The Fixed Capital had been experiencing light snowfall for several days, but the skies finally cleared.
Shen Miao was sunning books in the courtyard, all of which were military texts brought over by Shen Qiu. These books had been kept indoors for so long that they risked growing mold, so she was airing them out. Jing Zhe and Gu Yu were hanging out bedding in the yard. Jing Zhe remarked, "I heard the lawsuit between the Chen family and the Shen family has become quite the spectacle. Many are watching, and it’s dragged on for so long now. Who knows how it’ll end?"
"What else could happen? Both sides are making fools of themselves," Gu Yu said disdainfully. "Taking family matters to court is truly laughable. Thankfully, the master and mistress separated from the family early, or they might’ve been dragged into this mess too."
Chen Ruoqiu’s natal family had taken the Shen family to court.
Old Master Chen was a stubborn man, obsessed with pride and unwilling to back down. He always had to have the last word and would never admit fault. Though Chen Ruoqiu was already married, Old Master Chen insisted on defending her reputation—not out of love for her, but because he refused to let the Shen family belittle the Chen family. Chen Ruoqiu’s mother, however, was formidable. Heartbroken for her daughter, she persuaded Old Master Chen with just a few words to wage a fierce legal battle over the matter of divorcing Chen Ruoqiu.
The Chen family claimed that Chen Ruoqiu had served diligently since marrying into the Shen Mansion, managing household affairs for Shen Wan and even offering to arrange concubines for him, though he had refused. Over the years, everyone knew Chen Ruoqiu as cultured, gentle, and virtuous. Yet now, for the sake of an unknown woman who had come from nowhere, Shen Wan had divorced her—clearly favoring a concubine over his lawful wife.
The Shen family, on the other hand, argued that Chen Ruoqiu, as the principal wife, had failed to bear a son and had not helped her husband expand the family line by accepting concubines. Now that he had taken in another woman, she had obstructed him—proof of her jealousy.
One side accused the mother-in-law of cruelty, the other the daughter-in-law of unfilial behavior—what a grand farce it was, entertaining the onlookers of the Fixed Capital.
In the end, a formal complaint was filed with the magistrate’s office, which rarely handled such cases. Moreover, the dispute wasn’t particularly significant. Old Master Chen was a county official, and Shen Wan’s rank wasn’t negligible either. The magistrate couldn’t afford to offend either side, so the case dragged on indefinitely.
For Shen Wan and Chen Ruoqiu, this lawsuit marked the end of their marital ties. Firstly, Shen Wan was a court official, and having his domestic disputes aired in court gave the idle censors ample material to criticize. His career would undoubtedly suffer. Secondly, Chang Zaiqing was now pregnant.
Chang Zaiqing’s pregnancy couldn’t have come at a more opportune time, almost pushing Chen Ruoqiu out entirely. Though Shen Wan had cherished Chen Ruoqiu over the years, it didn’t mean he didn’t long for a son. If Chang Zaiqing bore him a son, he would finally have an heir. The more he thought about it, the more he favored Chang Zaiqing, while Chen Ruoqiu became like a tattered rag—unworthy of even a glance.
Shen Miao smiled faintly and said, "Don’t forget to send some silver to the magistrate’s office."
Gu Yu acknowledged but then asked, puzzled, "Are you helping Third Master or Third Mistress? Which side is this silver meant for?"Shen Miao instructed Gu Yu to use some silver to bribe the yamen officials, though Gu Yu had no idea whom exactly Shen Miao intended to bribe, as Shen Miao’s letter had not been shown to them.
Gu Yu whispered softly, “It’s best to stay out of such matters. Those people are no good.”
Though her voice was low, Shen Miao heard it clearly. Shen Miao replied, “Neither side is innocent.”
Legal disputes were notorious for burning through silver. Poor families fought their cases bare-handed, leading to swift judgments. But those with any wealth often dragged things out—not for any particular reason, but because the yamen officials sought to line their pockets. The longer the case dragged on, the more they profited.
In her past life at the palace, Shen Miao had witnessed Fu Xiuyi targeting a court official who had once sided with Prince Zhou. Unable to act openly, Fu Xiuyi schemed to embroil the official in a lawsuit, ultimately bankrupting him.
