The invitation from Rong Xin Princess was for the afternoon of the following day. Luo Xueyan had Shen Xin prepare a large pile of gifts for Shen Miao to bring to the princess's residence. Since Rong Xin Princess had helped Shen Miao on numerous occasions, Luo Xueyan wanted to express her gratitude.
To prevent any mishaps on the road, Shen Qiu brought along many guards, with A Zhi and Mo Qing also accompanying them. Despite this, Shen Miao's expression remained far from relaxed throughout the journey. Noticing this, Jing Zhe and Gu Yu beside her assumed she was worried about safety and comforted her for a long while.
Inside the carriage, Shen Miao was lost in thought, pondering how to handle Rong Xin Princess's questions once they arrived at the residence. If the princess inquired about Xie Jingxing, she needed to find a way to dispel any suspicions. However, Rong Xin Princess was a cautious person, and once doubts arose, they would be difficult to erase.
Shen Miao felt a headache coming on.
Jing Zhe chuckled, "What has the young lady thinking so seriously? It's been a while since I've seen you like this."
Shen Miao was momentarily stunned, feeling a bit surprised. Indeed, ever since her rebirth, relying on her knowledge of the past, she had navigated life with remarkable ease. Even matters concerning Luo Xueyan, Shen Xin, and Shen Qiu hadn't been particularly challenging to handle. As for others, she only cared if they involved her interests—such as Liuying and Pei Lang—but why should she bother with unrelated matters? Here she was, racking her brains to come up with excuses for Xie Jingxing, but what exactly was their relationship that she should go to such lengths for him?
Shen Miao felt a surge of irritation at herself, knowing full well her tendency to overthink. One voice in her heart insisted that this was Xie Jingxing's own mess and he should clean it up himself. Yet another voice couldn't bear the thought of him handling such a thorny issue alone.
After all, for Xie Jingxing to reappear before Rong Xin Princess with the added identity of Prince Rui of Great Coolness would be unbearably cruel—both for the princess and for him.
Before Shen Miao could devise a proper strategy, the carriage had already arrived at the gates of the princess's residence. The servants there, who were quite familiar with Shen Miao, respectfully ushered her inside. Shen Miao instructed Mo Qing and the others to stay outside and help move the gifts for Rong Xin Princess into the storeroom. A palace maid led Shen Miao further inside.
Strangely, she was taken directly to Rong Xin Princess's private chambers.
Though Rong Xin Princess had become a rare sight in court and lived a rather low-profile life, her residence was still spacious and grand. However, after the death of her consort, the princess had lived in seclusion, paying little attention to material luxuries. Thus, her chambers were simple and serene, exuding a faintly desolate atmosphere upon entry.
Rong Xin Princess was sipping sweet soup sent from the kitchen. Seeing Shen Miao arrive, she ordered a servant to serve her a bowl as well. Smiling, she said, "This is from a new chef who excels at pastries and sweet soups. I don’t know if it suits your taste, but I find it better than the palace’s. Do try it."
Shen Miao thanked the princess and took small sips from the bowl. She wasn’t particularly fond of sweets but couldn’t refuse out of respect for Rong Xin Princess. As she ate, she discreetly studied the princess's expression.Princess Rong Xin looked much better than the day they had met by chance in the palace. Her complexion was rosier, and she seemed in good spirits, wearing a smile on her face. Shen Miao remarked, "Your Highness appears much healthier."
"The medical hall recently happened to acquire a rare medicinal herb, and the kitchen has been brewing it for me daily. It would be hard for my health not to improve," Princess Rong Xin sighed. "It truly is a stroke of luck. In the past, finding such an herb was already quite difficult, yet unexpectedly, it came to me now." Her tone carried a hint of pleasant surprise.
Shen Miao followed along with Princess Rong Xin's words, but inwardly, she felt something was amiss. Princess Rong Xin was not one to dwell on trivial matters; even in casual conversation, she preferred insightful and interesting topics. It was unlike her to bring up personal matters specifically to share. Yet the underlying meaning of her words eluded Shen Miao.
She had initially thought Princess Rong Xin would bring up Xie Jingxing today, but to her surprise, the princess didn’t mention him at all, nor did she seem inclined to. Instead, she abruptly shifted the topic to Emperor Wenhui’s recent suppression of Shen Miao’s marriage prospects.
"My brother had been stubbornly insistent, seemingly very keen on having you as his daughter-in-law, though I also found it inappropriate. After you left that day, I personally pleaded with him, hoping to dissuade him from this idea, but he remained unmoved. It was only thanks to Prince Rui’s intervention in the end." She looked at Shen Miao and smiled. "I suppose General Shen has already inquired about the reason and informed you?"
