The journey from Xiaochun City to the Fixed Capital was long and arduous, spanning thousands of miles. A round trip would take half a year. Upon receiving the imperial decree, Shen Xin set off the very next day, accompanied by Luo Ling and Luo Tan.
Luo Ling was sent by Luo Sui. As the eldest grandson of the Luo family, Luo Ling was destined to shoulder the family's responsibilities in the future. Luo Sui intended for him to gain experience in the Fixed Capital and familiarize himself with the current situation in Ming Qi. Luo Sa, on the other hand, had to stay in Xiaochun City to continue training the Luo Family Army with the elders.
Luo Tan and Luo Qian were originally not supposed to join the journey. However, Luo Tan secretly climbed onto the carriage and hid in a trunk at the back, only emerging halfway through the trip. By then, it was too late to send her back, so they had no choice but to send word back and bring her along to the Fixed Capital.
Luo Tan was full of longing for the Fixed Capital and repeatedly promised not to cause any trouble, finally securing her place in Shen Xin's entourage.
In addition to the vanguard of the Shen Family Army they had brought back earlier, Shen Xin also took a portion of the Luo Family Army this time. This group was personally trained by Shen Xin and Shen Qiu, consisting of the most elite soldiers—each one capable of being a leader in any other unit. This small but formidable force was cultivated by Shen Xin himself, accompanying him under the guise of guards.
They set off in spring and arrived in late autumn. Along the way, the green trees turned to withered leaves, swaying in the wind before falling into the soil. By the time the group began adding layers to their clothing, they were nearing the Fixed Capital.
As the sky darkened, the group rested at an inn outside the city. Shen Qiu said, "We'll enter the city first thing tomorrow morning and find a residence to settle in."
The Shen family home had been divided when they left, so returning to the Shen Mansion was out of the question. Luo Xueyan had already discussed the division of the family with Luo Sui while they were in the Luo family, so Luo Ling and Luo Tan were not surprised. Luo Tan rested her chin on her hand, her face full of longing. "Aunt, Uncle, can we find a lively place to stay? I've never been to the Fixed Capital before. It would be great if we could step out and be right in the middle of the hustle and bustle."
Luo Xueyan smiled. "The eastern part of the city used to be the liveliest, but it's been two years since we last visited. I don’t know if things have changed."
"That's easy to find out," Luo Tan said, turning to the waiter serving their food. "Young man, do you know where the liveliest place in the Fixed Capital is?"
The waiter didn’t know their identities, but seeing their large entourage and fine clothing—especially the young girl sitting in the center, whose demeanor marked her as a noble lady—he didn’t dare be negligent. He replied enthusiastically, "Miss, there are many lively places in the Fixed Capital. The eastern and southern parts are both bustling. The east has many shops, convenient for buying cosmetics and such, while the south has many taverns, perfect for dining."
Luo Tan was clearly unsatisfied with this answer. She wrinkled her nose. "That’s it?"
Afraid of displeasing her, the waiter thought for a moment and added, "If you truly seek excitement, the southern part is better. Recently, envoys from Qin State and Great Coolness arrived, and the Emperor has arranged for them to stay in the mansions of Yanqing Lane in the south. Yanqing Lane is located in the southern part."
"What’s so special about Yanqing Lane?" Luo Tan asked.
"Yanqing Lane is the most expensive piece of land in the Fixed Capital," Shen Qiu explained. "Even the imperial relatives can’t live there. None of the princes have been granted mansions there when they left the palace. Only the former Imperial Uncle once lived there for a time."
Luo Tan was first astonished. "Yanqing Lane is that expensive?" Then she grew disappointed. "But if it’s so expensive, we can’t afford a house there either."
The waiter was taken aback and scrutinized Luo Tan again. Yanqing Lane was so exclusive that even staying there for a few days was a rarity. Hearing Luo Tan speak so boldly, he almost doubted his judgment—perhaps these people were just country bumpkins visiting the city for the first time.
"It’s fine," Shen Miao interjected. "There’s a street next to Yanqing Lane, adjacent to the taverns, just outside the lane. The prices there aren’t as steep, and we can afford it. It’s not far from Yanqing Lane, so settling for the next best thing isn’t bad."
