.
Shen Four asked the men to take a seat in the hall and wait momentarily, and the men, including the bearded one, took their seats in turn.
Soon after, Jiang Su arrived with the other three brothers from the Shen family.
Seeing Jiang Su, Shen Four immediately called out, "Master."
Jiang Su nodded and approached, greeting everyone with a fist salute, "I am Shen Yi, head of the Vigorous Escort Bureau. May I know what kind of escort you require?"
Escort bureaus, also known as escort agencies, were tasked with protecting valuables or individuals for a fee, utilizing martial skills. There are six main types of escorts: letter, ticket, silver, grain, goods, and personal bodyguards. Letter escorts deliver messages; silver escorts transport silver and banknotes for financial institutions; goods, personal bodyguards, and grain escorts serve the wealthy, safeguarding items, jewelry, and personal safety.
"You're the head, a woman?" The muscular man was surprised to see Jiang Su, as escort bureaus typically involved dealings with the martial world and the government, navigating life-and-death situations, usually dominated by men. It was his first encounter with a female escort, let alone a female head.
The other men also showed their surprise, whispering among themselves. They had important items to transport through dangerous routes and had sought out the escort bureau out of necessity, not expecting the locally renowned agency to be led by a woman.
The men couldn't hide their disappointment.
The bearded man frowned, and his subordinates, noticing their boss's displeasure and about to suggest leaving, were interrupted by Shen Wan's sharp remark, "What's the meaning of this? Do you look down on women?"
The men halted their murmurs and looked at Shen Wan, and the bearded man also glanced at her before turning his attention back to Jiang Su. His subordinate immediately apologized, "Sorry, the items we need to transport are of great importance, which is why we reacted so strongly. Please forgive us, we meant no offense."
Jiang Su waved off the apology, indicating she took no offense.
After apologizing, the man continued with flattering words. However, his underlying message was clear: he doubted the Vigorous Escort Bureau's capability to handle their task and thus wished to depart.
Shen One, Two, Three, Four, and Shen Wan were all infuriated. The Shen family had been in the escort business for generations, and Shen Yi had been an escort master for many years. It had been a long time since they encountered anyone who doubted their capabilities simply because Shen Yi was a woman.
These outsiders must have come looking for trouble!
"Please, wait a moment."
As the Shen siblings stewed in their irritation, Jiang Su suddenly called out to the strong men preparing to leave.
The men frowned at her. Jiang Su smiled warmly, saying, "You all seem to doubt our bureau's strength because I am a woman."
The spokesman for the men bowed, "Madam, you overestimate our concerns; we meant no disrespect."
Shen Four rolled his eyes immediately, thinking, No disrespect? Who are they trying to fool?!
Jiang Su was well-acquainted with deflection. She proposed, "Regardless, since you have cargo needing escort and have come to us, why not test our capabilities instead of leaving empty-handed?"
The muscular man pondered, looking towards the bearded man. The bearded man, intrigued, asked, "And how do you propose we test this?"
Jiang Su chuckled lightly, "Simple. Since you're worried about our ability, let's have a direct comparison. How about it?"
The bearded man considered for a moment and then agreed to Jiang Su's suggestion.
They indeed were in dire need of an escort bureau's services and were willing to give it a try.
"In that case, please follow me to the training ground," Jiang Su led the way.
Jiang Su led the group, while Shen Wan and Shen Four followed behind, coldly inviting the strong men, "After you, gentlemen."
The men felt awkward. Soldiers are typically forthright, often speaking their minds without much thought, which can easily offend. Now, having offended Shen Wan, they faced her displeasure, feeling quite uncomfortable under her critical gaze.
At the training ground.
Jiang Su laid out the rules: "Each side will select three representatives. We will compete in three rounds, and the best of three wins. Hits only, no injuries. Agreed?"
The bearded man pondered for a moment and then nodded in agreement.
The bearded side chose three strong men to step forward, while Jiang Su selected Shen Da, Shen Er, and Shen Wan as her representatives.
The news that the delicate-looking Shen Wan would participate surprised the strong men.
"This won't do, this won't do. How can we fight her? Can she even withstand one of my punches?"
Recently, with Meng Ming visiting often, Shen Wan had taken extra care with her appearance, dressing more elegantly than usual. Her hair was neatly done up, and she wore a tender yellow dress that cinched at the waist, making her look like a delicately nurtured young lady, hardly someone the strong men could imagine fighting against.
They feared that one punch might be enough to harm her seriously.
"Madam, perhaps you should choose someone else. Even if we win against such a young lady, it wouldn't be something to boast about..."
Jiang Su raised an eyebrow slightly, and Shen One, Two, Three, and Four almost seemed amused. Before they could respond, "delicate miss" Shen Wan calmly said, "Don't worry, it's just us here. If I lose, my people wouldn't spread such self-deprecating news, and since you think winning against me isn't praiseworthy, you likely won't boast about it either. So, your reputation won't suffer."
"Let's begin."
"But..." The strong men hesitated, about to object, when the bearded man suddenly said, "Go ahead."
The strong men looked at each other, reluctant but bound by duty, they complied.
"My apologies," one strong man stepped forward in the ring and bowed to Shen Wan.
Shen Wan remained composed and returned the gesture.
The strong man paused, then offered, "I'll let you have three moves."
Shen Wan's eyebrows lifted slightly, a spark of amusement in her eyes, "Well, thank you, uncle."
The strong man: ""
Uncle... uncle?
The corners of the strong man's mouth twitched, his thoughts scattered, when suddenly he heard a fierce shout, "Uncle, watch out!"
He snapped back to reality, ready to defend, but in a blink, Shen Wan had vanished from sight.
The muscular man, on full alert, was about to focus on searching for Shen Wan when suddenly his left shoulder was tapped: "Uncle, I'm right here!"
The man quickly turned left, only to find nothing but air as his punch missed.