The yamen and medical clinics were the most voracious consumers of silver. Whenever Shen Miao thought of how Shen Wan and Chen Ruoqiu had spared no effort in framing the eldest branch of the Shen family in her past life, she burned with the desire to tear apart their hypocritical facade.
For a supposedly refined couple to end up in court was nothing short of a farce. Moreover, by spending a little silver herself to ensure the case dragged on, Shen Miao could ensure that the Shen and Chen families would suffer heavy losses, if not outright ruin. Given Shen Wan and Chen Ruoqiu’s pride, reconciliation was now impossible.
Nothing could be more perfect.
Shen Miao’s gaze turned icy. Yet, the fact that Chang Zaiqing was pregnant at this very moment… Recalling the role Chang Zaiqing had played in Luo Xueyan’s death in her past life, Shen Miao couldn’t help but sneer.
She said, “Summon Mo Qing and have him gather some men to fetch someone for me from Liuzhou.”
Liuzhou wasn’t just home to Chang Zaiqing—it also housed her husband and son. In her past life, Chang Zaiqing had destroyed Luo Xueyan and enjoyed years of comfort before her crimes were exposed. Now, Shen Miao would be the one to expose them.
This farce involving the third branch of the Shen family was sure to become even more laughable.
While Shen Miao was preoccupied with the Shen family’s third branch, Shen Wan remained at Prince Ding’s Residence.
Amid the turbulent struggles for the throne among the princes, Shen Wan was a clever man who could never quite settle on a side. The Crown Prince was the rightful heir but sickly; Prince Zhou had his mother’s favor but was arrogant; Prince Li had extensive connections but lacked Emperor Wenhui’s favor. Only Prince Ding stood apart, seemingly indifferent to the throne.
Yet Shen Wan had an intuition that Fu Xiuyi wasn’t as disinterested in the throne as he appeared. This only made Shen Wan more hesitant. But ever since Shen Xin’s return, misfortune had befallen the Shen Mansion one after another, and even Shen Wan felt a sense of ill omen. His career prospects were dwindling, and none of the other princes seemed eager to recruit him. That was when he thought of Fu Xiuyi.
In the early days, before Shen Xin had split from the family, Fu Xiuyi had treated Shen Wan quite well, even hinting at an alliance. Shen Wan knew Fu Xiuyi was after Shen Xin’s military power, but back then, he had other options and had skillfully evaded the issue. Later, Fu Xiuyi seemed to grasp his reluctance and grew less enthusiastic.Now that the Shen family had declined from its former glory, if Shen Wan still wished to preserve his prosperous official career... coupled with the possibility that Chang Zaiqing might bear him a son, Shen Wan's previous "middle-of-the-road" approach instantly transformed into a desire to take risks.
Great wealth comes with great danger, yet he still wanted to give it a try.
Thus, Shen Wan finally arrived at Prince Ding's Residence, ultimately choosing to pledge his allegiance. He found it somewhat amusing himself—had he made this decision earlier, perhaps Shen Yue wouldn’t have had to marry into the Wang family, nor would there have been a need for the marriage exchange, let alone her fleeing. Shen Yue might even have succeeded in winning Fu Xiuyi’s heart. But without the marriage exchange involving Shen Yue, perhaps he and Chen Ruoqiu wouldn’t have reached this point, Chang Zaiqing wouldn’t have become pregnant, and he wouldn’t have sought refuge with Prince Ding.
Fate is full of twists and turns, delighting in playing tricks on people.
Fu Xiuyi sat in the host’s seat and ordered tea to be served to Shen Wan. There was no need for polite small talk—both understood the purpose of this visit. Fu Xiuyi smiled warmly and said, "Official Shen has been preoccupied with family matters lately. What brings you here today?"
Shen Wan’s face flushed with embarrassment. The scandal between him and Chen Ruoqiu had already spread throughout the court, and his colleagues looked at him with mocking eyes. For someone as image-conscious as Shen Wan, this was nothing short of torment.
Shen Wan declared, "Your Highness, I am willing to devote myself entirely to your cause!"
