The lights in the West Courtyard of Shen Mansion remained bright throughout the night.
Shen Gui and Shen Wan were eager to find out what was happening, but Shen Xin had his trusted guards stationed at the courtyard gate, making it impossible for even a mosquito to slip through. Trying to eavesdrop on the conversation inside was no easy task.
Inside the room, Shen Qiu poured a cup of tea for Shen Miao and said, "Take your time, little sister."
When it came to military matters, the Shen family had Shen Xin, Luo Xueyan, and Shen Qiu—but Shen Miao had never seemed connected to such affairs. A pampered young lady raised far away in Fixed Capital might not even be familiar with the intricate dynamics of the aristocratic families there, let alone the unpredictable and complex nature of military strategies, which involved hidden forces far beyond surface appearances. Even officials struggled to grasp these intricacies, so how could Shen Miao?
Yet Shen Miao spoke—and spoke with such clarity and logic that even Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan couldn’t help but listen intently.
"Abandon the Shen Family Army and revive the Luo Family Army," Luo Xueyan said. "But the Shen Family Army consists of elite soldiers. The Luo Family Army..." Speaking of the troops her father once led, Luo Xueyan couldn’t help but feel a pang of sorrow. "How could they compare to the Shen Family Army?"
"The Luo Family Army may be scattered, but they are clean," Shen Miao replied. "Father’s Shen Family Army already has a traitor within. Leading such troops into battle—who knows if someone might stab us in the back again?"
Silence fell over the three at her words.
The thought that a traitor had emerged among the soldiers they had personally trained and fought alongside for years was something none of them wanted to face.
Shen Xin finally spoke. "Jiaojiao’s words... I’ve considered them before."
Shen Qiu and Luo Xueyan turned to him in surprise. Gone was the earlier skepticism in Shen Xin’s gaze; instead, there was a hint of admiration as he looked at Shen Miao. "Indecision invites disaster. But earlier, in the carriage, you mentioned that I would surely be summoned back to the capital within two years. What did you mean by that?"
"That’s right," Shen Qiu added, turning to Shen Miao. "How did you know His Majesty would recall Father to the capital within two years?"
The emperor’s thoughts were inscrutable to most, so Shen Miao’s statement carried weight. Luo Xueyan immediately grew tense. Her mind raced—those who could discern Emperor Wenhui’s intentions were likely close to him. Could it be Prince Ding? The rumors about Prince Ding and Shen Miao’s past had spread far and wide. What Luo Xueyan feared most was Shen Miao being dragged into the princes’ struggle for the throne, used as a pawn in their ruthless game.
Shen Miao lowered her gaze. Within two years, Emperor Wenhui would indeed summon Shen Xin back to the capital. With Ming Qi caught between the Qin State to the north and Great Coolness to the west, the dynasty was in peril. By then, Emperor Wenhui’s health would be failing, the crown prince bedridden, while Prince Zhou and Prince Li fought viciously for power—and Fu Xiuyi’s hidden schemes would slowly unfold.
As a loyal general, Shen Xin would inevitably be called upon by Emperor Wenhui to intimidate enemy states. Just as in her past life, even as the imperial court suppressed the Shen Family Army, they would still leave a thread of hope—Shen Xin would be squeezed dry of his last drop of usefulness.
But these were things she could not reveal. Meeting their varied gazes, Shen Miao smiled faintly. "I simply had a very vivid dream. In it, within two years, Father would rise again, and the title of Grand General of Might would not be tarnished."
Her words were somewhat evasive, but spoken with such gentleness and sincerity, her clear eyes unwavering, that even those who doubted couldn’t help but soften.Whether they could be recalled to the capital within two years was something no one could say for certain. But whether it took one year, two, or even three or four, retreating to the northwest now was indeed the best course of action. Not only for the sake of making a comeback but also because the struggle for the throne was at its fiercest. If the Shen family remained in Fixed Capital, even without military power, they would inevitably be dragged into it. It was precisely the right time to withdraw from the whirlpool of politics. Before achieving glory and success, the first priority was to protect one's family.
This was what Shen Xin believed.
