The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage

The night wind rose, unusually cold. At Prince Rui's Residence, Gao Yang was engrossed in reading a newly delivered letter.

Shen Miao lived in the Shen family residence. Although the Shen household had many guards and strong defenses, due to various reasons, danger still lurked everywhere, leaving no room for carelessness. Xie Jingxing had thus discreetly assigned a Shadow Guard from the Ink Feather Army to secretly follow Shen Miao, ensuring no mishaps occurred.

This Shadow Guard, named Cong Yang, had originally been a scout in the Ink Feather Army. His martial skills were top-notch, and his ability to gather intelligence was unparalleled—except for one flaw: he was a chatterbox. Every day, he would report to Xie Jingxing about Shen Miao’s activities. This letter detailed whom Shen Miao had met today and what she had said. Apart from omitting her trips to the privy and baths, nearly everything else was meticulously recorded.

Gao Yang found this rather perverse, but Cong Yang was simply that thorough. When he read about how Shen Miao and her group had encountered Su Mingfeng on the street at noon, his expression shifted slightly.

Though it was unclear what Su Mingfeng had noticed, given his long-standing friendship with Xie Jingxing, his strange behavior was undoubtedly a bad sign.

As he pondered this, Ji Yushu walked by from behind, munching on an apple. Seeing Gao Yang staring blankly at a piece of paper, he glanced over—but his focus went entirely off-track. "Ah," he said, "so the young lady from the Shen family likes Su Mingfeng, huh?"

Gao Yang was so startled that he nearly toppled off the stone bench. Recovering, he snapped, "What’s with the sudden outburst?"

"You’re way too jumpy," Ji Yushu said, patting his shoulder. "Stop waving that fan around all day and focus on training—that’s the real path to greatness." Then, returning to his earlier point, he added, "Miss Luo and Young Master Su are actually quite a match. Since Third Brother is acquainted with both, why not play matchmaker someday?"

Gao Yang frowned. "Which of your eyes sees them as a match? And who said Luo Tan likes Su Mingfeng?"

"Both of my eyes see them as a match," Ji Yushu retorted, pointing to a line in the letter. "Look, Miss Luo told Su Mingfeng, 'No wonder you’re brothers—you both look equally handsome.' Think about it. Su Minlang aside, isn’t Miss Luo just finding a roundabout way to compliment Su Mingfeng? Otherwise, why would she randomly praise someone’s looks?"

Thanks to Cong Yang’s verbosity, the letter not only recorded Shen Miao’s words but also included Luo Tan’s remarks. Ji Yushu was quite the talent—amidst a densely packed page, he had zeroed in on that one line.

Suppressing a faint irritation, Gao Yang muttered, "Ridiculous."

"You just don’t get it," Ji Yushu said, snatching Gao Yang’s fan and mimicking his usual enigmatic air, waving it with an air of superiority. "Only a seasoned expert like me, who’s wandered through countless blossoms, can discern a young maiden’s true heart. What do you know? If you butter me up, I might consider teaching you— achoo! " In the dead of winter, fanning himself only made him sneeze.

Gao Yang snatched his fan back, refusing to engage further.

Just then, Xie Jingxing returned from outside, followed by Tie Yi and Nan Qi. It was unclear where they had been, but they looked somewhat travel-worn."Third Brother," Ji Yushu greeted him enthusiastically, but Xie Jingxing didn't even glance his way, walking coldly into the room with a stern expression. Nan Qi and Tie Yi also wore solemn looks. Unaware of Xie Jingxing's foul mood, Ji Yushu continued, "Third Brother, something happened to Fifth Miss Shen."

Xie Jingxing halted mid-step and frowned at him.

Gao Yang also turned to look at Ji Yushu.

Clearing his throat, Ji Yushu adopted a serious tone. "I just checked the message Cong Yang sent back. Today, Fifth Miss Shen encountered a scoundrel while out, and he... he touched her hand."

Gao Yang facepalmed as Ji Yushu pressed on, "Third Brother, do you know who this audacious scoundrel is?"

No one answered him, though Nan Qi and Tie Yi grew visibly tense. Fifth Miss Shen was someone their master favored—who dared to have the gall to lay hands on her?

