Shen Miao pondered for a moment before asking Xie Jingxing, "How do you plan to deal with Ming An Princess and Xie Changwu?"
Despite repeatedly reminding herself not to be curious about Xie Jingxing's affairs, she couldn't help but ask. The fact that Xie Jingxing had taken Xie Changchao's body away left her deeply puzzled. "Do you intend to kill Xie Changwu?" she inquired.
"Or should I wait for him to scheme against me behind my back?" Xie Jingxing countered.
Shen Miao rolled her eyes. Even if Xie Changwu truly wanted to plot against Xie Jingxing, he would have to succeed first. Not to mention Xie Jingxing now held the prestigious title of Prince Rui of Great Coolness—even back when he was just the young master of Marquis Lin'an Manor, the Xie brothers had never gained the upper hand in their confrontations with him. Even Fang Shi, with her considerable cunning, had no choice but to watch helplessly as Xie Jingxing flaunted his arrogance all these years.
"You don’t have to kill him. You didn’t have to kill Xie Changchao either," Shen Miao said. "Your father... Marquis Lin'an has lost two sons in succession. He will surely investigate this thoroughly. Even if you have other means, it will still bring unnecessary trouble."
Xie Jingxing's eyes turned cold. "Whether I kill them or not is my decision." Suddenly, he glanced at Shen Miao and smirked. "You seem quite conscious of your role as an ally now. What, are you worried about me?" His tone took on a teasing edge, but compared to the carefree arrogance of his youth two years ago, the now even more strikingly handsome Xie Jingxing exuded an irresistible allure—dangerous yet mesmerizing.
Shen Miao averted her gaze calmly. "I’m worried you’ll drag me down with you."
Xie Jingxing scoffed, his smile laced with amusement. "No need to worry. If I have the means to protect you, I certainly have the means to protect myself. I won’t cause trouble for others."
Shen Miao found his words somewhat odd, as if he were hinting at something. But with only the two of them in the room, she couldn’t fathom whom he might be alluding to. Dismissing it as overthinking, she simply replied, "Prince Rui is indeed omnipotent."
"There are things I’m not as good at as others," Xie Jingxing said lazily. "Like playing the victim."
Shen Miao: "What did you say?"
"Never mind." Xie Jingxing stood and walked over to her. He was exceptionally tall, and standing beside her like this naturally exerted an intimidating presence. Usually, his nonchalant or flirtatious demeanor diluted that pressure, but today, whether it was her imagination or not, his gaze seemed sharper than usual.
"How do you want me to deal with Ming An?" he murmured in her ear, leaning close.
Shen Miao instinctively stepped back, but Xie Jingxing gripped her shoulder. His expression was strange, as if he were restraining something. Abruptly, he released her and turned away, his voice cold. "What do you think?"
"Why ask me?" Shen Miao said. "Haven’t you already made up your mind?" Xie Jingxing had taken Xie Changchao’s body away, so she assumed he had already planned his next move. Why was he asking her now?
"It depends on you," Xie Jingxing said without turning around.
"If Prince Rui were to act, how certain would the outcome be?" Shen Miao quickly calculated in her mind. "If you kill Ming An Princess, can you ensure no one traces it back to you?"
Xie Jingxing paused, then turned to stare at her for a moment before suddenly laughing. "Shen family’s girl, you’re quite the shrewd negotiator."
Shen Miao was momentarily stunned. Xie Jingxing hadn’t called her "Shen family’s girl" in a long time. Hearing it now transported her back to their early encounters two years ago, when they had been wary adversaries, never imagining they would one day sit together calmly discussing murder. Life was indeed unpredictable.
Seeing her dazed, Xie Jingxing added, "You want her dead?"
Shen Miao snapped back to reality. "She conspired with the Xie brothers to kidnap me, intending to sell me to a brothel and subject me to a living hell. She also plotted against my elder brother. I’m no saint, nor do I believe in repaying evil with kindness. Taking her life is already merciful compared to what she did to me."
"What a ruthless girl," Xie Jingxing remarked indifferently, as if her desire to kill a princess was nothing extraordinary. He crossed his arms and studied her. "But why should I do it?"