He smiled at Shen Miao and said, "Since Jiaojiao says it was a dream, then the dream must come true. Your father believes in you." He showed no intention of probing further into the reasons behind it.
The words "Your father believes in you" nearly brought tears to Shen Miao's eyes. Back then, when she had stubbornly insisted on marrying Fu Xiuyi, Shen Xin had done his utmost to stop her. Only after she threatened to take her own life did he finally relent. The proud general, accustomed to giving orders all his life, had shown a rare expression of defeat and resignation, saying, "If he is the one you've chosen, your father believes in you."
And so, he had pushed the Shen family onto a path of no return.
Shen Miao closed her eyes briefly, and the harrowing memories vanished in an instant. She said, "If Father truly believes what I've said, then tomorrow, submit a petition to His Majesty to retreat to Xiaochun City."
"Tomorrow?" Luo Xueyan was startled. "Why so urgent?"
"It must be this urgent. Only then will His Majesty think Father is acting out of dissatisfaction over losing the Tiger Seal, a decision made in a fit of pique. He won't suspect anything deeper," Shen Miao explained.
Shen Qiu seemed about to say something, but Shen Xin cut him off with a decisive command: "We'll do as she says."
"Shen Xin!" Luo Xueyan grew anxious. After all, these were matters of great importance. Though Shen Miao's reasoning made some sense, making such a hasty decision seemed far too reckless.
Shen Xin shook his head. "After all our years on the battlefield, we still don't see as clearly as Jiaojiao." He looked at Shen Miao, his gaze tinged with complexity, but in the end, he simply reached out and ruffled her hair. "If Jiaojiao were a son, few in this world could compare to her."
Shen Miao watched him quietly.
The things she had spoken of today were far beyond what a sheltered young girl could conceive. What kind of man was Shen Xin? Though rough around the edges, he was far from foolish. He must have already noticed the inconsistencies in her behavior. Yet he chose not to question her. Even if he had, Shen Miao wouldn't have revealed the secret of her rebirth. Perhaps this was the unconditional trust between family.
Just as Shen Xin had stood by her side in her past life.
"The Shen family will be safe," Shen Miao vowed.
"Your father will submit the petition at tomorrow's morning court," Shen Xin said with a smile, taking Luo Xueyan's hand as they stood. "My lady, you should rest early as well."
Luo Xueyan had wanted to say more, but the look on Shen Xin's face made her hold her tongue. She had been with Shen Xin for so many years, and he had always been confident and spirited. Never had she seen him so burdened. A hero revered by the people, yet stripped of his military power and confined to a remote border town—no one could feel more aggrieved than Shen Xin at this moment. For the first time, her expression softened, and she supported him gently. "Very well."
Shen Qiu, however, lingered behind, looking at Shen Miao as if he had something to say but couldn't bring himself to speak. Finally, he couldn't hold back any longer. "Little sister, are you trying to make Father rebel?"Among the Shen family, Shen Qiu was the one who understood the hidden ruthlessness within Shen Miao the most. Prince Yu coveted her, so she left no survivors in Prince Yu's Manor. The Jing family schemed against her, and now they met a fate where not even their corpses remained intact. The emperor seized the Shen family's Tiger Seal—was Shen Miao's seemingly submissive act truly just for self-preservation?
"To serve the ruler is to be loyal to the ruler's affairs." Shen Miao smiled faintly. "The Shen family has always been loyal and patriotic. How could such a thing happen? Eldest Brother, don’t overthink it. If eavesdroppers hear, both you and I will be in trouble."
Shen Qiu paused before finally saying, "That would be for the best. Don’t do anything foolish, little sister." With that, he turned and left the room.
Shen Miao slowly sat back down.
Rebellion—she very much desired it. But how to rebel without tarnishing one’s reputation was also a significant matter. The immediate priority was naturally to avoid disaster. But when the time came to return, she would surely send the Fu family a grand gift.
She only hoped the Fu family could stomach it.
The news of Shen Xin being stripped of his military power had only stirred excitement in Fixed Capital for a day before being overshadowed by fresh rumors the next. Ming Qi was always abuzz with novel events, so such scenes were nothing new. Yet by the second day, the talk in the streets and alleys still revolved around Shen Xin.