At this, the waiter was stunned again and instinctively replied, "This young lady is absolutely right. That’s exactly the case."
"Jiaojiao wants to see the excitement?" Shen Xin asked. Shen Miao was not one to seek out crowds, so her interest today seemed unusual.
"It feels fresh," Shen Miao said with a smile.
"Great, great!" Luo Tan’s eyes sparkled as she looked at Shen Miao. "You’re the best, little cousin!" She thought Shen Miao had suggested this for her sake and was deeply grateful.
Shen Miao glanced at the waiter. "Have the people from Qin State and Great Coolness already arrived?"
The waiter had been unable to take his eyes off the youngest girl in the group, feeling as if her presence alone made the chair she sat on gleam like gold. Hearing her question, he immediately answered respectfully, "Yes. The Ming Qi tribute ceremony is in a few days. Qin State and Great Coolness have both sent envoys to congratulate, and they are currently staying in the mansions of Yanqing Lane."
"Who did Qin State and Great Coolness send?" Shen Miao asked.
The waiter scratched his head. "Qin State sent His Highness the Crown Prince and the Ming An Princess. Great Coolness sent Prince Rui, the Yongle Emperor’s younger brother."
Shen Miao lowered her eyes. "Thank you."
After the waiter left, Luo Ling asked, "Cousin, do you have any thoughts about the envoys from Qin State and Great Coolness?"
Shen Miao smiled. "Nothing much. It just feels a bit novel."
Luo Tan grinned. "No matter what, once we arrive in the Fixed Capital tomorrow, we can enjoy the excitement to our hearts’ content."
In the palace of the Fixed Capital, the Emperor’s bedchamber was thick with the scent of medicine. The scented incense burning in the censer only deepened the oppressive atmosphere.
On the dragon bed, Emperor Wenhui reclined with half-closed eyes. A palace-attired beauty beside him gently fed him medicine spoon by spoon. This was none other than Consort Dong.
She fed him with utmost patience and care, ensuring each spoonful was cooled and tasted to avoid scalding him. As she fed him, she lightly patted his back to ease his breathing.
Once the medicine was finished, Consort Dong picked a candied fruit from a porcelain bowl and placed it in the Emperor’s mouth. Emperor Wenhui frowned but swallowed it, letting the sweetness chase away the bitterness. "You still remember this," he said.
"Your Majesty isn’t afraid of bitterness, but I am afraid for Your Majesty," Consort Dong replied gently. "Please humor me and eat this fruit."
Emperor Wenhui was amused, his eyes softening. "In this palace, you understand me best."
Two years could change many things. No matter how vigorous Emperor Wenhui had once been, time had taken its toll. With sons who were younger, stronger, and more ambitious, the internal and external pressures had aged him, and his health had declined.
The Crown Prince’s condition was precarious, and his faction was weakening. Princes Zhou and Jing were gaining momentum, while Princes Xuan and Li watched eagerly. Even the Emperor’s harem had become a source of irritation. In this climate, the unambitious Consort Dong and Prince Ding, Fu Xiuyi, had caught his favor.
An Emperor felt safest with sons and consorts who lacked ambition. During his illness, Emperor Wenhui often summoned Consort Dong to attend him. Despite the imperial favor, she remained as cautious as ever, never mentioning Prince Ding unless prompted. This pleased the Emperor, who occasionally confided in her about his frustrations in court.
"The tribute ceremony is about to begin," Emperor Wenhui sighed. "The messengers say Shen Xin will return to the capital in a few days. I exiled him two years ago, and he must still resent me. If not for the dire circumstances, I would never invite a wolf into my home."
"Your Majesty," Consort Dong said soothingly, "General Shen is your subject. He will do as you command. Why torment yourself over this?"
"My subject?" Emperor Wenhui sneered. "This subject’s reputation rivals my own. How can I trust his loyalty? Xie Ding was the same, but after losing his son, the Xie family is no longer a threat. I’ve no need to exterminate them. As for the Shen family… once the tribute is over… I just can’t shake this unease."
Consort Dong fell silent. Speaking further might risk accusations of meddling in state affairs. She lowered her head and busied herself with the porcelain bowl.
Meanwhile, in Consort Dong’s palace, a man stood in resplendent robes, his demeanor cold and distinguished—Fu Xiuyi. Compared to two years ago, he had grown even more composed, exuding an indescribable elegance.