Shen Miao nodded, inwardly growing more alert.
"Though these words may sound somewhat treasonous, I do not wish for Great Coolness to harbor any ambitions toward Ming Qi. Still, we must thank Prince Rui. Without his timely remark, my brother would not have changed his mind. Your marriage prospects might not have been suppressed as they are now."
Shen Miao remained silent, knowing that saying more could lead to mistakes. Unexpectedly, Princess Rong Xin suddenly took her hand and said cheerfully, "Earlier, I noticed you and Prince Rui of Great Coolness seemed quite close. Being much older than you, I’ve seen more of the world, and the same goes for judging people. Given Prince Rui’s special status, I feared you, being young, might be easily deceived. Yet it turns out he is a man of honor. His words came at just the right moment. To say it was deliberate would be a stretch, don’t you think?"
Princess Rong Xin’s attitude toward Prince Rui had not been like this before. The stark contrast made Shen Miao even more cautious, though she showed no outward signs of unease. She merely smiled and replied, "Prince Rui is a dragon among men, while I am but a humble speck of grass. We cannot be mentioned in the same breath. I would never presume to think Prince Rui would speak on my behalf." This was a tactful denial of any close relationship with Prince Rui.
"I know you’re just being modest," Princess Rong Xin said, unusually persistent and peculiar today. "I won’t speak of this to others."
Before Shen Miao could respond, Princess Rong Xin swiftly changed the subject again.
Princess Rong Xin was in exceptionally high spirits today, chatting with Shen Miao about this and that for a long while. Just when Shen Miao thought the princess would press further about Prince Rui, she instead turned to asking whether Luo Xueyan had recently introduced any suitable young talents to Shen Miao.From noon until nightfall, Rong Xin Princess showed no intention of ending the conversation or sending Shen Miao back to the Shen residence. Shen Miao herself couldn't quite grasp the princess's intentions.
Jing Zhe and Gu Yu, on the other hand, wished for Shen Miao to return earlier, fearing the dark roads and slippery paths that would make the carriage ride difficult. But this was the princess's estate. Without a word from either the princess or Shen Miao, how could two servants dare to speak up?
When the last pot of tea was finished, Rong Xin Princess stood up. Jing Zhe and Gu Yu breathed a quiet sigh of relief, thinking that after such an unusually prolonged visit, Shen Miao could finally return home. To their surprise, the princess warmly took Shen Miao's hand and said with a smile, "Come, take a stroll with me in the courtyard."
Jing Zhe and Gu Yu were stunned. This was the princess's own estate—she had lived here for years and walked these grounds every day. Why would she suddenly ask a guest like Shen Miao to accompany her on a nighttime stroll? Moreover, it was dark, cold, and easy to catch a chill. Was this some peculiar royal habit?
Shen Miao, however, understood. Rong Xin Princess had ulterior motives—today's invitation was never just about idle conversation. The princess undoubtedly had her own plans.
Yet Shen Miao couldn't refuse.
"Of course," she replied.
Contrary to Jing Zhe and Gu Yu's expectations, the "courtyard" Rong Xin Princess led Shen Miao to was a secluded side courtyard. In the darkness, no lanterns illuminated the entrance, making it impossible to read the plaque above the gate.
Holding Shen Miao's hand, the princess stepped inside and said cheerfully, "This courtyard is called Xingzhi Courtyard."
Shen Miao's heart skipped a beat—she knew what was coming next.
Sure enough, once inside, Rong Xin Princess ran her fingers nostalgically over the trinkets on the shelves and remarked, "This is where Jingxing used to live."
Jing Zhe and Gu Yu, following behind, exchanged surprised glances. This was the residence of Xie Jingxing, the young marquis of the Xie family?
"Jingxing lost his mother at a young age. After Yuqing passed, I pitied him for his tragic fate and resented Lin'an Hou for his infidelity, which led to the turmoil in the household. Yuqing suffered greatly—even in death, she was branded a jealous woman. At the time, Fang Shi took advantage of the situation, and I couldn't openly retaliate without further tarnishing Yuqing's name. Furious and fearful that Fang Shi might harm Jingxing, I brought him here to raise in the princess's estate."
"Jingxing was mischievous by nature but very close to me. Since I had no sons of my own, I thought it would be wonderful to raise him as my own. Later, I built this Xingzhi Courtyard for him."