It was said that Grand General of Might Shen Xin, on the very morning after losing the Tiger Seal, submitted a memorial to Emperor Wenhui in front of all civil and military officials during court, requesting to lead the remaining vanguard and scattered Shen Family Army to retreat and guard Xiaochun City.
A once-renowned grand general now reduced to defending a remote border town—others found it unbelievable, and one could only imagine how humiliated Shen Xin himself must have felt. Yet despite his resentment, he took the initiative to submit the request, clearly an act of defiance against Emperor Wenhui’s earlier punishment—a decision made out of spite.
The storytellers in the taverns spun the tale with vivid detail, recounting how Emperor Wenhui’s expression darkened in the Golden Luan Hall as he flung the memorial back at Shen Xin’s face. Yet Shen Xin remained obstinate, stubbornly insisting on retreating to Xiaochun City. Did he think the emperor would tolerate his tantrums? No matter how great his past merits, they were now worthless. If he wanted to guard a remote border town, fine—very well, then let him go!
Thus, the news that the Grand General of Might would leave the capital for Xiaochun City the next day spread throughout Fixed Capital.
Nearly everyone in the taverns was discussing the matter. Some believed Shen Xin had done the right thing—with the Grand General of Might reduced to a figurehead, staying in Fixed Capital would only bring humiliation. Better to leave far behind and spare himself further disdain. Others, however, felt Shen Xin had been too highly praised and had grown arrogant, forgetting his place. Having already committed the crime of deceiving the emperor and narrowly escaping with his life, how dare he still show such insolence to Emperor Wenhui? Had it not been for the emperor’s benevolence, any other ruler would have imposed far harsher punishment.
In the Happy Tower, Ji Yushu propped his chin on his hand and looked at Gao Yang. "What do you think Shen Xin’s real intention is? Abandoning the Shen Family Army in Fixed Capital just like that?"
"If that’s the case, he does have some courage—not just a reckless warrior." Gao Yang sighed. "To retreat at the height of one’s success is something few can achieve." After taking a sip of tea, he turned to Xie Jingxing, who had been silent. "Why aren’t you saying anything?"
Xie Jingxing, interrupted from his thoughts, glanced at the two of them and said, "The Shen family is moving too quickly."
"Too quickly?" Ji Yushu was puzzled.Xie Jingxing toyed with the teacup in his hand, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. He had pointed out a path for Shen Miao, intending to give the Shen family a way out, but he hadn't expected them to act so swiftly. Stripped of the Tiger Seal just yesterday, and today they were already submitting a memorial to retreat. Shen Xin was a man who sought stability, and for him to make such a decision in such a short time must have been due to something Shen Miao said to him.
Emperor Wenhui ordered Shen Xin to pack his belongings and leave the capital the next day, ostensibly to humiliate him, unaware that his own intentions had been completely anticipated by a mere girl from the Shen family. If he knew, one could only imagine how he would feel. Xie Jingxing had a sense that in the grand chessboard of Ming Qi, Shen Miao might occupy a pivotal position. But for him, who was about to leave the capital, this held little significance.
"Yushu will leave with me," he said. "Gao Yang, the rest is up to you."
Ji Yushu rubbed his nose, showing a bit of excitement. "Great, Third Brother Xie. The pastries made by the chefs here are truly awful. Your chefs are much better—at least I won't go hungry."
Gao Yang rolled his eyes at him and said coolly, "You've eaten your way through the entire Fixed Capital. When have you ever gone hungry?" Then, adopting a serious tone, he turned to Xie Jingxing. "Don't worry, I'll handle things here."
Xie Jingxing nodded.
The same news naturally reached other places as well. The Shen family was a prominent household in Fixed Capital, and many colleagues had once associated with them. Even for the sake of Shen Xin's reputation, many officials had been eager to curry favor. But when the wall starts to collapse, everyone pushes it; when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter. With Shen Xin clearly demoted and leaving the capital, the once-bustling gates of the Shen residence saw no visitors except for a few close friends who came to bid farewell.
