The Shen Xin household began packing overnight. What was most astonishing was that before leaving, they forced Old Madam Shen to divide the family property in front of the Shen clan members.
That day, when Shen Xin and his wife were summoned to the palace, Shen Miao’s argument with Old Madam Shen at the estate gates eventually reached Shen Xin’s ears. Naturally, he was furious. The timing of this betrayal was impeccable, and they didn’t even bother to maintain appearances. Luo Xueyan was even angrier at herself for being blind in the past, having genuinely treated this family of scoundrels with sincerity.
Though Shen Xin had been stripped of his military power, he was still a man of resolve. Once he dug in his heels, not even nine oxen could pull him back. The clan leader couldn’t arrive in time, but other clan members were present. Before Old General Shen passed away, he had hoped for harmony in the family, but in the end, it fell apart.
Old Madam Shen resorted to the same vulgar, shrewish tactics she had used as a street performer in her youth, managing to seize the majority of Old General Shen’s properties and lands. Shen Miao didn’t stop her. Over the years, due to mismanagement, those shops and fields had long ceased to yield the prosperous returns they once did—keeping them would only be a burden. Besides, they were about to leave for Xiaochun City, so these things were useless to them.
Shen Xin was not short on silver. The emperor’s annual rewards had piled up considerably. Old Madam Shen had assumed the account books concerning Shen Xin’s contributions to the family coffers had long been cleaned out, but she never expected Shen Miao to produce another ledger at the last moment, clearly detailing the silver Shen Xin had personally supplemented over the years.
In front of the clan members, there was no way to deny it. No matter what, Old Madam Shen was forced to cough up some of it. Shen Miao’s reasoning was simple: no matter how much they could recover, even if Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan didn’t care for worldly possessions, it was still satisfying to make Old Madam Shen suffer a little.
True enough, Old Madam Shen was so “sickened” that she fell ill. Chen Ruoqiu was also seething with anger. Now that Ren Wanyun had washed her hands of the matter, Chen Ruoqiu was left in charge of the household. The family’s finances were already tight, and with Shen Xin reclaiming a portion, the slightest mishap in the future would likely make Old Madam Shen take her frustrations out on her.
Shen Yue was equally furious. Watching Chen Ruoqiu struggle with financial matters these past days had changed her once “aloof and proud” disposition. Though she had previously looked down on monetary concerns, she now felt the urge to fight for her share. Not daring to say much in front of the clan members, she instead feigned concern for Shen Miao: “Fifth Sister, who knows when you’ll return from this trip? I’ve heard Xiaochun City is lacking in resources. It would be terrible if you didn’t have enough to eat or use. You should take more silver with you.”
Her words carried subtle mockery about Shen Miao’s departure to a desolate place. Luo Xueyan was about to lose her temper when Shen Miao smiled gently and said, “You’re right. But the cost of living in Fixed Capital is also high. Without His Majesty’s rewards in the future, Second Sister, you shouldn’t spend as lavishly as before.” Her gaze fell on Shen Yue’s wrist as she added with a smile, “After all, there won’t be Father around to gift you bracelets anymore.”Shen Yue was taken aback and looked at the bracelet on her wrist, her face flushing red with embarrassment. The bracelet was none other than one of the rewards Shen Xin had received. In previous years, Shen Xin's rewards would be pooled into the family's common resources, and Shen Yue would pick out some pretty pieces of jewelry from them. Who would have thought that right after she made those remarks, Shen Miao would straightforwardly point out that the bracelet she was wearing belonged to Shen Xin? It was nothing short of a public slap in the face.
But the bracelet was incredibly valuable, and Shen Yue was unwilling to take it off and return it.
Shen Miao seemed to read her thoughts and smiled faintly. "Elder Sister, there's no need to return the bracelet. Once something is given, it's not right to take it back. Who knows if we'll ever have such a fine bracelet again in the future?"