"Shen Xin is resting outside the city tonight and will enter the capital tomorrow morning," a guard reported in a low voice.
Fu Xiuyi tightened his grip on his teacup, lost in thought. After a moment, he suddenly smiled. "Advisor Pei’s calculations were correct. Tomorrow, when he arrives…" He turned to the guard. "Pass the order: the city guards are to welcome Shen Xin with full honors."
The guard bowed and hurried away.
Fu Xiuyi clasped his hands behind his back, his expression darkening. Two years ago, the Shen family’s unexpected move had disrupted all his plans. Now, their return felt like another calculated step. Perhaps Shen Xin had known this day would come, which was why he had left so decisively.
If that was the case, why not place the Shen family back in the spotlight? Let them become the target of Emperor Wenhui, Princes Zhou and Li, and even the envoys from Qin State and Great Coolness. Fu Xiuyi was a man who remembered grudges and despised being manipulated.
Those who dared scheme against him would pay the price.
The next morning, Shen Xin’s group set off again. From the inn, they would reach the Fixed Capital by noon. Since they still needed to find a residence, the earlier they arrived, the better.
At the city gates, the guards immediately recognized Shen Xin’s insignia and greeted him with reverence. "General Shen!" they exclaimed, quickly opening the gates to welcome him and his entourage.
Luo Tan remarked, "Uncle, they seem to respect you a lot. Your rank must be very high."
Shen Qiu and Shen Miao, however, frowned. When they had left the Fixed Capital two years ago, the guards had looked at them with disdain, eager to kick them while they were down. This sudden warmth couldn’t just be due to the need to counter Qin State’s envoys. Someone must have orchestrated this.
Luo Tan lifted the carriage curtain to peer outside. "So this is the Fixed Capital! It’s so big and lively, with so many more people than Xiaochun City. Little cousin, the girls here are so pretty—how do they stay so delicate? Even the young men are fair and refined!"
Her chatter drew the attention of nearby onlookers, who turned to look. One glance was enough to spark exclamations. "It’s General Shen! General Shen has returned!"
"General Shen is back!"
Shen Xin had always been revered by the people of Ming Qi. Over the past two years, with the Xie family’s downfall and the Shen family’s departure, a sense of despair had settled over the capital. The arrival of envoys from Qin State and Great Coolness had only deepened the people’s insecurity. Shen Xin’s return felt like a beacon of hope, and soon, crowds gathered, cheering and shouting, "General Shen is back!"
The jubilant crowd nearly blocked the carriage’s path, their fervor overwhelming. Luo Tan covered her mouth. "Heavens, Uncle is so revered here!"
Outside, Luo Ling and the others wore uneasy expressions. While a warm welcome was flattering, Shen Xin wasn’t returning in triumph this time. He had been exiled and was only summoned back due to the Emperor’s desperation. The louder the cheers, the more it seemed like a slap to Emperor Wenhui’s face—a direct challenge to his authority.
Inside the carriage, Luo Xueyan and Shen Miao’s expressions darkened. Shen Miao’s gaze turned icy. Only Luo Tan remained oblivious, thrilled by Shen Xin’s popularity.
With the streets so congested, Shen Xin had his guards explain the situation to the crowd. The people, though still eager to catch a glimpse of him, calmed down and made way.
Mo Qing and A Zhi rode ahead to find a residence. As Shen Miao had suggested, there was a street next to Yanqing Lane with decent houses. Though Shen Xin’s funds had dwindled after reorganizing the Luo Family Army, he agreed without hesitation to Shen Miao’s request to live in the southern part of the city.
The carriage headed south.
As they neared Yanqing Lane, the crowds thinned. The area was reserved for the wealthy and powerful, far beyond the means of commoners. The welcoming citizens gradually dispersed, allowing the carriage to proceed smoothly. Mo Qing soon returned with news: they had found a house. The owner, impressed by Shen Xin’s reputation, didn’t demand a hefty deposit.
Just as they were about to pass Yanqing Lane, a gust of wind blew open the carriage curtain for a fleeting moment before it fell back into place.
Shen Miao’s eyes narrowed. Luo Tan asked, "What’s wrong?"