Ji Yushu wailed dramatically, "It was Su Mingfeng! Third Brother’s sworn brother, Su Mingfeng! Brothers in arms, yet he dares to steal from you—shameless, dishonorable, and utterly despicable!"

Nan Qi and Tie Yi were stunned. Xie Jingxing’s gaze turned icy, while Gao Yang simply covered his face with a fan, unwilling to witness Ji Yushu’s theatrics in front of a crowd.

...

A single lamp flickered weakly as Shen Miao idly flipped through a book beneath its dim light. Occasionally, she glanced at the window, which was left wide open despite the cold. She suspected Xie Jingxing had planted spies in the Shen residence, but she couldn’t care less. Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan were rarely home during the day, and Shen Qiu even less so. The Shen household had no secrets, so Xie Jingxing’s people being around made no difference—it was like having an unpaid guard on duty.

Since Xie Jingxing’s men monitored every move here, leaving the window open would surely be reported to their master. It was a signal that she was waiting for him.

Shen Miao mulled it over and concluded that running into Su Mingfeng on the street today was far from ideal. Su Mingfeng and Xie Jingxing were close—so close that in her past life, when Su Mingfeng died, only Xie Jingxing dared to collect his body, braving the wrath of the Ming Qi imperial family. That alone proved their deep bond. And close friends knew each other well. Today, Su Mingfeng had noticed her bracelet, mentioning the "Tiger Head Bracelet." It wasn’t a casual remark—it must have some connection to Xie Jingxing.

Shen Miao wasn’t sure how many people in Ming Qi knew Xie Jingxing’s true identity. But judging by Su Mingfeng’s reaction today, he didn’t know. If Su Mingfeng were to discover Xie Jingxing was alive... it might spell trouble later.

Lost in thought, she suddenly heard a noise at the window. Looking up, she saw the purple-robed youth slip in effortlessly, closing the window behind him to keep out the cold wind.

Xie Jingxing strode over and sat down at the table. The tea was still warm, and he poured himself a cup as if he were at home. Ignoring the odd feeling in her chest, Shen Miao took a sip of her own tea and said, "I called you here today because of something important."

"What is it?" Xie Jingxing asked, lips quirking.

After a pause, Shen Miao replied, "Su Mingfeng might have realized you're still alive."

Xie Jingxing fell silent.Shen Miao extended her wrist, the jade bracelet on it glistening with a translucent sheen, accentuating the slenderness and paleness of her wrist. She said, "Today, Su Mingfeng noticed this bracelet on my hand in the street. He mentioned something about a Tiger Head Bracelet and asked if I had seen you. I think there must be some connection here. Perhaps he has also guessed that you are still alive."

Xie Jingxing slightly furrowed his brows. He was naturally handsome, but his usual half-smiling expression was captivating. Now, in silence, a cold aura seemed to emanate from him.

Shen Miao thought to herself that Xie Jingxing was now a man of Great Coolness, bearing the identity of Prince Rui yet wearing a silver mask to conceal his true self. Who would have thought her carelessness might alert Su Mingfeng? Even if Su Mingfeng was Xie Jingxing’s close friend, there was no guarantee he wouldn’t be manipulated. If this brought trouble to Xie Jingxing… after all the help Xie Jingxing had given her, her first act was to cause him trouble. A faint sense of guilt arose in Shen Miao’s heart.

She carefully suggested, "Perhaps… we can think of a way to remedy this."

"Impossible," Xie Jingxing flatly rejected her proposal. "Su Mingfeng and I have been friends for years. He’s cunning and sharp—there’s no hiding it from him."

Shen Miao felt a headache coming on, yet she couldn’t help but resent Xie Jingxing a little. If this Tiger Head Bracelet had such a history, why give it away so casually? And of all days, she had to wear it today, leading to this unfortunate encounter with Su Mingfeng.

"Then what should we do?" Even someone as clever as Shen Miao was at a loss. Every trade has its master, and concealing identities was not her forte.

Xie Jingxing shook his head. "If he finds out, so be it. Pay it no mind."

