The sudden revelation from the Empress plunged the Shen family into a state of anxiety. Without a doubt, Shen Xin and his wife Luo Xueyan were unwilling for Shen Miao to marry into the imperial family. The imperial household was the most heartless of all—aside from numerous political considerations, the complexity of the imperial harem meant that if Shen Miao were to marry in, she would face endless schemes and struggles, making her life far from easy. Compared to these, the wealth, honor, and supreme glory would hardly be worth the cost.
Shen Xin was determined to marry Shen Miao off before the imperial decree could be issued. Even before entering the palace, due to the incident with Su Furen, Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan had already discussed the need to prioritize Shen Miao’s lifelong matters. Luo Xueyan had even ordered the servants to compile a booklet listing all the eligible young talents in Fixed Capital, detailing their appearances, personalities, family backgrounds, and even the number of properties they owned in their hometowns—everything was thoroughly investigated. Luo Xueyan had also subtly probed Shen Miao’s thoughts, and upon learning that Shen Miao had no objections to this method of selecting a husband, she felt reassured and began earnestly searching for a suitable match.
The Shen family held significant power in Fixed Capital and were a particularly special presence in Emperor Wenhui’s eyes. Thus, the families they considered for marriage could not be chosen carelessly. Shen Xin deliberately avoided officials who already wielded immense power to prevent Emperor Wenhui from suspecting an intentional alliance of forces. Instead, Luo Xueyan and Shen Xin focused on aristocratic families of moderate standing—those without ambition, upright in character, and of clean reputation. Meanwhile, Shen Qiu, being forthright and sociable, had many friends in the Ministry of War who could help investigate the private conduct of these candidates.
This was how Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan planned for Shen Miao’s future. However, to their surprise, whenever Shen Xin hinted at the possibility of a marriage alliance, the other party would politely decline, either claiming their son was already betrothed or that they were in no hurry to find a wife. Shen Xin had a fiery temper and doted on Shen Miao dearly. If others looked down on Shen Miao, he would look down on them even more, storming off in a huff.
But as this scenario repeated itself, every family they approached responded the same way. The promising young talents they had painstakingly selected all found excuses to refuse. One or two rejections might have been coincidental, but the pattern soon revealed something unusual. Shen Xin sensed something amiss, and it was only when a fellow military officer close to him informed him that the courtiers were all aware of the imperial family’s intention to betroth Shen Miao to the current Crown Prince. While Shen Xin was searching for a husband for Shen Miao, who would dare compete with the imperial family for a woman? Even if Shen Miao avoided marrying into the Eastern Palace, her future in-laws would inevitably incur the imperial family’s displeasure.
For self-preservation, no one dared to marry Shen Miao, no matter how illustrious the Shen family was or how intelligent and composed she might be.
Upon learning this news at home, Shen Xin flew into a rage. He had initially believed these upright aristocratic families were above worldly compromises, but it turned out they were nothing but cowards. He was glad he hadn’t married Shen Miao into such families—if they couldn’t even take responsibility now, how could they protect her in the future?
When Shen Miao heard the reports brought back by Bailu and Shuangjiang, she merely smiled faintly.
Jing Zhe anxiously said, “Why aren’t you worried, Miss? Madam and the master are beside themselves with anxiety. If this continues, even if the imperial decree hasn’t arrived yet, we won’t be able to find a suitable match for you.”"The Fu Family isn't foolish," Shen Miao took a sip of hot tea from the table. "How could they not understand what Father and Mother are scheming?"
From the very beginning, Shen Miao knew Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan's plan wouldn't work. As for how the news of her supposed marriage to the Crown Prince spread, it went without saying—it was the royal family's doing. The royals had practically announced to the world that Shen Miao was their chosen one. How would the officials of Ming Qi dare openly oppose the royal family and snatch her away? Thus, Shen Xin and his wife's plan to quickly marry off Shen Miao was doomed to fail.
