Shen Miao's mind was unsettled, and she no longer wished to linger here entangled with the Shen family. Without looking back, she swiftly returned to her own room. Outside, Shen Gui and his entourage had seen enough of the spectacle and, eager to inquire further, gradually dispersed. Shen Yue followed behind Chen Ruoqiu, a trace of delight surfacing on her face. Yesterday, upon hearing that Consort Dong had met with Shen Miao and Luo Xueyan, Shen Yue had felt uneasy. After all, Consort Dong was Prince Ding's mother. If she took a liking to Shen Miao and decided to meddle, what then? Fortunately, today's events showed that the misfortune had befallen the eldest branch.
At this thought, Shen Yue's steps lightened noticeably.
Meanwhile, Shen Dongling, holding Wan Yiniang's hand, cast a thoughtful glance at the courtyard before following them back.
In the blink of an eye, the vast West Courtyard became deserted. Even A Zhi had returned to the Shen Family Army with Shen Xin's guards. Emperor Wenhui had suddenly summoned people to the palace, and naturally, the Shen Family Army was placed under surveillance. Thankfully, Mo Qing remained, as he had not yet been officially registered in the Shen Family Army's roster.
Inside the room, Jing Zhe, Gu Yu, Bailu, and Shuangjiang stood behind Shen Miao, while Mo Qing stood by the door with his head bowed, his expression grave. Although Shen Dongling had suggested that Emperor Wenhui might continue to reward Shen Xin, everyone knew that was impossible.
Shen Miao sat at the table, her brow tightly furrowed, which brought Mo Qing some comfort. He had initially worried that she might panic or lose composure upon hearing the news, but though her face was somber, she showed no signs of distress.
Shen Miao stared at the notes before her. The Shen family had been annihilated by Fu Xiuyi in one fell swoop later on. At the time, she had tried to intervene, but Fu Xiuyi had listed the Shen family's crimes one by one before the entire court, leaving her speechless. Though she knew these accusations were false, the fabricated evidence was so convincing that refuting them seemed futile.
That day in the Golden Luan Hall, every moment had been etched into her heart like carvings from a knife or axe. The indictment against the Shen family had been presented chronologically, detailing events day by day. It was now the 69th year of Ming Qi, and she had been reborn in the 68th year. The evidence Shen Yuan had presented to Fu Xiuyi must have pertained to events from the 68th year or earlier.
What crimes had the Shen family committed before the 68th year of Ming Qi?
Shen Miao closed her eyes, fragments of memory flashing through her mind.
She wore the Empress's ceremonial robes, her phoenix hairpins unable to mask the chaos around her. The court officials were in an uproar, Pei Lang stood silently with his head bowed, and Fu Xiuyi angrily flung a memorial in her face.
A civil servant read aloud: "In the 68th year of Ming Qi, the Shen family's soldiers defied imperial orders, privately released bandits, and deceived the Emperor..."
Privately released bandits and deceived the Emperor!
Shen Miao's eyes snapped open!
She suddenly remembered—in the 68th year of Ming Qi, a significant incident had indeed occurred. Shen Xin had fought against the Western Rong, defeated them, and captured three cities. Emperor Wenhui had ordered that all inhabitants of these cities be executed without mercy.
For a general, massacring a city was the cruelest of achievements. The Western Rong cities housed not only soldiers but also the elderly, weak, women, and children. These civilians lived as peacefully and harmlessly as the people of Ming Qi; the fault lay solely with the Western Rong soldiers. Shen Xin was not a man who relished killing, and in secret, he had spared the lives of these women and children.Apart from the Shen Family Army, no one should know about this matter. The members of the Shen Family Army were all personally trained by Shen Xin, making it impossible for them to betray him. In this case, Shen Yuan must have played a role. Perhaps long ago, Shen Yuan had already planted hidden pawns within the Shen Family Army.
