"Ouch," Su Mingfeng yelped, "why did you kick me? I was about to remind her too, but she drank it so fast—what could I do?" He sized up Xie Jingxing and added, "Besides, it's her who suffered, not you. Why are you so worked up?"
Xie Jingxing ignored him, sitting down at the table with a darkened expression. "Is what she said about the military force true?" he asked.
At this, Su Mingfeng's face turned grim. Under Xie Jingxing's piercing gaze, he reluctantly admitted, "Yes."
"Why did you hide it from me?" Xie Jingxing pressed. Su Mingfeng shook his head with a bitter smile. "This matter was only discussed privately between my father and me. I haven’t told a soul, and my father certainly wouldn’t either. It’s the kind of thing that could cost someone their official position—who would joke about it? I planned to tell you later... But how did Miss Shen know about this? Does she have connections in the military horse administration? Even then, those people wouldn’t dare leak such information."
Xie Jingxing glanced at Su Mingfeng. Though talented, Su Mingfeng had been sheltered within the Su family since childhood, never weathering any major storms. In contrast, Shen Miao’s hidden cards seemed endless, repeatedly defying his expectations. Xie Jingxing had given her a "retreat" strategy, but Shen Miao hadn’t used it at all. Instead, she had taken the opposite approach—allying with the Su family and other friendly ministers to impeach Shen Xin, which indeed could resolve Shen Xin’s immediate crisis. Yet the emperor’s thoughts were unpredictable. Even if Shen Xin were spared this time, the Shen Family Army’s power would eventually make them a thorn in the emperor’s side. Temporary evasion wouldn’t solve the problem forever.
But... had Shen Miao truly not considered this? Xie Jingxing doubted it.
Seeing Xie Jingxing fall silent, his usually carefree face now furrowed in thought, Su Mingfeng grew nervous. He knew this friend, despite his indifferent demeanor, understood the court’s dynamics better than anyone. "What’s wrong? Is there a problem?" Su Mingfeng asked.
Xie Jingxing shook his head. "What do you think?"
"From horse sickness to horse plague—it’s highly possible. And given the gravity of the matter, with my father overseeing the military horses, the Su family would bear the brunt if something went wrong," Su Mingfeng said. "If Miss Shen isn’t lying, I think it’s worth a try. Convincing my father won’t be easy, but... I’ll do my best." He paused, then looked at Xie Jingxing. "What do you think of this deal?"
Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow. "The biggest winner in this deal certainly isn’t you, but you’re not at a loss either." He glanced at Su Mingfeng. "Do as she says."
Su Mingfeng lowered his head, hesitating. "But... joining forces to impeach Shen Xin—what if it backfires?"
"Haven’t you noticed?" Xie Jingxing said with a faint smile. "She understands the emperor’s mind better than you do."
Su Mingfeng fell silent as Xie Jingxing stood up. "Where are you going?" Su Mingfeng asked, startled.
"To fetch the marshal warrant," Xie Jingxing replied, reverting to his lazy tone. "Lin'an Hou needs to see it."
...
Outside the Xie residence, Shen Miao put on her hat and asked Mo Qing beside her, "Did you sense anyone else in Su Mingfeng’s room earlier?"Mo Qing was taken aback. "I didn't sense anyone else present. Did the young lady notice something?"
Shen Miao shook her head. Mo Qing's martial skills were exceptional—if even he hadn't detected anyone in the room, there likely wasn't anyone there. Yet... Shen Miao found it strange why Su Mingfeng kept glancing toward the screen. Though she lacked martial prowess, her ability to read people was second to none. Dealing with a still somewhat naive youth like Su Mingfeng was more than enough.
Now that she thought about it, the two teacups on the table were also rather odd.
Shen Miao shook her head, dismissing the jumble of thoughts. Whether there was someone behind the screen or not, and whoever it might be, she had already said what she needed to Su Mingfeng. And based on her understanding of him, this matter should succeed.
