The General's Mansion in Fixed Capital was once a place of flourishing splendor, commanding nothing but reverence in the eyes of outsiders. Whenever the General's Mansion was mentioned, people would recall the Grand General of Might's blood-sweating merits and his heroic bearing on horseback.
However, ever since the eldest branch split from the Shen family and was struck from the clan registry two years ago, the General's Mansion had visibly declined at a rapid pace. Though Shen Gui and Shen Wan strove to restore the mansion's former glory through their own official careers, the paths of scholars and military officers were fundamentally different. Scholars relied on their minds and words, and achieving merit took a long time. Military officers, on the other hand, could earn the admiration of thousands with a single battle and a few enemy heads.
After the General's Mansion declined, though it still retained its name, it no longer drew the same attention as before. These days, it had finally regained some notice—but as the saying goes, bad news travels fast. The most shocking development was the current rumor circulating in the streets: the third master of the Shen family's third branch, Shen Wan, intended to divorce his wife.
Among the three sons of the Shen family, aside from Shen Xin, Shen Gui was cunning but overly fond of women, making his actions rather unclear. Shen Wan, however, was different from his second brother. He was disciplined and not excessively lustful; though he might engage in socializing with colleagues in pleasure quarters, he never caused any messy scandals. He was also extremely careful about his reputation, and in the eyes of others, he was a man of worldly wisdom and considerable talent. With a few more years of effort, his position would likely rise even higher.
The wives of officials also held Shen Wan in high regard, not least because he doted on his wife and daughter, keeping no other women in his household. The wives of officials, whose own courtyards were often plagued by troubles, regarded Chen Ruoqiu with both envy and admiration—after all, a husband devoted to one woman alone was not something one encountered every day.
Who could have guessed that at this very juncture, when Shen Yue had already married, Chen Ruoqiu and Shen Wan would suddenly become embroiled in a divorce scandal?
The rumors in the streets were vivid and detailed: "It's true, I heard it's because the third madam of the Shen family has no sons. Look, there isn't a single grandson in Shen Mansion now—they can't just let the family line die out. The second master keeps taking concubines into the mansion, but at least he once had two sons. The third branch has never had a single son—no wonder they're desperate now."
"That's true. Third Master Shen has a promising career, and with such a vast family estate, it's a shame there's no one to inherit it."
"That Chen woman is useless—she couldn't bear a son all these years, and she won't even let her husband take a concubine. How unreasonable! Even common folk wouldn't tolerate such a thing. If I were Third Master Shen, I wouldn't stand for it either."
"She won't even allow concubines? Tsk, such a virtue-less, jealous woman, and childless to boot—truly unheard of. Poor Third Madam Shen."Rumors circulating throughout Fixed Capital were all in favor of Shen Wan. Chen Ruoqiu, originally a renowned talented woman from Fixed Capital and born into a scholarly family, had been extremely popular among noblewomen circles. But this time, whether it was commoners or those women who had previously flattered or befriended her, all unanimously pointed fingers at her faults. Perhaps it was because Chen Ruoqiu had lived too blissfully in the public eye before, inciting jealousy, and now that her happiness showed signs of cracking, everyone was eager to gloat or kick her while she was down.
In Shen Mansion, Chen Ruoqiu smashed the white porcelain vase in front of her with a "bang." The vase shattered into fragments on the ground, scattering debris everywhere. Still unsatisfied, she overturned the teacups on the table as well. Shi Qing and Hua Yi didn’t dare to breathe loudly, allowing Chen Ruoqiu to make such a scene.
"Shameless! Utterly shameless!" Chen Ruoqiu shrieked. "That adulterous couple has driven me to this point, and yet it’s still my fault? Ridiculous! Stupid!"
The rumors outside were all unfavorable to Chen Ruoqiu. She had always prided herself on her reputation, boasting of being a refined lady from a scholarly family. Now, being labeled as a jealous, childless shrew, how could she accept it?