At this, even Shen Wan, who had been standing silently to the side, turned grim. Shen Miao's words implied that Shen Wan would never be capable of earning such a reward on his own merit. In his official career, he would never reach the heights Shen Xin once had.
His face darkened as he shot Shen Miao a cold glance before turning to Chen Ruoqiu and Shen Yue. "Let's go," he said, leaving without another look at Shen Miao.
Now that Shen Xin had left the capital and been stripped of his military power, there was no need to feign brotherly affection anymore. Shen Wan never wasted his attention on those who had no use to him.
Shen Gui, too, couldn't hide his smugness as he gave Shen Xin a perfunctory bow. "Elder Brother, I shall take my leave first." His departing figure carried an air of arrogance. Seeing this, Wan Yiniang quickly pulled Shen Dongling along to follow, her subservient demeanor unchanged for decades, unaffected by the upheavals in Colorful Cloud Courtyard.
Shen Gui was impulsive by nature, having climbed the ranks through flattery and sycophancy. In terms of talent, he paled in comparison to his son Shen Yuan, and in temperament, he lacked Shen Wan's resilience. Heartless and ungrateful, he forgot past hardships at the slightest taste of success—hardly someone to fear.
Still, Shen Qiu couldn't help but fume. "What kind of people are they?"
Shen Miao merely smiled without answering. Shen Wan and Chen Ruoqiu aside, within two years, Shen Yuanbai would die of smallpox, and Shen Gui, having been secretly fed the child-termination drug by Ren Wanyun, would never father another child. What use were wealth, power, and beauty without an heir to inherit them? Among the three gravest acts of unfiliality, having no descendants was the worst. By then, Old Madam Shen would only press her two sons to expand the family line. Did Chen Ruoqiu truly believe she could rest easy?
Evil would be repaid with evil. Leaving this mess for the Shen family to sort out themselves was punishment enough.
By the time news of Shen Xin's retreat to Xiaochun City reached Prince Ding, Fu Xiuyi, Emperor Wenhui had already approved it.
At this point, Fu Xiuyi could say no more—the more he spoke, the more suspicion he would invite. Still, he found it odd that Shen Xin would suddenly take such a step. He had seen clearly over the years that despite Shen Xin's rough exterior, he was far from impulsive. Even if resentful over losing the Tiger Seal, he wouldn't hastily submit a memorial to leave the capital the very next day.
Unbidden, Fu Xiuyi recalled Shen Yuan's earlier warning.
"Your Highness, do not underestimate my fifth younger sister."Just a single sentence, which Fu Xiuyi hadn't paid much attention to at the time. Yet now, for some reason, it resurfaced in his mind at this very moment. Could Shen Xin's sudden decision have been influenced by Shen Miao's instigation? But how could a pampered young lady from Fixed Capital willingly venture to the cold and desolate northwest?
Fu Xiuyi sensed something amiss but couldn't pinpoint exactly what. He simply felt that events shouldn't have unfolded this way.
His advisor beside him asked, "Your Highness, are you troubled by the matter of the Grand General of Might? Although the situation has changed, the Shen Family Army has disbanded, the Tiger Seal has been reclaimed, and the Grand General's influence is now minimal. Your Highness can proceed with confidence."
Fu Xiuyi dismissed his wandering thoughts and responded indifferently. Though Shen Xin's actions deviated from his plans, he was never a crucial piece in his scheme. If there was ever an important pawn, it was when Shen Miao had admired him—that could have been useful. But for some unknown reason, that affection had faded, causing him to lose the opportunity to draw the Shen family onto his side.
Still, he felt a sense of relief. Had he actually married Shen Miao, even with the Shen family's military support, he would have been ridiculed by all. Fu Xiuyi, inherently proud, could never tolerate such a blemish. Now, all those hypothetical scenarios dissipated as the Shen family prepared to leave the capital. He said, "In the coming days, recruit more talents for our cause."
The advisor was momentarily taken aback but quickly bowed in agreement.