"Over here!" His right shoulder was tapped next, and he turned right to strike again, but hit nothing once more.
"Haha!" Shen Wan's laughter came from behind the man, who felt a mix of annoyance and frustration at being toyed with. He spun around swiftly to attack—
This time, he didn't miss. Shen Wan was indeed behind him, but as the man turned and threw his punch, she suddenly ducked and kicked at the man's knee.
The man, propelled by the force of his punch and caught off guard by the low blow, lost his balance and fell awkwardly to the ground.
"You!" The man glared at Shen Wan.
Shen Wan's playful smile vanished as she looked down at him, coldly saying, "Three moves, all returned to you."
"You!" The man felt both embarrassed and angry: "You were just playing with me, how is this a fair fight?!"
Shen Wan chuckled, about to say she was ready for any challenge, when a man with a goatee on the side of the training field spoke up firmly, "Enough. You've lost."
"But…" The muscular man instinctively wanted to argue, but upon meeting the goatee man's gaze, he sobered up, swallowed his words, and reluctantly acknowledged his defeat to Shen Wan with a fist salute.
Shen Wan, expressionless, also left the field, with Shen Si patting her shoulder and whispering, "Well done."
Shen Wan raised an eyebrow without a word.
The man with the goatee in front of her scrutinized Shen Wan, who closed her eyes momentarily and then met his gaze without changing her expression.
The goatee man's eyes flickered slightly before he shifted his gaze away.
In the second match at the training ground, Shen Da won.
In the third match at the training ground, Shen Er won.
The muscular men were disheartened and dejected.
After Shen Wan's performance, they could comfort themselves by thinking they were tricked and had underestimated her. But the outright physical prowess displayed by Shen Da and Shen Er left them thoroughly convinced of their defeat, without any excuses to fall back on.
Furthermore, following the third match, Shen Er, with a friendly demeanor, apologized to them for any offense caused by Shen Wan earlier.
The strong man was about to offer polite denials when Shen Er added, "That girl just doesn't follow rules when she's upset. Actually, she's the strongest among us; none of us brothers can beat her one-on-one."
The strong men: "…"
Oh.
"Shen Escort Head, we'll entrust this mission to you then."
After the three rounds, the bearded man's group, though displeased, had to acknowledge Jiang Su and her team's capabilities.
The escort task was immediately agreed upon.
"Of course," Jiang Su responded with a polite bow.
Despite the convoluted negotiation, the outcome was satisfactory.
The bearded men had indeed come with significant business, offering five hundred taels of gold for the safe delivery of two medicinal herbs to the capital.
This fee was among the larger ones that the Shen Escort Agency had ever commanded.
However, with years of experience, the Shen family knew well that high rewards come with high risks. This mission would not be easy.
Chapter 44
The Fourth Daughter
That afternoon, the strong men delivered the items for escort. Due to the urgency, they suggested leaving as soon as possible, setting the departure for the next day.
Thus, the Shen family was busier than ever, notifying others who usually joined them on such missions. The Shen Escort Agency was extensive, not limited to Jiang Su, Shen Yi, Shen Er, Shen San, Shen Si, and Shen Wan. Many local martial artists and acquaintances from the jianghu also assisted in their missions.
Participation was voluntary, but most were eager to join due to the Shen family's reputation for generosity and safety, rarely losing an escort.
Everyone was willing to work with the Shen family.
While the four Shen brothers busied themselves with preparations, Shen Wan was initially set to help but was stopped by Shen San. He suggested she use the time to see Meng Ming, as their mission's timing conflicted with his departure for the capital exams.
Shen Wan hesitated, feeling guilty for not helping with the preparations.
Shen San reassured her, emphasizing the importance of bidding Meng Ming farewell and ensuring he wouldn't worry during their absence.
Despite her reservations, Shen San's encouragement persuaded Shen Wan to visit Meng Ming, stressing the urgency and the potential worry if he couldn't find them later.
Shen Wan frowned slightly. Usually, not all members of their escort agency went on missions; they typically left two or three behind to manage the home. However, due to the client's request for absolute success this time, Jiang Su decided to mobilize the entire Shen family.
Considering that no one would be home after their departure tomorrow and Meng Ming would find no one at their house, Shen Wan felt compelled to act. She agreed to Shen San's suggestion and visited Meng Ming's home.
Meng Ming was surprised to hear that Shen Wan would be on an escort mission the next day. "Was it those people who came today?"
Shen Wan nodded. Meng Ming felt uneasy, as there was no such mission in his memories. Perhaps, due to the cancellation of their marriage in this life, and at this time in his previous life, the Shen family was busy with wedding preparations and might have declined such missions.
Meng Ming now regretted agreeing to Jiang Su's suggestion to postpone the marriage. In his previous life, he didn't care about Shen Wan, so he didn't pay attention to her activities or experiences. But in this life, he deeply loved her, making him very worried about her upcoming mission.
"Wan Wan..." The dangers of escorting were numerous, and Meng Ming couldn't accompany Shen Wan, which scared him. He wanted to persuade her not to go, but couldn't bring himself to say it when he met her gaze.
"What's wrong?" Shen Wan asked, puzzled by Meng Ming's hesitation.
Meng Ming opened his mouth but then shook his head, saying, "Nothing."
He sighed and then, unusually, embraced Shen Wan tightly, "Be careful on the road. You must protect yourself, understand?"
Shen Wan tensed at Meng Ming's embrace but relaxed upon hearing his words, allowing the embrace and nodding in agreement, "I will."
Holding Shen Wan tightly, she hesitantly hugged him back, adding, "I'm leaving tomorrow, and in a few days, you'll go to the capital, so I won't be able to see you off."
"Yes," Meng Ming responded, somewhat wistfully, lowering his head to meet her eyes softly, "Without Wan Wan's farewell, my confidence in topping the exams diminishes."
