On the day Shen Xin left the palace to return to the Shen Mansion, Shen Miao personally went to wait for him beneath the palace walls.
The rest of the Shen family was naturally dissatisfied with this outcome, especially Old Madam Shen, who had initially thought Shen Xin was doomed. To her surprise, he was ultimately spared. However, upon hearing Shen Gui explain what the confiscation of military power truly meant, the old madam’s spirits lifted once more.
With his military power revoked, Shen Xin could no longer compete with Shen Gui and Shen Wan in terms of political influence. Shortsighted as she was, Old Madam Shen failed to realize that the Shen family was still seen as a single entity by outsiders, who primarily regarded them through Shen Xin’s reputation. Once his name was tarnished, how could the Shen family retain its former prestige?
But Old Madam Shen likely didn’t care. In her mind, her own sons, Shen Gui and Shen Wan, were infinitely superior to Shen Xin. Had it not been for the old general’s favoritism in the past, Shen Xin would never have achieved such success. Now that Shen Xin was nearing ruin, this was the perfect opportunity to expel his branch from the Shen family.
The only question was how to divide the household—a delicate matter indeed.
While Old Madam Shen schemed about splitting the family, Shen Miao paid it no mind. At this point, things had to proceed as she had previously planned. The emperor’s confiscation of military power was one thing, but without it, the Shen family was indeed no longer a threat. If they stayed, their numerous enemies would eventually drive Shen Xin’s branch to the brink.
Retreat was the only option.
Suddenly, Shen Miao recalled Xie Jingxing’s warning to her that day. The word "retreat" was indeed the Shen family’s sole path forward—he had seen the crux of the matter at a glance.
The carriage was parked in a secluded corner near the palace walls to avoid prying eyes. There were plenty who would delight in Shen Xin’s downfall—political rivals, onlookers—many might even be waiting at the palace gates. Shen Miao knew the Fu family’s nature better than anyone. They pretended to be magnanimous but would never miss a chance to strike a hidden blow. Shen Xin’s once-glorious reputation was now in tatters, and many would revel in seeing him leave the palace stripped of his Tiger Seal, a pitiful sight.
In her past life, Shen Miao had suffered countless humiliations, her dignity trampled in Ming Qi. She could endure disgrace herself, but she would not allow her family to suffer the same fate. That was why she had the carriage wait here, ready to take Shen Xin away the moment he emerged.
Just as she was lost in thought, Mo Qing’s sharp voice rang out from outside: “Halt!” A gust of wind rushed in, and before Shen Miao could blink, the carriage curtain was flung open. In an instant, the once-spacious carriage now held an additional occupant.
Gu Yu let out a startled cry, quickly muffled by Jing Zhe. Mo Qing’s flustered voice followed: “Miss!”
Shen Miao studied the figure before her.
Seated across from her was a young man clad in deep red official robes. His peach-blossom eyes brimmed with charm, and his thin lips curled slightly. Though the attire was meant to convey solemnity and integrity, he wore it with such striking elegance that it was impossible to look away.
“Mo Qing, stand down,” Shen Miao ordered sharply.
“But—” Mo Qing’s voice tightened from beyond the curtain. The intruder had moved too swiftly for him to intercept, and allowing a stranger to share a carriage with Shen Miao was unthinkable.
“You’re no match for him,” Shen Miao said calmly to the outside before turning to Jing Zhe and Gu Yu. “You two step out as well. Guard the carriage.”Jing Zhe and Gu Yu had met Xie Jingxing before and knew he had some connection with Shen Miao, though the exact nature of that relationship was unclear. If one called it intimate, the two occasionally clashed head-on. If one called them enemies, why would Shen Miao treat an enemy with such leniency?
However, based on past experiences, Jing Zhe and Gu Yu assumed Xie Jingxing wouldn’t harm Shen Miao. Since Shen Miao had so boldly allowed him to remain in the carriage, she must have been certain of this as well. Thus, Jing Zhe and Gu Yu said nothing and obediently stepped out of the carriage.
In an instant, only Xie Jingxing and Shen Miao remained inside.