Shen Miao glanced at the curtain. "Nothing." But inwardly, she was on alert. For a moment, she had felt the unsettling sensation of being watched.
In the distance, atop a tall building, a young man and woman stood side by side. The woman was stunning, dressed in golden robes, her eyes large and lips small, adorned with jewels that somehow didn’t look gaudy on her. She glanced at the distant carriage and scoffed. "So this is the mighty General Shen’s family? For all their fame, they’re nothing special."
The man beside her, in his early twenties, shared some of her features. Handsome, but with a slightly hooked nose that lent him a harsh air. He smiled. "If even the Ming Qi royal family fears them, they’re no ordinary foes."
"Brother, you jest," the girl said haughtily. "The Xie family of Lin'an Hou Manor was just as unruly, and now they’re like stray dogs. Xie Jingxing didn’t even leave a whole corpse behind. The Shen family might well be next."
The man chuckled but didn’t respond.
Elsewhere, someone leaned against a railing, half-hidden by evergreen trees. Only a corner of his golden robe and a hand holding a teacup were visible. The hand was elegant and strong, adorned with a white jade ring that made it seem carved from jade. As he raised the cup to his lips, his sharp jawline and faintly red lips came into view, glistening with tea, all the more captivating.
He smiled faintly.
Mo Qing’s chosen residence was separated from Yanqing Lane by a single street. A short walk led to the bustling taverns and shops of the southern district—a prime location. The owner was accommodating, and Luo Xueyan and Shen Xin, both straightforward people, quickly settled on a fair price. By nightfall, the deed was signed, and the house changed hands.
No sooner had they settled in than a palace eunuch arrived with an imperial decree summoning Shen Xin to court the next day. Emperor Wenhui’s urgency spoke volumes about the dire situation. After receiving the decree, they busied themselves with unpacking. By the time everything was arranged, it was late. Exhausted from the long journey, everyone retired early.
Shen Miao and Luo Tan were assigned adjacent courtyards. The house wasn’t as spacious as the General’s Manor, but it was tidy and well-designed. Shen Xin and Shen Qiu lamented the lack of space for training, but Luo Xueyan and Luo Tan were satisfied. Shen Miao, indifferent to such matters, had no complaints.
That night, Luo Tan sneaked into Shen Miao’s room to chat.
Wrapped in a cloak, Luo Tan sat on the bed. "Little cousin, I can’t sleep. Keep me company."
"What do you want to talk about?" Shen Miao dismissed Jing Zhe and the others, trimmed the lamp wick, and picked up a book to flip through absentmindedly.
"I never imagined the Fixed Capital would be like this," Luo Tan mused, her tone a mix of wonder and melancholy. "Growing up in Xiaochun City, I thought the outside world would be the same. But the Fixed Capital is even grander and livelier than the storytellers described. Little cousin, I’m a little scared."
The fearless Luo Tan admitting fear? Shen Miao smiled. "What’s there to be afraid of?"
"Being alone in a strange place is scary. Even though Ling-ge is here, this isn’t home. Little cousin, have you ever felt this way? When Aunt and Uncle were in the northwest and left you alone in the Fixed Capital, were you scared?"
"There was nothing to fear," Shen Miao replied calmly. Staying in the Shen Mansion hadn’t been frightening because she had trusted her family implicitly. Fear came from the unknown. But Luo Tan’s words reminded her of her time in Qin State—that had been true isolation.
At the thought of Qin State, Shen Miao’s gaze flickered. The waiter’s words echoed in her mind: envoys from Qin State and Great Coolness had arrived. In her past life, she had met the Crown Prince of Qin and the envoys from Great Coolness during the tribute ceremony. Back then, Great Coolness had already shown signs of ambition, and Ming Qi’s royal family had been wary. To counter them, Ming Qi and Qin State had engaged in a delicate dance of alliances, culminating in her being sent to Qin State as a hostage after Fu Xiuyi ascended the throne. The Crown Prince of Qin, Huangfu Hao, had been cruel and malicious, delighting in tormenting her, while the Ming An Princess had been insufferably arrogant. Much of her suffering in Qin State had been at their hands.
