The next day, Shen Miao woke up late.
Xie Jingxing had arrived only at midnight the previous night, and by the time their conversation ended, she was utterly exhausted. She slept soundly through the night without any dreams and woke up much later than usual.
It was rare for Shen Miao to sleep in, so Luo Xueyan assumed she must have been tired from the previous day's tribute banquet and had food specially kept aside for her to eat upon waking. Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan had left early in the morning for the Ministry of War—having just been reinstated to their official positions, there were many past matters to settle. Shen Qiu and Luo Ling were also not at home, as Luo Ling was seeking a new post. Shen Xin had simply assigned Luo Ling to assist Shen Qiu, which would also prevent others from taking advantage of Luo Ling's unfamiliarity with the capital.
Thus, the newly established "Shen Residence" was left with only Luo Tan and Shen Miao. Coincidentally, Feng Anning had sent Shen Miao an invitation that day, asking her to accompany her to pick out some jewelry. Shen Miao sent Luo Tan in her stead, assigning a few guards from the Shen Mansion to accompany her, claiming she was too tired and wished to rest at home for the day.
Luo Tan didn’t press further, only offering a few words of concern before leaving. After Luo Tan departed, Shen Miao instructed Mo Qing to deliver a letter to the Hall of Extensive Learning. Mo Qing acknowledged the order and left promptly.
Two years had passed, and Fixed Capital had inevitably undergone some changes. For instance, Liuying, the once-popular courtesan of the Fragrant Treasure Pavilion, had finally been ransomed by the devoted and steadfast Young Master Mo for a staggering sum of a thousand taels of gold. Though the city had lost one Liuying, it had quietly gained something else in recent years—the long-lost art of double-sided embroidery, with a single piece of embroidered silk fetching hundreds of taels. It was said that the embroiderer was not only exceptionally skilled but also strikingly beautiful, turning the embroidery workshop into a lucrative business overnight.
Changing one’s way of life didn’t necessarily lead to worse outcomes. No one could predict what new hopes might emerge after taking that first step.
Liuying was thriving, and those who had worried for her naturally rejoiced. Pei Lang was a man of his word, and the moment Shen Miao saw him at the tribute banquet, she had already formed a plan. Pei Lang had gained Fu Xiuyi’s trust—enough for Fu Xiuyi to keep him close. Though Fu Xiuyi was suspicious by nature, that trait had only intensified after he became ruler. Objectively speaking, the current Fu Xiuyi still valued and appreciated talent. Pei Lang was a man of depth and vision, and Fu Xiuyi would undoubtedly go to great lengths to keep him by his side.
Precisely because of this, now that Fu Xiuyi had tested Pei Lang’s abilities, he would next test his loyalty. Shen Miao couldn’t recklessly seek out Pei Lang, lest Fu Xiuyi grow suspicious.
This pawn had yet to cross the river.
"Fetch me a cloak," she said.
Bailu and Shuangjiang, who were tidying the room, looked up in surprise. "Is the young lady going out?"
"There are matters I must attend to," Shen Miao replied.
Bailu and Shuangjiang fell silent. Gu Yu stepped forward quietly to comb Shen Miao’s hair, while Jing Zhe went to find the cloak. Unconsciously, Shen Miao’s maids had developed an instinctive obedience to her commands. Anyone witnessing this would surely be astonished—even palace-trained maids might not be as efficient and composed.Once they left the mansion gates and Mo Qing had departed for the Hall of Extensive Learning, Shen Miao called for A Zhi. Over time, Shen Miao had grown much closer to Shen Qiu's subordinates. Back in the northwest, she had offered Shen Qiu numerous military strategies—ideas she had merely borrowed from Fu Xiuyi's advisors in her past life, mimicking their methods. Yet to others, it appeared as though Shen Miao possessed extraordinary foresight and tactical brilliance. The rough-and-tumble soldiers, though crude men, admired her intellect and treated her with newfound respect.
Shen Miao said to A Zhi, "Don't tell anyone about today's outing."