"I heard that Marquis Lin’an spoke in support during yesterday’s court session. Thank you, Young Marquis," Shen Miao said.
Xie Ding had joined Su Yu in impeaching Shen Xin—ostensibly an impeachment, but in reality, it had provided Shen Xin a way out. If others failed to see through it, so be it, but Shen Miao believed that a cunning old fox like Xie Jingxing couldn’t possibly have missed it.
Sure enough, as soon as she finished her half-sincere words, Xie Jingxing smirked, lazily leaning back and relaxing his arms. "Marquis Lin’an acted on his own. It has nothing to do with me."
"Oh?" Shen Miao smiled at him. "Then, Young Marquis, did you barge into my carriage uninvited just to hear my thanks?" She deliberately emphasized the words "my carriage," clearly annoyed by Xie Jingxing’s habit of showing up unannounced.
Xie Jingxing stared at her. "Are you planning to have Shen Xin retreat to the northwest with the Luo family?"
Shen Miao’s heart skipped a beat, but she said nothing as she met his gaze.
That was indeed her intention. Xie Jingxing had pointed her toward a path of "retreat," but she refused to passively withdraw. The game in Ming Qi was far from over—how could she lose the upper hand now? Her ambitions, her vengeance had barely begun. To be suppressed before they even started was unacceptable.
Losing military power didn’t matter. What Shen Xin valued most wasn’t the Tiger Seal, as the Fu family believed, but his ability to lead troops in battle. If he could forge one Shen Family Army, he could forge another. Currently, among the confiscated forces, Shen Yuan’s people—who were also Fu Xiuyi’s—had infiltrated the Shen Family Army. Leading such an army while constantly guarding against betrayal from within was exhausting.
Unless he commanded another, untainted army. Starting anew—the Shen family might have lost their military power, but Luo Xueyan’s maternal family, the Luo family, still had theirs. The Luo Family Army had always been less formidable than the Shen Family Army, and their defensive tactics were unremarkable, drawing little attention.
Shen Miao’s plan was to turn the Luo family into another Shen Family Army—a hidden trump card, unknown to anyone. Wasn’t the Fu family obsessed with the fear that Shen Xin would rebel with his troops? Then she would give them exactly what they feared.
Yet, this secret scheme had been laid bare under Xie Jingxing’s sharp gaze. The momentary panic of having her thoughts exposed flashed across Shen Miao’s face, leaving her looking flustered.
If Xie Jingxing had discerned her intentions—what would this tragic hero, who left a profound mark in Ming Qi’s history, do next? Blackmail her? Expose her? Or kill her?However, perhaps there won’t be such an opportunity anymore. Who was Shen Miao? She had endured the hardest times in her past life. Even if momentarily startled, she could quickly suppress her emotions. She thought, Xie Jingxing would soon set off for the northern frontier. If this expedition followed the same path as in her previous life, Xie Jingxing would die—meeting an end pierced by countless arrows. The ten-day deadline was fast approaching. The hand of fate was capricious; no matter how resourceful or cunning Xie Jingxing was, he could not escape that inevitable outcome.
Shen Miao raised her eyes to look at Xie Jingxing.
Xie Jingxing was truly handsome. In her past life, Shen Miao had resided in the imperial harem and seen many talented and attractive young men. Even Fu Xiuyi, whom she had once pined for, could not compare to his elegance. His long, striking eyebrows slanted upward toward his temples, his nose was high and straight, and his lips were thin yet naturally red, curling slightly with a hint of mischief. His handsomeness was almost domineering—his features sharp and cold, yet softened by a pair of dark, bright peach-blossom eyes that seemed both affectionate and indifferent, creating an illusion of tenderness.
But beneath that roguish, untamed exterior, only he knew the depths of his own dark heart.
Xie Jingxing was still a youth, bearing the vigor and charm of a young man. Yet today, dressed in dark red court robes, he appeared more mature. Fu Ming had once sighed while reading the history of the Xie family in Ming Qi: "A prodigy among youths, a figure for the ages, yet doomed to an early demise." Such was the high regard in which Xie Jingxing was held.