Shen Miao herself went to the Hall of Extensive Learning.
Leaving Fixed Capital meant she could no longer attend the Hall. Recently, after Shen Miao's change in demeanor, the students there had grown somewhat afraid of her. But upon hearing that the Shen family's military power had been confiscated, some began to mock her brazenly again. Shen Miao walked past them without turning her head, as if she hadn't heard, which only made the noble youths feel their taunts were pointless.
Feng Anning burst into tears the moment she saw her, grabbing her sleeve and saying, "What are we going to do, Shen Miao? Once you leave, when will you come back?"
Shen Miao was somewhat flustered by Feng Anning's tears. To be fair, in her past life, due to her foolishness, none of the noble girls in Fixed Capital had wanted to associate with her. In this life, she had hardened her heart and made no effort to win anyone's favor. Yet Feng Anning, by sheer coincidence, had become something of a friend to her. Though she was a bit spoiled, she had no ill intentions, and sometimes her youthful demeanor reminded Shen Miao of Wan Yu.
She comforted her, "I'll be back before long."
"You're lying," Feng Anning sobbed. "I heard from my father that General Shen angered His Majesty this time. If His Majesty is upset, how could you return so soon? Shen Miao, you have to write to me. By the time you come back, I might already be married!"Shen Miao nearly laughed out loud, but seeing Feng Anning's tear-reddened eyes before her, the laughter died in her throat. She knew better than anyone the fate of the Feng family in their past life, and Feng Anning's own tragic end. Although the Feng family wouldn't collapse for another two years, she patted Feng Anning's shoulder and said, "Don't worry. I'll definitely see the day you get married."
Feng Anning was about to say something more when she noticed Pei Lang entering with books in hand. Dressed in a blue robe, Pei Lang stood at the front of the room, his gaze settling on Shen Miao. After a brief pause, he said, "Shen Miao, come with me for a moment."
If Shen Miao was leaving the Hall of Extensive Learning, it was only proper to bid farewell to Pei Lang, her teacher. No one found it unusual, and Feng Anning reluctantly released Shen Miao's sleeve, letting her follow Pei Lang out of the classroom.
Pei Lang led Shen Miao to a triangular courtyard within the Hall of Extensive Learning. The teachers all resided in houses within the school grounds, and this particular one was Pei Lang's private residence, inaccessible to others. Pushing open the door to the nearest study, Shen Miao followed him inside and closed the door behind her.
"You're leaving," Pei Lang said this time without his usual circumlocution, getting straight to the point.
Shen Miao nodded.
Pei Lang's expression shifted slightly, hesitating before he continued, "About Liuying..."
"Miss Liuying has already been settled," Shen Miao interrupted him. "She's doing well at the embroidery workshop. Her double-sided embroidery is exceptional, and she can make a living as a skilled embroiderer. Perhaps she’ll even take on a few apprentices."
Pei Lang's expression gradually relaxed. With the Shen family about to leave the capital, his main concern had been ensuring Liuying's affairs were resolved beforehand.
Just as he began to relax, Shen Miao fixed her gaze on him and asked, "And what about the matter you were considering, Teacher Pei?"
Pei Lang was taken aback.
The matter Shen Miao referred to was naturally his role as a spy beside Fu Xiuyi. Back at the Happy Building, Pei Lang had already expressed his stance, but the specifics of how to proceed required further thought. Frowning, Pei Lang replied, "What are you trying to say?"
"Two years," Shen Miao said. "Within two years, I will return to the capital. By then, Teacher Pei must have become one of Prince Ding's most trusted advisors—indispensable, in fact."
Pei Lang laughed, though his laughter carried a hint of irritation. "Shen Miao, aren't you overestimating me? I'm just a poor scholar with nothing to my name. Even if I somehow manage to get close to Prince Ding, how could I possibly become his most relied-upon confidant?"