"Won’t that bring you trouble?" Shen Miao frowned. "The Su family is, after all, an official family of Ming Qi. You’re from Great Coolness—he might think you’re a spy sent by an enemy state… the consequences would be endless." It wasn’t that Shen Miao was overly suspicious of people’s motives, but reality was just like this. For the sake of small gains, even sisters in the imperial harem could turn on each other, let alone matters involving the interests of two nations.

Friendship is the most precious, and thus the most intolerant of deceit—the most fragile.

Xie Jingxing glanced at her leisurely, then suddenly curled his lips into a smile. "Are you worried about me?"

Shen Miao was taken aback, then replied, "I’m concerned about myself." After a pause, she added, "Right now, you and I are grasshoppers tied to the same rope. If you’re exposed, there’s no guarantee I won’t be dragged into it, and the Shen family along with me. The losses would outweigh the gains."

Xie Jingxing found this amusing. "Rest assured, being my ally will not leave you at a disadvantage."

Shen Miao was used to his arrogance and didn’t take his words to heart. But suddenly, she thought of something and asked, "Speaking of which, are you really not going to stop Su Mingfeng?"

"How long do you think I’ll wear this mask?" Xie Jingxing suddenly asked.

Shen Miao didn’t understand his meaning and remained silent.

"My identity will be known sooner or later," Xie Jingxing said calmly. "If not by Su Mingfeng, then by someone else."

Shen Miao was startled and somewhat puzzled. She pressed further, "Then haven’t you considered how your… loved ones would feel if your identity were revealed? Lin'an Hou, Rong Xin Princess, Su Mingfeng, and the others…" Even if others found out, they would at most be surprised. But how would Xie Jingxing’s closest friends and family react? Facing doubt from those dearest to him—even Shen Miao found it hard to imagine.Even though she had been betrayed and hurt in her past life, at least she and the Shen family had always been on the same side. But with the revelation of Xie Jingxing's identity as Prince Rui of Great Coolness, the situation became far more complicated.

Xie Jingxing smiled nonchalantly, "So what if they know?" He continued, "I don’t care if the whole world hates me." His gaze lingered on Shen Miao, and for a fleeting moment, his smile carried a hint of roguish charm. "I’m not afraid."

Yet, for some reason, Shen Miao found his smile strangely poignant. Despite his handsome and seemingly indifferent demeanor, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this young man wasn’t as heartless as he appeared.

Lost in her thoughts, Shen Miao was caught off guard when Xie Jingxing reached out and ruffled her hair. "Don’t take off the bracelet," he said. "Since I’ve given it to you, I’m not afraid of others recognizing it."

Shen Miao usually disliked anyone touching her head—after all, how would it look if word got out that an empress was being patted on the head like a child? Even Shen Qiu ruffling her hair would annoy her. Yet today, she inexplicably allowed Xie Jingxing’s gesture without protest.

She sighed inwardly. Let it go for today.

Xie Jingxing stood up. "I came thinking you had an urgent matter. Since there’s nothing, I’ll take my leave." He added, "If you ever need anything, just call for Cong Yang. He’s your Shadow Guard now—no need to wait by the window for me. I’ll wake you when I arrive."

He spoke so naturally that Shen Miao didn’t find anything odd about it—until after he left, when she realized how ambiguous his words had been.

Recalling his instructions, she tentatively called out, "Cong Yang." In the blink of an eye, a young man dressed in black, resembling a guard, appeared before her.

Shen Miao rubbed her temples. Did Xie Jingxing plant someone in my chambers? Am I to be watched even while sleeping? She asked, "Do you stay in the room all day?"

Cong Yang replied, "This subordinate resides in the tree outside the door. Young Mistress need only call my name—as a trained martial artist, I can hear even a whisper."

Shen Miao stared at him in surprise. "What did you call me?"

Cong Yang bowed. "Young Mistress."

Shen Miao said firmly, "Don’t call me that."

"As you wish, Young Mistress."

Shen Miao: "…" After a long pause, she waved her hand in resignation. "Never mind. Tell me, where did Xie Jingxing go?" His hurried departure suggested urgent business, and given the events of the day, Shen Miao couldn’t shake her unease. Was he going to silence Su Mingfeng?