By the time Shen Miao truly noticed Xie Jingxing, she was already the empress, having only glimpsed him from afar during palace banquets. She vaguely recalled him as an exceptionally handsome young man, though Fu Xiuyi had treated him with little warmth. Now, Xie Jingxing was still a reckless youth. Who could have imagined that this very boy, smiling with such charm and beauty, would soon meet his end on the battlefield?
A trace of pity flickered in Shen Miao’s gaze. Having lived a second life, she was not a particularly kind person, but Fu Ming and Wan Yu had both praised him, so she couldn’t help but feel a hint of admiration.
Her shifting expressions—alternately wary and sympathetic—left Xie Jingxing puzzled. He suddenly recalled the first time he had seen Shen Miao at the entrance of the Hall of Extensive Learning, when she had looked at him with the same pitying gaze. Thoughtfully, he asked, "Do you pity me?"
This man was even more perceptive than she was, Shen Miao mused inwardly. Outwardly, she smiled and replied, "How could I possibly have the right to pity anyone?"
Xie Jingxing nodded nonchalantly, as if agreeing with her logic. Then, without warning, he reached out and lifted the carriage curtain.
They were in a secluded area, unlikely to be disturbed. Through the gap in the curtain, the towering palace walls came into view.
Shen Miao’s gaze grew distant.
She had lived within those deep palace walls for so many years. Even in this second life, she could not escape that fate. Yet she felt no regret. What was the purpose of living? The dead could not return to life. To live was to seek vengeance.
She studied the palace walls intently, as if etching every brick into her memory. Noticing her focus, Xie Jingxing smirked and asked, "Do you wish to live there?"
Shen Miao was momentarily taken aback.
"If you wish to live there, I can help you," Xie Jingxing said, his tone enigmatic, his smile hinting at something deeper. "When the time comes, how will you repay me?""If the Young Marquis could set this palace ablaze, perhaps I would be endlessly grateful," Shen Miao replied.
Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow in surprise. "I thought you aspired to be a noble consort."
"I do want to be noble," Shen Miao turned her head, smiling at him with irony. "But not the kind you speak of. Nobler than a noble consort."
"You want to be Empress?"
Empress... Shen Miao's gaze grew slightly distant. She had once worn imperial robes, adorned with phoenix hairpins, standing in boundless glory during the coronation ceremony, with ministers kneeling and commoners cheering, reigning as the mother of the realm.
Back then, she thought she had everything she ever desired.
But now, she saw—the higher one climbed, the harder the fall. The title of Empress was nothing but an empty name.
"Becoming Empress is easy," Xie Jingxing said lightly. "But the Emperor is difficult."
In the turbulent times of Ming Qi, each of the nine princes had their own strengths, and even the Crown Prince's position was far from secure. Who knew which hand the imperial seal would ultimately land in? Noble families married their daughters to princes, gambling on a future of power and prestige.
Fortune favors the bold, and greed is human nature. For one general's triumph, ten thousand bones must bleach. The victor becomes king, the loser a bandit. If a woman chose the wrong man, she would naturally follow him to ruin.
Xie Jingxing asked idly, "Who have you chosen?"
He was asking which prince she favored, whom she wished to marry, and whom she intended to support.
"Who does the Young Marquis think has a future?" Shen Miao countered.
"Judging by their faces, none of them do," Xie Jingxing's words were chilling. "What will you do then?"
"Then I'll find someone who does."
"What about me?" Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow, his tone teasing and not entirely serious.
"Young Marquis, you don't have a future either," Shen Miao said earnestly, looking straight at him.
"..." Xie Jingxing was momentarily speechless. Though not angry, he was somewhat displeased. He thought to himself—every woman he'd met adored him, every man feared him. Yet Shen Miao neither adored nor feared him, and she kept provoking him. Had he been too lenient with her, making her think he was a man of mild temper?
"Young Marquis, if you have something to say, say it quickly and leave," Shen Miao unceremoniously dismissed him. "It wouldn't be good if others saw and misunderstood."
