"Xie Jingxing."
Shen Miao and Xie Jingxing abruptly turned around to see a figure stumbling out from the grass. As the person approached, Shen Miao's body stiffened involuntarily, and she instinctively glanced at Xie Jingxing's expression. However, because he was wearing a mask, she couldn't discern anything.
The person was Rong Xin Princess.
Originally, Rong Xin Princess had intended to take a shortcut into the area but had vaguely spotted Shen Miao being led by an unfamiliar man. Worried that others might see Shen Miao with a stranger and spread rumors, the princess quickly instructed her maids to wait outside while she followed discreetly. She trusted Shen Miao's character but had noticed her seeming reluctance earlier, fearing she might be entangled with some palace prince or in some trouble, and wanted to help her out. Yet, she hesitated to intervene rashly in case it was a misunderstanding.
From a distance, she couldn’t hear their conversation clearly, but when she saw Shen Miao on the verge of tears, she stepped closer in concern—just in time to hear Shen Miao say, "Xie Jingxing, don’t go too far."
Rong Xin Princess gasped aloud.
The tall, imposing figure turned around, revealing a young man she didn’t recognize, his face half-covered by a silver mask. He gave her a slight nod.
Rong Xin Princess hurried forward and only then realized the man was Prince Rui.
As a princess, she had seen Prince Rui of Great Coolness when he first arrived in Ming Qi’s palace. However, she had never paid much attention to court affairs and hadn’t inquired further about him. Now, seeing him here, she felt an indescribable emotion.
But Shen Miao had clearly called him "Xie Jingxing"—she hadn’t misheard.
Rong Xin Princess fixed Shen Miao with a questioning look. "Miss Shen, you just called His Highness Prince Rui 'Xie Jingxing'?"
Before Shen Miao could respond, Prince Rui spoke first. "This prince’s given name is Xie Yuan, with the courtesy name Jingxing. Miss Shen was merely addressing me by my courtesy name."
Shen Miao inwardly sighed in relief, thinking Xie Jingxing had reacted swiftly with a plausible excuse. But when she noticed Rong Xin Princess’s odd expression, she suddenly realized the implication and cursed Xie Jingxing inwardly.
Only family members, wives, or lovers would address someone by their courtesy name. For her to call Xie Jingxing by his in front of Rong Xin Princess—what kind of impression would that leave?
Xie Jingxing had done this on purpose.
Rong Xin Princess’s gaze flickered between Prince Rui and Shen Miao before settling on the prince.
There were similarities—like the purple robe he wore, which only that mischievous youth from the past could carry with such noble grace. Yet there were also differences—the unfamiliar, cold, and ruthless decisiveness of a high-ranking ruler was nothing like the boy she remembered.
Xie Jingxing had died long ago, pierced by countless arrows on the battlefield of the northern frontier.
A sharp pain stabbed her heart, and Rong Xin Princess bent over, clutching her chest. No matter how much time passed, she could never come to terms with Xie Jingxing’s death. After Princess Yuqing’s passing, she had regarded him as her own son. To lose a child in middle age, to outlive the younger generation—her grief was no less than Xie Ding’s.Shen Miao quickly stepped forward to help her up, but the young man in the purple robe stood with his hands behind his back, giving her a faint glance without moving an inch.
A bitter smile involuntarily escaped Rong Xin Princess's lips.
Of course, Prince Rui couldn’t possibly be Xie Jingxing. If it were Jingxing, he would never be so indifferent, watching her struggle like a stranger. If Xie Jingxing were still alive, how could he bear to see her in such pain?
Rong Xin Princess waved her hand and asked, "Why are you here?"
Shen Miao replied, "The Empress summoned me to the palace."
Rong Xin Princess frowned slightly and glanced at Xie Jingxing before asking, "Why is Prince Rui here as well?"
Shen Miao looked at Xie Jingxing and said, "When I left the palace, the eunuch guiding me had urgent matters and was delayed. After waiting for a long time without seeing him, I got lost trying to find my own way. Fortunately, I happened upon His Highness Prince Rui, who kindly pointed out the path for me."