As Rong Xin Princess recounted these memories, her voice was tinged with melancholy. Through her words, Shen Miao could almost picture the helpless infant, crying for care. Shen Miao was fortunate—both her parents were alive and doted on her, though misunderstandings caused by the meddling of the Shen family's second and third branches had created distance. Still, reconciliation was possible. But Xie Jingxing had never known his mother.
Or rather, from the moment he was born, his false identity in Ming Qi had cast him in a tragic and troubled role."Jingxing has been well taken care of by me here in my palace. Marquis Lin'an came several times to demand his return, even resorting to approaching my imperial brother, yet I remained unmoved. But later, when Fang Shi bore two sons, I sent Jingxing back," Princess Rong Xin turned to look at Shen Miao. "Do you know why?"
Shen Miao pondered for a moment before replying, "Because Young Marquis Xie is the legitimate heir of Marquis Lin'an Manor, which rightfully belongs to him. If he had remained in the princess's residence, Fang Shi and the two illegitimate sons of the Xie family might have seized the opportunity, and the position of Marquis Lin'an could eventually fall into their hands."
Princess Rong Xin laughed upon hearing this. "I always knew you were perceptive. At your age, I would never have thought of such things."
Shen Miao smiled faintly but did not comment. Naturally, young girls who had never borne children would not plan for their offspring's future—how could they see so far ahead? But she was a woman who had raised two children. Putting herself in another's shoes, if it were Wan Yu and Fu Ming, she would have sent them back as well. What rightfully belonged to her children should not be taken advantage of by others.
"Though Jingxing returned, his bond with me remained strong. They say blood is thicker than water, and I feared he might grow closer to Marquis Lin'an, swayed by petty provocations, and come to resent me and Yuqing. Yet, to my surprise and relief, his relationship with Marquis Lin'an never improved. No matter how much the Marquis tried to win him over, Jingxing remained indifferent. Sometimes I wonder—they truly don’t seem like father and son. Where, then, is this 'blood thicker than water'?"
Shen Miao’s heart clenched heavily. The hidden implications in Princess Rong Xin’s words were far too pronounced.
The princess picked up a small mirror from the shelf and said, "In truth, it’s not just Marquis Lin'an he doesn’t resemble—he doesn’t take after Yuqing much either. The Marquis is a fool, somewhat indecisive and muddle-headed in certain matters, which is why he was outmaneuvered by a scheming wretch like Fang Shi. Yuqing was naive, pouring her heart into a man, only to die heartbroken in the end, leaving her child to suffer. Jingxing, however, is nothing like either of them."
"Outwardly, Jingxing appears unruly, but in action, he is decisive. Once, he acquired a fine sword that caught the eye of a close friend. Though the friend never voiced his desire, Jingxing noticed. Later, he claimed to admire his friend’s mirror and exchanged the sword for it."
"I asked him why he lied when he didn’t even like the mirror. He told me it was because he didn’t truly care for the sword either."
"From a very young age, he seemed to know exactly what he wanted and what he didn’t. What he didn’t want, he wouldn’t spare a second glance; what he did want, he grasped firmly from the start. He always smiles and is quite popular with young ladies, yet he has never shown particular interest in any of them. In truth, he is colder than anyone."
Princess Rong Xin fixed her gaze on Shen Miao. For a fleeting moment, Shen Miao felt that the princess and Xie Jingxing shared certain similarities—especially in the way their sharp eyes seemed to pierce through one’s soul. That overwhelming pressure, emanating from this no-longer-young royal princess, was unmistakable.She began, "This princess thought that perhaps Lin'an Hou was something he deemed unnecessary in his eyes, which is why he never harbored any familial affection for him from the start. This princess always believed that she was someone he would hold onto tightly. But now it seems this princess was wrong—this princess is also someone he doesn’t need, am I right?"
That last "am I right?" was directed at Shen Miao.
Jing Zhe and Gu Yu had already been ushered out by Rong Xin Princess’s personal attendant, Yang Gugu, leaving no one else in the room. Shen Miao listened quietly before responding, "The young marquis holds Your Highness close to his heart."
"Shen Miao, this princess knows you are sharp-witted and skilled at reading people. There’s no need to placate me." Rong Xin Princess let out a cold laugh. "If he truly held this princess close to his heart, why would he deceive me with false news of his death? Why would he watch as this princess suffered sleepless nights in grief over his supposed demise? He had everything arranged from the beginning yet chose to betray my trust and sincerity. He was right before my eyes yet refused to acknowledge me, offering only clumsy excuses. Shen Miao, tell me—is this what it means to hold someone close to heart?"
By the last sentence, her tone had turned sharp, almost accusatory with anger.