A Zhi felt a jolt of unease. Though his loyalty lay with Shen Qiu, the pressure under Shen Miao's clear gaze was undeniable. He nodded. "Understood."
A Zhi arranged for an ordinary carriage, one that wouldn’t draw attention or be recognized as belonging to the Shen family. The reason was simple: the day before, Shen Miao had offended the Qin State’s Ming An Princess, who, along with Huangfu Hao, was staying nearby in Yanqing Lane. If they happened to cross paths and the princess sought trouble, it would be disastrous. The princess was notoriously spoiled, and with the Qin State’s numerous guards, any incident would escalate before Shen Xin and his wife could intervene.
Yet A Zhi was deeply puzzled. Having been away from Fixed Capital for two years, the only person Shen Miao could possibly have ties with was Feng Anning, the eldest daughter of the Feng family. But today, Shen Miao had declined Feng Anning’s invitation—clearly, she wasn’t meeting her. His mind raced with wild speculations, recalling the romantic tales Luo Tan used to tell Luo Qian back in the Luo family. A chill ran down his spine. If this was some clandestine rendezvous with a suitor, A Zhi would risk his life to report it to Shen Qiu. The Shen family had finally produced such a talented and beautiful young lady—how could she be whisked away by some unknown rogue?
Never in his wildest dreams did he expect Shen Miao’s destination to be Fengxian Pawnshop.
The pawnshop was as deserted as it had been two years prior. After all, not everyone had treasures worthy of pawning here.
Shen Miao stepped out of the carriage, with A Zhi close behind. Jing Zhe and Gu Yu quickly followed. Before A Zhi could take in the surroundings, Shen Miao was already striding toward the pawnshop.
The attendant, who had been dusting the counter with a cloth, spotted four figures approaching. The one leading them wore a cloak, and as she lowered the hood, a delicate, refined face was revealed—clearly a pampered young lady from a noble family, her dignified aura impossible to ignore. He greeted her with an ingratiating smile. "Miss, are you here to pawn something?"
Shen Miao glanced at him. The attendant was new—she had heard that after their departure for Xiaochun City, Fengxian Pawnshop had closed for two years and had only recently reopened. She wondered if Hongling and Ji Yushu were still here. "I’m looking for Hongling," she said.
The attendant froze, scrutinizing her carefully. Shen Miao met his gaze calmly. After a pause, he hastily replied, "Please wait a moment, miss," before disappearing into the back room.A moment later, a woman in red arrived, followed by the attendant from earlier. Still clad in red robes, her features exuded even more charm than two years prior, now even more captivating. When she saw Shen Miao, her gaze lingered briefly before she suddenly smiled and said, "Long time no see, Miss Shen. You've grown even more striking—so dazzling that Hongling can hardly keep her eyes open."
Though these words were somewhat bold and impudent, coming from Hongling, they didn’t feel vulgar but rather carried an inexplicable frankness. Shen Miao gave a slight nod, and Hongling laughed again, saying, "Same as before, Miss Shen, follow me. But..." She pointed a delicate finger at A Zhi and cooed, "This big oaf can’t come along."
A Zhi, lively by nature and unlike Mo Qing’s aloofness, blushed when pointed at by such a bewitching proprietress. Still, he insisted, "This subordinate must accompany Miss Shen."
"Wait here," Shen Miao said. "I’m just meeting a friend. Jing Zhe and Gu Yu will follow me." Her tone was firm, leaving A Zhi no room for argument.
Hongling, observing this, flashed a hint of surprise in her eyes. She likely hadn’t expected that someone as delicate and petite as Shen Miao could so effortlessly command the respect of the guards she brought along—whether it was Mo Qing or A Zhi, they all revered her from the bottom of their hearts. Capable subordinates often carried some measure of pride, yet in Shen Miao’s presence, none of them dared show even a trace of arrogance.
Shen Miao was a woman of remarkable ability.
Hongling led Shen Miao toward the small building of Immortal by the River, with Jing Zhe and Gu Yu following behind. Shen Miao asked, "I heard Fengxian Pawnshop reopened not long ago. Two years ago..."