This was practically an outright lie. Rong Xin Princess had clearly seen Prince Rui leading Shen Miao all the way here. Moreover, Shen Miao had even called Prince Rui by his intimate name—their relationship was clearly far from ordinary.
Rong Xin Princess felt inexplicably irritated. Back when Xie Jingxing had brought Shen Miao to the princess’s residence, she had thought he held Shen Miao in special regard. The more she interacted with Shen Miao herself, the more she grew fond of her. Rong Xin Princess had always harbored hopes of matchmaking Shen Miao and Xie Jingxing. If not for Xie Jingxing’s later death in battle, this match might have come to pass.
Yet now, Shen Miao was entangled with another man—one whose intimate name coincidentally was also "Jingxing." It felt as though something that belonged to her had been taken by someone else, leaving Rong Xin Princess with a sour taste in her heart. She knew Shen Miao couldn’t remain unmarried forever, but Prince Rui was not from Ming Qi. Having lived most of her life, Rong Xin Princess could see people clearly—this Prince Rui was enigmatic, exuding danger from head to toe. He was no simple man. If Shen Miao became involved with him, the situation would likely be far too complicated.
"In that case, I shall thank His Highness Prince Rui on Shen Miao’s behalf," Rong Xin Princess said, making every effort to distance Shen Miao from Prince Rui.
Prince Rui nodded slightly.
"Since the guiding eunuch is missing, I have many palace maids. I’ll have one escort you out. There’s no need to trouble Prince Rui further," Rong Xin Princess added, her tone unmistakably wary of him.
Prince Rui said nothing more, giving a faint acknowledgment before leaving on his own.
Only after Prince Rui had departed did Rong Xin Princess relax slightly. She asked Shen Miao, "How did you come to know him?"
Shen Miao hadn’t expected to run into Rong Xin Princess today, let alone for her to overhear her conversation with Xie Jingxing. She couldn’t help but inwardly grumble—usually, Xie Jingxing’s Shadow Guards were sharp-eyed and keen-eared, capable of catching even a mouse scurrying by. Yet at this critical moment, they seemed blind, failing to notice Rong Xin Princess’s presence.
She replied, "I’ve coincidentally met His Highness Prince Rui a few times before. We’re acquainted."
Rong Xin Princess gave her a deep look and said, "If you’re unwilling to speak, I won’t force you. But this man is not from Ming Qi—it’s hard to say whether he has ulterior motives toward you. You’re a clever girl. Some matters require your own judgment. If not for your own sake, then think of your parents and elder brother." She was clearly worried Shen Miao might be deceived by a man.Shen Miao felt both amused and exasperated. The misunderstanding had reached such a point that it seemed impossible to unravel. Princess Rong Xin pressed a hand to her chest, taking several labored breaths. Noticing this, Shen Miao asked, "Is Your Highness feeling unwell?"
"It's an old heart condition," Princess Rong Xin shook her head. "It's been acting up severely these past few days."
Seeing her in such pain, Shen Miao vaguely recalled that in her past life, Princess Rong Xin had also suffered from heart disease. The imperial physicians had advised her to avoid excessive worry to prevent severe attacks. She said, "Your Highness should summon an imperial physician for a thorough examination or seek out folk doctors who specialize in heart conditions. Enduring such pain is truly distressing."
"It's nothing," Princess Rong Xin waved her hand dismissively. "I've lived long enough to enjoy all that was meant for me and even what wasn't. This life has not been lacking. I probably don't have much time left, and I don't wish to trouble myself further." Her voice gradually softened. "After all, there's nothing left worth longing for."
Shen Miao knew she was thinking of Xie Jingxing again but didn't know how to comfort her. She could only say, "Young Marquis Xie wouldn't be happy to see you like this."
"If he truly cared for me as his aunt, he wouldn't have been so heartless as to leave this world." Princess Rong Xin composed herself, patting Shen Miao's hand. "I've heard about His Majesty's intention to arrange a marriage for you. I came to the palace today to discuss this matter with him. Shen Miao, you don't wish to marry the Crown Prince either, do you?"