After boarding the carriage, Gu Yu asked, "Miss, will the young master of the Su family help our master and mistress?"
Jing Zhe and Gu Yu had been outside and didn’t know what Shen Miao and Su Mingfeng had discussed, assuming she had asked for his assistance. However, given the longstanding relationship between the Su and Shen families, they couldn’t help but feel uneasy.
Shen Miao nodded. "He will."
In her past life, the Su family had been executed for privately trading military forces. Though the imperial family had long been intolerant of old aristocratic families like the Pingnan Count, appearances had to be maintained. Apart from the evidence of trading military forces, another charge recorded was the outbreak of horse disease under Pingnan Count Su Yu’s management of the military horses in early year 69 of Ming Qi, which even triggered a minor horse plague. Later, Su Yu had found a veterinarian from the countryside to control the outbreak. Apart from trusted aides in the military horse administration, no one else knew of this, so it remained hidden. When the Pingnan Count’s family was later purged, this matter was also exposed.
As the Empress, Shen Miao had carefully reviewed the charges against the Pingnan Count and thus knew where that veterinarian lived. In truth, even if Shen Miao hadn’t sought out Su Mingfeng today, Su Yu would have found the veterinarian soon enough when the minor horse plague spread. The reason Shen Miao didn’t want Su Mingfeng to inform Su Yu was to exploit the time difference.
Su Mingfeng would use other reasons to persuade Su Yu to submit a memorial, and she would leverage this condition—it was just right.
However... Shen Miao’s expression darkened. Before his death, Shen Yuan had handed evidence of the Shen family’s defiance of imperial orders to Fu Xiuyi, which was certainly incomplete. That Fu Xiuyi was already targeting the Shen family now made her feel a pang of tension. At present, she lacked the full means to oppose him. The timing wasn’t ripe, nor was there an opportunity—it truly aligned with Xie Jingxing’s advice: retreat.
But how to retreat was another question. Retreating three paces was one way; retreating to advance was another. How to withdraw safely after arranging everything was the problem she needed to focus on now.
To avoid raising suspicion by staying out too long, Shen Miao soon returned to the Shen Mansion. The household, seeing her return, assumed she had vented her grievances to Feng Anning. Meanwhile, Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan showed no signs of returning from the palace. Likely due to whatever Shen Gui and Shen Wan had said, the rest of the Shen family seemed to be watching with amusement.Having grown accustomed to the Shen family treating the eldest branch as enemies, Shen Miao ignored them and headed straight back to the West Courtyard. Jing Zhe and Gu Yu had assumed that Shen Miao, burdened with heavy thoughts tonight, would likely sit at her desk all night as she had the previous day. To their surprise, Shen Miao washed up early and went straight to bed, leaving the maids exchanging bewildered glances and growing even more concerned for her.
Lying in bed, Shen Miao gazed at the embroidered sachets hanging from the carved bedposts before slowly closing her eyes.
She had done all she could. Now, the only thing left was to wait.
Wait for the Su family to join forces with other court officials in submitting their memorials. Wait… for Emperor Wenhui’s suspicions to take hold.
……
In the palace, Shufang Palace stood out from the other opulent halls with its simplicity. Its decorations were limited to flowers, plants, and a few calligraphy or paintings. Consort Dong sat reclining on a soft couch, listening to a lively tune played by a young girl with a round face—not particularly beautiful, but skilled with her instrument. Consort Dong listened with a gentle smile. She herself was not strikingly beautiful; among the dazzling array of imperial consorts, she appeared rather plain. Though delicate in her own way, her mild and unassuming demeanor made her the least noticeable of the four consorts.
Beside her sat a young man dressed in luxurious robes, his handsome features carrying a cold elegance, though the smile on his face seemed warm and approachable. He remarked to Consort Dong, "This tune is quite well played."
This was none other than Consort Dong’s son, the Ninth Prince, Prince Ding, Fu Xiuyi.
Consort Dong glanced at him with a smile and waved her hand, signaling the musician to stop abruptly. "You played well," she said kindly. "Take some reward."
