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“The Shen family’s young lady?” The Crown Prince was momentarily stunned before exclaiming, “Shen Miao?”
Fu Xiuyi looked at him with a faint smile but said nothing.
“No.” The Crown Prince shook his head. “Miss Shen is General Shen’s treasured pearl. She hasn’t been betrothed yet, which shows how much importance he places on her lifelong happiness. How could he be willing to marry her into the Eastern Palace? Besides,” he teased, glancing at Fu Xiuyi with a smirk, “it’s common knowledge in Fixed Capital that Miss Shen once had her heart set on you, Ninth Brother. I could never steal her affections.”
Fu Xiuyi chuckled and shook his head. “She never truly fancied me. It was just childish talk back then. Otherwise, look at how she’s treated me over the years—not a shred of warmth, colder than a stranger.”
The Crown Prince thought it over and realized it was true. In the past two years, whenever Shen Miao encountered Fu Xiuyi, she had been nothing like her former passionate self, instead treating him with icy indifference. The princes had all been puzzled by this. Still, the Crown Prince remarked, “Perhaps it’s precisely because you were heartless that Miss Shen grew resentful toward you.”
“Eldest Brother, spare me the jest,” Fu Xiuyi replied with a smile. “Besides, the Shen family is far beyond my reach as in-laws. I’d much rather find a wife of less prominent status—it would be more comfortable. That aside,” he continued seriously, “why must Eldest Brother focus on General Shen and Miss Shen? In matters of marriage, parental authority and matchmakers reign supreme. The best approach is to leave this to His Majesty.”
“His Majesty?”
“Indeed.” Noticing the Crown Prince’s empty wine cup, Fu Xiuyi refilled it before leisurely continuing, “His Majesty dotes on no one more than you, Eldest Brother. Since he is determined to support you, he will surely arrange a marriage that strengthens your position. If you wish to marry Miss Shen, His Majesty would be more than happy to oblige. With just one Imperial decree for arranged marriage, everything would fall into place.”
“Ninth Brother, you make it sound too simple,” the Crown Prince countered. “Forced marriages bear no sweetness. Even if Miss Shen has no choice but to enter the Eastern Palace due to the Imperial decree, resentment will fester over time. General Shen might even hold a grudge against His Majesty. Instead of forging an alliance, we’d create an enemy—that would be disastrous.”
“Why think that way?” Fu Xiuyi looked at him in surprise. “All women seek is a future of wealth and stability. Marrying into the Eastern Palace, even as a secondary consort, is no small honor. Once Eldest Brother ascends the throne, Miss Shen would naturally be elevated to imperial concubine. You are kind and gentle—if you treat her well, she will come to see your virtues. How could she resent you? Take Eldest Sister-in-law, for example. She was also wed to you by His Majesty’s decree, and at first, she resisted. Yet now, she is wholly devoted to you, planning and strategizing for your sake.”
Hearing this, the Crown Prince found Fu Xiuyi’s reasoning somewhat persuasive. The Crown Princess had indeed been married to him by the Emperor’s decree, with barely any prior interaction. Initially reluctant, she had since grown deeply attached to him, always considering his interests.
“Women are all the same—they follow the man they marry, be he a chicken or a dog. As long as you treat them well, they will remain steadfastly loyal. Eldest Brother, you are a phoenix among men—how could you fail to win over a mere woman?”The Crown Prince was somewhat embarrassed by Fu Xiuyi's words and repeatedly waved his hand in dismissal. The two brothers then engaged in a heartfelt conversation, toasting each other, creating an atmosphere of great harmony.
However, when night deepened and Fu Xiuyi left the Eastern Palace, the drunkenness on the Crown Prince's face vanished in an instant, replaced by a sober clarity.
An advisor stepped out from behind and cautiously asked, "Your Highness, regarding the Ninth Prince’s words earlier..."
"Ninth Brother is trying to steal peaches and replace them with plums," the Crown Prince chuckled, pouring himself another cup of wine. "He does have some courage and ambition. Now that Father suspects him, he dares to come to my Eastern Palace to curry favor. It seems we brothers truly underestimated him before."