"Teacher, why belittle yourself? A steed that can gallop a thousand li will naturally find a discerning master." Shen Miao smiled faintly. "And if one isn’t such a steed, one must at least act like one to gain that master's favor." Lowering her voice, she challenged him, "If Teacher can’t manage it, what do you think would happen if I told Miss Liuying about Prefect Pei’s little story? Or if I revealed that you were the one behind all this? Do you think Miss Liuying would be moved to tears?"
"You—!" Pei Lang was furious. Shen Miao's words were nothing short of a threat—if he failed to become Fu Xiuyi's right-hand man, she would expose everything to Liuying. Liuying already harbored resentment over past events, and if she learned of his involvement, she might fly into a rage and return to the Fragrant Treasure Pavilion to resume her former profession.Pei Lang said, "I have never met a woman as vicious and cunning as you." The young girl before him showed no respect for seniority, nor did she honor him as a teacher. Pei Lang even had the illusion that Shen Miao always managed to outmaneuver him. Her provocations and threats seemed to carry an inexplicable resentment, leaving Pei Lang somewhat flustered. Who would have thought that beneath the gentle and delicate appearance of this young girl lay a heart colder and more ruthless than that of any scheming woman in a deep mansion?
"You jest, sir. The world is harsh; we merely struggle to survive," Shen Miao replied humbly, smiling as if she were a student receiving her teacher's admonishment. Yet, her hand subtly retrieved something from her sleeve and slipped it into Pei Lang's, placing the object in his palm.
Pei Lang was taken aback. The soft touch of her fingertips brushed against his wrist, fleeting like a butterfly about to take flight. For a moment, he felt an inexplicable urge to hold onto that touch, but he quickly regained his composure. Clutching the letter-like object in his sleeve, he looked at Shen Miao in confusion.
"The location of Liuying's embroidery workshop is noted here. If you find the time, you may take a discreet look. There are also some other matters listed. Over the next two years, I hope you will follow them accordingly," Shen Miao said.
Pei Lang stiffened, but instead of anger, he laughed. "Shen Miao, are you trying to make me your puppet?"
"Scholars have their pride, and you, sir, are a man of vast learning and unyielding integrity. I admire that deeply. With any other scholar, I would never resort to such methods." Shen Miao raised her head, observing Pei Lang's furious expression, then curled her lips into a smile. "But do you really have a choice, sir?"
"If you refuse, it doesn’t matter. Even across mountains and rivers, I have ways to share stories with Liuying." Her tone was gentle, yet her words were sharp as blades.
A surge of inexplicable fury rose in Pei Lang's heart, leaving him feeling stifled and humiliated. In front of Shen Miao, he had none of the dignity befitting a teacher. Every time he wanted to lash out, seeing her smug expression extinguished his anger. Pei Lang even wondered if he had owed her something in a past life, and now she had come to collect.
Suppressing the humiliation in his heart, he asked, "If I follow these instructions, will they meet your demands?"
"I have faith in your abilities," Shen Miao replied, lowering her gaze. The letter detailed Fu Xiuyi's plans over the coming years. Though Fu Xiuyi appeared unambitious on the surface, he had been secretly recruiting talented individuals. As for the methods he used to identify and attract such people, no one knew better than Shen Miao. Pei Lang was no ordinary man; with just a slight display of his "talents," he would naturally catch Fu Xiuyi's attention.
But gaining Fu Xiuyi's trust required careful, step-by-step planning. The letter did not specify how Pei Lang should act—it merely provided him with the opportunity to approach Fu Xiuyi. How he earned Fu Xiuyi's confidence would depend entirely on his own efforts.
This was also the greatest trust Shen Miao could place in Pei Lang.
In their past lives, Fu Xiuyi and Pei Lang had been allies. Now, she had become the first to recognize this exceptional talent, marking him as her own. She wanted Fu Xiuyi to taste the bitterness of betrayal by someone close.
She glanced at Pei Lang, suddenly feeling weary. Having said all she needed to, she had no desire to linger and turned to leave."Shen Miao," Pei Lang called out to stop her, hesitating for a moment before finally uttering two words: "Take care."
Shen Miao was somewhat surprised but merely replied indifferently, "Thank you," before leaving. Only Pei Lang remained standing in place, his gaze somewhat complicated as he stared at Shen Miao's retreating figure.