"Misunderstood?" Amusement flickered in Xie Jingxing's eyes as he deliberately lowered his voice. "What misunderstanding?"
"A rogue harassing a virtuous maiden," Shen Miao replied without blinking, crisp and sharp. She had come to realize that when it came to disregarding propriety and rules, Xie Jingxing had no shame.
Even Xie Jingxing, who had encountered all sorts of women, was momentarily stunned by Shen Miao's bold words. He coughed twice, straightened up, and stopped teasing her. "Retreat to the northwest—the sooner, the better. The longer you delay, the worse it will be for Shen Xin."
Shen Miao glanced at him, surprised that Xie Jingxing would offer such a warning. In any case, she had no desire to oppose someone like him. If Xie Jingxing bore her no ill will, that was already a blessing.
"Thank you."
Xie Jingxing said, "It would be best if Shen Xin left Fixed Capital before I depart."Shen Miao was somewhat helpless. "That would only work if it could succeed." Not everyone had Xie Jingxing's capabilities. Shen Miao always felt that the backing Xie Jingxing relied on didn't seem to be solely Marquis Lin'an Manor—it might even surpass it. Yet within Ming Qi, what power could be higher than Marquis Lin'an Manor besides the imperial family? And now, the imperial family and Xie Jingxing were opposed.
Shen Miao couldn't figure it out.
Xie Jingxing paused abruptly, then lifted the carriage curtain and vanished outside. His departure was as swift as his arrival. Before Shen Miao could react, she heard voices calling outside, "Madam, Master, Eldest Young Master!"
Shen Miao lifted the curtain and saw Shen Xin, Luo Xueyan, and Shen Qiu approaching from around the city gate corner. They were equally startled to see Jing Zhe and Gu Yu there. Shen Miao glanced around but found no trace of Xie Jingxing. She thought to herself that this man was indeed alert, with such remarkable agility—coming and going like a shadow. He could be the ancestor of all cat burglars.
Luo Xueyan spotted Jing Zhe and hurried over, just in time to see Shen Miao jump down from the carriage.
After days apart, Shen Xin, Luo Xueyan, and Shen Qiu all looked much more haggard. Shen Miao had seen this tactic from the imperial family before. When they hadn't yet decided how to deal with someone, house arrest could wear down their resolve. The Shen family were military generals, steadfast in will, yet leaving Shen Miao alone in the manor inevitably invited speculation.
Luo Xueyan rushed forward and grasped Shen Miao's hands, scrutinizing her. "Jiaojiao, has anyone given you trouble these past few days?"
Shen Miao shook her head.
Only then did Luo Xueyan relax. Shen Qiu asked, "Little Sister, why aren't you staying in the manor? What brings you here?"
"I heard Father and Mother were returning today and worried there might be no carriage, so I came to fetch you," Shen Miao replied with a smile.
Shen Xin's lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he remained silent. He knew many were watching for drama, and Shen Miao's actions were meant to avoid drawing attention—a thoughtful gesture. Yet the promise to protect his wife and children now felt hollow, especially after having the Tiger Seal confiscated. The frustration weighed heavily on him.
He boarded the carriage in silence. Not wanting Shen Miao to worry, Luo Xueyan pulled her into the carriage as well. Jing Zhe and the others rode in the carriage behind, leaving only the Shen family in the first one.
"Mother, what did His Majesty say?" Shen Miao asked.
Luo Xueyan hesitated, then smiled. "It's nothing. Just a misunderstanding."
Shen Miao said, "How could it be a misunderstanding when the Tiger Seal was taken?"
Shen Qiu stiffened, instinctively glancing at Shen Xin. The one most furious about the confiscation should be Shen Xin. He didn't know where things had gone wrong—the only possibility was that there had been a betrayal within the Shen Family Army. Otherwise, who would have known about the unauthorized massacre?
"Losing the Tiger Seal isn't the end of the world," Luo Xueyan tried to reassure Shen Miao, not wanting her to feel unsettled. "We can still fight without it. Your father remains a general. Nothing has changed for us."