Gu Yu's throat tightened with emotion as she asked, "Does the young lady truly intend to marry the Crown Prince?"
As personal maids, Jing Zhe and Gu Yu might not always grasp Shen Miao's thoughts, but they could somewhat sense her feelings. For instance, Shen Miao disliked the palace and its people. If she were to marry into the Eastern Palace now, she would undoubtedly be miserable.
Shen Miao replied, "We'll see as we go." But in her heart, she was certain—she would never marry into Ming Qi's royal family again. A mere imperial decree could control people and land, but if push came to shove, she would ruin her own reputation. After all, what the Fu Family truly wanted was the Shen family's military power, though they dared not show their true intentions openly. If Shen Miao's reputation were tarnished and the Crown Prince still insisted on marrying her, it would be an embarrassingly desperate move. Which mattered more—a cuckold's shame or military power? From Shen Miao's understanding of the Fu Family, military power would win. But if they were willing to endure public humiliation just to marry her, the common folk wouldn't see it as devotion—they'd see it as royal scandal.
No matter how unpopular the Fu Family was, they wouldn't dare let such rumors run rampant.
Yet... Shen Miao stared at the tea leaves floating in her cup. Her reputation would be ruined all the same.
Fortunately, she had no sisters to suffer the same ridicule. Unfortunately, Shen Xin and the others would inevitably face gossip.
But this was the last resort—and the only way.
Unaware that Shen Miao had already made up her mind, Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan continued their desperate search for a suitable husband for her. But with the royal family's rumors spreading, even matchmakers avoided the Shen family, leaving their household deserted.
Shen Qiu was on the verge of kidnapping a friend to marry Shen Miao, only to be scolded by Luo Xueyan. The three of them—Shen Qiu, Luo Xueyan, and Shen Xin—sat together, their faces clouded with worry over Shen Miao's marriage prospects.
Luo Xueyan said bitterly, "The royal family's move is utterly despicable. So many families once sought our favor, but now they all avoid us. What kind of farce is this?"
"It's my fault," Shen Xin admitted. "I should have arranged an engagement for Jiaojiao earlier. I thought she was still young and there was no rush—I never expected to fall into this trap."
Shen Qiu scratched his head. "No matter what, my sister cannot marry into the Crown Prince's household. A daughter raised in our general's estate shouldn't be reduced to a concubine—she deserves to be a principal wife, and even then, we'd be picky. How could she settle for less?"
"But no one dares to marry into our family now. What do we do?" Luo Xueyan asked anxiously, hesitantly suggesting, "Should we... look for suitable candidates outside the Fixed Capital?"Shen Qiu was astonished. "Mother, you want to marry Sister off far away?"
Luo Xueyan sighed in frustration. "What else can I do? The officials in the Fixed Capital must already know about this matter. Who knows if it's even spread beyond the capital? We’ll have to find some remote place where people haven’t heard of it."
"No," Shen Xin flatly refused. "Marrying her far away would only make Jiaojiao suffer. And if her in-laws mistreat her, how could we help her from the Fixed Capital?"
Luo Xueyan grew irritated. "This won’t work, that won’t work—what do you suggest we do then?"
Shen Qiu sighed. "In the end, the people in the Fixed Capital are just afraid of being implicated. Is there really no man who values Sister more than his own life?" Noticing Luo Xueyan staring at him, he quickly added, "Besides Father and me."
Just then, Luo Ling walked in from outside. Luo Xueyan motioned for him to sit and asked eagerly, "Ling'er, did you find any suitable families today?"
Luo Ling shook his head.
Both Shen Xin and Shen Qiu looked disappointed.
Luo Xueyan lowered her head, staring worriedly at the teacup before her. In the heavy silence, Luo Ling spoke softly, "Aunt, Uncle, Cousin."
The three looked up to see Luo Ling wearing a strange expression, as if hesitating to speak.
Shen Qiu asked, "Cousin, what’s wrong? Speak freely—we’re all family here."
Luo Ling took a deep breath and said, "Has Cousin still not found a suitable match?"