"It must be that vile woman spreading nonsense outside," Chen Ruoqiu gritted her teeth. Her talk of a letter of divorce with Shen Wan had originally been a fit of pique, meant only to scare him. Who knew how the news had spread to every corner of the city, pushing her and Shen Wan to an irreconcilable point? What chilled her most was that Shen Wan hadn’t even come to see her once.
"That vile woman must have incited the master!" Chen Ruoqiu’s nails dug deep into her palms. Old Madam Shen was deliberately elevating Chang Zaiqing to oppose her. With Shen Yue’s whereabouts unknown and Shen Wan bewitched by Chang Zaiqing, not a single person in the vast Shen Mansion stood by her side. Probably the entire Fixed Capital believed she was the one in the wrong. A sudden sense of fighting alone overwhelmed Chen Ruoqiu.
"Madam, Old Madam Shen has issued her orders. What should we do next?" Hua Yi finally couldn’t help but ask.
Either let Chang Zaiqing enter the household as a noble concubine, or have Shen Wan grant her a letter of divorce—neither was acceptable to Chen Ruoqiu. But within Shen Mansion, she was truly powerless.
Her love for Shen Wan was now turning bit by bit into hatred. She abruptly stood up and sneered, "Since when does the world offer such easy bargains? The Shen family humiliates me, and I’m supposed to comply? Pack our things—I’m returning to the Chen family!"
...
Chen Ruoqiu returned to her maiden home.
The Chen family’s master was a county official responsible for revising various documents in the Ming Qi palace. Being a scholarly position and well-read, Chen Ruoqiu had always prided herself on her scholarly heritage. Moreover, the Chen master had indeed been the top candidate in the provincial exams in his youth, possessing considerable talent.Chen Ruoqiu's marriage to Shen Wan was also intended as an alliance between the Chen and Shen families, though of course, it was Shen Wan himself who had initially chosen Chen Ruoqiu. While Master Chen was not one to shield his own, he placed great importance on the family's reputation, especially that air of affected superiority—almost identical to Chen Ruoqiu's. Therefore, if Chen Ruoqiu were to be divorced or gain a reputation for jealousy, Master Chen would undoubtedly be displeased. The Chen and Shen families were destined for an unresolved dispute.
When Shen Miao heard these words from Jing Zhe, she was reading by the lamplight. Jing Zhe said, "Now that Third Madam has returned to her maiden home, this matter certainly won’t end quietly. If they find out those rumors were spread by you, Miss… what then?"
The rumors circulating in the streets were not spread by Chang Zaiqing, nor by Shen Wan, nor even by Old Madam Shen—they were spread by Shen Miao.
Having lived alongside the third branch of the family for a lifetime, Shen Miao knew that while Chen Ruoqiu prided herself on her refinement and loved Shen Wan deeply, she was no fool. Upon first discovering Shen Wan’s affair with Chang Zaiqing, she would undoubtedly be furious and act impulsively. But upon reflection, she would likely put on a pitiful act before Shen Wan. Shen Wan wasn’t entirely devoid of affection for Chen Ruoqiu, and his heart would soften a little. Once Chang Zaiqing entered the household, it would be unclear who would emerge victorious between her and Chen Ruoqiu, but Chen Ruoqiu certainly wouldn’t be defeated so easily.
It was better to spread some rumors to fuel Chen Ruoqiu’s anger, further straining her relationship with Shen Wan until it reached an irreparable point. A woman’s vengefulness was terrifying, and stirring up trouble would make things far more interesting. And sure enough, Chen Ruoqiu had been pushed to the brink, forcing her to return to her maiden home.
Once this step was taken, turning back would be difficult. Cracks would form in both their hearts—reconciliation was a tale only found in operas. Shen Miao felt that many things she hadn’t understood in her past life in the imperial harem were now crystal clear when viewed from an outsider’s perspective. Manipulating others, even if they were enemies, didn’t bring her much joy. Perhaps it was because she couldn’t help but wonder—had Mei Furen once looked at her the way she now looked at Chen Ruoqiu?