Fu Xiuyi merely smiled at his words, offering no response—whether he believed Shen Wan or not remained unclear. Only the two of them and the servants were present in the hall, and the prolonged silence gradually intensified the tension. Beads of cold sweat began to form on Shen Wan’s forehead.
After what felt like an eternity, when Shen Wan felt drenched in sweat from head to toe, Fu Xiuyi finally spoke from above: "But now that Shen Xin has left the residence to live separately, what can you do?"
Shen Wan’s heart skipped a beat—Fu Xiuyi was indeed targeting Shen Xin.
Back when the second branch of the family hadn’t yet fallen, Shen Wan had guessed that Shen Yuan worked for Fu Xiuyi. But what could Fu Xiuyi possibly have Shen Yuan do? Shen Yuan had been recruited by Fu Xiuyi at a young age, and talent alone couldn’t explain it. Later, Shen Wan realized it was likely because Shen Yuan was useful for keeping an eye on Shen Xin or tampering with his daily affairs.
But then Shen Yuan died, and Fu Xiuyi must have lacked someone like him. Later, Shen Xin simply left for Xiaochun City, rendering the role unnecessary.
Who would have thought that two years later, Shen Xin would return to the capital with an even more formidable presence, inevitably becoming a thorn in Fu Xiuyi’s side.
Shen Wan cautiously replied, "Though he has established his own household, there remains a trace of brotherly affection between us. If Your Highness has any orders, I will spare no effort."
"Good," Fu Xiuyi said. "This prince admires talented individuals and believes in Official Shen’s capabilities. Coincidentally, there is a matter at hand—since you’re here today, there’s no need to trouble others. As we are now allies, I trust Official Shen will handle it well."
Shen Wan grew uneasy. Fu Xiuyi’s words clearly implied he was about to present him with a difficult task. If he succeeded, he would solidify his place under Fu Xiuyi’s wing. If he failed, proving himself unworthy of being a "talented individual," he would be ruthlessly cast aside. And any consequences arising from this challenge would be his alone to bear.This was a transaction.
Shen Wan steeled his heart and said, “Your Highness, please give your orders!”
Fu Xiuyi looked at him with satisfaction. “It’s not difficult. This prince knows that General Shen has a legitimate daughter, Fifth Miss Shen, whom he treasures like a jewel. Now, Fifth Miss Shen has reached the age for marriage.”
Shen Wan abruptly raised his head!
Back when Shen Miao had chased after Fu Xiuyi, clamoring to marry him, Fu Xiuyi hadn’t even spared her a glance. Occasionally, when speaking with other princes and court officials, he had shown nothing but annoyance. After all, being liked by such an incompetent and foolish person was nothing short of humiliation for a prince. But now… Shen Wan’s heart pounded violently. Shen Miao had grown increasingly beautiful, her temperament had gradually steadied, and she had shed her former foolishness. She could truly be considered one of Fixed Capital’s most outstanding noblewomen. If Fu Xiuyi wanted to marry Shen Miao… given the enmity between the first and third branches of the Shen family, once Shen Miao gained power, she would surely suppress him.
For both public and private reasons, the better Shen Miao’s life became, the better the first branch of the Shen family fared, the more danger Shen Wan himself would be in! He didn’t want Shen Miao to rise higher and higher—he wished for her to be trampled into the dust!
Suppressing the bitterness in his heart, Shen Wan spoke, “Your Highness… wishes to marry Fifth Sister?”
“This prince?” Fu Xiuyi laughed, as if he had heard something amusing. He shook his head and said, “Not this prince, but this prince’s elder brother.”
Shen Wan froze.
Fu Xiuyi’s voice slowly reached his ears.
“Have Fifth Miss Shen marry this prince’s fourth brother, Prince Zhou.”
At first, Shen Wan was utterly shocked, but after a moment of reflection, a chill crept into his heart.
Who was Shen Miao? She was Shen Xin’s legitimate daughter. Among the great families of the south and north, the Xie family had truly declined, leaving the Shen family of Ming Qi as the sole dominant force. Whoever married Shen Miao would gain immense military power in Ming Qi. Shen Miao’s status destined her not to marry a noble of overwhelming influence, as that would only deepen the suspicions of the already paranoid Emperor Wenhui. It would be best for Shen Miao to marry a commoner, or at the very least, not a military official. This was likely why Shen Miao had yet to be betrothed at her current age—because if she were to marry a commoner, Shen Xin would surely feel that his daughter was being wronged.