As for Prince Rui of Great Coolness… Shen Miao frowned. In her past life, Great Coolness had sent a different envoy—another royal relative. Prince Rui had been a shadowy figure, the Yongle Emperor’s younger brother who rarely appeared in public. Even as Empress of Ming Qi, she had known little about him, and Fu Xiuyi had seldom mentioned him.
Some things had indeed changed.
Unaware of Shen Miao’s thoughts, Luo Tan continued, "I once dreamed of visiting the Fixed Capital to meet the young Marquis of the Xie family from Lin'an Hou Manor. Who knew that by the time I arrived, he’d be gone?" Her voice grew wistful. "Why couldn’t he have waited for me?"
Shen Miao was slightly taken aback. The figure she had rarely thought of in the past two years gradually became clearer in her mind. Upon returning to Fixed Capital, she had sought out a former servant of their old residence to inquire about the events of those two years. Among them, the affairs of Marquis Lin'an Manor stood out as a major incident.
Since Xie Jingxing's death, the Xie Family Army had suffered heavy losses, and Xie Ding seemed to have aged ten years overnight. Xie Ding had originally requested Emperor Wenhui to allow him to retire, but the emperor refused. Though Xie Ding retained his official position, he had lost all motivation, merely drifting through his days in a daze. In contrast, his two illegitimate sons had both entered officialdom. Though their positions were not high, their reputations were quite favorable. In a few more years, they would likely become outstanding figures among the younger generation of Ming Qi.
When news of Xie Jingxing's death reached Fixed Capital, Rong Xin Princess had stormed into Marquis Lin'an Manor in a fit of rage. She cursed Xie Ding for his heartlessness, declaring that a once-prosperous marquisate had turned into a demonic den after losing both Princess Yuqing and Xie Jingxing. Weeping and raging, she nearly smashed the entire manor to pieces. Afterward, she became increasingly reclusive, rarely appearing in public.
The Su family, which had been on good terms with Marquis Lin'an Manor, had also declined over the past two years. Not only Su Yu, but even the promising young men of the family had gradually faded into obscurity. In short, the decline of the Xie family had followed Xie Jingxing's fall, and the common people spoke of it with deep regret.
A dashing young man, proud and valiant, once so heroic on the battlefield, had met such a tragic end. No wonder the young women of Ming Qi had wept uncontrollably upon hearing of Xie Jingxing's death.
Shen Miao gazed at the flickering flames, lowering her eyes, only to glance over and see Luo Tan already sprawled on the couch, fast asleep.
...
Luo Xueyan combed through her long hair. Though she was already the mother of two, her hair remained jet-black and lustrous, without a single strand of white, rivaling that of a young maiden.
Shen Xin removed his heavy armor and heard Luo Xueyan say, "Entering the palace tomorrow, I feel uneasy in my heart."
"What is there to fear?" Shen Xin walked up behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders to comfort her. "It's not our first time entering the palace. Are you afraid of the music? Don’t worry, I’m here with you."
"It's not that I'm afraid of that." Luo Xueyan shot him a glare. "You and I both know the real reason for our return. The one in the palace must have reservations. I once discussed this with Father, and he said the greatest fear is that His Majesty might use something to bind our Shen family."
Shen Xin frowned. "What do you mean by that, my lady?"
"Jiaojiao and Qiu'er are still unmarried," Luo Xueyan reminded him. "If they had married during our two years in Xiaochun City, that would have settled one concern. But who knew the emperor's imperial decree would come so soon? Now that our Shen family has regained influence, many in the capital must be watching closely. Could the emperor use Qiu'er and Jiaojiao's marriages to tie our family down?"
Shen Xin was startled. "That’s unacceptable! What nonsense!" In his eyes, the marriages of Shen Qiu and Shen Miao must never be tainted by political motives, let alone used to align the Shen family with other factions."Qiu'er can wait, but I think Jiaojiao can't," Luo Xueyan said. "Jiaojiao is already sixteen. Leaving aside Xiaochun City, here in Fixed Capital, girls her age should already be discussing marriage. After two years of engagement, she’d be eighteen—just the right age to marry. We should settle this for Jiaojiao before any news comes from the palace."
"So soon?" Shen Xin hesitated. "What good families are around here? And we’d need to know their character too."
"What do you think…" Luo Xueyan looked at him, "of Ling-ge?"
...
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