The girl’s face lit up with joy as she bowed and hurried off with her instrument. Everyone in the Ming Qi palace knew that the servants of Shufang Palace lived the most comfortable lives, for Consort Dong was generous and lenient with them. Even a simple performance like this earned a handsome reward.
"Dismissed," Consort Dong said to the other attendants, who obediently withdrew. In moments, only mother and son remained in the hall.
"Your methods of managing servants grow ever more refined, Mother," Fu Xiuyi remarked with a smile.
"Kindness is better than enmity," Consort Dong replied cheerfully. "How many times have I told you that?"
"Yes, yes," Fu Xiuyi sighed. "But in my position, making enemies is far easier than showing kindness."
At this, Consort Dong’s smile faded slightly. "Your father has been preoccupied with the matter of the Grand General of Might these past few days. On your end… are you confident?"
Consort Dong rarely involved herself in Fu Xiuyi’s affairs. Interference in court matters was taboo in the harem, especially with Emperor Wenhui’s nine sons, each more cunning than the last. Better to hide one’s shortcomings than to embarrass oneself. With the situation still unclear, Consort Dong was content to remain an "unfavored" consort for now.
"Father is already deeply invested in this matter. He won’t let it pass lightly," Fu Xiuyi replied. "The evidence I presented aligns perfectly with his intentions. It will proceed smoothly.""I know you have your own plans," Consort Dong said with a faint shake of her head. "But Xiao Jiu, the situation is tense now. You must be extra careful. Don’t rush to claim credit—let them fight among themselves. When they’re exhausted, it won’t be too late for you to act."
"Your son will heed Mother’s advice," Fu Xiuyi replied promptly.
Consort Dong smiled slightly, then suddenly seemed to recall something. "Last time, when I had Madam Luo bring Shen Miao into the palace, you insisted that Shen Miao must not overhear our conversation… What was that about?"
During the previous visit when Luo Xueyan and her daughter were summoned to the palace, Fu Xiuyi had specifically instructed Consort Dong to ensure Shen Miao was not present. Consequently, Consort Dong had Tong Yao take Shen Miao out of the room.
"Mother, what do you think of the fifth young lady of the Shen family?" Fu Xiuyi asked.
"She has a lovely appearance and will likely grow into a beauty. But her temperament is too dull and meek—she seems the type who’d be easily bullied." Consort Dong glanced at Fu Xiuyi. "I’d heard before that she once admired you, but she doesn’t seem as disgraceful as the rumors suggested. Though not particularly clever or quick-witted, she’s certainly not an Incompetent."
Fu Xiuyi smiled faintly. "Even someone as discerning as Mother can’t find fault with her?"
Consort Dong was taken aback. Though she appeared gentle on the surface, she was privately an extremely critical person. Now that Fu Xiuyi was of marriageable age—and an outstanding candidate at that—many noble families sought to wed their daughters to him. Among them were numerous refined young ladies, yet Consort Dong could always find flaws, deeming them unworthy of her son.
But in this case, though she hadn’t outright praised Shen Miao, her words carried no disdain either. Upon closer reflection, they even leaned slightly in Shen Miao’s favor. Among the young noble ladies, this was the first time Consort Dong had evaluated someone so leniently.
Thus, when Fu Xiuyi pointed it out, even Consort Dong herself was startled.
How could she find no fault with such an unremarkable girl? Yet aside from her dullness, there truly seemed to be nothing wrong with her.
No arrogance, no ambition, her gaze as calm as a matron’s—Consort Dong’s heart skipped a beat. Wasn’t this exactly like her own demeanor… or rather, the persona she herself adopted?
"Mother must have noticed it too," Fu Xiuyi said with a smile. "This Miss Shen is a master of disguise."
Consort Dong looked at him in confusion. "You’re saying she’s pretending? At such a young age, one might fake many things, but temperament is something that can’t be hidden or controlled."