Shen Wan laughed lightly.
Meng Ming's eyes softened, and his expression was tender.
With a smile, Shen Wan looked up at Meng Ming's gentle demeanor, feeling a sudden pang in her chest, as her mind involuntarily recalled a dream where Meng Ming, having achieved top honors, was marrying someone else in a grand ceremony.
"Meng Brother..."
Shen Wan's radiant smile momentarily froze as she gazed deeply into Meng Ming's tender eyes, slowly asking, "After you achieve top honors, will you truly come back to marry me?"
"Of course!" Meng Ming replied without hesitation, thinking Shen Wan was worried he'd look down on her after his success, hence her insecurity.
"Silly girl." Meng Ming affectionately tweaked Shen Wan's nose, "Aside from you, Meng Brother wants no one else."
"Really..."
Pretending to be offended, Meng Ming asked, "You don't believe me?"
Shen Wan quickly replied with a smile, "How could I not?"
"I'm just worried that after you go to the capital and achieve top honors, you'll fall for a noble lady and think I'm not worthy of you."
Meng Ming's eyes darkened, and he hugged Shen Wan tighter, reassuring, "That will never happen, Wan Wan. Don't think such nonsense. You are the only wife for me in this lifetime. I love you, Wan Wan."
Shen Wan felt a slight pain from Meng Ming's tight embrace but didn't resist. Though his words were deeply moving, her heart was filled with sorrow, not joy. The vivid dreams that felt all too real were affecting her; she could no longer face Meng Ming's affection straightforwardly, uncertain of his true intentions.
Shen Wan forcefully reminded herself that those were just dreams, not to be taken seriously. But the increasingly vivid and detailed nightmares made it impossible for her to deceive herself any longer.
Shen Wan couldn't go on like this.
She feared she would go insane if things continued this way.
Thus, she made a decision. She needed to verify certain things to convince herself whether those dreams were merely dreams or... her future, or perhaps her past.
The next morning, when the Wuhu Escort Agency set out, Meng Ming wasn't there to see them off, adhering to the agency's rule of not disclosing departure times, mission details, or routes to outsiders.
Only a burly man and the man with the stubbly beard accompanied the Wuhu Escort Agency, with the whereabouts of the others unknown to the Shen family, who didn't inquire further out of curiosity.
The group set off at dawn, carefully guarding the valuable cargo, making their way to the capital day and night.
As expected by the Shen family, this lucrative escort mission proved to be exceptionally difficult.
On the second day of the journey, they encountered a dangerous ambush by about ten men in black, skilled in martial arts, clearly aiming to hijack the cargo.
Although the Shen family and the man with the stubbly beard managed to kill the first wave of attackers, subsequent groups followed one after the other.
Casualties began to mount on the Wuhu Escort Agency's side, and by the third day, as they neared the capital, their numbers had significantly dwindled.
A torrential downpour forced them to seek shelter and rest in a cave within the mountains.
Inside the cave, the fire crackled fiercely, breaking the silence as someone couldn't help but exclaim, "Damn it! What exactly are we escorting that's worth attracting such deadly pursuit?!"
The continuous ambushes and loss of comrades had spread a gloom over the team.
Another person couldn't resist asking the man with the stubbly beard, "Brother, what's actually in these packages? These can't be ordinary herbs, right?"
The man with the stubbly beard remained silent, his companion quickly apologized, promising additional compensation upon reaching the capital.
"What's the use of money if we're about to lose our lives?!" retorted someone loudly.
Many now regretted taking on this mission, overwhelmed by the constant attacks and the sight of falling comrades, fearing their turn might come next.
"Accepting money for a task means facing its dangers. Didn't you all realize the risks when you took on this job? A bodyguard's pay is earned by risking their life; did you never consider the possibility of not returning from a mission?" the man with the stubbly beard suddenly said coldly.
His words angered many in the cave.
Shen Wan was furious too; most who take on escort missions are just trying to make a living, aware of the risks but not indifferent to death. Was this man trying to incite conflict with his insensitive remarks?!
Holding back her anger, Shen Wan retorted, "Indeed, we put our lives on the line for our work, but acknowledging the risk of death doesn't mean we're prepared to face it. Of course, sir, as a warrior, you're beyond comparison to us ordinary folks who toil for a hard-earned living."
The man with the stubbly beard gave Shen Wan a look but remained silent.
Just as others were about to support Shen Wan's words, the man with the stubbly beard suddenly barked, "Shut up!"
The cave fell silent. Someone, irritated, was about to scold the man with the stubbly beard when the sound of rain outside was accompanied by voices.
Everyone tensed up. The man with the stubbly beard said he would check it out and instructed them to stay inside.
"I'll go with you, boss," said a muscular companion.
The man with the stubbly beard shook his head: "Stay, guard the goods."
"No, you stay and guard, I'll go!" the muscular man insisted.
Ignoring him, the man with the stubbly beard walked out. The muscular man attempted to follow, but Shen Yi silently held him back, saying, "You stay here. I'll go with him."
With that, he bypassed the muscular man and followed the man with the stubbly beard.
The muscular man stayed, having seen the capabilities of the Shen family in the past days. They were more helpful than him tagging along.
The sound of rain filled the silent cave. After a while, there was a noise at the cave entrance, and everyone inside gripped their weapons tightly, staring at the entrance.
Shen Yi and the man with the stubbly beard returned, soaked.
Seeing them, everyone's tension dissolved.
Shen Wan sheathed her sword and approached Shen Yi, asking, "How did it go? Brother, are you hurt?"
Shen Yi shook his head: "Just five men, ambushed by Lin brother and me."
Shen Wan's worry didn't ease; instead, she felt heavier. This was the sixth group, and it seemed they wouldn't stop until the cargo was destroyed.