"Two years ago, the shopkeeper had some family matters and closed the shop to return to his hometown. He only recently came back to Fixed Capital," Hongling replied with a smile, taking up the conversation. "Come to think of it, Miss Shen is the first familiar patron we’ve encountered since reopening."
Shen Miao mentally noted this before responding with a faint smile. Upon entering the building, Hongling settled her into an elegant chamber, just as before, and said, "Hongling will go fetch the shopkeeper now. Please rest here, have some tea, and wait a moment." With that, she left.
On the table were plums and tea, with scented incense curling in the air. The chamber was exactly as she remembered. For a pawnshop as large as Fengxian to remain unused for two years without even leasing it out—it truly reeked of the extravagance of a nouveau riche landlord.
Before Shen Miao could finish her cup of tea, the sound of someone pushing the door open came from outside. She set down her cup and saw a man stride in, dressed in a vibrant emerald-green robe woven with golden peacocks and floral patterns, a golden crown atop his head, his face beaming with a smile.
His face was still boyish, yet the passage of two years had lent it a touch of youthful maturity. However, his mischievous expression remained unchanged. Still... Shen Miao studied him. Only Ji Yushu could wear such a flamboyant outfit with such unbridled delight—this man was truly a dandy at heart.
When Ji Yushu pushed open the door and saw Shen Miao, his eyes lit up. Without the slightest restraint, he lavished praise, "I once thought Miss Shaoyao was the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen, but now it seems Miss Shen is no less stunning. Two years apart, and you’ve only grown more radiant—I’m at a loss for words to describe you."Jing Zhe and Gu Yu both showed displeasure on their faces at the sight. Ji Yushu's words were unmistakably those of a rogue teasing a virtuous maiden, yet paired with his innocent expression, it was confusing whether he was deliberately playing dumb or genuinely unaware of his own words.
Shen Miao smiled faintly. "Shopkeeper Ji has also grown wealthier than before," she remarked, her gaze sweeping over Ji Yushu's flamboyant attire.
Ji Yushu sat down opposite Shen Miao, poured himself a cup of tea, and appeared genuinely delighted, as if truly happy about their reunion. He said, "I never expected Miss Shen to still remember an old friend like me. I heard General Shen has just returned to the capital. Instead of rushing to meet others, Miss Shen came to Fengxian Pawnshop—truly treating me as someone trustworthy. I am deeply moved."
Shen Miao: "..." Just last night, she had dealt with someone full of self-delusion, and now here was another. Shen Miao felt a headache coming on. Moreover, Ji Yushu spoke with such earnestness, genuinely believing Shen Miao held him in such high regard.
Shen Miao cleared her throat lightly. "Actually, I came today to do business with Shopkeeper Ji. Having just returned to Fixed Capital, there are many things I’m unclear about and must rely on Baixiaosheng for."
Ji Yushu was momentarily taken aback but quickly responded, "Business? That’s easy. Whatever Miss Shen wishes to know, Baixiaosheng will spare no effort. As for the silver... since Miss Shen and I are friends, I’ll give you a twenty percent discount."
Jing Zhe and Gu Yu rolled their eyes behind them. Ji Yushu managed such a vast enterprise—ostensibly a pawnshop but in reality conducting business with no capital—where profits flowed endlessly once a deal was struck. Yet he was so stingy as to offer only a twenty percent discount? Truly, no merchant is without cunning.
Shen Miao smiled faintly. "The silver is no issue, but this time the information might not be easy to obtain."
Ji Yushu replied, "Miss Shen must be joking. Fengxian Pawnshop has even taken on the business of 'fabricating' information before. What could possibly deter us now?"
"But Shopkeeper Ji has been away from Ming Qi for two years. Matters concerning Ming Qi might be troublesome to investigate," she said.
Ji Yushu grinned, his expression brimming with pride. "Miss Shen shouldn’t underestimate Fengxian Pawnshop. Though I’ve been away from Fixed Capital for two years and the pawnshop has closed, business must go on. Otherwise, how would I support myself? Baixiaosheng is still operational. After all, two years’ worth of earnings can’t be wasted. Tell me, Miss Shen, what information do you need? Fengxian Pawnshop will naturally serve you."