Shen Miao hadn't expected Princess Rong Xin to plead on her behalf and felt a pang of emotion. In her past life, despite her efforts to ingratiate herself with the princess, she had only earned disdain and scorn. Yet in this life, because of Xie Jingxing, Princess Rong Xin's attitude toward her had changed, even to the point of challenging Emperor Wenhui's decisions. Though Shen Miao knew the princess couldn't truly influence the emperor's decrees, she would remember this kindness. "I have no desire to marry into the Eastern Palace, but Your Highness need not force the issue. The ways of the world follow heaven's will. Let nature take its course, and fate will provide the answer."
Princess Rong Xin actually laughed. "You see things clearly."
"It's getting late," she continued. "I won't keep you any longer. I must attend to other matters now. I'll have my maids escort you out."
Shen Miao was escorted out of the palace gates by the princess's attendants. Jing Zhe and Gu Yu, who had been waiting outside, rushed forward immediately, scrutinizing her from head to toe to ensure she was unharmed before exclaiming, "You frightened us to death! We waited so long we thought something had happened. If you hadn't come out soon, we were prepared to find a way in to search for you."
Shen Miao chuckled. "It's not some dragon's den or tiger's lair—hardly so terrifying." But inwardly, she pondered the two mysterious assassins who had appeared earlier. Who could have sent them, daring to attempt her murder within the palace? If she had died, it would only have harmed the Crown Prince. If the culprit sought to prevent the Crown Prince from gaining unchecked power, they were likely either Prince Zhou's or Prince Li's people. Fu Xiuyi was unlikely—with the recent incident involving Shen Wan and the Qin Crown Prince, he wouldn't recklessly draw attention to himself. Given his patient nature, he would bide his time longer.Thinking this, she couldn't help but sneer inwardly. In short, none of the Fu family were good people. The Shen family and the Fu family were destined to be opposing sides—it was either you die or I live. Since the other party had struck so ruthlessly, she wouldn't show any mercy either.
Mo Qing stepped forward and gestured for Shen Miao to board the carriage, preparing to return to the Shen residence.
On the bustling street outside the palace gates, in a lively tavern, someone sat in a corner observing the movements of Mo Qing and his group. When they saw Shen Miao emerge unscathed from the palace, a flicker of surprise flashed in their eyes. Then, picking up the sword from the table, they silently departed.
Upon returning to the Shen residence, Shen Qiu and the others naturally gathered around to ask what the Empress had said to Shen Miao in the palace that day. Shen Miao skipped over the part involving Xie Jingxing and only recounted the Empress's words. The Shen family grew anxious once more. The imperial family's veiled threats weighed heavily on Shen Miao, and with each passing day, time was running out. They had to think of a solution quickly.
Luo Xueyan recalled the suitors who had come to propose and wanted to ask Shen Miao's opinion. If Shen Miao had even the slightest preference for any of them, perhaps they could proceed for now. After all, Shen Xin had already investigated them—while not perfect, their characters were all sound.
But Shen Miao, still reeling from the incident with Xie Jingxing earlier that day, was in no state of mind to discuss such matters. When Luo Xueyan brought it up, Shen Miao displayed rare irritation. Seeing this, Shen Xin and the others exchanged glances, assuming her unease stemmed from the Empress's words in the palace, and decided not to press further. They urged Shen Miao to rest early in her room and dispersed.
By the time Shen Miao returned to her room, it was already dark. Gu Yu lit the oil lamp for her. Jing Zhe, noticing Shen Miao's foul mood, didn’t dare stay and disturb her, pulling Gu Yu out and quietly closing the door behind them, leaving Shen Miao alone.
She combed her hair restlessly, an inexplicable anger simmering in her chest that refused to dissipate. Recalling Xie Jingxing's accusatory questions in the palace only deepened her frustration and resentment. What did her affairs have to do with Xie Jingxing? Did he think he had the right to interfere in her life?