"What about the Ninth Prince’s suggestion—for Your Highness to form ties with the Shen family? What does Your Highness think?" the advisor inquired.
The Crown Prince set down his cup, a glint flashing in his eyes. "Though his intentions are not pure, his strategy is usable. I do indeed need the Shen family’s support. Shen Miao is a good pawn—marrying her wouldn’t hurt." He smiled again. "Since she’s quite beautiful, indulging her a little wouldn’t be a problem."
The advisor nodded. "So, Your Highness has decided to agree?"
The Crown Prince gazed at the wine jug on the table. "In a few days, I will personally bring this matter to Father. Once it’s settled, I’ll remember Ninth Brother’s favor."
Exactly as Fu Xiuyi had predicted, within a few days, the Crown Prince indeed raised the matter with Emperor Wenhui. The Emperor did not immediately agree, but neither did he refuse. Instead, he gave the Crown Prince a meaningful look before finally smiling and saying, "Not bad. I thought you’d never show any progress, but it seems you’ve finally learned something." He added, "I’ll consider it."
After the Crown Prince left, Emperor Wenhui turned to the eunuch beside him, Su Gonggong, and remarked, "I never expected the Crown Prince to want to marry Shen Miao."
Su Gonggong smiled. "The young lady of the Shen family excels in both talent and appearance. The Crown Prince has excellent taste."
"Enough of that," Emperor Wenhui scoffed. "Do you think I’m a fool? But this time, the Ninth Prince has pointed the Crown Prince toward a wise path. What does that mean?" His words revealed that he knew Fu Xiuyi was behind the proposal of an alliance with the Shen family.
Su Gonggong cautiously remained silent. These royal family affairs were a matter of life and death—a mere servant like him dared not interfere.
"Still, this works out well. I’ve been meaning to support the Crown Prince. Prince Zhou and Prince Li have grown increasingly disrespectful, and I can’t quite figure out the Ninth Prince. With the Shen family backing the Crown Prince, he can counterbalance Prince Zhou and Prince Li while also keeping the Shen family’s military power under control. It saves me some effort. However..." Emperor Wenhui glanced at the scrolls on his desk, smiling as he closed the memorial and stood up. "Prepare the carriage. We’re going to Kunning Palace."
...
When Luo Xueyan received the palace’s summons, instructing her to bring Shen Miao to the palace the next day, she was utterly bewildered. She initially thought something had gone wrong with Shen Xin’s affairs, but when she asked him, even he was at a loss. Matters involving the imperial family always demanded extra caution from the couple. Yet, though they were inwardly wary, they dared not show any sign of it to Shen Miao, lest they frighten her.Although Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan tried their best to speak lightly, Shen Miao couldn't shake off her unease. The Fu Family wouldn't have Luo Xueyan bring her into the palace without reason. But this time, she had no clue what it could be about. Pei Lang hadn't sent her any letters for a long time—if he had, she might have been able to discern Fu Xiuyi's next move... Suddenly, a thought struck Shen Miao: why hadn't Pei Lang written to her for so long?
Even in the past, when nothing major was happening, Pei Lang would maintain correspondence with her. But now, after such a long silence, a vague suspicion arose in Shen Miao's mind—could it be that Pei Lang was unable to write to her? Had Fu Xiuyi discovered something?
Her thoughts grew increasingly chaotic. Ever since encountering that inexplicable mad Taoist at Putuo Temple, Shen Miao had found it hard to calm her mind. She wanted to know who the noble figure with the "Fierce Dragon Crouching Under Heaven" destiny was, and she also wanted to know who had given her the chance to start over in this life. But no matter how much she pondered, she couldn't find any answers, only making her mood more restless.
Unconsciously, Shen Miao looked up at the window. It was tightly shut. Xie Jingxing had once said that in the future, he could come even without her opening it, but he hadn't appeared these past few days. Shen Miao draped her outer robe over her shoulders and walked to the window, pushing it open. The night wind outside was bitingly cold, and she tightened her robe around her.