"Mother," Fu Xiuyi’s eyes flashed with something unreadable, "I’ve seen her make a fool of herself in public. I’ve seen her shamelessly declare her affections. I’ve seen her on the training grounds, exuding such killing intent with three arrows that she humiliated the young master of the Cai family into retreat. And now, you’ve seen her dull and witless guise. Tell me, Mother, which of these many faces is the real her?"
Consort Dong’s hand, holding the teacup, paused mid-air.
How could one person have so many faces, each so vivid, each seeming like their true nature? Such deception was terrifying. Even more terrifying was that she had only just come of age.
Fu Xiuyi lowered his gaze. What he didn’t say was that he had also seen Shen Miao at a palace banquet, her eyes brimming with unrestrained hatred as she looked at him. That hatred ran bone-deep—not the petty resentment of a girl spurned in love, but a fury that seemed to shake her very soul, as if she longed to tear him apart.There were many puzzling aspects.
"Mother Consort, keeping the Shen family is a variable. The current reign cannot afford any more changes." Fu Xiuyi lowered his voice: "The Shen family's young lady may not be as simple as we think. To eliminate weeds, one must uproot them. Ending things before they even begin is for the best."
"So, this time, the Grand General of Might is doomed?" Consort Dong asked.
"Not exactly," Fu Xiuyi smiled: "The Shen family is now the head of the aristocratic families. Removing them now would only cause greater instability. However, stripping the Shen family of their power will lead to their gradual decline. When the time is ripe, we can wipe them out in one fell swoop."
"What if something unexpected happens in the meantime?" Consort Dong looked at him: "The Shen family might still have other cards to play. What if they emerge unscathed? If it’s discovered that you submitted the memorial, you might suffer the consequences."
Fu Xiuyi shook his head. His smile remained amiable, but his eyes suddenly turned ruthless: "Deceiving the emperor is already a grave crime. No matter how resourceful they are, the Shen family cannot retreat unscathed. However..." he said lightly, "this is merely a test of mine."
"A test?" Consort Dong was puzzled.
Fu Xiuyi gazed at his fingertips: "Indeed." Shen Yuan had previously advised him to pay attention to Shen Miao, but Fu Xiuyi hadn’t taken it seriously. However, a series of subsequent events, including the massacre at Prince Yu's Manor and Shen Yuan’s death, gradually made him realize that Shen Yuan might have been right.
A young lady from the inner chambers like Shen Miao couldn’t possibly accomplish such significant feats alone. There was only one possibility—someone was backing her. The fact that her backer was so capable made Fu Xiuyi wary.
This time, when the Shen family faced trouble, Shen Miao alone was spared—naturally, it was his suggestion to Emperor Wenhui. But Fu Xiuyi’s true intention was to see how this deeply concealed fifth young lady of the Shen family, who had even manipulated him, would resolve the crisis. Who was her ally?
However, no matter what methods she employed, Shen Xin would not escape unscathed. Fu Xiuyi clenched his fist. Once the prey was in his grasp, there was no reason to let it go.
The Shen family was destined to perish in the annals of Ming Qi’s history—this was beyond doubt.
...
Tonight, Marquis Lin'an Manor was also restless.
In the innermost courtyard, inside the room, Xie Jingxing had just removed his outer robe when the door was flung open with a bang. A servant stood trembling at the doorway, fearing he would be implicated, and stammered with his head bowed: "Young Master... I couldn’t stop him..."
Xie Ding, Marquis Lin'an, stood at the door, his anger flaring even more at these words. He roared: "Stop me? Try stopping me! I’m your father! Since when has the Marquis Lin'an Manor changed its master? Xie Jingxing, stand properly!"
Xie Jingxing glanced indifferently at Xie Ding, lazily tossing his robe onto the couch before sitting down in a chair. He leaned back, adopting the air of a spoiled noble scion, and said: "What brings the Marquis here in the middle of the night?"
His tone was as distant as if addressing a stranger.