But with the marriage situation now entangled with various factions, and Xie Jingxing added to the mix, she felt increasingly trapped.
Thinking of Pei Lang's words, a faint smile surfaced on Shen Miao's lips, though it carried a trace of bitterness. What woman wouldn’t want to marry a man she loved and grow old together? But after witnessing the fickleness of the world in her past life, she knew all too well that the so-called affection between her and Fu Xiuyi had been nothing but her own wishful thinking. She had never truly experienced mutual love. Yet she understood that once it happened, her heart would no longer be her own. She refused to repeat her past life’s mistake—naively entrusting her happiness to someone else. It was better this way. Keeping her heart guarded from the start was far easier than reclaiming it after letting go.
Still, the discomfort lingered.
She sat under the lamp for a while, though her mind was blank. After some time, she blew out the lamp with a soft "puff" and climbed into bed to sleep.
The snowstorm at Prince Rui's Residence was especially fierce that night.A group of guards stood shivering in the wind, and even the once plump little white tiger had been banished outside the bedchamber as punishment. Today, Prince Rui was in a foul mood, and everyone in Prince Rui's Residence, from top to bottom, had been punished in some way. Even Ji Yushu and Gao Yang had been locked up in the Tower Prison for reflection.
The Tower Prison was no ordinary place—it housed the most vicious criminals, and dealing with such individuals required equally brutal methods. As the cruelest facility under the Ink Feather Army, it boasted no fewer than forty-nine forms of torture, if not eighty-one. Many hardened men who took up guard duty there would emerge wailing like ghosts within days. Even Tie Yi had needed a long recovery after his first stint, vomiting everything he ate for a full month.
Ji Yushu and Gao Yang, pampered young masters with delicate constitutions, were now facing reflection in the Tower Prison. The guards of Prince Rui's Residence secretly shed tears of sympathy for them.
Night Sparrow nudged Nan Qi's arm and whispered, "What's gotten into our lord? Who provoked him?"
Nan Qi hushed her and, after ensuring no movement came from the bedchamber, replied in a low voice, "Fifth Miss Shen was granted a marriage decree by the palace. Young Master Gao and Young Master Ji failed to report it, so the lord flew into a rage."
Night Sparrow covered her mouth, eyes wide with shock. After a long pause, she said, "Young Master Gao and Young Master Ji have some nerve, daring to withhold news about Fifth Miss Shen. No wonder they were thrown into the Tower Prison." She glanced at the white tiger trembling in the cold wind and sighed sympathetically, "Poor thing. Usually spoiled with the finest food and care, we thought it was different from us. But when trouble strikes, we all end up as punching bags."
Fire Dragon tossed her long hair and murmured wistfully, "A man's fury burns for his beloved."
Inside the room, Xie Jingxing handed a finished letter to Tie Yi. After glancing at it, Tie Yi hesitated, "My lord, if we alter the plan now, what if His Majesty finds out—"
Xie Jingxing shot him a look, and Tie Yi immediately fell silent. Opposing the lord's decisions when he was in a bad mood was never a wise idea.
Xie Jingxing sealed another letter in an envelope and said, "Find out what's going on with Pei Lang." After a pause, he added, "And Feng Zixian and Su Mingfeng." Frowning, he suddenly remembered something else. "What about the medicinal herbs?"
Tie Yi hurriedly replied, "We've already sent people to search for them. Once found, they'll be delivered to the clinic immediately." Rong Xin Princess's heart condition had been acting up frequently lately, and one of the rare herbs in her prescription was only available in spring. All stocks in Fixed Capital's clinics had been bought up by the princess's estate. Without fresh supplies these past few days, Rong Xin Princess had been enduring the pain. Xie Jingxing had secretly dispatched people to procure the herb at great cost from outside and "coincidentally" sell it to the clinics.
"Make it quick," Xie Jingxing said, pressing his lips together. After a moment's thought, he abruptly stood up, threw on his outer robe, and strode out.