Shen Miao chuckled. "With Shopkeeper Ji’s assurance, I’m at ease. Today, I’ve come to make three transactions, all for purchasing information. The first... does Shopkeeper Ji know about the news of the young Marquis of Lin'an Hou Manor, Xie family, who died in battle two years ago?"
Ji Yushu froze, looking at Shen Miao. "Why would Miss Shen inquire about this?"
"The Xie family and my Shen family are both military aristocratic families of Ming Qi. Though Marquis Lin'an and my father held differing political views, warriors naturally respect one another. As the saying goes, 'When the rabbit dies, the fox mourns.' The young Marquis Xie was a man of great talent who met a tragic end on the battlefield. Privately, I find it regrettable and would like Shopkeeper Ji’s help in thoroughly investigating the traces surrounding his death, including the details of his burial."Ji Yushu took a sip of tea and smiled, "That's easy enough. But since Xie Jingxing's death is common knowledge, digging up something different won't be simple. I can't guarantee results—after all, the dead are gone, and it's been too long."
"Just do your best, Shopkeeper Ji. If nothing comes of it, I won't hold it against you," Shen Miao said as she poured herself another cup of tea, her tone light and indifferent. "For the second matter—do you know of a palace physician in Ming Qi named Gao Yang?"
"Pfft—" Ji Yushu spat out his tea. Shen Miao shot Jing Zhe a glance, and Jing Zhe quickly handed him a handkerchief.
As Ji Yushu fumbled to wipe the tea off himself, Shen Miao remarked, "Shopkeeper Ji seems quite surprised?"
"Ahem," Ji Yushu coughed. "Indeed, I am. Why would Miss Shen want to inquire about a palace physician?"
"Just a favor for someone," Shen Miao replied, watching him. "Have you never heard the name before?"
Gao Yang shook his head. "First time hearing it. His medical skills must not be remarkable, or he'd already be renowned." He hesitated before adding, "To be honest, Miss Shen, why are you involved with the palace? Though Baixiaosheng deals in information, the palace is tangled with too many factions. It's risky for us merchants."
Shen Miao remained silent, her calm gaze making Ji Yushu uneasy. He cleared his throat, his voice inexplicably lowering. "It's not impossible... but it'll cost extra..."
"Money isn't an issue," Shen Miao assured with a smile. "You won't be shortchanged."
After the previous two transactions, Ji Yushu was already on edge. He forced a dry laugh. "What is the third piece of information Miss Shen wishes to purchase?"
"The third matter is somewhat difficult," Shen Miao said, eyeing him. "But I believe with Shopkeeper Ji's capabilities, it's only a matter of time."
Ji Yushu managed a weak smile. "Thank you for your trust, Miss Shen. But... what could possibly be so challenging that even you find it difficult?"
"I want to inquire about someone," Shen Miao set down her teacup. "Prince Rui of Great Coolness."
Ji Yushu's hand trembled slightly as he held his cup, though his expression remained inscrutable. "Oh? Why would Miss Shen want to know about Prince Rui? As far as I know, His Highness only recently arrived in Fixed Capital. Even if you had any connection, the most you'd see of him would be at the tribute banquet. Could it be that Miss Shen, like those noble ladies, has fallen for Prince Rui's striking looks and seeks information?" By the end, Ji Yushu inexplicably perked up, his earlier gloom replaced with rare excitement.
Jing Zhe and Gu Yu were seething behind them. Ji Yushu's nonsense, if overheard by outsiders, would surely tarnish Shen Miao's reputation. Yet as servants, they couldn't interrupt, so they could only glare at him in silent fury.
Shen Miao observed Ji Yushu's animated excitement with faint amusement before suddenly smiling. "Indeed. I, too, admire his peerless beauty."
Ji Yushu froze. His mouth fell open as he pointed at Shen Miao in disbelief, stammering, "R-really? Truly?"