"Don’t worry," she said after a pause. "It won’t be so easy to trace back to me." She had entrusted this task to Fengxian Pawnshop. Having taken her silver, Ji Yushu would surely handle it properly. Fengxian Pawnshop had been operating in Fixed Capital for so long—they wouldn’t fail to understand such a simple matter.
Jing Zhe fell silent. Noticing the unlatched window, she rose to close it, muttering, "Why does Gu Yu always forget to shut the window? In this freezing weather, if the cold wind gets in and you catch a chill, what then?"
"Wait," Shen Miao stopped her, glancing at the window. "Let it air out a little longer. It’s too stuffy in here. I’ll close it later."
Though puzzled—the room was spacious and hardly stuffy—Jing Zhe said nothing. She trimmed the lamp’s wick and added, "You should rest early, Miss."
Jing Zhe withdrew.
Shen Miao gazed at the flickering candlelight and was about to carry it to the bed when, halfway there, the flame shuddered violently, as if struck by something unseen.A familiar voice rang out, carrying a long-absent teasing laziness, "If you left the door open just for me, why are you about to sleep?"
Shen Miao turned her head to see the young man leaning on the windowsill, one hand propping up his chin, his beautiful peach blossom eyes glancing over indifferently, exuding a lazy yet captivating charm. Even the dimness of the night couldn’t overshadow his radiance. Noticing Shen Miao’s momentary daze, he flashed inside the room in an instant, effortlessly taking the oil lamp from her hand and walking over to sit by the small table.
His movements were so fluid, as if he were entering his own home.
"You’re back?" Shen Miao asked.
"Tsk," Xie Jingxing stared at her, his lips curling into a half-smile, "What, did you miss me?"
Shen Miao had long grown accustomed to his flirtatious and ambiguous remarks, so she simply ignored him. She walked over and sat down by the small table as well. Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow and said, "You handled Chen Ruoqiu’s matter quite well."
Shen Miao rolled her eyes at him, "You already know about it." Xie Jingxing’s network of informants was spread throughout Fixed Capital, and besides, Ji Yushu of Fengxian Pawnshop had some connection with Xie Jingxing. The moment Shen Miao had Ji Yushu spread the rumors, he had probably reported it to Xie Jingxing. By now, Shen Miao no longer cared.
"No wonder you acted that way when Chang Zaiqing first came to Fixed Capital," Xie Jingxing muttered to himself, then glanced at Shen Miao again. His tone was a mix of admiration and sigh, half-jokingly adding, "Truly ruthless."
Shen Miao neither confirmed nor denied it. Xie Jingxing seemed to recall something and, as if conjuring it out of thin air, tossed a small box into Shen Miao’s lap.
Shen Miao nearly got hit by the box, surprised by how heavy such a small item was. She instinctively caught it and looked down to see a large tiger carved on the lid. The tiger’s head was vividly rendered, appearing somewhat endearing yet fiercely menacing with its bared claws. Thinking of Xie Jingxing’s white tiger named "Jiaojiao," Shen Miao suppressed a sigh and opened the box.
The moment she did, she was nearly dazzled by the dazzling array of items inside. The heavy box was filled with exquisitely crafted, luxurious jewelry. Even a single piece from the collection would be priceless, let alone the entire box. What was Xie Jingxing doing, giving her jewelry for no reason? Shen Miao shook her head at him and said, "I don’t need jewelry."
Xie Jingxing replied, "These are all rare treasures. You’re a woman, after all—what’s wrong with owning some jewelry?"
After a moment’s thought, Shen Miao asked, "Perhaps Fengxian Pawnshop would take them."
Xie Jingxing was momentarily speechless, frowning as he asked, "Are you that short on silver?"