Tie Yi was startled. "My lord, are you going out again?"
"The accounts aren't settled yet," Xie Jingxing snorted, sweeping out with a flick of his sleeve.
The Shen residence was already quiet, and Shen Miao's bedchamber had long been dark, clearly indicating she had been asleep for some time.
When Xie Jingxing arrived, Cong Yang was dozing on a tree branch. Spotting him, Cong Yang nearly fell off in fright and quickly scrambled down to stand at attention, saluting Xie Jingxing.Xie Jingxing glanced toward the window, and Cong Yang quickly said, "The young mistress has already retired for the night."
Xie Jingxing walked over to the window and noticed a jade-like ring placed on the sill, with a pendant hanging beneath it. He gave Cong Yang a questioning look, to which Cong Yang explained, "That’s a protective pendant Luo Ling secretly placed here after the young mistress went to bed. She hasn’t noticed it yet."
Hearing this, Xie Jingxing’s gaze flickered slightly. With a critical air, he used the tip of the dagger hidden in his sleeve to lift the pendant and tossed it into Cong Yang’s arms, saying, "Keep it safe."
Cong Yang was taken aback, but Xie Jingxing continued, "The pet at home needs a new pendant."
Cong Yang: "..."
Before Cong Yang could recover from his speechlessness, Xie Jingxing had already deftly opened the window and slipped inside.
Inside the room, Shen Miao was fast asleep on the bed.
Xie Jingxing walked to the bedside, crossed his arms, and observed her for a moment before raising an eyebrow. "Sleeping soundly, I see. So, my words didn’t make an impression. How bold."
He sat down beside the bed, casually picked up a cup of tea from the table by the window, took a sip, and then turned to study Shen Miao’s sleeping face.
In slumber, the girl lacked the composed and distant demeanor she usually carried. Stripped of all pretenses, her true nature was revealed. Bathed in moonlight, her delicate and youthful features finally reminded one that she was, after all, a sixteen-year-old girl—something easily forgotten given her circumstances and the shrewdness she displayed.
Recalling how Shen Miao had stubbornly held back tears earlier that day when he pinched her chin, Xie Jingxing felt a twinge of guilt.
He reached out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear, only to notice her eyelashes quiver faintly. His hand paused, and his gaze lowered to see her body trembling almost imperceptibly beneath the covers.
She was pretending to be asleep.
Xie Jingxing arched a brow, then deliberately moved closer, planting his hands on either side of her and leaning down. His voice, low and magnetic, carried a teasing note in the quiet room.
"Since I’ve helped you so many times, why not repay me by giving yourself to me?"
He watched her eyes intently as he slowly bent closer.
Shen Miao’s body stiffened. His breath hovered near her lips, and the overwhelming pressure from above grew unbearable. She abruptly shoved Xie Jingxing away and sat up, exclaiming angrily, "What do you think you’re doing?"
Her voice betrayed a hint of panic.
Xie Jingxing pushed her back down onto the bed.
Shen Miao struggled restlessly, but Xie Jingxing easily subdued her flailing limbs and chuckled. "What did you think I was going to do to you?" He gave her a critical once-over and added, "Wishful thinking."
Furious, Shen Miao wanted to call for Mo Qing to come in and give Xie Jingxing a good beating.
Since she had only worn an undergarment to bed, their earlier scuffle had caused it to slip, revealing her pale shoulder and even a glimpse of the plum-blossom-patterned undergarment beneath. Xie Jingxing stared for a moment, momentarily stunned. Realizing where his gaze had landed, Shen Miao flushed with anger and humiliation, about to curse at him—when Xie Jingxing abruptly yanked the quilt over her, completely covering her head.
Shen Miao barely managed to poke her head out from under the quilt and snapped, "You lunatic!"
Ignoring her, Xie Jingxing swiftly bundled her up tightly in the quilt, wrapping her like a cocoon, before pressing her back onto the bed. Unable to move at all, Shen Miao could only glare as Xie Jingxing propped his head on one hand and smirked at her.