Suddenly, a figure flashed before her—Cong Yang stood up from the base of the wall and asked, "Miss, are you looking for my lord?"
Startled, Shen Miao pressed a hand to her chest, annoyed. "No," she snapped.
But Cong Yang seemed not to hear her, continuing earnestly, "My lord hasn't been in the Fixed Capital recently. Miss needn't wait for him here."
"I'm not waiting for him," Shen Miao emphasized. "I'm just getting some air."
Cong Yang fell silent. Shen Miao thought of something else and asked, "Cong Yang, if I enter the palace, can you come with me?"
Cong Yang was taken aback, then looked somewhat embarrassed. "This subordinate isn't from the palace and isn't familiar with its layout. If I follow Miss inside, I wouldn't have a place to hide, nor could I guarantee not being discovered."
Shen Miao lowered her gaze. If Cong Yang couldn't ensure he wouldn't be noticed, then it was better to forget it. After another moment of thought, she reasoned that no matter what tricks the royal family was playing, they wouldn't dare to act openly in the palace—not with Luo Xueyan present. Feeling somewhat relieved, she said, "Never mind, then."
"If Miss has any messages, you can tell this subordinate. I'll include them when delivering letters to my lord," Cong Yang added, speaking as if to himself.
Shen Miao slammed the window shut with a "snap." Like master, like subordinate—neither of them listened to what others said.
Meanwhile, at Prince Rui's Residence, Gao Yang and Ji Yushu were studying a map. It was densely marked with various locations, and upon closer inspection, it was clearly a Military Defense Map.
A guard came in to report, "Lord Gao, Young Master Ji, the young lady of the Shen family is entering the palace tomorrow. Should we include this in the letter to His Highness?"
"Entering the palace?" Ji Yushu asked. "What for?"
The guard shook his head.Ji Yushu sighed, "I've been so busy with these diagrams these past few days that I haven't been able to properly keep an eye on Miss Shen for Third Brother. When he returns, it'll be trouble—if he asks and we know nothing, we'll both be in for it. Hey," he nudged Gao Yang, "you have connections in the palace. Has anything happened recently?"
"Nothing much," Gao Yang mused before adding, "Let's not include it in the letter for now. He's busy with important matters, and distractions won't help. Since Cong Yang hasn't sent any news either, it probably isn't serious. If something really happens, we'll handle it ourselves."
The guard acknowledged the order and left.
Ji Yushu looked at Gao Yang. "I feel like your approach isn't quite right."
"What's wrong with it?" Gao Yang replied impatiently. "Focus on the diagrams."
Ji Yushu muttered under his breath, "Well, if anything goes wrong and Third Brother asks why we didn't report it in time, I'll just say it was your call..."
...
The next day, Shen Miao followed Luo Xueyan into the palace.
Every visit to the palace inevitably brought some incident. Luo Xueyan was on high alert, but Shen Miao took it in stride. Knowing the imperial family's ill intentions in advance made it less nerve-wracking.
The palace maids led them directly to Kunning Palace.
Upon arriving at Kunning Palace, the first person they saw was the Empress seated regally in the main position. Beside her sat a concubine with a gentle smile, dressed elegantly yet modestly—none other than Consort Dong.
The Empress and Consort Dong? Shen Miao's heart immediately tensed.
The Empress was the birth mother of the Crown Prince. Her relationship with Emperor Wenhui was one of strict propriety. Coming from a wealthy family, she had led a smooth life until now, focusing entirely on the Crown Prince's health and showing little interest in the harem's power struggles. Though decisive in her own way, she ultimately lost out to the seemingly unremarkable Consort Dong.
Consort Dong had always remained aloof from the harem conflicts, much like Fu Xiuyi, watching as other concubines fought tooth and nail. Of course, there was also the fact that she subtly lent a hand—just enough to steer events toward the worst outcomes. Using others to eliminate rivals or diverting calamities elsewhere? No one played these games better than Consort Dong.
If Mei Furen was brazenly and arrogantly wicked, Consort Dong was the kind to offer a knife with a warm, smiling demeanor. Thus, the two women had taken an instant liking to each other. While Consort Dong looked down on Shen Miao, she held Mei Furen in high regard.