Understanding her concern, Shen Yi comforted her silently, then addressed the group: "According to our pace, we should reach the capital by tomorrow. But given their intent to destroy the cargo, their attacks will likely intensify before we enter the city. Lin brother and I have decided to push through the night, taking advantage of just having cleared this batch, to catch them off guard."
"What do you all think?"
After exchanging looks, the group quietly discussed for a moment before agreeing to Shen Yi's plan.
The group swiftly packed up and proceeded through the night rain.
By dawn, as the sky lightened, they finally reached Bianjing.
Gazing at the towering city gates of Bianjing, everyone was thrilled; they had survived numerous life-and-death situations along the way, turning a few days into what felt like a lifetime.
"We've finally made it!" Shen Si exclaimed.
The rest echoed his sentiment with joy, but then, one of the muscular men accompanying them suddenly signaled to the man with the stubbly beard. The man nodded slightly, and the muscular man stepped aside, suddenly producing a flare to send a signal.
Hearing the commotion, the members of Wuyu Escort quieted down, watching curiously as the man explained, "I'm calling our people to come and meet us."
The group's recently eased tension spiked again; seasoned travelers always maintain vigilance. They've encountered situations where upon delivering the cargo, the employer reneged on the payment, attempting to silence them permanently.
Shortly after, the previously shut gates of Bianjing slowly opened, revealing a group of armored soldiers on horseback charging towards them.
The escort members were astounded.
At this moment, the man with the stubbly beard calmly removed his raincoat and fake beard, turning towards the approaching figures.
"General!" The riders halted not far from him, dismounting to kneel and collectively salute.
The members of Wuyu Escort finally grasped the man's true identity, staring in shock at the unfolding scene.
Shen Wan's complexion drained upon recognizing the face now unobscured by the stubbly beard.
Chapter 45
The Fourth Daughter
It wasn't that the man's face was particularly handsome or his status astonishingly high that surprised her, but rather, Shen Wan distinctly remembered seeing this face in her dreams.
Dressed in festive red, amid the joyous sounds of firecrackers, a happy and sweet bride-to-be joyously called this man "Little Uncle" in a jubilant courtyard, about to marry Meng Ming.
Shen Wan, pale and trembling, stared at the man. After he finished speaking with his subordinates and was about to mount his horse again, she suddenly stepped forward, clutching his robe, asking, "…Do you also have a niece?"
This abrupt question, seemingly out of nowhere, stunned everyone present, drawing their bewildered gazes toward Shen Wan.
Qin Chen frowned, looking at her with suspicion, remaining silent.
Disguised throughout the journey to conceal his identity, Qin Chen now removed his disguise, feeling safe upon reaching the capital and unconcerned about further mishaps.
He was taken aback by Shen Wan's sudden question at such a moment. Recognizing him by his appearance wasn't surprising, but it was peculiar for her to directly inquire about a niece.
"Tell me, do you have one or not? Just tell me," Shen Wan insisted, her eyes filled with fear and urgency. She yearned for an answer yet dreaded the one she suspected; she hoped it wasn't true, but a voice inside her suggested otherwise.
"Xiao Wu!" Shen Yi stepped forward, pulling Shen Wan aside and whispering sternly, "Don't cause a scene!"
Shen Er, Shen San, and Shen Si joined, ostensibly to scold Shen Wan for her imprudence, but in reality, they stood protectively by her side.
Shen Wan, preoccupied, persisted in tugging at Qin Chen, seeking his response.
"How dare you!" One of Qin Chen's subordinates couldn't help but rebuke her angrily.
The soldiers behind him also watched Shen Wan and her group warily.
"Xiao Wu!" Shen Yi tugged at Shen Wan again.
Shen Wan glanced at him, saying, "Brother, I'm not being unreasonable. This question is very important to me."
Shen Yi frowned, not just because of her words but also her demeanor. Having watched Shen Wan grow up, he knew her better than anyone and had never seen her like this before.
He weighed his gaze and respectfully addressed Qin Chen, "We mean no harm, but there's a reason for our question. Please, could you enlighten us?"
The other Shen siblings also respectfully echoed the plea to Qin Chen.
Even though they were clueless about Shen Wan's sudden distress, her demeanor clearly indicated the significance of her query.
Qin Chen glanced at the Shen family, then slowly back at Shen Wan, and said, "Indeed, I have a niece, the daughter of my elder brother, currently awaiting marriage, please..."
He initially wanted to ask Shen Wan how she knew of Qin Yao but halted, seeing her eyes reddened as if deeply affected, unable to finish his question.
Shen Wan felt as if a hole had been drilled into her heart; Qin Chen's confirmation nearly drained her of all courage. Her eyes instantly welled up, turning red as if tears would fall, yet she fought back the urge to cry.
"Could you... possibly..." she pleaded with Qin Chen, "take me to see her...?"
At this point, Shen Wan was almost certain, yet she needed to verify the remaining doubt herself.
"Alright."
Whether it was due to a favorable impression of Shen Wan or compassion upon seeing her distressed state, Qin Chen agreed to her seemingly nonsensical request.
"Thank you!" Shen Wan bowed her thanks to Qin Chen.
Mounting his horse, Qin Chen instructed his subordinates, "Escort them to the Qin residence."
His subordinate acknowledged, "Yes, General!"
The soldiers spread out, surrounding the members of the Wuyu Escort Agency.
Leading on horseback, Qin Chen was followed by the escort agency members, encircled by his subordinates.
Together, they entered the city.
Though early, the city of Bianjing was already awakening. Street vendors began setting up their stalls, and early risers moved about.
As Qin Chen's procession passed, pedestrians made way, retreating to the sides of the road. In the capital, where officials and nobles were plenty, the common folk knew to be observant and give way.
"Hush—"
Approaching the Qin residence, Qin Chen halted his horse and dismounted.
"General, you've returned!" The guards at the Qin residence greeted him with a mix of surprise and joy.