"Having more silver is always good. Many things require money to smooth the way, and over time, it’s easy to run short," Shen Miao answered frankly. Now that she no longer treated Xie Jingxing with the same wariness as before, her words carried a more down-to-earth tone. After all, Xie Jingxing had eyes and ears everywhere—there was no point hiding things he could easily uncover himself.
Hearing this, Xie Jingxing pulled out a round jade token from his sleeve and said, "This is the warrant for Golden Jade Bank. With it, you can withdraw as much silver as you need." He tossed the token to Shen Miao casually, adding with slight displeasure, "Don’t be so lacking in taste all the time."Shen Miao: "..." In her previous life, she had been an Empress after all, having seen no shortage of gold, silver, and treasures. Even if her youthful tastes had been somewhat vulgar due to being raised by the second and third branches of the family, her time in the palace and in Qin State had broadened her horizons considerably. Yet now, she was being told she had "no eye for quality" by a mere few words—it was truly frustrating. However... She picked up the jade token. It was made of some unknown type of jade, crystal clear and icy to the touch. Shen Miao knew Xie Jingxing wouldn’t lie—this token could indeed withdraw silver notes from the Golden Jade Bank. But the Golden Jade Bank was the largest financial institution in Ming Qi, even the imperial family occasionally conducted business there. Xie Jingxing, now a man of Great Coolness, could obtain something like this—his depths were unfathomable.
Shen Miao handed the jade token back to Xie Jingxing and said, "I cannot accept unearned rewards."
Xie Jingxing watched her with amusement. "Quite the backbone," he remarked. He gestured toward the box and said, "These aren’t ordinary trinkets. Take another look."
Shen Miao hesitated, then picked up a pair of emerald double rings. The emerald was of exceptional quality, the kind that would be considered a treasure in any jeweler’s shop. As she examined them, she noticed the clasps seemed unusual. Upon closer inspection, she realized they concealed a hidden mechanism. She looked up at Xie Jingxing. "What is this?"
Xie Jingxing smiled. "Hidden weapons."
"Hidden weapons?" Shen Miao toyed with the mechanism, about to press it instinctively, when Xie Jingxing abruptly stopped her. He stood and circled behind her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders from behind, guiding her hands to demonstrate the use of the emerald rings.
"Here are the needles. Poisoned ones would risk harming allies, so these will only render the target unconscious for a short while. Effective within three inches. Don’t use them carelessly."
"The hairpin contains blinding powder. Remove the tip to release it—useful against assailants."
"The bracelet conceals a blade. Pull it open to reveal a small knife. If you’re tied up, this can cut the ropes."
"The eight-treasure earrings hold a whistle. In dire emergencies, blow it. Fixed Capital is full of my people—if you’re in danger, they’ll come to your aid..."
He explained each item meticulously, his usual flippant and lazy tone replaced by rare seriousness. His long lashes lowered in a way that could make hearts flutter. His hands were slender and pale, his captivating peach-blossom eyes half-lidded, occasionally glancing at Shen Miao with a gaze as mesmerizing as rippling spring water.
Shen Miao felt warm.
The window was open, yet the room felt stifling. As he leaned in, his gaze lowered, Shen Miao found herself nearly pressed against his chest, her back breaking into a faint sweat. She turned her head slightly—Xie Jingxing’s lips were elegantly curved, as if always smiling. Shen Miao averted her eyes as if scalded.
Her distraction didn’t escape Xie Jingxing’s notice, and he seemed displeased. He rapped her lightly on the head. "Focus."
Shen Miao shifted forward, putting a little distance between them, feigning composure. "I’ve seen them all now, and I’ve memorized their uses. I’ll practice later."
Xie Jingxing’s lips quirked. "Didn’t you say you didn’t want them?"
Shen Miao turned her head. "You misheard."
But as she turned, Xie Jingxing—already leaning close—nearly collided with her. Shen Miao froze for a moment, her cheeks flushing instantly.The young man was unbelievably handsome, usually carrying an air of roguish charm that bordered between righteousness and mischief. Yet when those beautiful eyes gazed upon you, it was as if winter had suddenly given way to the crisp spring rain, layer upon layer of crimson flowers blooming across the brocade city, exuding an indescribable elegance.