Seeing the current situation, Shen Miao knew the Empress was about to be used as Consort Dong's blade once again. After all, Consort Dong was the type to ensure she reaped substantial benefits from every move she made.
The Empress smiled and gestured for Luo Xueyan to take a seat, then beckoned Shen Miao forward.
Shen Miao obeyed, stepping forward as the Empress scrutinized her carefully before nodding in satisfaction. Turning to Consort Dong, she remarked, "She's quite a refined young lady."
Luo Xueyan fidgeted uneasily, wishing she could snatch Shen Miao and flee the palace immediately. But as subjects, they had no choice but to endure. Though unsure of the Empress's intentions, a mother's instincts were sharp—especially toward those who might have designs on her child.
"How old are you this year?" the Empress asked.
"Your Majesty, this humble subject is sixteen," Shen Miao replied.The Empress smiled warmly as she took Shen Miao's hand and said, "While in the palace, I had heard that General Shen's daughter was both talented and beautiful. When I saw you at the palace banquet before, I found you utterly delightful. Thinking these past few days were leisurely, I asked Madam Shen to bring Miss Shen into the palace for a visit." She sighed, "At just sixteen, you are already so lovely and clever. I wonder which young master will have the good fortune to marry the Shen family's daughter."
Luo Xueyan's heart skipped a beat, and her hands clenched tightly at her sides. Shen Miao, however, felt a stir within her and understood three parts of the Empress's intentions for summoning them today.
Consort Dong also chimed in with a smile, "Isn't that so? She's beautiful and well-mannered, without a trace of arrogance. Such girls are rare these days."
"Might I ask if Madam Shen and Miss Shen have any marriage arrangements yet?" the Empress inquired with a smile.
Luo Xueyan hesitated briefly but quickly replied, "Your Majesty must forgive my frankness, but we have recently been considering suitable matches for my daughter." If the imperial family had such intentions, they must have already thoroughly investigated Shen Miao's current situation. It would be unwise to deceive them, as that would be tantamount to mocking the royal family.
"Is that so?" The Empress's smile deepened. "Then how about I act as a matchmaker for Miss Shen?"
"No!" Luo Xueyan blurted out without thinking. Noticing the Empress's displeased expression, she hastily explained, "My daughter is still young, and I cannot bear to part with her. I wish to keep her by my side for a few more years."
The Empress laughed again and said, "Madam Shen, that's not the right way to think. It's often said that daughters should not be kept too long, lest they grow resentful. If you keep delaying Miss Shen's marriage, she may blame you in the future. Isn't that right, Miss Shen?"
Shen Miao glanced at the Empress and replied with a smile, "This subject also wishes to remain by my mother's side." She didn't spare the Empress any face at all.
The Empress's smile faltered slightly. She stared at Shen Miao, unsure whether the girl was simply foolishly bold or deliberately trying to humiliate her. The thought of such a girl becoming her daughter-in-law soured her mood considerably.
Noticing the tension, Consort Dong stepped in to mediate, "The bond between Madam Shen and Miss Shen is truly enviable. However..." She shifted the topic, "A daughter must marry eventually. That doesn't mean the mother-daughter bond must fade."
Her words were meant to smooth things over, but neither Luo Xueyan nor Shen Miao took the bait.
Consort Dong was inwardly surprised. When Shen Miao had been infatuated with Fu Xiuyi, she had assumed the girl was an Incompetent fool. Later observations suggested otherwise—that Shen Miao was, in fact, quite clever and knew what was important. Yet today, it seemed she was truly Luo Xueyan's daughter, both equally stubborn and unyielding, impervious to both soft and hard tactics.
The Empress, too, was unaccustomed to forcing familiarity, especially when the other party was less than enthusiastic. However, today was merely a preliminary attempt to gauge the Shen family's stance—though in truth, the Empress didn't care much about their opinion. No matter how bold Shen Xin was or how dearly he loved his daughter, he wouldn't dare defy an imperial decree. One couldn't fight against the throne; under imperial authority, everyone must bow.