Qin Chen nodded slightly, and the guards promptly announced his return. The news quickly reached the elder Mrs. Qin and Qin Yao.
When Mrs. Qin and Qin Yao arrived in the main hall, the Shen family hadn't been waiting long. Ever since Qin Chen was dispatched on his mission, they had been anxiously awaiting his return, rushing from the inner courtyard to greet him upon hearing of his arrival.
"Mother."
Mrs. Qin and Qin Yao entered the hall, where Qin Chen greeted them respectfully.
"Little Uncle." Qin Yao also bowed slightly to Qin Chen.
Qin Chen returned the gesture with a nod. His affection for Mrs. Qin and Qin Yao was apparent to any observant onlooker.
The Qin family had not been prolific for generations. General Qin had only Mrs. Qin as his wife, and they were left with two sons. Qin Yao's father, the eldest son, died in battle eight years ago.
The news of the elder Qin's death in battle brought such grief to Qin Yao's mother that she took her own life the following day. At that time, Qin Yao, the only remaining descendant of the main line, was just nine years old, while Qin Chen was eighteen.
With the passing of Qin Chen's elder brother and sister-in-law, the Qin family was left with only Qin Yao, Qin Chen, and the elder Mrs. Qin depending on each other for support. Over the years, with Qin Chen frequently away at war, Qin Yao and Mrs. Qin managed the household affairs. Despite being apart more often than not, their affection for each other remained profound.
Mrs. Qin and Qin Yao wanted to inquire about Qin Chen's well-being during his mission but, seeing the Shen family waiting in the hall, they didn't wish to be rude by ignoring their guests. After briefly greeting Qin Chen, they turned their attention to the Shen family with a gentle manner.
"May I know who you are...?"
Jiang Su bowed, "Greetings to the elder lady. We were the escorts hired by the general for his journey."
Mrs. Qin, understanding, replied warmly, "We truly appreciate your efforts on this occasion."
Jiang Su humbly responded, "It was our duty."
"You..."
As Jiang Su finished speaking, Qin Yao suddenly exclaimed in surprise. Everyone turned to her, noticing her astonishment and discomfort as she gazed at Shen Wan, her expression a mix of embarrassment and concern.
"What's wrong?"
The focus shifted to Shen Wan, who was staring intently at Qin Yao... and began to cry.
The four Shen brothers were both shocked and worried, urgently asking Shen Wan what was the matter. However, Shen Wan remained silent, tears streaming down her face as she continued to look at Qin Yao.
Qin Yao felt awkward and helpless.
She knew she had never met Shen Wan before, but the direct and tearful gaze made her feel extremely uncomfortable.
Luckily for her, she wasn't a man. If she were, this situation might lead others to believe she had wronged Shen Wan in some romantic dispute.
"Miss, do you perhaps know my Qin Yao?" Mrs. Qin asked.
Shen Wan took a deep breath, wiped away her tears, and said, "To the elder lady, we are not acquainted."
"Then..." Mrs. Qin was puzzled.
Shen Wan lowered her gaze, then suddenly looked up with a forced smile, "Shen Wan grew up in the countryside and has never seen someone as fairy-like as Miss Qin. Seeing her today, I was overwhelmed and behaved improperly. I hope the elder lady and Miss Qin can forgive my rudeness."
Mrs. Qin and Qin Yao exchanged looks, speechless.
Qin Chen raised an eyebrow, observing Shen Wan's tear-streaked face, finding humor in her red eyes despite her stoic expression.
Hearing Shen Wan's fanciful explanation, the Shen family members in the hall felt a mix of helplessness and amusement. After a pause, Jiang Su bowed and said, "Elder lady, General, now that the mission is complete and payment has been settled, we shall take our leave."
Mrs. Qin courteously tried to persuade them to stay longer.
Jiang Su mentioned they needed to arrange accommodations for the rest of their escort team and thus could not stay long, hoping for the elder lady's understanding.
Mrs. Qin, hearing this, did not insist further. Jiang Su and the others left the Qin residence, then returned to the inn where the rest of their team was staying, all heading to Shen Wan's room.
They had all noticed Shen Wan's unusual behavior today but refrained from questioning her in the presence of the Qin family. Once outside, they immediately began to press for answers.
"Xiao Wu, what exactly happened to you today?"
Shen Wan bit her lip, unsure of how to begin explaining to them.
Shen Si, impatient and unsettled by her silence, pressed her more sternly, "What can't you share with us? What happened today, Xiao Wu? Do you want to worry us to death?!"
Shen San joined in. Shen Er and Shen Yi remained silent but looked at Shen Wan with concern.
After hesitating for a long while, Shen Wan finally shared the secret that had been troubling her for some time.
"Lately, I've been having the same dream every night. In the dream, Brother Meng is not a commoner but the eldest son of the current Prime Minister Meng. He is in our town because he was exiled by the Prime Minister for some reason."
The Shen siblings frowned, while Shen Wan continued, "This time, after Brother Meng ranked first in the imperial examination, the Prime Minister acknowledged him. Consequently, Brother Meng stayed in Bianjing and remarried a noble lady from a distinguished family as his new wife..."
Shen Si slammed the table in anger, "How dare he?!"
Shen San was equally furious.
"Enough!" Shen Yi interrupted sternly, "Let Xiao Wu finish speaking."
Shen Wan's mind was filled with vivid memories that felt too real to be dreams, as if they had actually happened to her, "... Brother Meng stayed in the capital to discuss marriage with another woman, and because he hadn't written to me for a long time, I went to Bianjing by myself. Then..."
She suddenly choked up.
"What happened next?" Shen Si asked, frowning.
Shen Wan sniffed and said, "After that, Brother Meng and the Prime Minister, worried that I would affect their arrangement with that noble lady, ordered someone to kill me... and also," she looked at Jiang Su and the others, "exterminated our entire family."