Luo Xueyan shook her head. "The people in the Fixed Capital are afraid of trouble from the imperial family. They’d rather stay far away from the Shen family. Finding someone willing to marry Jiaojiao under these circumstances is too difficult."
"Then," Luo Ling paused before gathering his courage, "I am willing to marry Cousin."
Silence fell over the room. Even the maidservants standing by dared not speak, quietly retreating to the side.
Shen Qiu and Shen Xin stared intently at Luo Ling, but he seemed to have found his resolve and continued, "I know my right hand is still not fully recovered, and in terms of family background, appearance, and character, there are many in the Fixed Capital who surpass me. But... I am willing to marry Cousin. I will always treat her well—I will never take concubines or bed warmers, and she will be the only one in my household. Moreover..." Luo Ling smiled faintly. "If Aunt and Uncle are worried about the imperial family causing trouble, I can take her back to Xiaochun City. My parents and grandfather are there, and they will take care of Cousin. She won’t suffer any grievances. And when Aunt and Uncle go on campaign again, you can visit her in Xiaochun City."
"Cousin, you..." Shen Qiu was speechless. Not just him—Luo Xueyan and Shen Xin were also stunned.
Luo Ling’s words were plain and unadorned, devoid of flashy promises, but their sincerity was undeniable. Before this, Luo Xueyan had considered the possibility between the two, but since Shen Miao seemed to regard Luo Ling only as a brother, she had dismissed the thought. However, given the current circumstances, Luo Ling was the best option—far better than the Crown Prince.Luo Ling had practically grown up under the watchful eyes of Shen Xin and his wife. He was upright, gentle, and tolerant—qualities that made him well-suited to accommodate Shen Miao's temperament. Being the son of Shen Xin's elder brother, he was practically family. If Shen Miao married into the Luo family, she wouldn’t have to endure any mistreatment from her in-laws. Given Luo Lianyin and Yu Shi’s fondness for Shen Miao, they might even favor her in every matter. Most importantly, Luo Ling could take Shen Miao back to Xiaochun City, far from the emperor’s reach. No matter how displeased the royal family might be, they wouldn’t be able to interfere, allowing Shen Miao to lay low for a while.
As the struggle for succession among the princes grew fiercer, the political situation in Ming Qi became increasingly complex, making Fixed Capital all the more dangerous. Shen Xin himself couldn’t leave the capital due to his military power, but he didn’t want his children dragged into this perilous vortex. Shen Qiu, being a man and already serving in office, couldn’t escape his duties. But for Shen Miao, Shen Xin wished only for her to live a peaceful and happy life.
Marrying into the Luo family was indeed a good option.
Shen Xin fixed his gaze on Luo Ling, his tone sharp as he asked, "Ling'er, you’re marrying Jiaojiao now to resolve this crisis, but what if you meet someone you truly fancy later? What will you do then?"
There was a probing edge to his words, but Luo Ling suddenly flushed slightly, his expression earnest as he replied, "I won’t meet anyone else… The only one I fancy is my cousin."
Hearing this, Shen Qiu burst into laughter and slapped Luo Ling on the shoulder. "So you’ve had your eye on my sister all along?"
Luo Xueyan was also surprised. Luo Ling was usually reserved and composed, rarely showing his emotions. Though he had always treated Shen Miao well, Luo Xueyan had assumed it was merely an elder brother’s care for his younger cousin. She hadn’t expected Luo Ling to harbor such feelings.
Luo Ling nodded.
"What a lucky bastard you are," Shen Qiu muttered, suddenly displeased.
"Shut your mouth, Qiu'er," Luo Xueyan snapped, glaring at him before turning back to Luo Ling with growing approval.
Shen Xin and Shen Qiu, however, felt a pang of bitterness. Their emotions were complicated—no one marrying Shen Miao would upset them, but someone marrying her upset them just as much. Especially Shen Xin, who couldn’t help feeling that his precious daughter was being handed over to this brat for nothing, making Luo Ling’s every feature seem irritating in his eyes.