Back when the crown prince was deposed and the Shen family was accused of numerous crimes, the charge of "deceiving the emperor" seemed relatively insignificant. Yet now, Fu Xiuyi, who has always been steady and cautious, chose to bring it up at this premature moment. This can only mean that the current situation has made even Fu Xiuyi sense a crisis—the Shen family has become a variable. In this lifetime, without the entanglement between her and Fu Xiuyi, Fu Xiuyi did not stop Emperor Wenhui from allowing the Shen family to remain for a few more years. Now, the imperial family has finally set its sights on the Shen family as a piece of fat meat.
Therefore, the evidence Shen Yuan handed over to Fu Xiuyi must be the charge that Shen Xin did not follow Emperor Wenhui's order to "massacre the city."
This matter could be blown out of proportion or downplayed. But in the current situation, with the imperial family determined to reclaim the Shen family's military power, how could they let this opportunity slip?
Things have become extremely tricky.
Shen Miao clenched her fists, slowly calming herself. It wasn't the worst yet. Although the imperial family intended to deal with the Shen family, they only wanted to reclaim military power. Acting against the Shen family now would inevitably provoke discontent among other aristocratic families. The Fu family is too cunning to do something so reckless.
What should be done at this moment?
Everyone in the room watched as Shen Miao's expression shifted uncertainly, all of them puzzled. Suddenly, Shen Miao stood up and declared, "I need to leave the residence."
"Ah?" Gu Yu was stunned. "Young Miss, leaving the residence now might invite gossip."
"My family is in trouble, and I'm feeling distressed. Isn't it natural to seek solace from a friend?" Shen Miao's gaze turned cold. "Let's go."
Mo Qing naturally had no objections to Shen Miao's decision. Moreover, in his heart, he deeply admired her and knew she always had her own methods. Seeing her like this now, he felt somewhat reassured and said, "This subordinate will make the arrangements."
Seeing Mo Qing's reaction, Jing Zhe and Gu Yu stopped protesting. They left Bailu and Shuangjiang behind in the residence to await news while they accompanied Shen Miao out.
Shen Miao's actions naturally drew surprise from the household. When someone came to probe, they simply said she was going to see Feng Anning. Feng Anning and Shen Miao were considered friends, and it was only natural for Shen Miao to seek comfort from her during the Shen family's troubles. Thus, no one stopped them.
Once outside the residence, Mo Qing drove the carriage toward the Feng residence. After passing through a small alley and confirming no one was following, Shen Miao said, "Go to the Su residence."
"The Su residence?" Gu Yu was startled. "Which Su residence?"
"Pingnan Bo's Su family—Su Yu's residence."
Mo Qing, familiar with the roads of Fixed Capital and the locations of noble residences, didn't need to ask for directions. He turned the carriage around and headed in another direction.
Jing Zhe and Gu Yu wanted to ask questions but didn't dare. Shen Miao certainly had her reasons, but even as servants, they knew that among the Shen family's political enemies in court, the Xie family was one. Lin'an Hou's Xie family and Pingnan Bo's Su family were in the same boat, so the Su family was naturally at odds with the Shen family. With the Shen family in trouble, why would they seek help from their sworn enemy?
But... perhaps it wasn't for help. Jing Zhe and Gu Yu thought uneasily.In the Su residence of the Earl of Pingnan, Su Mingfeng's room currently had another occupant. The man was clad in a dazzling purple-gold robe, his face adorned with a lazy, indifferent smile. In contrast, Su Mingfeng looked anxious as he asked, "What's going on? Why did you volunteer to lead the army?"
"Fixed Capital is too dull. I thought I'd go play in the northern frontier," Xie Jingxing replied.
"Play?" Su Mingfeng stared at him, his usually gentle face now showing anger. "Do you even know what the northern frontier is like? The Xiongnu are so fierce right now that no one dares to confront them directly. Why must you join the fray?" Seeing that Xie Jingxing remained unmoved, Su Mingfeng softened his tone. "I know you're upset that your father brought Xie Changchao and Xie Changwu into the court, but you don’t have to vent like this. This is no trivial matter—it’s serious. Even though you’re highly skilled in martial arts, the northern frontier’s terrain is treacherous, and you’ve never been there before... Jingxing, you can’t go."
"Su Mingfeng," Xie Jingxing chuckled, "the Emperor has already granted me the Marshal warrant. Do you think I can still back out now?"