Cong Yang answered, "This subordinate does not know."

Shen Miao took a deep breath. Useless—Xie Jingxing didn’t send a Shadow Guard; he sent a spy. She sized up the young man before her. Strong and sturdy. Tomorrow, I’ll have him chop firewood with the kitchen staff.

Outside the Shen residence, Xie Jingxing turned to Tie Yi. "From now on, keep Ji Yushu away from Cong Yang’s messages."

Ji Yushu was the type to revel in chaos, as if life wasn’t exciting enough. Stirring up trouble at such a critical moment made Xie Jingxing want to kick him back to Great Coolness.

Tie Yi acknowledged the order, then added, "Master, the wandering Master Guan Zhen has arrived at Putuo Temple. His Majesty previously instructed you to visit him. Since you’re currently in Ming Qi, when do you plan to go?"

After a brief pause, Xie Jingxing replied, "Tomorrow."

...

The next day, the weather was splendid.Luo Tan had recently become obsessed with cutting paper window decorations. Thinking it was the perfect time for it with the New Year approaching, she brought over a large stack of red paper and scissors, eager to make festive patterns to adorn the windows with Shen Miao.

As Shen Miao cut, her mind wandered to memories of the past.

In her previous life in the Qin State, the princesses and princes had mocked her, forcing her to cut paper decorations and do needlework day and night. Not only did it strain her eyes, making her vision blurry at night, but her hands also developed thick, rough calluses.

Even after returning to the palace, no matter how much Shuangjiang used pumice stones to scrub them, the calluses wouldn’t fade. It happened to be Fu Xiuyi’s birthday then, and all the beauties in the harem presented gifts to delight the emperor. Mei Furen played the konghou so exquisitely that the melody lingered for days, and her delicate fingers dancing over the strings left everyone in awe.

When it was Shen Miao’s turn, as the Empress, singing or dancing would have been unbecoming of her dignity. Instead, she presented an embroidered landscape scroll—grand and majestic. Fu Xiuyi clearly admired it, and the ministers praised it too. Yet Mei Furen wouldn’t let it go, insisting that Shen Miao also play the konghou.

Shen Miao resisted, casting a pleading glance at Fu Xiuyi, but he merely said lightly, “Since Mei’er is in the mood, Empress, play a tune for Us. It has been many years since We last heard you play.”

Cornered, Shen Miao had no choice but to comply.

She could play the konghou—she had learned many things for Fu Xiuyi’s sake. Though her skill couldn’t rival Mei Furen’s enchanting melodies, it was still passable. Yet it drew scorn from the ministers and mockery from the palace ladies, with everyone whispering and pointing.

Why? Because the hands that plucked the konghou strings were hideously unsightly. Her knuckles were swollen from years of labor, her fingers marred by thick calluses, the entire hand coarse and clumsy—unlike the delicate, fair hands befitting an empress, more like those of a peasant woman.

The stark contrast to the once soft, elegant hands was glaring.

She wasn’t afraid of embarrassing herself—she feared that because of her, Wan Yu and Fu Ming would also become targets of ridicule. As she played, she saw Mei Furen’s smug, triumphant smile and Fu Xiuyi’s cold, indifferent expression. Her heart ached with the urge to cry. But Shen Miao couldn’t cry. For Wan Yu and Fu Ming, she had to remain the dignified, unshaken Empress.

She pretended not to care, but once back in her palace, she had Shuangjiang bring double the pumice stones, scrubbing her hands until a layer of skin peeled off.

Noticing Shen Miao lost in thought, Luo Tan called out, “Little cousin?”

Shen Miao snapped back to reality and saw that the magpie-and-spring pattern she had been cutting was ruined. She couldn’t help but smile bitterly.

In this second life, her hands were once again soft and flawless, yet the phantom of those calluses remained, a constant reminder of her humiliating past.

Shen Miao tossed the scissors aside. “I’m done.”

Luo Tan blinked. “Why?”

“They’ll give me calluses,” Shen Miao said offhandedly.