Shen Qiu added, "I’m not wrong. If this hadn’t happened, our Jiaojiao could’ve picked any young master in Fixed Capital—even a celestial beauty wouldn’t be too much for her. Who knew things would turn out like this… Cousin here just got lucky. Who knows what virtue he accumulated in his past life?"
Luo Xueyan was furious. "You brat! Spout nonsense again and see if I don’t shut that filthy mouth of yours!"
Luo Ling smiled. "Cousin isn’t wrong. Marrying Jiaojiao is my good fortune. But…" He continued, "This matter still depends on my cousin’s opinion. If she’s unwilling, then there’s no need to discuss it further."
After all, Shen Miao’s wishes had to be respected.
Luo Xueyan and Shen Xin exchanged a glance, understanding each other’s thoughts. Whether to marry or not ultimately rested on Shen Miao’s decision. But given the current circumstances, it was likely she would choose to marry Luo Ling without hesitation. Becoming a concubine in the Eastern Palace didn’t seem to suit Shen Miao’s temperament. Moreover, compared to the Crown Prince, Luo Ling was handsome, gentle, and tolerant—clearly the better match.Luo Xueyan said, "Don't belittle yourself. No matter what, your uncle, your cousin, and I will always stand by your side."
Shen Xin and Shen Qiu were quite dissatisfied with being "represented" by Luo Xueyan but didn't refute her.
While they were discussing the matter, a servant suddenly came in to announce, "Master and Madam, there's someone at the door asking for you."
Due to Shen Miao's recent situation, those in Fixed Capital who had any ties with the Shen family had been avoiding them, let alone visiting. It was unexpected that someone would come at this time. Shen Qiu casually asked, "Who is it?"
The servant replied, "It's the wife of the Earl of Pingnan."
Everyone: "..."
When Su Furen entered, she hadn't expected Shen Qiu and Shen Xin to be present as well. To be honest, she was somewhat afraid of Shen Xin. In the past, Shen Xin and Su Yu had political disagreements, and Shen Xin had never been pleasant to Su Yu, who in turn didn't think much of Shen Xin. Su Furen felt the same. If it weren't for Su Mingfeng, she probably would never have set foot in the Shen family's home in her lifetime.
Luo Xueyan invited Su Furen to sit, and Su Furen exchanged greetings with Shen Xin. Smiling, she looked at Shen Qiu and said, "This must be the young master of the house. Truly a talented and outstanding young man, clearly no ordinary youth."
Shen Qiu modestly declined the praise. Su Furen then turned to Luo Ling and asked with a smile, "And this one..."
Luo Xueyan explained, "This is my elder brother's son from my maiden family, Luo Ling."
Su Furen's gaze at Luo Ling was somewhat peculiar, and she subtly inquired, "Has this young cousin been betrothed yet?"
"Replying to Madam, not yet," Luo Ling answered politely. He then looked at Su Furen with some confusion, probably wondering why this woman he was meeting for the first time would ask about his marital status—it seemed rather abrupt.
The more courteous Luo Ling was, the stranger Su Furen's gaze became, even carrying a hint of hostility upon closer inspection. Others naturally couldn't fathom why, unaware that Su Furen was inwardly lamenting. She hadn't expected the Shen household to have such a young and eligible cousin. This cousin was both handsome and well-mannered—quite the catch. Given how easily cousins could develop romantic entanglements, and with Shen Miao being young and naive, she might easily be deceived by this cousin. If that happened, what chance would Su Mingfeng have? Su Furen immediately steeled herself, determined to fight for her son's opportunity.
Since Shen Xin and the others were men and it was inappropriate for them to stay and listen to women's talk, they stood up and left. Only Luo Xueyan and Su Furen remained in the main hall. Luo Xueyan smiled and asked, "Madam Su, what brings you here today?" The lack of a prior notice seemed rather hasty. Luo Xueyan had a vague suspicion but didn't dare dwell on it, thinking she might be overestimating herself.