Su Mingfeng froze, his expression instantly turning to despair. The Emperor’s word was final—there was no room for reconsideration. With the Marshal warrant already in hand, there was no turning back. Even if Xie Jingxing changed his mind later, he would have no choice but to go.
Seeing Su Mingfeng like this, Xie Jingxing teased, "Are you cursing me to meet misfortune, or are you cursing me to meet misfortune?"
"You bastard!" Su Mingfeng cursed, frustration and anger evident in his voice. "Why didn’t you discuss this with me first?"
"Would discussing it with you have made any difference?" Xie Jingxing picked up the teapot nearby and poured himself a cup, utterly indifferent. "It wouldn’t have changed anything for me."
"You—!" Su Mingfeng was furious but helpless. He knew Xie Jingxing had always been a law unto himself—once he made a decision, not even nine oxen could pull him back. Though they had grown up together, it now seemed like Su Mingfeng was the only one invested in their friendship. Xie Jingxing never confided in him; at most, it was just a "notification."
Like now—he had come merely to "inform" him that he had obtained the Marshal warrant and would depart when the time came.
"Why on earth must you go to that godforsaken northern frontier?" Su Mingfeng paced back and forth in the room. "Do you have a death wish? Don’t you realize that if you win, it’s fine, but if you lose... Those two half-brothers of yours will be the first to celebrate!" He clapped his hands sharply in front of Xie Jingxing. "Are you really comfortable leaving them in Fixed Capital? Aren’t you worried about what your father might say?" Suddenly, he paused and looked at Xie Jingxing. "Does your father even know about this?"
Xie Jingxing shook his head.
"See!" Su Mingfeng exclaimed. "You’re being so reckless. When Marquis Xie finds out, he’ll be furious. And if those two half-brothers of yours start stirring up trouble, with that scheming concubine lurking in the shadows... Who knows what the household will look like by the time you return from the northern frontier. Xie Jingxing, are you really at ease with this?" Su Mingfeng truly regarded Xie Jingxing as a close friend, and his words were filled with genuine concern.
Xie Jingxing smiled, seemingly unwilling to dwell on the topic, and said, "While I’m away, keep an eye on the Princess’s residence for me."In the Fixed Capital, apart from the Su family, Xie Jingxing interacted most frequently with Rong Xin Princess from the princess's residence. Now, heading to the northern frontier, the shortest absence would be a year or two, and the longest—who knew when he would return? If Rong Xin Princess found out, she would surely be heartbroken again.
Su Mingfeng had intended to scold Xie Jingxing a few more times, but seeing his slightly somber expression, he held back. Then Xie Jingxing added, "Within the next two years, it's best for the Su family to lay low as well. Don’t take up any official posts—claim illness if necessary."
"Huh?" Su Mingfeng was puzzled. "What does this have to do with me? Didn’t you say as long as I don’t get involved with military forces, it’s fine?"
"Just do as I say." Xie Jingxing shot him a glance and stood up. "I’m leaving."
"Hey," Su Mingfeng called out. "You—you’re leaving just like that? What exactly did you come here for today?"
"To say goodbye." Xie Jingxing shrugged, but suddenly, a loud "thud" came from the door. Su Mingfeng jumped in surprise and opened it, only for a round little figure to tumble inside.
The child was plump and chubby. Su Mingfeng helped him up, dusting off his clothes before asking, "Minlang, what are you doing here?"
The chubby little figure was none other than the Su family's second young master, Su Minlang. Spotting Xie Jingxing in the room, he shrank back in fright at first, then quickly hid behind Su Mingfeng, tugging at his sleeve. "Big brother, Sister Shen is here."
"What?" Su Mingfeng didn’t quite catch it, but then his personal servant came running in, panting. "Young master, there’s a young lady at the gate asking for you."
At this, Su Mingfeng froze, then glanced at Xie Jingxing, who was watching him with an amused smirk. Clearing his throat, Su Mingfeng said, "Nonsense! Since when do I know any young ladies?"
"It’s true!" the servant insisted. "She says she’s the legitimate fifth young lady from the Grand General of Might’s residence and has urgent matters to discuss with you."