The Shen family members were shocked.
Shen Wan's eyes reddened, "I didn't believe this dream at first, but today, seeing General Qin's face, I couldn't help but believe it. I've never been to Bianjing before, nor have I ever met General Qin, but I dreamed about him and Miss Qin in my dreams..."
"So, Miss Qin is the noble lady that Meng Ming remarried?" Jiang Su suddenly asked.
Shen Wan was startled but didn't overthink it, assuming Jiang Su was just guessing, and nodded heavily. "...Yes."
She paused, lowering her head with her hands intertwined, and said in a hoarse voice, "That dream was too real, so real that I even doubt if everything that happened in it... could be my future..."
Chapter 46
The Fourth Daughter
What Shen Wan described was too fantastical for the four Shen brothers, who originally didn't believe in such supernatural tales. After all, in their line of work, escorting valuable items and facing life and death situations, they had seen too much. Believing in ghosts and spirits would only make their work more nerve-wracking.
However, as Shen Wan mentioned, she had never met General Qin or Miss Qin before, and her visits to Bianjing were few. Her relationship with Meng Ming, though they grew up together, couldn't have informed her about so many details of the Meng family. The clarity of her dream, featuring people who exist in reality, was inexplicable!
"You don't believe me...?" Seeing the hesitation on her four brothers' faces, Shen Wan felt disheartened and lowered her head, murmuring, "Right, it makes sense you don't believe. How could anyone dream of their own future..."
Though she said this, Shen Wan herself believed in the dream. As someone who experienced it, no one else could understand its realism. But describing it might not convince others to believe as she did.
Shen Wan felt somewhat dejected and sad.
Suddenly, Jiang Su took her hand, saying, "Mother believes you."
Shen Wan looked up at Jiang Su in surprise and joy, "Mother... you really believe what I said...?"
"Yes," Jiang Su nodded. Shen Wan, both happy and doubtful, asked why. Jiang Su looked into her eyes solemnly, "Because mother had a similar dream."
"What?!"
Shen Wan was utterly astonished, and the four Shen brothers were equally shocked, staring at Jiang Su.
Jiang Su continued gravely, "Do you remember when I asked Xiao Wu and Meng Ming to delay their marriage?"
Shen Wan and the four Shen brothers nodded in acknowledgment.
Jiang Su revealed, "It was because I had a dream similar to Xiao Wu's, which led me to make that decision. Like her, I couldn't believe the dream was real at first. But considering the fate of Xiao Wu and our Shen family in the dream, I had to be cautious. That's why I used the rumors as a reason to temporarily call off Xiao Wu and Meng Ming's wedding."
"...I see now." Shen One frowned, somewhat enlightened. At the time, although the rumors were unpleasant, there were multiple solutions. Shen One had thought that if Xiao Wu had feelings for Meng Ming, at most they would not allow Meng Ming to marry into the family but instead have Xiao Wu marry out. He hadn't expected his master to suggest pausing the marriage, and surprisingly, Xiao Wu, who had always been fond of Meng Ming, agreed.
Shen Da found it quite strange at that time.
But now, hearing Jiang Su and Shen Wan speak, he understood everything.
The four Shen brothers looked grave. Just hearing Shen Wan's words had already shaken them, and now with Jiang Su's addition, they naturally chose to believe them.
The room fell silent for a while. Everyone was uneasy, and after some time, Shen Si, regaining his composure, asked, "So now, taking that dream as real, master, what should we do?"
"Naturally, we should go back and annul the engagement with Meng Ming, make a clean break!" Shen San, coming back to his senses, immediately retorted angrily, "Now that we know what he's like, of course, we should stay as far away from him as possible. This way, without this marriage, our family and he will have nothing to do with each other. If he wants to climb the ranks or get rich, he won't see us as an obstacle anymore!"
Shen Er nodded, "Old Three is right. The priority now is to cut ties with Meng Ming."
Shen Da remained silent but agreed with Shen San and Shen Er. If the future is as Shen Wan described, cutting ties with Meng Ming now would ensure they wouldn't be obstacles in his ascent to power or reasons for his remarriage, thus not becoming stepping stones he needed to remove.
Unexpectedly, Jiang Su disagreed with Shen San's suggestion, stating, "I said before, the dreams I had were similar to Xiao Wu's but with differences."
"Xiao Wu dreamed of her death and our family's demise, but my dream saw Meng Ming feeling guilty after our family was destroyed..."
Shen Si laughed in disbelief, "Guilty? What's the use of guilt after he's caused our deaths? Is he trying to disgust us?!"
V0: Exactly, to disgust you!
Jiang Su suppressed a laugh, appearing thoughtful.
After a pause, she continued, "After our deaths, Meng Ming married Miss Qin, rose through the ranks, even surpassing Minister Meng in power, but he always thought of Xiao Wu. He believed she was his true love and regretted his past decisions. In my dream, heaven gave him a chance to start over, right before he and Xiao Wu were to marry..."
The tea cup Shen Wan was holding shattered on the floor.
The Shen brothers were stunned.
If Shen Wan's accounts were merely eerie, Jiang Su's words were downright terrifying.
Shen Si had to drink two cups of tea in quick succession to calm himself slightly.
"I know it's hard to believe," Jiang Su addressed their shock, "I also didn't want to believe the dream because it's absurd. But Meng Ming's recent behavior made me doubt him. He's always been polite to us, to Xiao Wu, but think about his actions these days."
Shen Wan and her brothers pondered, then their expressions changed drastically.
They hadn't thought much about it until Jiang Su mentioned it, but recalling Meng Ming's recent actions, they felt something was amiss.
Previously, Meng Ming would avoid causing talk, hardly visiting the Shen family, let alone seeing Shen Wan frequently. It was usually Shen Wan who visited him under the pretext of delivering something. But what about these days?