Finally exhausted from struggling, Shen Miao demanded, "Why are you here?"
"Shen Miao, behave." Xie Jingxing frowned. "With me here, who dares force you into marriage?"Shen Miao was so angry she laughed: "You won't stay in Ming Qi for thousands of years. I'll have to marry someone someday. You can protect me today, but not tomorrow. Even if you protect me tomorrow, there will come a day when you can't."
"What if I can?" Xie Jingxing asked.
Shen Miao froze, speechless.
Xie Jingxing continued: "Do you not care about marriage, or do you actually want to get married?"
"What does that have to do with you? You're asking too many questions." Shen Miao was still resentful of Xie Jingxing's roughness during the day and had no intention of speaking to him properly. But then it occurred to her—how unlike an Empress she was behaving, acting more like those coy young girls on the street. Thinking about how long she had been dawdling with this man before her, she grew even more dissatisfied with herself.
Her mercurial mood baffled Xie Jingxing. He rolled over, pinning her beneath him, one hand braced beside her head as he asked in a low voice, "Who do you want to marry?"
"Luo Ling? Su Mingfeng? Feng Zixian? Or Pei Lang?"
He leaned in closer, his handsome features magnified in the moonlight before Shen Miao’s eyes. The faint scent of bamboo leaves drifted from him. His eyes were exceptionally beautiful, but at this moment, they held an aggressive intensity, as if demanding the truth. Under such a gaze, even the most hidden thoughts seemed laid bare.
Shen Miao’s heart suddenly fluttered with panic.
This distance was too close—so close that she could hear the rapid thumping of a heartbeat, like the pounding of a drum. But she couldn’t tell if it was hers or Xie Jingxing’s.
Not wanting to be overwhelmed by this uncontrollable emotion and do something she might regret, Shen Miao jerked backward. The bed frame pressed against her back, but Xie Jingxing shielded her head with his hand to prevent her from hitting it.
"This has nothing to do with you," Shen Miao blurted out. "We’re just allies. Allies cooperate with each other. Does Prince Rui intend to meddle in my lifelong affairs? Whether it’s marriage, childbirth, divorce, or even being deposed—none of it concerns you in the slightest!"
Xie Jingxing had been angered by her first words, but by the end, he found himself torn between amusement and exasperation. "What nonsense are you spouting? Do you really want to be a deposed Empress?" This wasn’t the first time he’d heard her mention being deposed. He couldn’t understand—was Shen Miao so insecure that she had to imagine such a miserable fate for herself? She didn’t seem like someone lacking confidence.
Shen Miao, now too furious to watch her words, snapped, "It’s none of your business! We’re just allies—what right do you have to interfere in my affairs?"
Xie Jingxing stared at her, his own temper rising at her repeated rejections. Proud by nature, being dismissed like this left him deeply frustrated.
He asked, "We’re allies?"
Shen Miao nodded.
"Allies can’t interfere in your matters?"
She nodded again.
Xie Jingxing smirked. "Fine." In a swift motion, he bent down and brushed his lips against hers. Shen Miao froze, stunned, as the handsome man in the purple robe spoke in a deliberately provoking tone, "Now we’re not allies anymore."
"You—!" Shen Miao was speechless, her lips still tingling from that fleeting touch.
He grinned roguishly. "Now I can interfere." Then he stood up from the bed, looking down at her with a domineering air. "Remember this—from now on, whether it’s marriage, childbirth, divorce, or being deposed, you’ll need my permission."
With that, he cast a cold glance toward the windowsill and vanished.
Outside.
Cong Yang, forced to eavesdrop from a tree for most of the night, was flushed with embarrassment but dared not leave. When Xie Jingxing emerged, Cong Yang saluted him. Xie Jingxing said, "From now on, throw away anything others send over." He took the peace charm Cong Yang handed him and strode off, visibly displeased.
－－－－－－Author’s Note－－－－－－
Two people driven mad by anger: Even their fights are torture for onlookers~ Search for the blue tag to read the full chapters ahead.
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