If even the nobles were cautious, the princes would be even more reluctant to set their sights on Shen Miao. The Crown Prince was slightly better off, being the legitimate heir, but for any other prince to marry Shen Miao would be an open declaration of their ambition for the throne. Such a heavy weight might seem like a blessing, but in reality, it was a curse.
In the current struggle for succession, Prince Zhou’s faction was the most prominent. Prince Zhou and Jing Wang’s mother was favored by the emperor, and they themselves were capable. As their influence grew and their followers multiplied, any connection to Shen Miao would thrust Prince Zhou into the spotlight. Emperor Wenhui would inevitably grow displeased and wary, the other princes would burn with envy, and Prince Zhou would likely face severe suppression. As for the Shen family, there was no need to elaborate—such an overt declaration of allegiance would surely lead to their downfall once the envoys from Qin State and Great Coolness departed.
Killing two birds with one stone—this move was executed to perfection. A sudden sense of fear toward Fu Xiuyi arose in Shen Wan’s heart. This man’s schemes were too deep, too ruthless—it was truly terrifying.Fu Xiuyi seemed oblivious to Shen Wan's expression and smiled gently, saying, "This matter shall be entirely entrusted to Lord Shen." He did not specify how it should be done or to what extent. Prince Zhou already had a Royal Consort, so if Shen Miao were to marry him, she could only be a concubine.
Shen Wan had no confidence whatsoever but dared not show it. He cupped his hands respectfully toward Fu Xiuyi and replied, "This subject will spare no effort."
The two then exchanged a few polite words. Fu Xiuyi's attitude was neither warm nor cold. Had it been two years ago, he might have treated Shen Wan with more courtesy. But times had changed—the Shen family was no longer what it once was, and Shen Wan himself was mired in troubles. Naturally, Fu Xiuyi no longer needed to value him as before.
After Shen Wan left Prince Ding's Residence, Pei Lang emerged from behind the screen.
Pei Lang took a seat below Fu Xiuyi and glanced at the teacup Shen Wan had left behind. "Does Your Highness intend to employ Shen Wan now?"
Fu Xiuyi looked at Pei Lang. "What does the Master think of Shen Wan?"
Pei Lang shook his head. "Though he is patient and resourceful, he lacks ruthlessness. His household affairs are in disarray. If employed, he may bring trouble in the future. He can be used for minor tasks but is unfit for greater responsibilities."
Fu Xiuyi laughed, his gaze full of admiration as he looked at Pei Lang. "The Master and I think alike." Then he sighed. "Ever since the Xie brothers died, some matters have been difficult to entrust to others. Had they been nurtured properly, they would have been useful pieces. Now, they’ve been completely ruined. Though not crucial, their loss still adds complications."
Pei Lang frowned. "Your Highness does not plan to rely heavily on Shen Wan?"
"A fence-sitter," Fu Xiuyi replied with a hollow smile. "He wavered in the past and only seeks my support now under pressure. Such an indecisive man cannot be trusted. I merely need him for trivial tasks."
Pei Lang continued, "Having Shen Wan scheme to pair the Fourth Prince with Shen Miao—does Your Highness believe it feasible?"
"Feasible or not, I cannot say. But since this is Shen Wan’s only chance, he will stop at nothing to make it happen. The Shen family’s merits are high, and Prince Zhou’s influence has grown unchecked. The time is ripe—if we do not act now, it may truly be too late."
Pei Lang fell silent. Then Fu Xiuyi suddenly asked, "What if I were to marry Shen Miao? What does the Master think?"
Pei Lang’s heart lurched violently, but his expression remained composed as he analyzed, "It would likely be unwise. It would arouse His Majesty’s suspicions and provoke wariness among the other princes."
Fu Xiuyi nodded, his expression tinged with regret. His tone was unreadable as he murmured, "What a pity."