Lately, Meng Ming has been visiting frequently, seemingly indifferent to gossip, openly showing his affection for Xiao Wu, making it a point to see her daily, treating her exceptionally well...
Suddenly, Shen Wan felt her heart turn cold.
The images of Meng Ming looking at her with love and tenderness blurred in her mind, making her feel sick as if she had ingested something foul. It dawned on her that these were not her future but her past.
Tears streamed down Shen Wan's face as she felt a dull ache in her chest.
The scenery of Bianjing remains unchanged.
After a long journey, Meng Ming finally returns to Bianjing, the place he has lived for decades, to take the exam. He feels both familiar and enlightened.
In his previous life, driven by the desire for success and revenge for his mother, he came to Bianjing filled with hatred. Now, with a chance to start over and Shen Wan still alive, his urgency fills his heart.
He wishes to finish the exam quickly to return to Shen Wan.
In his past life, Shen Wan died early, and by the time he realized his feelings for her, it was too late, leaving him with a lifetime of regret. Now, being able to be with Shen Wan again, even the separation doesn't hurt as much, though the longing is unbearable.
Meng Ming chuckles at himself for being so sentimental, yet he's also delighted.
Upon entering Bianjing, he finds lodging at an inn.
Many scholars have come to the city for the exam. Meng Ming becomes friendly with many talented individuals staying at the same inn, some of whom will become the pillars of the country. Meng Ming, appreciating talent and thinking of his future career, makes an effort to build connections with them.
After two days, Meng Ming writes a letter to the Shen family, having not seen Shen Wan since the night before her escort mission and receiving no news. Now settled in Bianjing, he sends the letter, assuming the Shen family has returned from their mission.
The messenger takes nine days for the round trip from Bianjing to the Shen family and back.
By the time the messenger returns to Bianjing, Meng Ming has passed the metropolitan exams and is preparing for the imperial exams the next day.
Upon seeing the messenger, Meng Ming eagerly asks if his letter was delivered and if there was any reply.
The messenger hesitates, his expression uneasy.
Meng Ming's mood sinks at the sight, asking if there was no reply.
The messenger apologizes, causing Meng Ming to feel a tinge of disappointment.
Meng Ming, understanding that it's not the messenger's fault, is about to console him when the messenger reveals that he couldn't deliver the letter at all.
"Not delivered?" Meng Ming's hand trembles as he pours tea, urgently asking for an explanation.
The messenger explains that upon reaching the intended escort agency, he found nobody there.
Meng Ming mentions that it's common for the agency's main family to be out on missions, suggesting the letter could have been left with the servants for safekeeping.
The messenger, anxious, clarifies that not only was the main family out, but the servants were absent too. When he arrived, the agency was locked up.
Meng Ming felt a sinking feeling in his heart, a premonition of unease.
The messenger added, "I found it odd, so I asked the neighbors nearby."
"What did the neighbors say?!" Meng Ming urgently asked, losing his composure.
The messenger replied, "The neighbors said that the Shen family moved away shortly after returning from their last escort mission. They even sold their house!"
Meng Ming felt a tightness in his chest.
Chapter 47.
The Fourth Daughter [End].
Meng Ming couldn't figure out what went wrong that led to Shen Wan and her family disappearing.
After receiving the news from the messenger, he wanted to rush back to find Shen Wan immediately, but with the imperial examination the next day, he decided to stay in Bianjing.
On the day of the imperial examination, Meng Ming excelled. With his memories from his previous life and deep knowledge of the current emperor, his responses pleased the emperor and many ministers, earning their favor.
After the exam, Meng Ming didn't mingle with those seeking his acquaintance nor waited for the examination results. He hurried back to his hometown.
Arriving at what used to be the Wei Wu Escort Agency, he found the familiar sign replaced with "Jin Bao Pawnshop."
Meng Ming collapsed to the ground in despair, his spirit deflated.
A neighbor who recognized Meng Ming approached him in surprise, asking why he returned so soon and if he had achieved any academic success.
Meng Ming, initially unwilling to engage, inquired about the Shen family upon remembering their sudden disappearance.
The neighbor said, "I don't know where they went! It was strange. They started packing up right after they returned from their last mission. I thought they were preparing for another escort, but then, a few days later, they left, locked up the house, and it was only when Mrs. Xiao came to look at the house that I realized they had moved!"
The neighbor was about to mention Meng Ming's engagement to the Shen family's daughter but, seeing his pained expression, decided to withhold the comment.
Returning to the town and seeing the Shen family's house under new ownership, Meng Ming was overwhelmed with turmoil. However, the conversation with the neighbor sparked a realization – there was still someone from whom he could seek answers about the Shen family.
Meng Ming left to find Xiao Ya Han in the southern part of the city.
Xiao Ya Han had a deep connection with the Shen family. When Xiao Ya Han's previous husband passed away, she, a young widow managing her business, often encountered malicious individuals. Hiring male guards could provoke rumors, given her status as a lone widow.
Thus, Xiao Ya Han had no choice but to seek help from Shen Yi.
Shen Yi was already the head of the Wei Wu Escort Agency at that time. After hearing Xiao Ya Han's troubles, she agreed to provide her with protection.
From there, their friendship began.
Meng Ming hurried to the Xue residence.
Xiao Ya Han had remarried to a merchant family with the surname Xue, so the current Xue residence was bought by her present husband.
A servant from the Xue residence came to open the door. Knowing Meng Ming, the servant directly led him to the front hall, served him tea, and asked him to wait for a while.
Soon after, Xiao Ya Han came from the back yard.
Meng Ming stood up from his chair to greet Xiao Ya Han, who waved her hand and got straight to the point, "I know why you are here. This—"
Suddenly, Xiao Ya Han pulled out a letter from her sleeve and handed it to Meng Ming, "This was left by Wanwan for me to keep. She said if you came looking here, to give it to you, and if not, to forget about it."