Shen Miao: "..."
It was said that women became moody during their monthly cycles. Now, Shen Miao wondered if men experienced something similar. Otherwise, why was Xie Jingxing so erratic today, completely unfathomable? Previously, he had gone out of his way to tie her to him, but now that she was asking for his help, he suddenly became aloof. Even the most slippery, seasoned courtiers couldn’t compare to the frustration this man provoked.
"Aren’t you the one who declared me your ally?" she said. "Isn’t it natural for allies to help each other?" Shen Miao had realized that Xie Jingxing was someone who defied convention. Pei Lang had once taught Fu Xiuyi the art of managing subordinates: if faced with a capricious minister, outdo him in shamelessness. She decided to throw Xie Jingxing’s own words back at him.
Xie Jingxing was momentarily speechless. He looked at her, his gaze flickering, then said softly, "True, but not only did I save you and take on a murder charge for you, now you want me to assassinate a princess for you. Alliances are mutually beneficial. You’re offering nothing in return. Unconditional help is for spouses. Seems you don’t see me as an ally but as a husband."
Shen Miao was furious. "Prince Rui is too noble for such trivial matters. If you’re unwilling, forget it. I won’t force you. I’ll handle Ming An Princess myself."
"How?" Xie Jingxing said coolly. "By begging your cousin for help?"
Shen Miao: "What does Cousin Ling have to do with this?"
Xie Jingxing: "Why so defensive? I didn’t say no. As allies, it’s no trouble. I’ll take care of it. But you’ll have to do something for me in return."
Shen Miao glared at him.
"Tsk, can’t think of anything right now," Xie Jingxing mused, raising an eyebrow. "How about making me two baskets of pastries? I might get hungry during the assassination."
Shen Miao: "..."
Only after Xie Jingxing left did Shen Miao sit back down on the couch, her sleepiness now completely gone. She wasn’t sure how Xie Jingxing planned to "assassinate" Ming An Princess, but she felt oddly reassured. Given Xie Jingxing’s ability to conceal his true identity and swagger under Emperor Wenhui’s nose, killing a princess was probably child’s play for him.
Still... Xie Jingxing seemed to be in a particularly foul mood today. Shen Miao mused as she tidied the couch. His temper was unusually volatile.
After several days of sunshine, snow began to fall again over Fixed Capital, the capital of Ming Qi. The noble ladies, being delicate, avoided going out in the slippery snow. If they did venture out, they bundled up tightly, clutching warm stoves to ward off the cold. Lake Wanli had frozen over, forcing anglers to drill holes in the ice to fish. Overnight, the trees glittered with icicles, and thresholds where water had been spilled the previous night were now slick with ice, making walking treacherous.
Prince Rui’s Residence was no exception.
Ji Yushu slipped and fell flat on his face the moment he stepped outside, loudly complaining that the courtyard ice hadn’t been cleared properly. Since Xie Jingxing had purchased the entire row of houses in Yanqing Lane, Ji Yushu had taken to spending most of his time at Prince Rui’s Residence playing with the big cat, only occasionally visiting Fengxian Pawnshop when Hongling brought him account books.
Spotting Xie Jingxing approaching from afar, Ji Yushu called out, "Third Brother!"
Xie Jingxing ignored him. The white tiger broke free from Ji Yushu’s grasp and bounded toward Xie Jingxing. Gao Yang emerged from another direction—he had stayed overnight at Prince Rui’s Residence instead of returning to the palace.
"Are you going to the Shen residence again to treat Miss Luo?" Ji Yushu asked.
The mere mention of it gave Gao Yang a headache. He had treated many patients—imperial concubines, the emperor, high-ranking officials’ wives and daughters—but Luo Tan was a first. Barely recovered from the brink of death, she had immediately resumed martial arts training in the Shen residence’s courtyard, claiming that Shen Miao’s ordeal had taught her the importance of strength to protect loved ones.
Never mind her own condition.
Her recklessness slowed her recovery, and whenever her wounds showed little improvement, Luo Tan would eye Gao Yang skeptically and ask, "Are you really a palace physician? Even the apprentices at our Xiaochun City clinic are better. They can chop firewood the day after a fall."