When Shen Miao left Pei Lang's courtyard, she noticed a soft, white little dumpling standing in the garden outside the schoolhouse. Spotting her, his eyes lit up as he ran over excitedly, calling out, "Sister Shen!"
Su Minlang came rolling over like a little dumpling.
Shen Miao: "..."
Actually, Su Minlang was already over ten years old this year, but perhaps because the Su family had raised him too well—unlike his precocious older brother Su Mingfeng—Su Minlang seemed even more childlike than a five or six-year-old. After running a few steps, he was already panting heavily. Shen Miao walked up to him, held his chubby arm, and asked, "What's wrong?"
"Sister Shen, are you leaving?" Su Minlang huffed and puffed for a while before saying, "I'll wait here obediently for you to come back, okay?"
Shen Miao was taken aback. After everyone here learned that Shen Xin was going to Xiaochun City, the first thing they said was either "When will you come back?" or "Are you not coming back?" Everyone seemed to think that once Shen Xin left, he might stay in Xiaochun City forever. Yet Su Minlang's first words were about waiting for her return, as if he was certain Shen Miao would definitely return to Fixed Capital. Shen Miao found it amusing and tapped his forehead teasingly, deliberately provoking him, "Who said I’ll definitely come back? Maybe I won’t."
"No, you will." Su Minlang raised his head confidently and declared, "Sister will definitely come back!"
Shen Miao tilted her head to look at him. When Su Minlang said this, his eyes were firm, without a trace of doubt. She asked, "Why are you so sure?"
"Brother Xie said you’ll definitely be back within two years!" Su Minlang chirped excitedly.
Brother Xie? Shen Miao's mind raced—Xie Jingxing?
"Although Father and Eldest Brother both think that after Sister’s family leaves, no one knows when you’ll return, Father even said General Shen has angered His Majesty this time, and His Majesty might never recall General Shen back." Su Minlang, innocent and unrestrained, didn’t pay attention to whether his words might hurt Shen Miao and continued on his own, "But when Brother Xie came to see Eldest Brother, he told him that General Shen would definitely return to the capital within two years!"
Could Xie Jingxing really have guessed her thoughts so accurately? Shen Miao felt a chill in her heart.
"Even though Brother Xie is very bad, bullies me, bullies my eldest brother, and even bullies my father... but everything he says always comes true!" For the first time, Su Minlang spoke so fluently, as if trying to prove something, and added, "If he says you’ll come back, then you’ll definitely come back! Sister Shen, you will come back, right?" By the end, his eyes were filled with eager anticipation.
Shen Miao was instantly reminded of Fu Ming, and her heart softened. She smiled and said, "He’s right. I will come back."
"Great!" Su Minlang jumped up, counting on his short fingers one by one, "Then I’ll wait here for Sister to come back. When you return, I’ll treat you to candied hawthorns, little dough figurines, and steamed sugar cakes!"
Shen Miao couldn’t help but laugh again. Being with Su Minlang seemed to sweep away any gloomy emotions in an instant, as if time itself became carefree. She said, "Just listen to your father. But about me coming back—what you told me today must never be repeated to anyone else."
If others heard such words and spread them thoughtlessly, it might eventually reach Emperor Wenhui’s ears, and he might detect clues. It was enough that one person in this world knew her plans. The more people who knew, the worse it would be.Su Minlang noticed Shen Miao's serious expression and immediately said obediently, "Understood. I only told Sister Shen and won't tell anyone else." Then he whispered to Shen Miao, "Sister Shen, but you can't tell Brother Xie either—I overheard that. If Brother Xie finds out I was eavesdropping, he'll beat me up again."
In the eyes of the second young master of the Su family, the elegant and noble young Marquis of the Xie family was nothing but an outright black-hearted bandit.
Shen Miao replied, "Alright, I won't tell."
－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－
Before leaving, I hurried to bid farewell to the two male leads. We're off to the northwest to conquer more male leads!
The taste of medicine in my mouth is so disgusting—I feel like vomiting no matter what I eat. (╥﹏╥)
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