"The legitimate fifth young lady from the Grand General of Might’s residence…" Su Mingfeng was still untangling the convoluted title when Su Minlang beside him suddenly bounced up. "It’s Sister Shen Miao! Big brother, Sister Shen Miao is here to see you!"
Shen Miao? Su Mingfeng was dumbfounded, while Xie Jingxing frowned.
Leaving aside the Shen and Xie families, the Su family had never had any dealings with the Shens. As for personal connections, Su Mingfeng and Shen Miao had no friendship to speak of. For Shen Miao to suddenly show up at his doorstep, Su Mingfeng was completely baffled. He turned to Xie Jingxing. "Could she be… here for you?"
"Sister Shen Miao must be here for me!" Su Minlang chirped happily, cupping his cheeks. "Big brother, let’s go see Sister Shen Miao!"
"This…" Su Mingfeng hesitated.
"Go ahead," Xie Jingxing suddenly spoke up, his gaze meaningful. "Meet her in your room."
...
When Shen Miao entered Su Mingfeng’s room with Mo Qing, she happened to see Su Mingfeng’s servant dragging Su Minlang out. The little snow-white dumpling struggled fiercely but to no avail. Spotting her, however, his eyes lit up, and he waved his tiny arms excitedly. "Sister Shen!"
Shen Miao paused beside him, a rare smile touching her lips as she patted his head. "What are you doing here?"
"Big brother won’t let me in…" Su Minlang pouted. "Sister Shen, did you come to see me?"The attendant beside them coughed lightly and smiled apologetically at Shen Miao, saying, "Apologies, Miss Shen. The young master is waiting for you inside." This effectively covered up Su Minlang's words.
Su Minlang was clearly very dissatisfied, puffing his cheeks as he glared at Shen Miao. Shen Miao smiled and said, "I’ve come to discuss some matters with your elder brother. I’ll visit you next time and bring you some sugar cakes."
Hearing this, Su Minlang immediately brightened up and stopped struggling. He carefully reminded Shen Miao not to forget their promise before happily following the attendant away.
Mo Qing, who was following behind, was somewhat surprised. Shen Miao had never been one to show patience or warmth toward strangers, yet she had treated Su Minlang with exceptional kindness just now. Anyone who didn’t know better might have thought Su Minlang was her son. The moment this bizarre thought surfaced, Mo Qing suppressed it. After all, the age difference between Shen Miao and Su Minlang wasn’t that large, and Shen Miao herself was still a young girl—hardly old enough to be a mother.
Shen Miao pushed the door open and walked in. Inside the room, Su Mingfeng was the only one seated at a small table. Seeing Shen Miao enter, accompanied by Mo Qing, he was momentarily taken aback but made no move to stop her, allowing her to step inside. The attendant at the door quickly closed it behind them.
Mo Qing stood motionless by the door, ready to intervene should anything unexpected occur.
Shen Miao walked straight over and sat down opposite Su Mingfeng. Her actions were so natural that it would have been unremarkable had this been her own residence. But this was her first time visiting this estate, and prior to this, she had never even interacted with Su Mingfeng. Facing a stranger with such ease, even Su Mingfeng couldn’t help but glance at her curiously.
Shen Miao was also sizing up Su Mingfeng.
To be fair, Su Mingfeng was a handsome young man. However, standing next to someone as dazzlingly arrogant as Xie Jingxing, his brilliance was inevitably overshadowed. In truth, Shen Miao knew that Su Mingfeng was no ordinary noble scion—he had genuine talent.
Unfortunately, in the end, the Su family was wiped out for their involvement in the illegal trade of military force. Su Mingfeng also perished in that calamity, and it was Xie Jingxing himself who personally collected the bodies of the Su father and son. This spoke volumes about the relationship between the Su and Xie families.
It was precisely because of this that the Su family had never had any dealings with the Shen family.
Su Mingfeng grew slightly uncomfortable under Shen Miao’s scrutiny and coughed lightly before asking, "Miss Shen, may I ask what brings you to our residence?"
"My parents and elder brother have all been summoned to the palace by His Majesty. Do you know why, Young Master Su?" Shen Miao inquired.