Comparing him to a backwater clinic apprentice! And her injuries were life-threatening, not mere bruises! Gao Yang had never encountered such an uncooperative patient, one who showed him neither respect nor deference. If not for his leverage—her secret visit to Prince Rui—he suspected she might have urinated on his head.
Noticing Gao Yang’s rare distraction, Ji Yushu nudged him. "Daydreaming in broad daylight? Did treating her make you stupid?"
Gao Yang snapped back to reality and scoffed. "Not everyone is as simple-minded as you."
Xie Jingxing suddenly spoke up. "How is Luo Ling?"
Gao Yang was taken aback. Why was Xie Jingxing asking about Luo Ling out of the blue? "He wasn’t seriously injured. He’s fine."
"What about his hand?"
"His hand?" Gao Yang said. "His right hand is useless now. Don’t tell me you doubt my diagnosis."
Xie Jingxing turned, displeased. "Can’t you heal it?"
"I may be skilled, but I’m no miracle worker," Gao Yang said helplessly. "The injury runs deep into his tendons and bones, and there was prior damage. There’s nothing I can do. Why the sudden concern for him? Even if you’re being nice to the Shen family, Luo Ling is just a cousin. Are you planning to adopt the entire clan?" He stared in disbelief. "Might as well save the world while you’re at it."
Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow. "Who said I’m looking after him?"
"Then why ask about his injury?" Gao Yang was baffled.
"I know!" Ji Yushu, who had been sidelined, finally found an opening. "I know, I know!" He stroked his chin smugly, adopting a profound air. "Young Master Luo was injured protecting Fifth Miss Shen. If his hand doesn’t heal, she’ll blame herself. Third Brother and Fifth Miss Shen are close, so naturally, he doesn’t want her to feel guilty. Right, Third Brother? Am I right?"
Xie Jingxing gave him a cold look. Ji Yushu rubbed his nose and muttered, "I thought it made sense."
Gao Yang, however, seemed to have an epiphany. He studied Xie Jingxing with newfound understanding. "If that’s the case, Luo Ling’s injury might actually be a good thing. It makes him even more inferior in comparison to you."
"Ridiculous." Xie Jingxing laughed instead of taking offense. "Even with an extra hand, he’d still be inferior to me!"
Ji Yushu and Gao Yang: "..."
What had they said wrong? Xie Jingxing seemed even angrier now.
Ji Yushu attempted to placate him. "Of course! Who can compare to Third Brother? Prince Rui of Great Coolness, the emperor’s younger brother—no one in the world would dare underestimate you. The Luo family is just a minor official’s household from Ming Qi’s borderlands. In Great Coolness, they’d be nobodies. And now with his right hand useless, how could he ever measure up?" Ji Yushu’s flattery was effortless.
"Comparing me to someone who can’t even protect himself? Ji Yushu, do you miss your hometown?" Xie Jingxing’s voice turned icy.
Ji Yushu was dumbfounded. His flattery had backfired spectacularly. Now what?
Gao Yang, finally showing some mercy, changed the subject. "The people from Tower Prison asked what to do with Xie Changchao’s body. Now that Shen Miao has returned to the Shen residence, what’s your next move?"
Xie Changchao was dead, and the news of Shen Miao’s safe return escorted by Rong Xin Princess had spread throughout the city. The incident had initially caused a stir, but its abrupt resolution left people feeling unsatisfied. With Rong Xin Princess’s involvement, however, rumors were quickly stifled, and the matter gradually faded from memory.
But those directly involved wouldn’t forget so easily. Xie Changwu, in particular, must be restless—Xie Changchao had vanished without a trace, while Shen Miao returned unharmed. What was he thinking?
At this, Xie Jingxing slowly smiled. "The next step? Settling scores."
Gao Yang studied him for a moment before tentatively asking, "Are you... planning to deal with Ming An Princess as well?"
"Naturally," Xie Jingxing said carelessly. "If Qin State can’t keep its dogs leashed, letting them run around biting people, then they can’t complain when someone puts them down."