Shen Miao lowered her gaze. Shen Xin and Shen Qiu watched her with concern. In the past, Shen Miao had been somewhat spoiled, all because she had the Grand General of Might as her backing. Without that support, it would be natural for this pampered young lady to struggle with the change.
"Still fighting?" Shen Miao murmured. "Leading the vanguard into battle? Leading the cooks into battle?"Luo Xueyan and Shen Qiu were instantly stunned. These past days, they had grown accustomed to Shen Miao's gentle and obedient demeanor, so hearing such sharp questioning now left them somewhat incredulous.
Shen Xin's face, however, turned ashen. A general's pride could not be trampled upon by anyone. Emperor Wenhui had spared his life but had dealt him a deep humiliation—something that tormented Shen Xin more than death itself.
"Losing the Tiger Seal doesn’t mean one can no longer wage war, but Your Majesty could always assign a deputy general to oversee the commander’s actions. Issuing orders while watching others’ expressions, mobilizing troops through someone else’s Tiger Seal—what meaning does the title of 'General' hold then? Isn’t it just an empty shell?"
Shen Miao raised her head, her eyes clear and bright, as if she were merely discussing the most ordinary household matters.
But this aggressive, confrontational side of Shen Miao—who had ever seen it? Shen Qiu might have glimpsed it before, but Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan certainly had not. Moreover, she was directly addressing matters of the imperial court.
Shen Xin clenched his fists but still tried to reassure her, "Jiaojiao, your father will clear his name. The Shen Family Army will eventually return to my hands. Jiaojiao, your status will never change."
Shen Xin had always relied on military achievements to speak for him. He believed that within Ming Qi, aside from Xie Ding, no one could match his valor. A precious sword did not fear being sheathed deep—it would inevitably be drawn again one day.
"But how long must we wait? By then, the Shen Family Army, already absorbed into the Imperial Guards—will they still remain loyal to Father? Even now, with Father still in command, there are already traitors among them. Who can guarantee there won’t be more in the future?"
At these words, even Luo Xueyan’s expression darkened. She asked, "Jiaojiao, who told you these things?"
Shen Miao could have learned about Shen Xin losing the Tiger Seal or the Shen Family Army being incorporated into the Imperial Guards—these were public knowledge. But the matter of traitors within the army? That was absolutely not something she could have heard from outsiders. Whoever had spoken to her about this must have had a deep understanding of court affairs. Luo Xueyan feared Shen Miao was being manipulated.
Shen Miao shook her head. "I’m not a fool. Just because others don’t tell me something doesn’t mean I truly don’t know."
Shen Qiu said, "My sister is very clever." During the incident with Prince Yu, he had already witnessed Shen Miao’s capabilities. He knew her insight was unlike that of an ordinary sheltered maiden—she was startlingly ruthless yet saw things with clarity.
Hearing even Shen Qiu speak like this, Shen Xin frowned and asked, "Jiaojiao, what exactly are you trying to say?"
"If the Shen Family Army no longer belongs to us, then let it go. Why not abandon it?" Shen Miao’s words were shocking.
"Jiaojiao!" Luo Xueyan cut her off, then immediately softened her tone, realizing she had been too harsh. "The Shen Family Army was built by your father from the ground up. Countless brothers-in-arms, trusted comrades—how could it be so easy to just 'abandon' them? These are bonds forged on the battlefield. It’s impossible."
"Then what does Father plan to do?" Shen Miao countered. "Endure like this? Endurance might lead to an opportunity, but if others seize the advantage to suppress us, in the end, we’ll be left with nothing."
Shen Xin stared at Shen Miao as if he had never truly known his own daughter. A thoughtful expression flickered across his face as he asked, "Jiaojiao, what do you think we should do?"
"If one path is blocked, take another." Shen Miao’s bright eyes gleamed astonishingly. "Father could lead the Shen Family Army so well—why can’t he lead another army just as effectively?"Shen Xin was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter as he patted Shen Miao's head, as if her words had genuinely lifted his spirits. He said, "Truly still a little girl who hasn't grown up. In this world, where would one find so many soldiers to lead?" His tone carried a hint of melancholy by the end.