Meng Ming took the letter and immediately opened it.
But just at the beginning, his hands started to tremble, his mind reeling. "A dream of past dust..."
Just four words.
And with those four words, Meng Ming understood.
His sins had finally caught up to him.
Four years later.
Bianjing was bustling with excitement. The common people put down their work, their faces beaming with joy, standing on both sides of the road to watch a lively wedding procession pass by.
"General Qin! Congratulations!"
Some bolder folks on the roadside loudly congratulated the groom leading the wedding procession.
Qin Chen responded with a fist salute and a smile, "Thank you!"
Seeing this, the civilian smiled and wished several more blessings, prompting Qin Chen to smile more broadly. Soldiers prepared with bags of wedding candies distributed them to the well-wishers.
Other bystanders, encouraged by this, congratulated Qin Chen even more warmly.
The wedding procession made its way through the streets, greeted with joyous cheers everywhere it went.
General Zhenyuan is thirty this year, which is considered quite late for marriage.
In his earlier years, he was too occupied with military affairs to consider marriage, delaying it until his late twenties. The Emperor and the entire court began to ponder his marital prospects.
Coincidentally, with the Southern Barbarians causing trouble at the frontier, Qin Chen's marriage plans were put on hold as he had to lead troops into battle, an engagement that lasted two years.
After a victorious return from the frontier two years later, Qin Chen, now twenty-eight, was of an age considered too old for bachelorhood, prompting concern from the Emperor and the court officials over his marital status.
However, General Qin himself rejected the well-intentioned meddling in his marital affairs.
Despite vows of celibacy, General Qin became closely associated with a Shen family from the civilian sector in those years.
Outsiders assumed General Qin's favoritism towards the Shen family was due to their generous contributions of food and clothing to the frontier during the war, not realizing he had taken a liking to the family's daughter.
What they didn't know was that General Qin had set his sights on the daughter years before, but her lack of interest meant he had to work hard for several years before finally winning her over.
Firecrackers crackled as the wedding procession arrived at Shen Residence. Qin Chen dismounted and entered to welcome his bride.
The bystanders gathered around Shen Residence for a share of the joy, all wearing smiles, but among them stood one person, staring fixedly at the entrance of Shen Residence, watching Qin Chen enter with a spring in his step and later emerge triumphantly with his bride under a red bridal veil, his expression one of deep sorrow.
After their parting, Meng Ming never gave up on Shen Wan. Knowing that Shen Wan had learned the truth, he was filled with fear, pain, and regret, but even more determined not to let go of Shen Wan.
Thus, he continued searching for Shen Wan and her family.
In fact, he had found Shen Wan and her family three years ago. He was both shocked and overjoyed, resolved to stay by Shen Wan's side no matter how much she pushed him away.
He was determined to win back Shen Wan with his sincerity.
However, Shen Wan still didn't give him a chance. Meng Ming could never forget the look in Shen Wan's eyes when he appeared before her that day.
That look wasn't one of love, fondness, or hatred, but a clear and unmistakable disdain.
Just that one look shattered all the courage Meng Ming had built up over two years.
Now, three years later, watching Qin Chen and Shen Wan grow closer and marry, Meng Ming has never been more certain that his rebirth with memories wasn't a reward, but a punishment.
The price for his once foolish betrayal was a lifetime of separation by death and a lifetime of parting in life.
In both lifetimes, he loved but could not have.
After leaving this world, Jiang Su returned directly to the cycle of reincarnation.
With the new world mission completed, V0 transformed from a little kitten into a big cat, excitedly circling Jiang Su's feet, proclaiming its upgrade with joy.
Jiang Su, with a complex look in her eyes, lifted V0 and said with a smile, "Now that you've become like this, you can use your beauty to lure other taskers."
V0: "I don't want that! I only want Su Su!"
Jiang Su stiffened, suddenly holding V0 close and saying, "I'm sorry, little V0, I have enough points now. I'm going to reincarnate."
V0 froze, then tearfully said, "How can it be so soon? We've only taken on four missions…"
Jiang Su sighed softly, stroking V0's head to comfort it.
Having spent so much time with V0, she had fully adapted to its presence, and the thought of forgetting it after reincarnation made her reluctant to part.
V0 clung to Jiang Su, crying woefully, its little paws desperately clinging to her neck, unwilling to let go.
V0 wanted to ask Jiang Su to stay and continue taking on tasks with it. The cycle of reincarnation didn't strictly require taskers to leave and reincarnate immediately after accumulating enough points.
But having spent so much time with Jiang Su, V0 knew of her desire to reincarnate. Those words, it simply couldn't bring itself to say.
At the cycle of reincarnation, those who arrive are often those with regrets from life and unresolved grievances in death, making their souls powerful. Such individuals undoubtedly yearn for reincarnation, so as much as V0 was distressed, it couldn't ask Jiang Su to delay her reincarnation to stay with it.
Jiang Su was moved to tears by V0's crying. She wanted to offer comfort, but didn't know how, as staying wasn't an option. Her past life was filled with too much hardship and resentment, with so much she wanted to do and change. Thus, despite her attachment to V0, nothing could sway her eagerness to reincarnate.
V0, sobbing uncontrollably, still managed to initiate the system detachment prompt for Jiang Su, despite its own heartache.
Then, just like when she first bound with the system, Jiang Su saw a screen above V0's head asking—
"Do you confirm to detach from the [Female Lead Reform System]?"
● Yes ● No
Hesitating for a moment, Jiang Su suddenly lifted V0 and kissed its forehead, then chose yes.
[System is detaching...]
Jiang Su, with teary eyes, softly said, "V0, goodbye."
V0 clung tighter to Jiang Su's hand, sobbing, "...Su Su, goodbye, be happy in your reincarnation."
"I will..."
[Ding!]
[Detachment from the Female Lead Reform System confirmed successfully]
End of the story.