Su Mingfeng was baffled. News of the Shen family’s situation had spread throughout the Fixed Capital early that morning, and officials were all on edge. After all, in court politics, even the slightest disturbance could lead to catastrophic consequences. But what did the Shen family’s troubles have to do with the Su family?
"I don’t know," Su Mingfeng replied. He truly had no idea what pretext had been used to summon Shen Xin to the palace. While everyone speculated that Emperor Wenhui intended to punish the Shen family, no one knew the exact charges.
"When my father was reclaiming cities in the northwest and exterminating the Western Rong, His Majesty ordered a massacre of the city. My father did not comply," Shen Miao said. "So I suspect His Majesty will charge my father with deceiving the throne and defying military orders."Su Mingfeng was startled, not because of the crime Shen Miao mentioned, but because she had so casually revealed it to him. This matter could be used as leverage in anyone's hands, and most would rush to cover it up. Yet Shen Miao had bluntly told him outright. Despite Su Mingfeng's intelligence from a young age, he was at a loss for words and could only force a dry laugh, replying vaguely, "Ah, what can be done about that?"
"So I wish to ask for Young Master Su's help," Shen Miao said.
Su Mingfeng was stunned once more. He racked his brain but couldn't recall any prior friendship between himself and Shen Miao, or between the Shen and Su families, that would warrant the Su family extending aid now. Utterly perplexed, Su Mingfeng stole a glance toward the screen.
"You jest, Miss Shen," he quickly averted his gaze, smiling politely at her. "But what exactly could I do to help? You likely overestimate me... And, forgive my bluntness, this matter is intricate and tangled. Rashly offering assistance might only invite disaster. I... truly cannot find a reason to take such risks out of mere goodwill."
Su Mingfeng's words were clever—polite yet unyielding in their refusal. He had already discerned that Shen Miao was straightforward by nature, so he abandoned his usual roundabout manner and made it clear: no.
Hearing this, Shen Miao merely chuckled softly. When she laughed, her eyes sparkled with clarity, even a hint of innocence. Yet in the next instant, her smile turned cold. "Young Master Su, though you have yet to enter official service, your father still oversees the Military Horses, does he not?"
Su Mingfeng frowned slightly. "That is correct."
"Has your father mentioned any issues arising in the Military Horse Administration?" Shen Miao asked.
At this, Su Mingfeng's frown deepened, his gaze fixed intently on her. "What do you mean, Miss Shen?"
Shen Miao smiled faintly. "I’ve heard the Military Horse Administration has encountered some minor troubles lately—several Military Horses have fallen ill, unresponsive to medicine?"
Su Mingfeng's grip on his teacup tightened abruptly.
Shen Miao’s words were not false. Su Yu had been overwhelmed by this very matter in recent days. Apart from a few subordinates in the Military Horse Administration and Su Yu himself—who had secretly confided in him—no one else knew. Yet those in the administration would never have informed Shen Miao. If word reached Emperor Wenhui, punishment would follow, and the consequences would be dire.
But how did Shen Miao know?
Su Mingfeng heard his own strained voice. "Miss Shen... where did you hear such baseless rumors?"
"Baseless rumors?" Shen Miao sighed, though her eyes seemed to glint with faint amusement. She leaned closer, lowering her voice. "Aren’t you afraid, Young Master Su, that this horse illness might escalate into a Horse Plague?"
Su Mingfeng’s pupils dilated sharply.
Horse Plague!
"With Pingnan Bo’s cautious nature and lifelong experience with Military Horses, surely he must have suspected as much?" Shen Miao feigned surprise. "What? He hasn’t told you?"
Su Mingfeng clenched his teeth, silent.Did Su Yu not tell him? Of course, Su Yu had informed him—the incurable horse disease was a precursor to the Horse Plague. Raising a single Military Horse required a substantial amount of silver. Once the Horse Plague broke out, the casualties among the Military Horses would be severe, not only causing financial losses but also leaving the army unable to fight on the battlefield without sufficient horses. If the higher-ups were to blame, the consequences could range from losing one's official position to even forfeiting one's life.