"But," Gao Yang objected, "His Majesty explicitly warned against rash actions in Ming Qi. We don’t know his plans yet. If you move against Qin State, Huangfu Hao will investigate. Even if you have a way out, it’ll create unnecessary complications."
"Who said I’d use Great Coolness’s people?" Xie Jingxing chuckled. "Can’t I use my own?"
Gao Yang was taken aback. After a pause, he asked, "Why are you so determined to kill Ming An Princess? Teaching her a lesson would suffice. Why go for the kill?"
"That mad dog has caused me enough trouble," Xie Jingxing said, his gaze darkening. "I don’t need your permission to decide who lives or dies." With that, he bent to pick up the tiger and strode off, ignoring them both.
Ji Yushu frowned. "Is Third Brother on his monthly cycle? Why is he so moody lately? Did you provoke him?"
"Who has the time?" Gao Yang said. "I’d like to live a little longer."
"Looks like Xie Changwu and Ming An Princess are in for a rough time," Ji Yushu said sympathetically. "Compared to them, Xie Changchao got off easy. Must’ve been lucky."
"True," Gao Yang agreed, a rare moment of accord with Ji Yushu.
Marquis Lin'an Manor in Fixed Capital was a far cry from its former bustling glory. The once-thriving household, frequented by visitors, had grown desolate. Since Xie Jingxing’s "death," Xie Ding had lost interest in court affairs. The once-unruly aristocratic family, a headache even for the late emperor, had lost its vigor.
Now, the only Xie family members climbing the ranks were Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao. Though not as dazzling as Xie Jingxing, they had some talent. Were it not for their illegitimate status, they might have risen higher. Even so, their current positions were impressive enough to draw sighs of admiration.
Inside the Xie residence, Fang Shi handed Xie Changwu newly tailored winter clothes. Despite nearing forty, Fang Shi retained a youthful, delicate beauty, reminiscent of a Jiangnan gentlewoman. Her soft-spoken, graceful demeanor evoked tenderness—a stark contrast to Princess Yuqing’s imperial elegance. It was no wonder Xie Ding had succumbed to her charms despite having a princess as his wife.
"This is the latest fabric. I had the tailor make winter clothes for you and your brother," Fang Shi said. "Fixed Capital grows colder by the day. Don’t catch a chill running about outside."
Xie Changwu accepted the clothes. "Thank you, Mother." His mind, however, was elsewhere.
"Your brother’s clothes are here too. I heard he went hunting with friends. Why hasn’t he returned yet?" Fang Shi fretted. "Marquis mentioned yesterday that Changchao had been eager to join the Ministry of Personnel. He planned to introduce him to the Vice Minister, but Changchao’s absence ruined the opportunity." She sighed. "He was so ambitious before. Why the sudden interest in leisure?"
Xie Changwu forced a smile. "Third Brother... isn’t just idling. The snowstorms have made travel difficult. He’s probably delayed. He’ll return soon, and Father can arrange another meeting with the Vice Minister."
Fang Shi grew anxious. "With heavy snow, could the mountains be sealed? Is Changchao in danger?"
"Of course not," Xie Changwu reassured her. "He’s with experienced companions. Don’t worry, Mother."
Fang Shi relaxed slightly and took Xie Changwu’s hand. "You two are my only pillars now. The Marquis has been indifferent to me all these years, and Xie Jingxing oppressed you both. Seeing you suffer broke my heart. But heaven has eyes—he died young, and now no one stands in your way. You must keep striving, trampling those who mocked us. Once your achievements force the Marquis to acknowledge you, you’ll secure a noble title for me. Then, your illegitimate status won’t matter, and the entire Marquis Lin'an Manor will be yours." Though her tone remained gentle, bitterness seeped through. Years of suppression had festered into resentment.
"Don’t worry, Mother," Xie Changwu said. "If heaven took Xie Jingxing early, it’s on our side. One day, this household will answer to us!"
Fang Shi nodded.
After seeing her out, Xie Changwu paced his room restlessly.
His reassurances to Fang Shi were just placations—easy, since she was confined to the inner quarters. But Xie Ding’s increasing inquiries about Xie Changchao’s whereabouts were alarming.