Pei Lang did not understand what Fu Xiuyi regretted. Emotionally, Fu Xiuyi seemed to harbor no special feelings for Shen Miao. If he had, he would not have been so indifferent when Shen Miao pursued him so openly that the entire Fixed Capital knew of it. Had Fu Xiuyi shown even the slightest protection toward her back then, the rumors would not have spread so viciously.
So what exactly did Fu Xiuyi regret? That the Shen family’s military power could not be secured?
Pei Lang did not know the answer. After Fu Xiuyi left, he returned to his own quarters. Only when he was certain no one was around did he pick up his brush to write a letter.
...
Tonight, Prince Rui's Residence was unusually somber.The servants all wore grave expressions, not daring to make a sound. When Prince Rui returned today, his demeanor was unusually cold. Even Gao Yang and Ji Yushu, who accompanied him, wore rare solemn expressions. Meanwhile, Tie Yi and Nan Qi brought along a man dressed as a guard, entering the house together with Prince Rui.
Even the personal study was lavishly spacious, adorned with opulent furnishings that made it resemble a corner of a palace rather than a study. Seated on the main chair was a man idly toying with a thumb ring on his hand. He wore a magnificent dark purple robe embroidered with gold, its fabric cascading over the wide seat like a flowing purple cloud descending from the heavens.
The man kneeling on the ground prostrated himself, seeing only the boots before him—dark blue-black deerskin boots, their stitching impeccably neat and dense, the threads seemingly edged with silver. Just from the boots alone, one could glimpse the owner's arrogant yet luxurious bearing.
Xie Jingxing rested one foot on the soft couch, reclining slightly in his seat as he glanced down at the man below. His features were impossibly handsome; when he smiled, his charm overflowed like an unstoppable spring garden, yet when his face turned cold, a single glance was enough to send chills down one's spine. Those beautiful peach-blossom eyes, once filled with spring water, now seemed like icy mountain springs. He spoke indifferently, his tone betraying neither joy nor anger: "Speak. Who is your master?"
The man gritted his teeth and remained silent.
Gao Yang and Ji Yushu also frowned deeply.
Xie Jingxing gave a lazy smile and said, "Fine, don’t speak. Throw him into the Tower Prison." Suddenly, he leaned forward, bringing his face closer to the guard, and lowered his voice: "After all, I already know who it is."
The guard's expression remained unchanged, though his body was covered in wounds, clearly having endured considerable torture before this. Xie Jingxing smiled faintly, though the warmth didn’t reach his eyes. "Confiscate his token."
Ji Yushu and Gao Yang were both taken aback and instinctively turned their gazes toward the guard.
The guard froze, then a flicker of struggle crossed his face. The mention of the token made it clear Xie Jingxing already knew his identity. Everyone knew Prince Rui of Great Coolness was ruthless and unrestrained in his actions, and the Tower Prison was a name that struck fear into hearts. Even he couldn’t help but tremble inwardly.
Steeling himself, the guard kowtowed several times to Xie Jingxing and pleaded, "Your Highness, have mercy!"
Xie Jingxing swept a glance over him and scoffed. "So this is the caliber of men my imperial brother sends." His tone dripped with deep mockery. "I thought your backbone would be tougher. How dull."
Unable to hold back, Ji Yushu spoke up: "What does His Majesty want you to do to Fifth Miss Shen?"
This man had been captured outside the Shen residence. It was only thanks to Xie Jingxing’s constant surveillance of the Shen household to prevent mishaps that they had caught him. The man’s martial skills were exceptional, and he was extremely vigilant—Xie Jingxing’s men had lain in wait for days before finally seizing him. Now, it made sense. After all, he was one of the Yongle Emperor’s secret agents. If he lacked such skills, the Great Coolness imperial family would truly be in peril.The guard had intended to say something, but when he met Xie Jingxing's half-smiling gaze, he couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine. In the entire imperial family of Great Coolness, this seemingly carefree, lazy yet handsome Prince Rui was actually the most formidable one. Two years ago when he returned to Great Coolness, numerous factions within the court had been secretly maneuvering against him, yet Xie Yuan had systematically dealt with them all. Those ministers who opposed him were eradicated without leaving even a trace. His methods were ruthless, his schemes profound, yet he left no evidence that could be used against him. Beyond court intrigues, he had also accomplished several impressive feats that left even the conservative old ministers speechless. This was precisely why he inspired both admiration and fear.