Fu Xiuyi shifted his gaze. Since the game had already begun, and the conquest of the realm was within reach, gathering more capable individuals in the shortest time possible was now the top priority.
Shen Xin departed the capital early the next morning.
They left at dawn, before daybreak, slipping away quietly. Firstly, Shen Xin didn’t want to put his colleagues in a difficult position—if they came to bid farewell, it would be tantamount to openly defying Emperor Wenhui. The emperor’s temper was unpredictable, and provoking his wrath would be unwise. Secondly, the journey from Fixed Capital to Xiaochun City was long and arduous; an early start meant they might arrive sooner.
Even with swift horses, the journey would take the better part of a year.
Though Shen Xin had been stripped of the Shen Family Army, leaving only a vanguard, he still had a group of trusted followers in private. Along with Shen Qiu’s subordinates, Mo Qing, and A Zhi, they were well-prepared for any dangers along the way. The journey itself was not unpleasant. Luo Xueyan and Shen Xin had initially worried that Shen Miao’s delicate constitution wouldn’t endure the long and strenuous trip, fearing she might fall ill midway. To their surprise, Shen Miao never once complained of exhaustion. Even Shen Xin couldn’t help but praise her: "Jiaojiao truly is my daughter—such resilience! Which young lady in Fixed Capital could match her?"
Luo Xueyan rolled her eyes at him but felt increasingly guilty toward Shen Miao. Their well-bred daughter, accustomed to comfort, now had to endure the hardships of travel.
Jing Zhe, peering out from the carriage curtain, was awestruck by the sights outside—her first time traveling far from home. She exclaimed at everything, from birds in the sky to rabbits in the woods. Noticing Shen Miao’s calm demeanor, she asked curiously, "Miss, aren’t you amazed by all this? These are things we never see in the city."
Hearing this, Gu Yu also studied Shen Miao’s expression and ventured, "Miss, you don’t seem the least bit reluctant to leave."
Seated inside the carriage, Luo Xueyan paused at these words.Leaving the hometown she had lived in for over a decade for an unfamiliar place she'd never heard of—Little Spring City was certainly less prosperous than Fixed Capital. Being in a strange land with unfamiliar faces, any young girl would naturally show nostalgia and reluctance to leave her hometown at this moment. Yet Shen Miao remained calm throughout, even appearing somewhat lighthearted at times.
Lighthearted about leaving home—what was there to be lighthearted about?
Feeling Luo Xueyan's gaze, Shen Miao paused slightly before smiling. She looked at the scenery flashing past outside the carriage and said, "With Father, Mother, and Eldest Brother by my side, what is there to miss? Even if we stayed in Fixed Capital, without family, wouldn't it still not feel like home?"
Hearing this, Luo Xueyan's heart ached. Recalling how they had seen the ugly faces of the Shen family upon their return, and realizing they had left Shen Miao among those people for so many years, thinking she was living well—it now seemed like the biggest joke. Shen Miao probably hadn't considered those people as family either, otherwise she wouldn't have spoken such words.
Thinking of this, Luo Xueyan pulled Shen Miao into her arms and said guiltily, "You're right, Jiaojiao. From now on, you'll always be with Father, Mother, and Eldest Brother. No one will dare bully you again."
Shen Miao nestled in Luo Xueyan's embrace, lowering her eyes to conceal a trace of coldness.
Leaving home and traveling alone—this wasn't the first time. In her past life, when she went to Qin State as a hostage, the journey was long and arduous, yet she had walked it alone. Even with her trusted maids by her side, how many had been lost in foreign lands? The scenery then was much like now—though the memories had blurred, the feelings from that time remained vivid. From Fixed Capital to Qin State, and back from Qin State to Fixed Capital—both journeys had been bleak and desolate. Pitifully, she had thought she was sacrificing for righteousness, for the common people, unaware of how laughable and pathetic she appeared in others' eyes.
This time, she wasn't leaving alone. And when she returned, she wouldn't be alone either.