Xie Jingxing chuckled softly, his voice as mellow as fine wine, intoxicating enough to stir a hint of fluster. He reached out, brushing aside the stray hairs on Shen Miao's forehead, studying her eyes intently with a mix of curiosity and innocence. "Why is your face red?" he asked.
Shen Miao abruptly stood up, took two steps, and turned her back to Xie Jingxing. "The room is too stuffy," she said.
Because she had turned away, she missed the fleeting look of understanding that flashed in the purple-robed youth's eyes.
"Feeling guilty about receiving rewards without merit?" Xie Jingxing said carelessly. "Simple—just make some pastries." Then, as if remembering something, he added, "No matter how many I make, I can't get anything in return, while others get everything without lifting a finger. How infuriating."
"What?" Shen Miao didn’t understand what he meant. But Xie Jingxing had already risen to his feet. "Never mind. Today, I just came to deliver these hidden weapons. They’re perfect for silencing witnesses—should suit your tastes well."
Shen Miao wanted to retort but had to admit Xie Jingxing wasn’t wrong. She lived on the edge of a blade. Though the Shen family shielded her, the path she walked was perilous. If the day came when even the Shen family couldn’t protect her, she would have to rely on herself.
This box full of jewelry-like concealed weapons was nothing short of precious to her. Xie Jingxing truly understood her. Thinking back to how she had once regarded him as an opponent, she realized Pei Lang’s words from her past life were indeed true—one’s greatest rival was often the one who knew them best.
Suddenly, Xie Jingxing asked, "Do you know Shen Yue’s whereabouts?"
Shen Yue? Shen Miao shook her head. She had her own informants within the Shen family and knew Shen Yue had fled home, her current location unknown. Chen Ruoqiu’s people still hadn’t found her, and Shen Miao had also sent her own men to search, all to no avail. She had even wondered—though Fixed Capital was large, how could someone vanish so completely? Besides, a pampered girl like Shen Yue—how long could she last on her own outside?
"Do you know where she is?" Shen Miao asked.
Xie Jingxing replied, "She’s in Prince Qin’s residence."
After Xie Jingxing left, Shen Miao pressed her fingers to her temples before sitting back down on the couch. The candle on the small table before her had nearly burned out.
Shen Yue had actually gone to Prince Qin’s residence—she had connected with Huangfu Hao. In this life, Shen Miao had unwittingly altered the course of many events. Shen Yue’s fate was one of them. Now that she had entered Prince Qin’s household, what new variables would arise in the future? No one could predict.
Shen Miao touched her chest, then reached for the box. She picked out a pair of emerald bracelets and slipped them onto her wrist. The jade’s cool green hue accentuated the delicate paleness of her skin like a painting. Though the jewelry should have been cold to the touch, Shen Miao felt a faint warmth, as if mirroring the young man’s gaze.
Irritated, she ruffled her hair and closed the box—only to notice a jade token lying quietly beside it.
A bank order from the Gold and Jade Bank…She had clearly returned it to Xie Jingxing, yet somehow it ended up here again. It must have been his doing. She had never seen anyone so casually give away such vast sums of silver to others. Shen Miao couldn’t help but feel a pang of pity for the Yongle Emperor of Great Coolness.
Tucking the jade token away, Shen Miao shook her head, thinking she would have to return it to Xie Jingxing the next time they met.
Meanwhile, deep into the night at Prince Qin’s residence, a woman sat before a mirror, combing her hair.
The woman was in the bloom of youth, with delicate beauty, especially the faint air of scholarly refinement about her, making her a rather unique beauty. At this moment, she wore snow-white undergarments and gazed into the mirror. Though her face was as lovely as a flower, her expression carried a shadow of gloom.