Yet this horse disease was both strange and stubborn. Many Veterinarians had been consulted, but none had a solution. Recently, they had no choice but to isolate the sick horses, yet deaths continued sporadically. If the situation spiraled out of control and was officially confirmed as the Horse Plague... it would undoubtedly become a major disaster.
"Miss Shen, what exactly are your thoughts?" Su Mingfeng asked hoarsely, his gaze subtly flickering toward the screen as he spoke.
Shen Miao was in no hurry now. She picked up an empty teacup from the table, poured herself some tea, and took a sip.
Seeing this, Su Mingfeng initially wanted to say something but swallowed his words and composed himself to listen attentively.
"I have a way to solve your horse predicament," Shen Miao said.
Su Mingfeng was taken aback. "Is that true?"
"I happen to know a veterinarian with exceptional skills. I heard he once cured the exact same horse disease. If we can find him, the issue of the Military Horses falling ill can be easily resolved."
Su Mingfeng remained silent.
Shen Miao took another sip of tea and said calmly, "It's not too late to mend the fold even after the sheep are lost, Heir Apparent Su. When the horse disease spreads and can no longer be concealed, it won’t just be the horses that suffer."
Su Mingfeng gritted his teeth and looked at Shen Miao. "Miss Shen has come today with such a fine strategy. I suspect there’s more you wish to say."
His eyes flickered. "Or perhaps you think my Su family might also have a good strategy to assist the Shen family? Please, speak your mind."
"Straightforward," Shen Miao praised.
Su Mingfeng gave a bitter smile. It wasn’t that he was straightforward—it was Shen Miao who was cunning. Earlier, he had said the Su family had no obligation to wade into troubled waters to help Shen Xin, and now Shen Miao had directly presented a bargaining chip. One had to admit that Shen Miao was extremely adept at finding people’s weak spots. She had seized upon the Su family’s recent troubles with the Military Horses—an issue that hadn’t yet spread and was only discussed privately between him and Su Yu. How Shen Miao knew about it was a mystery. Regardless, with this bargaining chip on the table, he couldn’t refuse.
No wonder Shen Miao didn’t bother with flattery and spoke so bluntly—she already had an ace up her sleeve. A deal was a deal, laid out plainly so neither side could take advantage of the other.
"I know the Count of Pingnan has many connections in court. Compared to my parents, who are often stationed in the northwest, the Count’s influence is far greater. I’d like to ask the Count to gather all his sympathetic colleagues to submit memorials on my father’s behalf."
"Submit memorials?" Su Mingfeng frowned. "All pleading for General Shen’s innocence?"
Shen Miao shook her head. "No, all accusing my father of wrongdoing."
Su Mingfeng was stunned.
"The Count of Pingnan likely doesn’t want to wade into troubled waters either," Shen Miao said with a faint smile. "So, persuading him will be up to you, Heir Apparent Su. But you must never mention the Military Horses to the Count, nor bring me up. Otherwise, this deal is off."
Su Mingfeng didn’t quite understand. He looked up at the girl before him—still youthful in appearance, with delicate and gentle features, her smile carrying an innocent clarity. Yet when she wasn’t smiling, her eyes were cold, lending her an inexplicable air of authority. The oppressive force she exuded was something even Su Yu had never made him feel.
"I can’t stay long. Please send word to my residence once you’ve made your decision. Once the matter is settled, I’ll certainly provide the veterinarian’s whereabouts." She stood up, gave Su Mingfeng a slight bow, and added, "Thank you."
Su Mingfeng quickly rose as well. "Certainly."
Shen Miao glanced behind the screen before turning to leave with Mo Qing. Only after she had gone did Su Mingfeng let out a sigh of relief. From behind the screen emerged none other than Xie Jingxing.
"You heard everything," Su Mingfeng said. "This young lady of the Shen family is far more inscrutable than imagined."Xie Jingxing raised a brow but remained silent. Su Mingfeng's gaze fell upon the table where Shen Miao's teacup still sat, its rim slightly damp from her lips.
"Speaking of which, that was the one you drank from..." Su Mingfeng began. "You—"
Before he could finish, Xie Jingxing unceremoniously kicked him hard.
－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－
An indirect kiss!
...
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