Since returning from a banquet with Xie Ding days ago, Xie Changwu hadn’t seen Xie Changchao. At first, he assumed his brother had urgent business. But when even the people in the secret chamber disappeared, panic set in.
The secret chamber was the Xie brothers’ own creation, built with great effort. The workers who constructed it had been silenced, so aside from the brothers, no one in the household—not even Xie Ding—knew of its existence, let alone outsiders.
Initially, Xie Changwu thought Xie Changchao had taken Shen Miao elsewhere—perhaps found a way to transport her to the brothel or had other plans. But then news arrived that Shen Miao had been safely returned to the Shen residence by Rong Xin Princess. Xie Changwu immediately knew something was wrong.
Shen Miao was rescued, but where had the missing Xie Changchao gone? Were those people the ones who abducted Shen Miao from the secret chamber? Yet there were no signs of a struggle in the chamber, and it was impossible for outsiders to even know about its existence. Could it be that Xie Changchao was discovered while taking Shen Miao out, leading to her rescue? But then, what about Rong Xin Princess's account?
Xie Changwu felt trapped in a vicious cycle—no matter what, it seemed wrong. Whether alive or dead, he needed proof, but despite sending out all his men to search for Xie Changchao, there was no trace of him.
Not only was Xie Changchao's prolonged disappearance suspicious, but back at the Qin State residence, Ming An Princess flew into a rage upon hearing the news of Shen Miao's rescue and demanded Xie Changwu come to her at once. Xie Changwu had no choice but to temporarily placate her with excuses, but the truth couldn't stay hidden forever—Ming An Princess would eventually explode.
Anxious to the point of developing blisters on his lips, Xie Changwu threw on his outer robe, intending to order another thorough search of every corner of Fixed Capital, when his gaze suddenly landed on a letter on his desk.
He had no idea who had placed the letter there, as his study was strictly off-limits to servants and outsiders. Cautiously, he glanced around but saw no one. Picking up the letter, he opened it and was met with a familiar handwriting.
It was Xie Changchao's script.
In the letter, Xie Changchao explained that he had originally intended to take Shen Miao to a brothel that day, but they had encountered soldiers on the way and were forced to hide in a civilian home near Wanli Lake. The news of Shen Miao's return to the Shen residence was actually a ruse orchestrated by Shen Xin and Rong Xin Princess to lull her abductors into a false sense of security. While it appeared the Shen Family Army and the soldiers had ceased their search, they were still actively hunting in secret. Thus, Xie Changchao dared not risk bringing Shen Miao out into the open.
Now, with Ming An Princess pressing them urgently, the best course of action was to sell Shen Miao into the red-light district of Wanli Lake at midnight that very night. No matter what, they had to humiliate Shen Miao first—this would please Ming An Princess. Ideally, they should even invite her to witness it, making up for their earlier failure.
After reading the letter, Xie Changwu was about 70-80% convinced.
First, as the letter stated, although it was claimed that Rong Xin Princess had returned Shen Miao and rumors were spreading wildly, neither during her supposed return to the Shen residence nor afterward had Shen Miao been seen in public. In other words, no one had actually witnessed her return. If that was the case, why wouldn’t Shen Xin let Shen Miao appear in public to make the story more credible? Could it be that Shen Miao hadn’t been found at all?
Second, and most importantly, the handwriting in the letter was unmistakably Xie Changchao's, even including the secret communication method the two brothers used. Xie Changchao rarely wrote official documents himself, even in official circles. It would be impossible to imitate his handwriting based solely on the few existing samples—unless one had access to the discarded practice manuscripts from his childhood. Those old drafts had piled up in their family home. If Xie Jingxing were still alive, perhaps he could have replicated Xie Changchao's handwriting.Leaving aside whether Xie Jingxing had any intention of imitating Xie Changchao's handwriting, even if he did, it would be impossible now. Xie Jingxing died on the battlefield two years ago, his body lost without a trace. In this world, no one could ever replicate Xie Changchao's handwriting again.
Xie Changwu thought for a moment, then walked to the desk, spread out a sheet of paper, picked up a brush, and began writing a letter.
－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－
Brother Xie: Don't compare me to that scheming boy! （╯‵□′）╯︵┻━┻
...
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