Xie Ding was once again infuriated, while Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao, who stood behind him, wore expressions of indignation—though upon closer inspection, a glint of calculation flickered in their eyes. Xie Changchao said: "Elder Brother, Father has always cared for you deeply. How can you speak to him like this? Have you no respect or propriety?"
"None of your damn business," Xie Jingxing spat out four words.Outside, the Young Marquis Xie was the epitome of grace and noble arrogance, but whenever he faced Xie Ding and the other two, he acted like a complete rogue soldier—much to the helpless frustration of Xie Ding, who prided himself on being a "scholar-general."
"You brat!" Xie Ding, oblivious to Xie Changchao's suddenly ashen face, roared in anger. "What kind of Marshal warrant is this?" With a slap, he flung the paper in his hand at Xie Jingxing's face.
Xie Jingxing caught it and glanced at it, raising an eyebrow. "If the Marquis isn't satisfied, he can ask His Majesty to rewrite it. Did you come here in the middle of the night just for this?"
"Xie Jingxing, what exactly are you trying to do?" Xie Ding exploded. "Do you even know what the Northern Frontier is like? The Marshal warrant isn't a joke! You've never commanded the Xie Family Army before—I never taught you. Do you even know how to use them?"
At these words, Xie Changchao and Xie Changwu exchanged a dark glance. The Xie Family Army was the most valuable asset of Marquis Lin'an Manor, surpassing even the wealth and prestige of the Marquis himself. Though Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao had also trained in martial arts, Xie Ding had never once hinted at passing the Xie Family Army to them. Instead, he had groomed Xie Jingxing as its successor. Even now, as Xie Ding had brought the two brothers into officialdom, if Xie Jingxing truly took control of the Xie Family Army, no matter how hard Xie Changchao and Xie Changwu struggled in their careers, they would never reach Xie Jingxing's heights.
"So what?" Xie Jingxing smirked, his gaze carrying a hint of mischief. "The more I use them, the more familiar I'll get."
"No!" Xie Ding refused outright. "Tomorrow, you’ll come with me to court and explain to His Majesty—you cannot accept this Marshal warrant!"
"Marquis," Xie Jingxing tilted his head, looking at him as if he were some kind of joke. "I personally requested this Marshal warrant. To go back on it now in front of His Majesty... If you want to see my head roll, just say so. No need to be so roundabout." As he finished speaking, he cast a mocking glance at Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao.
The implication was clear—Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao had ulterior motives. Their expressions stiffened. Xie Changwu spoke up, "Elder Brother, Father is only concerned for you. The Northern Frontier is treacherous. If something goes wrong, not only will your safety be at risk, but Father will also be held accountable, and the entire Xie Family Army will be disgraced. You can't just chase glory for yourself without considering the Xie family's future."
The underlying meaning was that Xie Jingxing's expedition was nothing but reckless ambition—a foolhardy attempt at achieving merit without knowing his own limits, destined only to bring shame.
Hearing this, even Xie Ding couldn't help but frown.
"No need to worry, little brothers," Xie Jingxing retorted sarcastically. "I’ll be counting on you two to climb the ranks in officialdom, achieve great deeds, and bring boundless glory to the family. By then, we’ll all rely on your protection. The Marquis will be overjoyed."
At present, Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao had only just entered officialdom. Given their abilities, it would take an eternity for them to accomplish anything noteworthy. Xie Jingxing was mocking their lack of talent, implying they could only rise through the ranks by riding on the Xie family's coattails.
"You—!" Xie Changchao seethed, about to retort, when Xie Ding bellowed, "Enough!"
Xie Changchao and Xie Changwu immediately fell silent. In contrast, Xie Jingxing only looked increasingly impatient. "Are you done, Marquis? If so, get out. I need to sleep.""Jingxing," Xie Ding suddenly said wearily, "After all these years, do you still hate me so much? Enough to risk your own life just to stay away from the Marquis's residence?"