Shen Miao nodded solemnly. "Truly."Ji Yushu seemed to have uncovered some major secret, unable to contain his excitement. He chuckled twice and said, "In that case, I will certainly make thorough inquiries about Prince Rui for the young lady... to see if there are any other women by his side."
Shen Miao stood up and nodded at Ji Yushu. "Then I thank Shopkeeper Ji in advance. If you discover anything, please send a message to my residence. I will naturally come to Fengxian Pawnshop to meet with you." She took out a silver ingot from her sleeve and placed it before Ji Yushu. "This is the deposit."
Ji Yushu smiled cheerfully. "Miss Shen is too polite. Between us, why mention deposits?" Even as he spoke, he pocketed the silver ingot, earning a few more disdainful glances from Jing Zhe and Gu Yu.
Shen Miao smiled. "Payment for services rendered is only natural. However, Shopkeeper Ji must remember one thing." Her expression was gentle, but her words carried a sharp edge. "Baixiaosheng's business principle is honesty and fair dealing. Since I've come to you for information, I naturally don't wish to hear false reports. The information must be absolutely accurate and, preferably, useful to me. Otherwise, if I spend silver only to receive useless intelligence..." Shen Miao lowered her head with a faint smile. "Damaging Shopkeeper Ji's reputation and ruining your business would be unfortunate."
Ji Yushu was taken aback, but Shen Miao had already called for Jing Zhe and Gu Yu and walked out the door. He remained stunned for a moment, listening as Hongling outside cheerfully saw Shen Miao off. Staring at the teacup before him, he suddenly sneezed.
Rubbing his nose, he stood up and walked to the adjacent room. He pulled aside a landscape painting to reveal a hidden door. As soon as Ji Yushu opened it and stepped inside, someone kicked him, nearly sending him tumbling. He slammed the door shut and roared angrily at the culprit, "Gao Yang!"
The person seated behind the door wore flowing white robes, exuding an immortal-like grace as he elegantly fanned himself. Yet his words were far from refined. "Ji Yushu, have you lost your mind? If you keep this up, you'll be sold off as a fool without even realizing it."
Ji Yushu retorted furiously, "Oh, you're so clever, aren't you? Yet you were the one who got caught! She specifically asked for Physician Gao!"
"Shut up." The voice from the corner finally spoke up. Dressed in resplendent purple-gold robes, it was none other than Xie Jingxing. He glanced at Ji Yushu. "You're noisy."
Ji Yushu pouted. "Third Brother, I don't know anything. I left the capital with you and just returned—only to be found out immediately. This is clearly Gao Yang's fault." He glared at Gao Yang. "Speak! Where did you slip up that Miss Shen saw through you?"
This private room was adjacent to the previous one, allowing every word of Ji Yushu and Shen Miao's conversation to be heard clearly. Xie Jingxing and Gao Yang had listened to every detail. It was rather peculiar to think that all three people Shen Miao had inquired about were gathered here.
"Ji Yushu, are you an idiot?" Gao Yang said. "Shen Miao only returned to Fixed Capital a few days ago. Unless she has clairvoyance, how would she know what I've been doing in the palace? If anything, I suspect the problem lies with you.""What's wrong with me? Miss Shen didn't ask about me. Why would she inquire about you for no reason? Unless she fancies you, but doesn't Miss Shen admire Third Brother's good looks?" Ji Yushu thought of something and teased with a smirk, "Heh heh heh, Miss Shen must also be dazzled by Third Brother."
"Only a fool like you would believe such nonsense." Gao Yang gave him a cold look. "Do you think everyone is as easily swayed by beauty as you?"
Ji Yushu patted his chest. "I can't argue with you, so I won't. Third Brother, what should we do now? Should we find the information for her or just make something up to deceive her?"
"Since Shen Miao is inquiring about these three pieces of information, she must have some understanding of them. If we deceive her, she might find out. What exactly is Shen Miao up to? Even the Shen family's stance is unclear now. And then there's Pei Lang, who had private dealings with Shen Miao these past two years—now he's become Fu Xiuyi's trusted aide. How can a young girl be so complicated?" Gao Yang rambled on for a while before realizing Xie Jingxing wasn't listening at all, staring at the teapot on the table lost in thought. He quickly reminded him, "Xie... Your Highness, how should we handle this?"