The mountain road stretched endlessly, and before they knew it, evening had fallen. Since they were traveling through the mountains, there were no inns or taverns, forcing them to seek shelter at a farmer's home. Fortunately, the farmer's family was warm and hospitable, welcoming them enthusiastically and preparing a fine meal with homemade wine.
As they needed to continue their journey early the next day, Shen Xin and the others dared not drink, fearing it would delay their departure. Shen Miao, however—whether in good spirits or because the farmer's homemade Plum Blossom Wine was irresistibly sweet—drank several cups until her cheeks flushed pink.
"Jiaojiao, why did you drink so much?" Luo Xueyan hadn't noticed at first, but upon seeing Shen Miao propping her cheek with one hand, looking drowsy, she quickly reached out to feel her forehead.
"The young miss probably didn't realize how strong this wine is," the farmer's wife said with a smile. "Our homemade Plum Blossom Wine tastes light and sweet, but it packs a punch. My own daughter often overindulges and ends up tipsy too. But a good night's sleep is all it takes—no headaches the next day. No need to worry, Madam."
Only then did Luo Xueyan relax. Shen Qiu found his sister's tipsy state amusing. "Never thought I'd see the day my little sister gets drunk. How interesting."When Shen Qiu returned this time, he encountered a composed and gentle Shen Miao, whose maturity sometimes gave him the illusion that she was the elder sister. Occasionally, he even missed the old Shen Miao—though willful and lacking propriety, she at least had the temperament befitting a young girl. Seeing her like this now made Shen Qiu recall the past version of her, and he couldn’t help but feel a sense of familiarity.
“You brat,” Shen Xin kicked Shen Qiu lightly. “Your sister is already this drunk, and you’re still fooling around.”
Shen Qiu quickly stuck out his tongue and pretended to be frightened as he begged for mercy. The whole family, along with the farmer’s household, was lively and joyful, with none of the sorrow or helplessness of being “far from home.”
Shen Miao propped her chin on her hands, squinting as she watched the scene before her. Though the Plum Blossom Wine was intoxicating, she was still somewhat sober. Today had indeed been extremely joyful. Everything was going according to plan. Aside from keeping Shen Xin away from the turmoil in Fixed Capital, another reason was the smallpox outbreak that would occur in the city a year later. Though nothing had happened in her past life, she wasn’t willing to take even the slightest risk with her family’s safety now. Staying away from Fixed Capital meant staying away from danger. Even if she sought revenge, it had to be on the condition that her family remained safe.
The lively dinner lasted until late at night before everyone dispersed. The hospitable farmer’s family had arranged enough rooms for them. Originally, Luo Xueyan was supposed to share a room with Shen Miao, but Shen Miao insisted on staying in a room near the courtyard wall—alone. That room was separate, far from the others. If she stayed there, she would be apart from Luo Xueyan and the rest.
At first, Shen Xin thought it wasn’t a good idea. If danger arose, they might not be able to reach her in time. But today, Shen Miao seemed oddly stubborn, insisting on staying in that room even in her drunken haze. The farmer’s wife noticed and chuckled, “Perhaps the young miss wants to see the flowers outside the courtyard wall. They look especially beautiful under the snow—young ladies always adore such sights. Madam needn’t worry. Though our place is small, there are no bandits or robbers here. If you’re still concerned, you could set up a tent outside and station a few more Guards.”
Only then did everyone realize that the room by the courtyard wall had a window overlooking a vast, snow-white garden. Winter plum blossoms still lingered in the garden, and under the moonlight, their shadows swayed on the snowy ground—a truly picturesque scene.
Shen Qiu was both exasperated and amused. He pinched Shen Miao’s nose and teased, “Such a delicate little thing, no wonder you’re called Jiaojiao. Even drunk, you still insist on finding a place with the best view.”
