The Rebirth of a Concubine's Daughter and Her Heartless Lover!

Undercurrent

Shen Yiyao knew she had to be extremely cautious with every step she took. In this world of intrigue, any careless action could have fatal consequences. As an aristocratic family, the Shen Mansion was already riddled with undercurrents and conspiracies. She couldn't let anyone underestimate her.

As the days passed, the atmosphere in the Shen residence grew increasingly gloomy. Shen Qianyun remained aloof, as if the world had nothing to do with him. Shen Yaoyue also began to become more arrogant, seemingly viewing Shen Yiyao as a thorn in her side. The relationship between her and Shen Qianyun made Shen Yiyao increasingly uneasy.

Shen Yiyao understood that the relationship between Shen Yaoyue and Shen Qianyun was more than just an engaged couple. Their connection had long since transcended love and become one of mutual interest. Shen Qianyun's apathy and Shen Yaoyue's cunning were precisely the keys to her ability to intervene in this power struggle.

She had no time to waste; she had to accelerate her plans to escape this vortex. Every single person in the Shen residence, even the most insignificant servant, would become her pawn. She would extract information from everyone and unravel the entire network of relationships within the Shen residence.

That night, Shen Yiyao made a point of going to the backyard early. The night was as dark as ink, and the moonlight shone on the flowers, plants, and trees in the courtyard, casting a mysterious veil over the entire courtyard. Shen Yiyao walked to the foot of an ancient ginkgo tree, which was one of the few places in the Shen Mansion where people could maintain relative peace and quiet.

"Mammy," she whispered.

Soon, an elderly maid emerged. She was dressed simply and had a humble demeanor, but her eyes revealed the steadiness of someone who had weathered many storms. Shen Yiyao knew this maid was Wei Ma, a housekeeper with many years of experience within the Shen residence. She oversaw most of the daily affairs within the residence and enjoyed the trust of both the master and his wife. Despite her humble status, she was one of the most influential figures in the Shen residence.

"Miss, do you want to talk to me?" Nanny Wei asked, a hint of caution in her eyes. Although she was mature and prudent, she was not completely down on her guard. Shen Yiyao realized that she had to proceed with caution. Although Nanny Wei was somewhat loyal, in this game of power, no one could guarantee absolute reliability.

Shen Yiyao nodded and said softly, "Madam, you have been in the Shen Mansion for so many years, you should know a lot about it. I have some questions and I hope to get your guidance."

Nanny Wei was silent for a moment, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes, but she finally nodded slightly: "Miss, please speak."

Shen Yiyao pondered for a moment, then asked, "The situation in the Shen Mansion seems to be a bit turbulent recently. Can you tell me something about Shen Qianyun?"

When Nanny Wei heard the name "Shen Qianyun," a hint of vigilance flashed across her eyes, but she quickly concealed it and said in a deep voice, "Shen Qianyun is the heir to the Shen family. He appears cold and calm, but his mind is extremely deep. There are some things about him that ordinary people cannot know."

Shen Yiyao raised her eyebrows slightly: "Don't you even know some of his things?"

Nanny Wei sighed, "There are some things I know, but whether or not to tell them is another matter. Although Shen Qianyun is young, he has long been accustomed to the struggle for power. Many interests of the Shen family are intertwined in his hands. Some say he is cold-blooded and ruthless, while others say he is an extremely intelligent and resourceful man. Regardless of which statement is true, his power in the Shen family cannot be denied. As for his private life, there are many different versions circulating outside, but only a very few people can truly understand his heart."

Shen Yiyao listened attentively, already forming a plan in her mind. Shen Qianyun's apathy and arrogance were, in reality, the tools he used to control power. And the hidden conflicts of interest within the Shen residence were probably far beyond her imagination.

"Mammy, do you know about the internal and external struggles in the Shen Mansion?" Shen Yiyao suddenly asked.

Nanny Wei was slightly startled, her eyes flickering: "Miss, you ask this question...what do you want to do?" She was obviously a little alert.

"I just want to understand something." Shen Yiyao said lightly, "The situation in the Shen Mansion seems to be getting more and more complicated, especially Shen Qianyun's recent attitude. I feel that something seems amiss."

Nanny Wei lowered her head in thought for a moment before finally speaking slowly, "Young Lady, what you said is correct. Shen Qianyun has indeed been acting strangely recently. Forces outside the Shen Mansion are beginning to stir, and Shen Qianyun seems to be preparing to respond. He has been meeting frequently with foreign nobles, and these nobles have complex backgrounds. Shen Yaoyue, Shen Qianyun's fiancée, appears gentle and refined on the surface, but in reality, she is quite scheming. Her relationship with these nobles may be deeper than we imagined."

Shen Yiyao's heart was suddenly shaken. Shen Yaoyue indeed had a more powerful force behind her. And her relationship with these nobles was probably far more complicated than it appeared.

"Is it possible that Shen Qianyun is threatened?" Shen Yiyao asked.

Nanny Wei hesitated slightly, but finally whispered, "It's possible. Although Shen Qianyun is powerful, the enemies of the Shen Mansion are not limited to the nobles outside, but also some powerful officials within the mansion. Some of these powerful officials have long been dissatisfied with Shen Qianyun's leadership position and have even plotted some conspiracies behind the scenes."

After hearing this, Shen Yiyao's doubts deepened. Shen Qianyun's situation was clearly more complicated than she had anticipated. If Shen Qianyun was truly as Madam Wei had said, remaining calm despite being attacked from both inside and outside the mansion, then he must have some extraordinary methods.

She clenched her fists tightly, her gaze darting into the distance through the moonlight in the courtyard. "I must learn more intelligence. Only then can I find my place in this power game."

Shen Yiyao nodded: "I know."

Her gaze was resolute, her mind already determined. The power struggle within the Shen residence, Shen Qianyun's indifference, and Shen Yaoyue's calculations would all become steps towards her victory. She was no longer the passive concubine, but a woman versed in political strategy, ready to see this game through to the end.

The game had just begun, and Shen Yiyao was already standing in the center of the chessboard.

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Chapter 5: The Puzzle on the Chessboard