After exchanging a few more lukewarm pleasantries, the Empress dismissed Luo Xueyan and Shen Miao.On the way back, Luo Xueyan remained silent, saying nothing. Shen Miao was also preoccupied with her own thoughts, and the heavy silence unsettled Jing Zhe and Gu Yu, who feared something had gone wrong.
Upon returning to the Shen residence, Shen Qiu and Luo Ling had just come back from the Ministry of War and asked what the Empress had summoned them for. Luo Xueyan vaguely brushed off the question and pulled Shen Xin into their room.
Once inside, Luo Xueyan recounted the Empress’s words to Shen Xin and finally asked, “From what I gathered, the Empress intends to arrange a marriage for Jiaojiao. What should we do?”
Shen Xin’s face darkened immediately. “An arranged marriage? My daughter—why should they have any say in her marriage? We’ve raised Jiaojiao all these years. Who gives them the right to interfere in her future?”
“I suspect the Empress wants Jiaojiao to marry the Crown Prince,” Luo Xueyan said. “Today, she repeatedly hinted—both overtly and subtly—that the Crown Prince’s health has improved. This won’t do. The Crown Prince already has a Crown Princess. At best, Jiaojiao would only be a secondary consort—nothing more than a higher-ranking concubine. I refuse to let Jiaojiao bow and serve tea to another woman, living under someone else’s shadow. Just thinking about it makes my chest tighten. And even if the Crown Prince is noble and virtuous, what of it? With his frail health, I dare not entrust Jiaojiao to him.”
“No matter which prince it is, Jiaojiao cannot marry any of them,” Shen Xin growled, his frustration boiling over as he slammed a fist on the table, rattling the teacups.
“Are you worried that marrying Jiaojiao off would drag our entire Shen family into the struggle for the throne?” Luo Xueyan asked. “You’re right. These days, people’s motives are never straightforward. Once we’re tied to the imperial family, the Shen family will never escape unscathed.”
“That’s not the reason,” Shen Xin sighed deeply. “Royal men are often fickle, with wives and concubines aplenty. Even if Jiaojiao married into that life, she wouldn’t be happy. So what if the Crown Prince becomes Emperor someday? So what if his health improves? With three palaces and six courtyards filled with consorts, how could she ever be content? And as you said, they don’t truly want Jiaojiao for herself. My son-in-law doesn’t need to be a prince or a high-ranking official. He doesn’t need wealth or finery. But he must cherish Jiaojiao wholeheartedly. If he can’t do that, then not even the heavens can force my hand.”
Listening outside the door, Shen Miao felt a sudden warmth flood her heart. In this world, there were still family members who unconditionally supported her—willing to defy the powerful rather than let her suffer even the slightest grievance.
Inside, Luo Xueyan spoke again, “You’re right. Under no circumstances can Jiaojiao marry into the Eastern Palace. But once the Imperial decree is issued, it’ll be too late. What should we do now?”
Shen Xin frowned in thought. “Before the decree arrives, we must marry Jiaojiao off quickly. But in such a short time, even arranging an engagement will be difficult. And we can’t be certain of the other party’s character. Regardless, tonight I’ll have people scout for promising young talents. If we find someone decent whom Jiaojiao doesn’t dislike, we’ll settle the engagement immediately.” He added firmly, “In any case, Jiaojiao must not marry into the imperial family.”Shen Miao couldn't quite describe the feeling in her heart. The voices in the room gradually quieted down, likely discussing which young talents from notable families were reliable. Shen Miao straightened up and was about to turn back to her own room when she noticed Shen Qiu and Luo Ling standing behind her. Both were frowning, and it was unclear how long they had been there or how much they had overheard.
Shen Qiu immediately pulled Shen Miao outside.
Only when they reached Shen Miao's courtyard did Shen Qiu and Luo Ling enter the room, dismissing all the maids before closing the door. Shen Qiu said, "Little sister, is the Empress planning to arrange your marriage to the Crown Prince?"
It seemed they had heard everything. Shen Miao saw no reason to hide it and nodded.