Luo Xueyan swatted Shen Qiu’s hand away and scolded, “Stop messing around.” Then, looking at the dazed Shen Miao, she sighed. “She won’t sleep with me and insists on staying so far away. Fine, let Mo Qing and A Zhi set up a tent outside the courtyard for the night. Jing Zhe and Gu Yu can help her change and then come out.”
Unlike the mansion back in Fixed Capital, where there were inner and outer chambers allowing Jing Zhe and Gu Yu to sleep on a small couch outside, this farmer’s house had no such arrangement. Luo Xueyan and Shen Xin weren’t harsh masters—they would never make Jing Zhe and Gu Yu sleep on the floor just to attend to Shen Miao. Considering the farmer’s house wasn’t very large and with A Zhi and Mo Qing keeping watch outside, there shouldn’t be any problems.After changing Shen Miao's clothes and washing her face, Jing Zhe and Gu Yu finally left the room. Outside in the courtyard, Mo Qing and A Zhi, who had already set up the tent, were prepared to take turns keeping watch. Jing Zhe and Gu Yu went over to give them a few more instructions before departing.
The "scenic and charming" little side room was now left with only Shen Miao inside.
Yet Shen Miao, who had just been helped onto the bed by Jing Zhe, suddenly climbed back up from the couch.
The delayed effects of the plum blossom wine finally surged up at this moment. Shen Miao's once-clear eyes were now clouded with confusion. She swayed as she stood up, heading toward the window, but stumbled and nearly knocked over the corner of the table, almost falling flat.
In the darkness, a pair of strong arms steadied her. A faint, refreshing scent wafted from the person holding her, and a familiar voice tinged with amusement sounded by her ear: "Tsk, throwing yourself at people like this."
Shen Miao instinctively wrapped her arms around his waist to steady herself, unaware that her action caused the other person to stiffen momentarily.
A moment later, with a "whoosh," a flame flickered to life. The person had somehow found a fire tinder and lit the oil lamp in the room.
The windows of the farmhouse were solid wood carvings—no paper covering them—so the light inside couldn't be seen from outside. Thus, no one in the courtyard noticed anything unusual happening indoors.
Under the dim lamplight, the features of the other person became clear. Dressed in a snow-white fox fur coat and deep red brocade robes, with lips red as cinnabar and teeth white as jade, his dark eyes sparkled like peach blossoms. Even traveling at night in such finery, his elegant bearing was unmistakable—it was none other than Xie Jingxing.
Shen Miao froze. "Xie Jingxing?" As she spoke, her body swayed heavily, and she leaned into him again, almost embracing him fully.
Xie Jingxing frowned. "Such strong liquor—how much did you drink?" He gave her a once-over and remarked disdainfully, "I came to see you off out of kindness, only to find a drunkard."
"You're the drunk one," Shen Miao retorted immediately.
"Alright, you recognize me and still talk back—guess you're not that drunk." As he spoke, Xie Jingxing helped her back onto the bed and brought the oil lamp closer.
In the flickering light, Shen Miao, clad in plain white undergarments with her hair loosely cascading down, looked over at him in a daze—utterly unlike her usual sharp and composed self. Instead, she seemed like a pitiful young girl. Xie Jingxing couldn't resist and pinched her cheek hard.
Shen Miao glared at him indignantly.
Amused by her rare childish expression, Xie Jingxing thought to himself that since she was drunk, this might be a chance to get some honest answers. "Who am I?" he asked.
"Xie Jingxing," she answered swiftly.
"Do you know what kind of person Xie Jingxing is?"
Shen Miao stared at him, slowly furrowing her brows, but remained silent. Xie Jingxing found her gaze odd—was she silently cursing him in her mind? But then, Shen Miao suddenly smiled and said, "A dazzling, extraordinary figure."
Xie Jingxing: "..."
He studied her thoughtfully. "Are you faking being drunk?"