This was none other than Shen Yue, who had been missing from Shen Mansion for many days.
Shen Yue had never imagined that one day she would become involved with the Crown Prince of Qin State. Originally, she had planned to leave home and head for Prince Ding's Residence. She thought that since Fu Xiuyi was such a gentle and noble man, and she herself was the legitimate daughter of the third branch of the Shen family, Fu Xiuyi would not ignore her out of camaraderie. Moreover, she was beautiful, amiable, and endlessly talented in poetry and painting—even a stone-hearted man would be moved. Once she could voice her grievances before Prince Ding and win his sympathy, she would surely capture his heart.
However, she had never left the mansion alone before and had no idea where Prince Ding's Residence was. After asking for directions, she had to hide and sneak around for fear of being caught by the Shen family's servants. In Fixed Capital, women like her were common—either fleeing from arranged marriages or escaping from home after committing some misdeed. A lone woman was an easy target, and Shen Yue was no exception.
She was targeted by a group of ruffians. Before she could find Prince Ding's Residence, she was cornered in a secluded alley. The thugs stole her belongings and attempted to violate her chastity. In desperation, Shen Yue shouted that she was the niece of the Grand General of Might.
Though reluctant, Shen Yue knew in her heart that her father's reputation was far less illustrious than Shen Wan's. Especially now that Shen Xin had returned to Fixed Capital and regained Emperor Wenhui's favor, his influence surpassed even what it had been before. Invoking Shen Wan's name would not carry as much weight as invoking Shen Xin's.
By chance, someone passing by heard her cry and came to her rescue. Only later did Shen Yue learn that this person was from Prince Qin's household.
And then, she met Huangfu Hao.
Shen Yue had only seen Huangfu Hao once before, at a tribute banquet. Given his noble status, she had not dared to act improperly. This time, she assumed Huangfu Hao had merely helped her out of kindness and thanked him sincerely. To her surprise, Huangfu Hao seemed very interested in her—or rather, in Shen Miao—and asked many questions about her.
Shen Yue suspected that Huangfu Hao had taken a liking to Shen Miao, which only fueled her jealousy. After all, Huangfu Hao was the Crown Prince of Qin State and would one day become its emperor. If Shen Miao married him, she would either become the Crown Princess and later the Empress, or at least a noble consort. Either way, she would enjoy endless wealth and glory.
Thus, Shen Yue spoke ill of Shen Miao at every opportunity. Slowly but surely, she insinuated that Shen Miao was a scheming woman devoid of talent or virtue. As expected, Huangfu Hao's expression darkened after hearing this, which gave Shen Yue immense satisfaction.
Huangfu Hao intended to escort Shen Yue home, but she soon learned that Shen Wan was planning to divorce Chen Ruoqiu, who had angrily returned to her maiden home. The moment Shen Yue heard this, she was furious and resolved to return to the mansion to defend her mother. But just as she was about to leave, she realized that if she went back now, Shen Wan would surely marry her off to Wang Bi as a secondary wife. Given that both Shen Wan and Old Madam Shen were still furious over the marriage exchange between her and Shen Dongling, returning would only bring her more trouble.Shen Yue couldn't think of a good solution, nor was she willing to watch Chen Ruoqiu suffer. She knew that if Chen Ruoqiu were divorced, even her own status as the legitimate daughter would be affected, making it even harder for her to gain footing in Shen Mansion in the future. Shen Yue already harbored much resentment toward Shen Wan and Old Madam Shen, and this time, she was even more unwilling to accept it.
Finally, she thought of a way.
Huangfu Hao was the Crown Prince of Qin, with immense power and influence. If Huangfu Hao intervened, perhaps everything would become much simpler.
As for her, all she needed to do was please Huangfu Hao.
She had to stay in Prince Qin's residence to avoid being manipulated at will by the Shen family.
－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－
Xie Hao: Money's no issue, bro's got you—spend freely, buy whatever you want! Wrap up this entire country for me!
...
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