Shen Qiu slammed his fist on the table, gritting his teeth. "This is beyond insulting!"
Shen Miao, however, couldn't help but laugh. "Many would kill to climb the high branch of the Eastern Palace. How does it become an insult in your eyes? Big Brother, your standards are far too high. By that logic, no one in the entire Fixed Capital would meet your approval."
Shen Qiu said irritably, "Jiaojiao, how can you be so carefree? I'm anxious for your sake, and here you are laughing at me instead."
Luo Ling looked at Shen Miao and asked gently, "What does cousin think of this matter?"
Shen Miao shrugged. "Do what one can and leave the rest to fate."
"Cousin doesn't oppose it?" Luo Ling's tone was somewhat peculiar.
"Father and mother have already prepared a way out for me," Shen Miao said indifferently, as if they weren't discussing her lifelong affair at all. "Find some promising young talents. If any catch my eye, we'll hurry and arrange the engagement before the Imperial decree reaches the Shen residence. That'll do." She smiled and added, "Don't worry, my standards aren't as high as big brother's. Finding someone suitable shouldn't be difficult."
Shen Qiu muttered, "Wonder which lucky fellow will get the bargain..." Shen Miao pretended not to hear.
Luo Ling took a step closer and asked, "What if no suitable candidate is found, or if the Imperial decree arrives before then? What would cousin do then?"
Shen Qiu said, "Cousin, why say such ominous words?"
But Luo Ling kept his gaze fixed intently on Shen Miao, seemingly determined to get an answer from her.
Shen Miao smiled and said, "Then I'll marry."
"Little sister!" Shen Qiu exclaimed.
"What else can I do?" Shen Miao replied. "Should I let the Shen family bear the crime of defying an Imperial decree and be destroyed? Have all my relatives implicated because of me alone? Just because I'm willful and refuse to marry, my family suffers. Big brother, is this what you wish to see? Let me ask you—if you were in my place, or if the Empress wanted to arrange your marriage, what would you do? Would you also say you'd rather die than marry?"
Shen Qiu fell silent.
If it were him, he would accept the arranged marriage for Shen Miao and their parents. If sacrificing himself could bring peace to the entire household, Shen Qiu felt there was nothing he wouldn't do.
"Big brother would do the same as me," Shen Miao said calmly. "Not everyone in this world can do as they please. Everyone has their own constraints. Do what one can and leave the rest to fate. I'll do my best to avoid this outcome, but if it's unavoidable, then so be it. I'll marry if I must." She looked at Shen Qiu. "A husband, a marriage—these are far less important to me than my family."
"But that's your lifelong happiness," Shen Qiu said, his eyes stinging. He didn't understand why his sister spoke of marriage and husbands with such detachment, even a hint of disgust. But he instinctively felt that Shen Miao, at a young maiden's age, lacked the hopes and dreams a maiden should have. It made him feel he hadn't taken good care of his sister.
"Happiness is something one must strive for oneself, not rely on someone else to provide," Shen Miao said. "Can marrying a good man guarantee my lifelong happiness? Whether it's the Crown Prince or someone else, who can be certain that in the decades to come, he won't take concubines or be fickle in his affections? I don't believe it."
"Little sister, you mustn't think this way. You're not yet married, you can't view people as so dreadful or see things so... cynically." Like a woman who had seen it all.
Luo Ling, however, gazed thoughtfully at Shen Miao, his lips parting slightly before he ultimately said nothing.Shen Miao lowered her gaze. A husband? Marriage? In her past life, she had taken a terrible fall on this very path. To her, these were words laden with pain. One must not stumble twice in the same place—without expectations, there would be no hurt.
Her smile turned icy. "It's not that I think too poorly of it, but rather that Eldest Brother overcomplicates things. It's merely a matter of marriage—all women must marry. A good match ensures a peaceful life, and even if life in the Crown Prince's residence turns bitter, I won’t let those who harm me off easily."
－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－
Brother Xie: Every day, some rascal dares to covet my beloved consort! ╯‵□′╯︵┻━┻
...
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