Even Luo Tan, who idolized Shen Miao, couldn’t hide her odd expression. “It’s not like you’re cutting day and night. How would you get calluses?” She added teasingly, “No wonder your childhood name is Jiaojiao.”Shen Miao had just taken a sip of tea when Gu Yu entered from outside and said, "Miss, Madam asks you to go to the main hall."

Luo Xueyan was not on official duty today and remained at home. Shen Miao asked, "Does Mother have something to call me for?"

Gu Yu hesitated slightly before replying, "This servant doesn’t know, but the Su family’s madam has come to our manor and is currently speaking with Madam in the main hall."

"The Su family?" Shen Miao paused, setting down her teacup. "The Su family of Pingnan Count?"

"Indeed."

...

In the main hall, Luo Xueyan was conversing with Su Furen.

Su Furen had not come empty-handed today. She mentioned that her husband had acquired two Snow Sparrows, a species native only to the northern regions. Worried about mishandling them, Su Furen had come specifically to ask Luo Xueyan—being from the northwest—how to properly care for the birds.

Initially, Luo Xueyan had suspected Su Furen was here to mock her, but the latter’s demeanor was sincere, without a hint of ridicule. She had even brought two baskets of fresh fruits and vegetables newly delivered from their countryside manor, prized for their freshness.

Previously, the Grand General of Might’s residence and Marquis Lin'an Manor had been at odds, and since the Su family was close to Marquis Lin'an, it naturally followed that the Shen and Su families had treated each other as strangers, indifferent to one another. Two years ago, when the Shen family had defied the imperial decree, the Su family had even taken the opportunity to kick them while they were down by submitting a memorial against them. Although this had backfired and instead eased Emperor Wenhui’s suspicions, Luo Xueyan had not forgotten the incident.

Yet today, Su Furen had arrived with warmth and courtesy. As the saying goes, one does not strike a smiling face, so Luo Xueyan could hardly respond with coldness. Still, she found it odd—Su Furen had claimed to be here for advice on raising Snow Sparrows, but after all this time, she hadn’t mentioned the birds even once. Instead, she had persistently engaged Luo Xueyan in conversation about the novelties of Xiaochun City and repeatedly praised Luo Xueyan for her excellent parenting, raising such fine children. The compliments had even made Luo Xueyan blush.

After so much praise, Luo Xueyan thought it appropriate to have Shen Miao come out to greet their guest and thus sent for her. Yet she couldn’t shake her suspicion—was it possible that, with Marquis Lin'an Manor now seemingly in decline, the Su family was seeking a new patron and thus trying to ingratiate themselves with the Shen family?

If that were the case, then the Su family was truly not worth associating with. This realization made Luo Xueyan regret her impulsive decision to summon Shen Miao, especially when she noticed Su Furen eagerly glancing toward the doorway. But words once spoken could not be taken back, and it was too late to retract the invitation now.

Just then, a maid announced that the young miss had arrived. Su Furen immediately straightened in her seat, looking toward the entrance with visible excitement.

In walked a tall young woman dressed in a pale yellow jacket and skirt. She was quite striking, with spirited features and a sun-kissed complexion. Her steps were lively, her hair styled in a Strand Deer Bun. Her only adornments were a pair of pearl earrings, and at her waist hung a red dagger.

Su Furen: "..." So this was the kind of girl Su Mingfeng fancied—undeniably... lively and untamed.

The girl smiled at Luo Xueyan and said, "Auntie."Younger sister-in-law? Su Furen was taken aback, only now noticing the girl standing behind the other young woman. This one wore a lilac-colored pleated skirt with crabapple blossom trim, a moon-white short jacket, and a snow-white cloak draped over her shoulders. Her skin was as fair as a peeled hard-boiled egg, with round bright eyes, a delicate nose and small mouth—her delicate features gave her an endearing appearance. Yet there was something peculiar about her bearing that completely subdued that youthful charm. She walked with such dignified poise that she seemed like someone who'd come straight from the palace. When Su Furen had first married Su Yu and attended the imperial court as a new bride to pay respects to the Empress Dowager, she'd seen the Empress. This petite, lovely girl before her carried herself exactly like the Empress—no, even more regally than the Empress. For a fleeting moment, it seemed as if what approached was a proud, aloof noblewoman with her chin held high, every movement exuding the aristocratic grace reserved only for royalty of the highest purple rank.