Xie Jingxing snapped back to attention and thought for a moment. "No need to handle it."
"Why?" Before Gao Yang could speak, Ji Yushu was the first to ask, "Are we giving up on the money? Besides, Miss Shen is sharp as ice and snow. If we reject her outright, she’ll definitely notice something’s off. What if she finds out there’s something suspicious about our Fengxian Pawnshop?"
Xie Jingxing smiled faintly. "Precisely because she’s smart that we don’t need to bother with explanations."
"You mean..." Gao Yang frowned.
"She’s already noticed something and came to test the waters." Xie Jingxing narrowed his eyes, his lips curling in amusement. "Those words weren’t meant for you—they were meant for me."
"Which words? The one about peerless beauty?" Ji Yushu, as always, fixated on the wrong detail.
Xie Jingxing cast him a cool glance. "That was also meant for me."
Outside, in the carriage, Jing Zhe and Gu Yu watched Shen Miao’s expression cautiously. Gu Yu whispered, "Miss, did that Shopkeeper Ji say something wrong...? You seem rather upset."
Indeed, she was furious. Though Shen Miao’s face remained composed, the icy aura around her was palpable to her maids. It was as if she were suppressing anger—quiet but seething. Both Jing Zhe and Gu Yu were puzzled. They had heard the conversation between Shen Miao and Ji Yushu in the private room. Though Ji Yushu’s words weren’t exactly pleasant, Shen Miao had seemed fine earlier. Moreover, she wasn’t one to lose her temper over mere words.
Unable to understand, Jing Zhe and Gu Yu exchanged glances. Shen Miao replied indifferently, "It’s nothing." Yet her tone was even colder.
Her fingers, hidden in her sleeves, clenched slightly. An uncontrollable sense of frustration welled up inside her. Fengxian Pawnshop had shut down shortly after she left, only to reopen just before her return to the capital. Such coincidences didn’t exist in the world—every one of them had a traceable cause. Shen Miao thought carefully. When the pawnshop closed, apart from Shen Xin’s departure to Xiaochun City, another major event had occurred: Xie Jingxing’s request to lead troops into battle. As for its reopening... besides her return to the capital, wasn’t it also when Ming Qi’s tribute mission arrived, and the Qin Crown Prince and Prince Rui came to Fixed Capital?
The Shen family had no ties to Fengxian Pawnshop, so it couldn’t be related to them. Huangfu Hao hadn’t been in Fixed Capital two years ago. After all the calculations, the pawnshop’s closure and reopening were undeniably linked to Xie Jingxing. Today, her visit had been a test.
The result confirmed her suspicions—Ji Yushu and Xie Jingxing were likely old acquaintances, and so was Gao Yang. Connecting the dots, Ji Yushu and Gao Yang were probably from Great Coolness, merely hiding their identities in Fixed Capital. What infuriated her was that during her dealings with Ji Yushu, she had divulged everything about Prince Yu’s Manor, which Xie Jingxing must have known all along. She had thought she held the upper hand, keeping Ji Yushu under her thumb, only to realize Xie Jingxing had been the true mastermind, playing her for a fool. The thought of him toying with people made her wish she could tear him apart.
Her frustration deepened. Jing Zhe, mistaking it for discomfort from the heat, lifted the carriage curtain for some air before quickly lowering it again. Shen Miao glanced absently—only to catch sight of a familiar face in the crowd outside.
As Jing Zhe lowered the curtain, Shen Miao abruptly ordered the carriage to stop. She flung the curtain open again, searching the spot where she had seen the face, but it was gone."Young Miss?" Jing Zhe and Gu Yu were startled by Shen Miao's sudden agitation today. They watched as Shen Miao carefully examined the outside of the carriage for a while before finally lowering the curtain and saying, "It's nothing, let's keep going."
Yet her brows remained tightly furrowed, her expression even more solemn than before.
－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－
The comedic Ji and Princess Gao Yang make their appearance\（^o^）~
...
OpenNovel