"Young Marquis Xie, a prodigious talent, a legend of the ages, who died young..." Her voice gradually trailed off, as if she couldn't remember the rest.Xie Jingxing initially had some doubts, but upon seeing that Shen Miao didn’t seem to be putting on an act, he found it rather odd. Raising an eyebrow, he remarked, “I didn’t expect you to hold me in such high regard.” He leaned in closer and teased, “Could it be that you fancy me?”
Shen Miao pushed his head away with her hand.
Xie Jingxing was somewhat speechless. Normally, teasing Shen Miao would have been quite amusing. But now that she was so drunk she even praised him as a “legendary figure,” he found the banter rather dull. He said, “I only wanted to see you one last time, but you’re this drunk. Forget it, let’s part ways here.” As he turned to leave, a sudden “thud” sounded—Shen Miao had tumbled off the couch and onto the floor again.
At first, Xie Jingxing thought to help her up, but then he stopped himself. Crossing his arms, he stood leisurely to the side, watching Shen Miao struggle on the ground. After enjoying the sight for a while, he finally said, “You really ought to see what you look like right now.”
Shen Miao, dizzy from the wine and her body weak, couldn't stand up no matter how much she flailed on the ground. Xie Jingxing, unable to bear watching any longer, mercifully helped her up again and seated her on the couch. Then, they heard Shen Miao say, "Eunuch Li, this Empress wishes to see the fireworks."
In the silent night, Shen Miao's words were exceptionally clear.
Eunuch Li, this Empress wishes to see the fireworks.
The charcoal burning in the room seemed to freeze.
Xie Jingxing's lips, which had been slightly curved, slowly straightened. His peach-blossom eyes, usually brimming with charm, lost their mirth. He crouched slightly, bringing his gaze level with Shen Miao, who was seated on the couch. Though the motion was gentle, his eyes grew colder by the second. "What did you say?" he asked.
Shen Miao stared at him with wide eyes. Under the warm glow of the lanterns, her eyes appeared even clearer, the faint traces of drunkenness adding a mature allure to her youthful face. Delicately, she extended a hand with an air of haughtiness, as if expecting a palace attendant to take it, and commanded, "Eunuch Li, this Empress wishes to see the fireworks. Go and summon the Crown Prince and the Princess."
Crown Prince and Princess...
Xie Jingxing's gaze bore into Shen Miao. His handsome features, captivating when he smiled, now exuded a dangerous aura, like a silent abyss—one glance felt like mockery. He watched her for a long moment before suddenly chuckling softly.
Though his lips curved, his eyes remained devoid of amusement. He gently lifted Shen Miao's chin—a rogue's gesture that, when performed by him, carried an innate elegance, so tender it could drown one in his dark, mesmerizing eyes.
He asked, "Shen Miao, do you wish to be Empress?"
Shen Miao blinked at him and replied, "That was always mine."
" Yours? "
"This Empress's."
Xie Jingxing's fingers tightened slightly, causing Shen Miao to wince in discomfort.
"Such ambition for a little girl," he murmured, his tone unreadable but his gaze dangerous. "Ambitious women are the most beautiful, but you're not a woman yet."
Shen Miao met his gaze. Under the moonlight, amidst the swaying plum blossoms, the scene should have been romantic—yet the air was thick with tension, laced with danger, ambiguity, and unspoken challenges.
She seemed like a pampered young lady, one who, like any other girl her age, would eventually concern herself with finding a good husband. Yet, step by step, she had schemed and endured, plotting behind the scenes. Though Xie Jingxing had suspected her ambition, hearing it so plainly in her drunken state still took him by surprise.
This girl, covered in thorns—from an Incompetent to a master strategist, from the celebrated daughter of a general to a fallen noble—had never lost the fierce, beast-like glint in her seemingly docile eyes, nor the innate nobility and pride that clung to her. The way she had uttered "Eunuch Li, this Empress wishes to see the fireworks" carried the grace of someone who had long occupied a high position, lingering like the chime of a bell in the silent night.
Even in her dreams, her presence was undeniably that of an Empress. Now still a young girl, in a few years... in a few more years, her radiance would be impossible to conceal. She might truly possess the bearing of one who could rule the world.