The girl called out "Mother" to Luo Xueyan, then turned her gaze toward Su Furen.

Luo Xueyan quickly explained, "This is the wife of the Pingnan Count's Su family. These are my daughter and niece, Tan'er."

Shen Miao and Luo Tan bowed respectfully to Su Furen.

Su Furen hadn't attended the previous palace banquet but had heard about Shen Miao's confrontation with Ming An Princess there. She'd assumed Shen Miao must be quite unyielding, so when Su Minlang mentioned Su Mingfeng's interest in Shen Miao, she'd been somewhat concerned. Still, she felt compelled to see for herself and mustered the courage to send an invitation—after all, this concerned her son's lifelong happiness. Expecting Shen Miao to be a defiant heroine, she'd instinctively mistaken Luo Tan for Shen Miao. Only upon meeting the real Shen Miao did she realize how far from the truth her assumptions had been.

With a smile, she pulled two embroidered pouches from her sleeve and pressed them into Shen Miao and Luo Tan's hands. "Madam Shen truly knows how to raise fine young ladies. Both your daughter and niece are more beautiful than the last. When I saw them earlier, I wondered—where did these celestial maidens come from? You're truly blessed, Madam Shen."

Luo Tan and Shen Miao stared blankly at the pouches. It wasn't New Year's—why was she giving gifts? Among close acquaintances, this might be normal, but Shen Miao knew the Su and Shen families had no prior connection. Could it be that yesterday's incident with Su Mingfeng had been exposed? But even if so, why would Su Furen visit Shen Mansion?

Luo Xueyan also stiffened at the sight of the pouches and was about to politely decline when Su Furen grasped her hands firmly. "If you refuse, I'll be quite cross. I simply find these two young ladies beautiful and well-mannered—I'm utterly charmed. These are just small tokens of greeting. Everyone says Madam Shen is forthright—why act so reserved now?" She sighed wistfully. "If only I had two daughters of my own."

Today, Luo Xueyan was truly at a loss with Su Furen's behavior and could only reply politely, "You flatter me too much, Madam. Your household has two outstanding sons."

"Outstanding? Hardly." Su Furen shook her head. "Minlang is terribly mischievous, never applying himself properly, always following his father's reckless lead. I can't control him at all. I heard your Qiu'er was exceptionally well-behaved even as a child—I envy you deeply."

"There's still Mingfeng," Luo Xueyan said with a smile. "Your eldest is a young man of remarkable talent."

Su Furen brightened at this and turned to Shen Miao and Luo Tan. "Young ladies, our chatter must bore you. Why don't you go amuse yourselves? I'd like to share some private words with Madam Shen."

This was clearly a tactful dismissal. Shen Miao grew even more wary. The moment Su Mingfeng was mentioned, Su Furen sent them away—had she guessed wrong? Was Su Furen truly here because of yesterday's incident?

As they stepped outside, Shen Miao turned slightly and whispered, "Cong Yang, go listen to what they're saying in the main hall."

She knew Cong Yang would hear her no matter how softly she spoke. Noticing this, Luo Tan asked, "Little cousin, what are you muttering about now?"

Inside the main hall, Su Furen pressed a hand to her chest and sighed dramatically at Luo Xueyan. "To be frank, Mingfeng is indeed exceptional. Since childhood, he's never given his father or me any cause for worry. Handsome, brilliant, entering officialdom at a young age, filial and courteous—you couldn't find another like him in all of Fixed Capital even with a lantern."

Luo Xueyan smiled politely while thinking to herself—first praising Shen Qiu, now declaring her son the finest in the capital. Who boasts so shamelessly about their own child?

As she pondered this, Su Furen heaved another exaggerated sigh. "There's just one flaw—my son is stubborn to a fault. Once he sets his heart on something, nothing else will do. That's why he remains unmarried to this day. What a tragedy!

－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－

Actually, Ji Yushu is part of the FFFF group, brandishing torches—burning couples one pair at a time ╮╯▽╰╭

What a tragedy indeed ＿：3ゝ∠＿

...