Su Furen straightened her expression and said, "Regarding the matter we discussed the other day, how are you considering it now?"
Luo Xueyan was taken aback. The matter from the other day? What matter... Could it be the marriage between Su Mingfeng and Shen Miao?
Luo Xueyan couldn't help but feel uneasy. She said, "Has Madam Su not heard the recent rumors circulating in the city?" Although she hoped someone would come to marry Shen Miao—the more the better, to give Shen Miao more choices—she didn't want it to be under false pretenses or to the other party's detriment. Thus, she spoke frankly.Su Furen asked, "What rumors?"
Luo Xueyan steeled her heart and spoke plainly, "The rumors that the Crown Prince intends to marry our daughter into his household."
"Oh, this matter." Su Furen smiled. "I've heard of it. The Shen family's young lady is outstanding in both character and appearance—even the imperial family has taken notice."
As she spoke, there was not a trace of awkwardness in Su Furen's expression; she was even more forthright than Luo Xueyan. Luo Xueyan, in turn, found it somewhat baffling. Was Su Furen’s heart too broad? Did she not understand what the imperial family’s favor toward Shen Miao truly meant, or did she simply not care?
"You’ve heard of this, yet you still consider the marriage between your son and my daughter?" Luo Xueyan questioned.
"Of course I do." Su Furen nodded. "One shouldn’t be so domineering. It’s not as if only the Su family can favor Miss Shen while forbidding others from doing the same. Madam, our Su family is gentle and honest—we’re not that overbearing."
Luo Xueyan felt that Su Furen’s perspective was not quite aligned with hers, so she decided to lay things out clearly, explaining in detail. She said, "The Crown Prince intends to take my daughter into the Eastern Palace. Since we are both mothers, I won’t hide it from you—my daughter refuses to become a concubine, which is why we wish to marry her off sooner. But now that these rumors have spread, the families we previously considered have all backed out. You understand, don’t you? Anyone who dares to form a marriage alliance with my daughter now would be opposing the imperial family. Offending them would surely bring trouble in the future... Su Furen, do you understand what I mean now? Do you still wish to proceed with this marriage?"
Her words were sincere and held nothing back, laying out the risks plainly. Yet Su Furen only smiled slowly in response. "Madam, surely you don’t think I’m a fool who can’t grasp such a simple matter?"
Luo Xueyan was even more confused now. If she understood the risks, why still pursue this marriage? Did the Su family not fear bringing trouble upon themselves?
"I won’t hide it from you either," Su Furen said with a laugh. "The situation in Fixed Capital is too complicated these days. My husband often speaks of avoiding calamity—likely meaning that staying out of the limelight is the best way to evade such worldly affairs. Over the past two years, even the Pingnan Earl’s family has withdrawn from court matters. Since we’ve already distanced ourselves from officialdom, we don’t have as many concerns when acting. I’m well aware of the dangers in this marriage, but—what can I do? Mingfeng likes her."
Luo Xueyan’s eyes widened in disbelief. "Likes her?" She had always assumed Su Furen’s words that day were mere politeness or an excuse to placate her. But now, judging by Su Furen’s expression, it didn’t seem false.
"Of course," Su Furen said. "If not for Mingfeng’s feelings, why would I keep pestering you?" She sighed. "I’ve never seen Mingfeng take a liking to any young lady before, but I know my son—once he sets his heart on something, it’s hard to change. Since he’s taken a fancy to Miss Shen, it’ll be difficult for him to like anyone else in the future. I’d rather grant his wish than watch him stubbornly fixate on it." Su Furen lowered her gaze to her fingertips. "Because of the Su family’s circumstances, Mingfeng has had to conceal his talents and cannot fully pursue an official career. We already feel guilty toward him. If we don’t let him have his way in marriage, my husband and I will feel as though we owe him something we can never repay in this lifetime."Luo Xueyan listened, and a sense of melancholy gradually arose in her heart. As mothers, they naturally could understand each other to some extent.