Xie Jingxing slowly released her chin, his gaze inscrutable. He made to stand and leave, but Shen Miao suddenly mumbled, "Xiao Li Zi, fetch this Empress's cloak. This Empress is cold."
From Eunuch Li to Xiao Li Zi in an instant.
Xie Jingxing's complicated emotions were instantly disrupted, leaving him torn between laughter and exasperation. "You're ordering me?" he asked.
"Cold," Shen Miao whined, pouting at him.
Xie Jingxing took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to grab her and give her a good shake. Instead, he removed his own cloak and draped it over her.
Shen Miao snuggled into it and rewarded him with a smile. "This Empress will reward you with bolts of silk later."
Such boundless favor.
Xie Jingxing stared at her impassively. "Many thanks for Your Majesty's generosity. This humble subject takes his leave." He turned to go, but Shen Miao grabbed his sleeve.
Tonight's Shen Miao was truly abnormal. Xie Jingxing had never imagined her drunk self would be like this. He had thought to tease her while she was inebriated, but in the end, it seemed he was the one being toyed with. The esteemed Young Marquis Xie, reduced to being ordered around like a eunuch— Eunuch Li, Xiao Li Zi...
Shen Miao tugged at his sleeve, pulling him down until he crouched before her again, their eyes level. Satisfied, she released his sleeve—only to seize his collar instead.
Xie Jingxing was baffled. Then Shen Miao murmured, "In the previous dynasty, there was a widowed princess who took a consort. Since His Majesty treats me poorly, I might as well consider myself widowed and find a consort too."
Xie Jingxing was stunned by the first part of her statement, but the latter half left him utterly speechless. He stared at her. "In your dream, are you a deposed and disfavored Empress?"
"Not disfavored— widowed! " Shen Miao glared at him indignantly.
Xie Jingxing nodded lazily. "Cursing your husband dead just because you're out of favor? You must be a venomous Empress."
"But you..." Shen Miao suddenly remarked, "You're quite handsome. Are you a new consort?"
Xie Jingxing: "..."
"That princess from the previous dynasty took a beautiful consort. This Empress has seen his portrait, but he wasn't as lovely as you." Shen Miao declared. "Serve this Empress, and I'll ensure your lower half is well taken care of."
Xie Jingxing was first shocked by her mention of a consort , but the latter part left him utterly dumbfounded. Was he... being treated as a male concubine?
Before he could react, the hand gripping his collar yanked hard, and something soft pressed against him—a pair of cool lips brushed his, licking lightly before nipping, the sweet fragrance of plum wine filling his senses.
"From now on, you belong to this Empress," Shen Miao announced primly, releasing him with a dignified smile.
By the time Xie Jingxing regained his senses, only one thought remained: He wanted to strangle this woman.
Just then, a whistle sounded outside—a signal from his men. Mo Qing and the others had noticed the commotion. Gritting his teeth, Xie Jingxing cast Shen Miao one last glance before vanishing in a flash.
A Zhi opened the door but found nothing inside. Scratching his head, he said, "No one's here."
"Must have been a mistake," Mo Qing muttered, frowning.
Amidst the snow-laden plum blossoms, the handsome youth in dark red robes—usually so composed—now wore an uncharacteristically unsettled expression. The middle-aged man beside him couldn't resist asking, "Master seems troubled... What happened inside?"
He had only gone to bid farewell to the Shen family's young lady. Why did he emerge so... off?
The red-clad youth's eyes darkened. "Tie Yi, do I look like... like..."
Tie Yi was puzzled. "Like what?"
"Never mind!" Xie Jingxing spat through gritted teeth. "Let's go."
Author's Note:
My Empress is just this fierce and domineering, and my Xie-gege is nothing but a tsundere sweet-talker with a sharp tongue ♪(^∇^*)
The real stirrings of the heart probably started here~ This chapter was so fun to write :3
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