Xie Ding, now in his forties, remained a handsome middle-aged man with a fine beard. Though a military general, he differed from Shen Xin's rugged and straightforward demeanor, exuding the refined elegance of a scholar. In his youth, Xie Ding had been known as the "Scholar-General," with a naturally handsome appearance. Most members of the Xie family had inherited his looks, and even Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao could be considered dashing young men—though they paled in comparison to Xie Jingxing.
Princess Yuqing was gentle and elegant, and Xie Ding in his youth had been as refined as jade. Yet somehow, they had produced Xie Jingxing, whose beauty was unparalleled, surpassed only by his temperament. Playful, unruly, and utterly untamable, he seemed indifferent to everything, his pride so vast that no one could command his respect. With such looks and personality, he could easily have been immortalized in history books as a legendary, romantic figure.
But he was also exasperating—as Xie Ding was painfully aware at this moment.
Streaks of silver now touched Xie Ding's temples. "Jingxing," he said, his voice trembling slightly, "do you still hate me?" The man who usually met Xie Jingxing with frustration now seemed like a father surrendering helplessly to his son.
Hate? Hate what? Hate that he had allowed Fang Shi into the household, giving that scheming woman an opportunity? Hate that Princess Yuqing had died with regret, leaving Xie Jingxing to grow up in such a twisted family? Hate that Xie Ding, despite being the one at fault, had clung to his grief like a lovesick fool, refusing to remarry yet unwilling to execute Fang Shi? Hate that he had showered Xie Jingxing with affection, as if that could atone for his sins?
The mistakes had been made, the person was gone—how could guilt ever be absolved?
Xie Jingxing glanced at him, his gaze sharp for a fleeting moment. Yet even as the once-feared general revealed such vulnerability, he remained unmoved.
He had never hated Xie Ding—he simply disdained him. Besides... "The Marquis overestimates me," Xie Jingxing said. "I don’t have the time to spare."
I don’t have the time to spare to hate you.
The words cut deep. Xie Ding staggered back, clutching his chest, his face twisted with anguish.
Meanwhile, Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao inwardly rejoiced. The more Xie Jingxing wounded Xie Ding, the more disappointed Xie Ding would become. Only then could the two brothers one day fully replace Xie Jingxing's position.
"Very well..." Xie Ding forced out the words with difficulty. "Then you may lead the campaign." His voice grew quieter. "I will inform the Xie Family Army. They will assist you. Take the armor and the breastplate from the estate." He looked at Xie Jingxing as though he had aged a decade overnight. "Take... care of yourself."
Xie Changchao and Xie Changwu helped Xie Ding out. Before leaving, Xie Changchao shot Xie Jingxing a malicious grin. "Little brother wishes Eldest Brother a triumphant victory and a glorious return."
His tone made it clear he hoped Xie Jingxing would perish on the battlefield.
Once the two had left and the door closed behind them, the flickering candlelight revealed a black-clad figure who had appeared unnoticed. "Master," the man said, "Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao—"
"Forget it." Xie Jingxing cut him off. "If they die now, the Marquis of Lin'an will never let me leave."
"The Xie Family Army answers only to the Marquis of Lin'an," the man in black said. "They will not obey your orders. What do you intend to do?""Who cares about the measly Xie Family Army?" Xie Jingxing said impatiently, "How are the arrangements at the Princess Hall coming along?"
"Reporting to the master, our agents are all in position, hidden in the shadows to protect Her Highness Princess Rong Xin. Will the master not bid farewell to Princess Rong Xin?"
"No need," Xie Jingxing waved his hand dismissively. "This will suffice."
The black-clad subordinate bowed respectfully and retreated.
In the flickering candlelight, his handsome face—with its red lips and white teeth—shed its usual arrogance and charm, revealing a gentler side. Having removed his purple-gold robe and wearing only jade-white undergarments, the young man with long lashes seemed to contemplate the flame before him, as handsome as a figure from a painting.
"Hate?" He lowered his gaze and smiled faintly.
"The whole world will hate me."
－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－
Got my wisdom tooth pulled—hurts like hell. Gotta get the other side done next week, ugh...
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