Under his piercing gaze that seemed to see through everything, the guard dared not conceal anything further and confessed fully, "His Majesty learned of the matter concerning Fifth Miss Shen. Fearing that Your Highness might be lingering in Ming Qi because of her, he sent this subordinate to investigate... There was no order to harm Fifth Miss Shen, only to gather information..."
Both Gao Yang and Ji Yushu couldn't help but frown. Though the Yongle Emperor resided in Great Coolness, it was certain he had spies in Fixed Capital of Ming Qi. If he discovered the relationship between Shen Miao and Xie Jingxing, the outcome would be unpredictable. Given the Yongle Emperor's temperament, he would never allow anything outside his plans to occur. Shen Miao was, after all, a native of Ming Qi—a status that could introduce numerous variables. From the perspectives of Ji Yushu and Gao Yang, it was unlikely the Yongle Emperor would approve of Xie Jingxing's feelings.
What was most troubling was that both brothers were equally stubborn, unwavering once they set their minds to something. If the Yongle Emperor tried to interfere, Xie Jingxing would hardly comply meekly. Moreover, compared to the emperor, Xie Jingxing had endured countless assassination attempts over the years in Ming Qi, making his temperament even more unruly and defiant. If the two brothers truly came to blows, it would likely result in a storm of bloodshed, turning the world upside down.
Sure enough, upon hearing this, Xie Jingxing chuckled and said, "Oh? If it's just gathering information, then there's no need to lock you in the Tower Prison. I'll send you back to Great Coolness."
The guard was momentarily stunned. Before he could speak, Xie Jingxing's voice came from above: "You know what to say, don't you?"
The guard hesitated. Both Prince Rui and the Yongle Emperor were equally terrifying figures. Feeling a deep sense of despair, he tentatively asked, "Your Highness and Fifth Miss Shen have no connection?"
Xie Jingxing looked at him with amusement, his beautiful eyes carrying a hint of deeper meaning. Slowly, he replied, "How could someone sent by my imperial brother lie?"
Gao Yang tightened his grip on his folding fan, while Ji Yushu swallowed hard.
"Go back and tell my imperial brother he's right—I stayed because of Shen Miao." The young man's lips curled into a gentle smile, though his eyes remained defiant. He added coolly, "Don't even think of changing anything, because I won't allow it."
"Oh, and remind my imperial brother," he yawned, "not to forget our agreement."
...
The tranquil night concealed everything—the undercurrents in Prince Rui's Residence, the schemes in Prince Ding's Residence, and even the whispered conversations in the general's manor.
In Autumn Water Court, an outsider had already intruded upon the household. The former mistress, in a fit of anger, had returned to her maiden home and even filed a lawsuit against her husband's family. Such irreconcilable conflict made it clear to all that Chen Ruoqiu would never regain her former glory. Meanwhile, the new concubine, with her gentle and dignified demeanor, was even carrying a child in her womb. It seemed she was destined for greatness. Servants, ever eager to flatter those on the rise, quickly switched their allegiance to this new mistress.
Chang Zaiqing sat in her room, stroking her belly with a serene smile on her face.
The West Courtyard was too far away and usually rather desolate. After Old Madam Shen consulted a fortune-teller and learned that Chang Zaiqing was carrying a son, she immediately elevated Chang Zaiqing's status. Shen Wan even moved her into Autumn Water Court for better care.
Chang Zaiqing had effectively become the new mistress of Autumn Water Court, and she was thoroughly satisfied with her current situation. Though Chen Ruoqiu was shrewd and experienced, she had aged and lost her beauty, and without bearing a son, she had fallen behind in this battle.Shen Wan entered the room, placed the tonics he was carrying on the table, then walked over to Chang Zaiqing's side. He gently touched her belly and smiled, saying, "This is wonderful."
Chang Zaiqing returned his smile but suddenly paused, then asked softly, "My lord, is something troubling you?"
Shen Wan was taken aback for a moment before letting out a bitter laugh. "There is indeed one matter weighing on my mind."
This book was first published online. Please do not repost!
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