The Shen Family Army was like a child Shen Xin had raised with his own hands. The pain of having it taken away could never be fully expressed in words.
Shen Miao smiled faintly. "Then what about the Luo family?"
Shen Xin's laughter stopped abruptly. Luo Xueyan and Shen Qiu both seemed to realize something at the same time, their gazes immediately settling on Shen Miao.
Shen Miao continued leisurely, "Doesn't Grandfather still have a scattered force under his command? Though it may not compare to the Shen Family Army of the past, the numbers aren't small. With time and training, who's to say it couldn't become the next Shen Family Army?"
Luo Xueyan's maternal family, the Luo family, was a military household, albeit one in gradual decline. It was true they had troops under their command, but after Shen Xin was stationed in the northwest, the Luo family soldiers in Xiaochun City gradually disbanded and returned to civilian life. Though they still held the nominal title of a military force, they drew rations without performing duties, and over the years, they became no different from ordinary people.
"This won't do," Luo Xueyan said. The Shen family had been loyal to the monarch for generations—serving the ruler was second nature to them. Shen Miao's words could even be considered treasonous. Raising one's own troops without the emperor's knowledge... "Jiaojiao, this is no joking matter," Luo Xueyan continued, unsure how to explain to Shen Miao just how much the imperial family distrusted generals who amassed private armies. How could a young girl like Shen Miao possibly understand?
It was the usually taciturn Shen Qiu who spoke up. "Does little sister want to replace the Shen Family Army with the Luo Family Army?"
"Replace isn't quite the right word," Shen Miao replied with a light laugh. "But Father is, after all, a general. He can't very well stand alone without a single follower. Naturally, he must have loyal subordinates. In that case, what difference does it make whether it's the Shen Family Army or the Luo Family Army? With the Luo Family Army, we gain another means of self-preservation. Isn't that a good thing?"
She framed her somewhat rebellious words as self-preservation, making them sound far less shocking. Luo Xueyan found Shen Miao's words today utterly bewildering, but when she looked up and saw Shen Xin deep in thought, frowning as he seriously considered Shen Miao's proposal, she felt even more troubled.
Shen Xin turned to Shen Miao, deliberately guiding the conversation. "What you say sounds reasonable, Jiaojiao, but the Luo Family Army is far away in Xiaochun City. How do we get there?"
"That depends on Father's decision," Shen Miao replied with a smile. "Perhaps Father could try requesting permission from His Majesty to withdraw to the northwest, voluntarily stationing himself in Xiaochun City and departing immediately."
The three of them were stunned once again.
Xiaochun City was a small border town in the northwest, separated from Fixed Capital by countless mountains and rivers. If Shen Xin truly made such a request, everyone would assume it was because he had been stripped of the Tiger Seal and, in his disillusionment, the Grand General of Might had chosen to garrison a remote outpost. As for his once-glorious reputation, it would slowly fade into obscurity.
Shen Xin's eyes widened in disbelief. "This is retreat—absolutely not!"
Every era has its heroes. While biding one's time is a sound strategy, Shen Xin was no longer a green youth. He was already past forty. If he remained inactive, with no suitable opportunity to return, even if he trained the Luo family's men well, he would still be stuck at the border. To have lofty ambitions unfulfilled, to grow old without achieving one's dreams—that was perhaps the greatest tragedy in the world.
"Advancing by retreating—even military strategy speaks of it. What is Father afraid of?" Shen Miao refused to back down. For the first time, her usually calm and clear eyes held a glint of challenge. "Afraid of never recovering from a setback? Afraid of retreating again and again until there's nowhere left to retreat? Or afraid that time will slip away, leaving you with no chance to rise?"A few simple words made Shen Xin's heart tighten. Not only Shen Xin, but Luo Xueyan and Shen Qiu were also stunned. Shen Xin gazed at Shen Miao, suddenly realizing that this delicate and soft-looking daughter of his seemed to have inherited his innate tenacity and audacity after all.
"Besides," Shen Miao chuckled lightly, "within two years, His Majesty will surely summon Father back to the capital. The day we return to the capital will be the day of our rise to prominence."
...
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