Madam Su continued, "But rest assured, madam, although our Su family is no longer part of the official class, we have ample silver and many shops. There will be no worries about food and drink. After Miss Shen marries into our family, my husband and I will treat her as our own daughter. Mingfeng is upright and kind-hearted—there will be no other women in the inner courtyard. The household is simple. Though Miss Shen may not enjoy the same splendor as in the Crown Prince's residence, she will live a content and free life."
Luo Xueyan's heart stirred. Madam Su's words truly resonated with her. She didn’t seek immense wealth for Shen Miao’s future husband—only that he be upright, virtuous, and good to her. A simple household was even better. Su Mingfeng was indeed an excellent candidate.
Thinking of Luo Ling from earlier, Madam Su began to hesitate. Luo Ling was certainly good as well, but if Shen Miao married Su Mingfeng, she could remain in the Fixed Capital instead of returning to Xiaochun City.
This time, weighing her thoughts carefully, Luo Xueyan didn’t outright reject Madam Su. She only said she would consider it further. After Madam Su left, Luo Xueyan went to discuss the matter with Shen Xin. Of course, the most important thing was Shen Miao’s own opinion. Both men were outstanding young talents—once they confirmed Su Mingfeng had no hidden issues, Shen Miao could meet her potential future husband herself.
Somehow, news of this reached Shen Miao’s ears. When Luo Tan came to visit, she was practically rolling with laughter. "Little cousin, you usually seem so reclusive, but it seems fine wine needs no bush. Look—Brother Ling and the Su family’s young master have already come knocking, not to mention the Crown Prince. That’s three suitors right there! Others would be green with envy."
Shen Miao was exasperated. That Luo Ling would propose marriage at this time was surprising enough, but what truly caught her off guard was Madam Su’s visit to secure the match for Su Mingfeng.
The Su family’s previous attempts to form a marriage alliance with the Shen family had already puzzled Shen Miao. She feared Su Mingfeng’s motives were tied to uncovering Xie Jingxing’s identity. Now, with things having escalated to this point—where the Su family was even willing to oppose the imperial family to marry her—Shen Miao found Su Mingfeng increasingly dangerous. She thought it best to leave Su Mingfeng’s affairs for Xie Jingxing to handle, but... she glanced at the window. Who knew when that man would return? In such turbulent times, he chose to disappear without a trace. For no reason, Shen Miao felt a twinge of displeasure.
Luo Tan rambled on, "Back at Putuo Temple, when you tied that red string on the matchmaking tree, it landed in such a prime spot. I noticed at the time—the branch it hung from had so many offshoots. Those must be your current suitors! Three blossoms are far too few—I bet there’ll be six, seven, even eight!"
Shen Miao picked up her teacup. "Do you think this is like cutting paper decorations, where you can just make as many as you please?" Luo Ling was kind-hearted, and the Su family was eccentric. Finding two men unafraid to oppose the imperial family was rare enough—where would more come from? Yet she recalled the mad Taoist’s warning: Beware a flood of romantic troubles. Her heart skipped a beat—could the Taoist have been right?
Luo Tan continued musing, "But that red string you tied landed on a high branch. That branch must be your destined match. I wonder who my future brother-in-law will be?"
Shen Miao sipped her tea, half-listening to Luo Tan’s nonsense.
"If it were Prince Rui, that’d be perfect!" Luo Tan clapped her hands. "Then I’d rise in status as Prince Rui’s sister-in-law!"
Shen Miao, mid-sip, choked and spat out her tea.
Little did she know, Luo Tan’s words would prove prophetic. Shen Miao’s romantic troubles, once they arrived, would be anything but ordinary. Three blossoms? That was a severe underestimation.
Author’s Note:
A storm of suitors is on its way. The East Asian Jealous King has no Wi-Fi and can’t connect—how pitiful. ＿|￣|○
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