Shen Miao’s heart sank—she had found out after all.
But she still couldn’t admit it.
Some truths, even when the outcome was clear, could not be spoken. Even with irrefutable evidence, they had to remain unspoken. Rong Xin Princess was a princess of Ming Qi, while Xie Jingxing was Prince Rui of Great Coolness. If this truth were confirmed, if she were to say it aloud, what consequences would it bring to the current situation? What troubles would it create for Xie Jingxing? Shen Miao couldn’t be certain. She couldn’t recklessly acknowledge it.
Even if Rong Xin Princess had already made up her mind.
She said, "This humble girl does not understand what Your Highness is referring to."
Rong Xin Princess looked at her with disdain. The kindness and warmth from before had vanished, replaced by the condescension of a superior who could crush an ant with ease. It was an expression Shen Miao had often seen on the Fu family’s faces. A sudden wave of disgust rose within her—not directed at Rong Xin Princess, but perhaps at the Fu family blood flowing in her veins, which made them share certain traits despite their differences.
Rong Xin Princess said, "Do you know what crime it is to deceive the imperial family?"
"The crime of deceiving the sovereign," Shen Miao answered.
"Conspiring with the enemy, deceiving the sovereign—these eight words alone are enough to have your entire Shen family executed, with nine generations exterminated. You witnessed what happened to Shen Wan. Do you understand the words you’re speaking now? Do you realize the lies you’re telling this princess?"
Shen Miao replied, "This humble girl has said nothing."
"So you refuse to yield until faced with utter ruin?" Rong Xin Princess’s voice was icy to the bone. "If this princess wishes for your death, it would be effortless. If your answers today fail to satisfy me, a mere word to His Majesty would bring utter destruction upon your Shen family. Are you willing to let your parents and elder brother pay with their lives for your willfulness?"
Shen Miao remained silent.
Rong Xin Princess continued slowly, "Now, tell this princess—is Prince Rui the Xie Jingxing who supposedly died in battle?""No." The two firm words left Shen Miao's lips without a trace of hesitation. It was as if the terrifying threats earlier were mere smoke, leaving not the slightest mark on her heart.
"Shen Miao!" Rong Xin Princess was furious. "This princess will ensure the Shen family is charged with crimes!"
"Everything must be based on evidence."
"If this princess wishes it, no evidence is needed to convict you."
Shen Miao nearly laughed coldly in her heart. The Fu family was like this—so domineering and overbearing. Even the seemingly most impartial Rong Xin Princess would not hesitate to wield imperial authority and tyranny when it came to matters she wanted to know.
People are complex, and human nature is selfish.
"This princess asks you one more time—is Prince Rui Xie Jingxing?"
"No."
Rong Xin Princess was almost beside herself with rage. Normally, she admired Shen Miao's composure and steadiness in the face of adversity. But when that composure was turned against her, the princess felt as though she were facing a copper-forged pea—utterly flawless and impossible to crack. Ordinary young ladies would have been frightened by a few threats, but Shen Miao was unafraid.
"Guards!" Rong Xin Princess's expression darkened. "Take Shen Miao—"
Before she could finish, the rest of her words were swallowed back.
A figure in purple leaped in through the window—from the rear window, where no guards were stationed, so no one had seen him. The man wore dark purple robes embroidered with gold thread at the hem, bearing a pattern Rong Xin Princess knew all too well.
After entering, he leisurely glanced around, strolling unhurriedly until he stood before Shen Miao. As naturally as if he were in his own residence, he then stopped before Rong Xin Princess. Only then did he speak lazily, in a measured tone: "She's timid, Rong Yi. Don't scare her."
Rong Xin Princess had been struck silent the moment she saw him, standing frozen in place. But when she heard the address "Rong Yi," she pointed a trembling finger at him, unable to speak.
In the not-so-spacious room, the candlelight flickered slightly. The man toyed with the thumb ring on his hand, his face half-covered by a silver mask that gleamed coldly, revealing only a faintly smiling red lip—yet there was not a trace of warmth in it.
Shen Miao stared at Xie Jingxing in disbelief. She had never imagined he would dare to appear at this moment—boldly showing up in the princess's residence, right before Rong Xin Princess. After all, Xie Jingxing had supposedly died on the northern battlefield two years ago. His reappearance alone would cause an uproar in Ming Qi, not to mention if his identity as Prince Rui were exposed—he would undoubtedly be branded a spy, a traitor, and worse.
How could he dare?
Rong Xin Princess pointed at him with a trembling hand. "What did you call this princess?"
The purple-robed young man in the room stood tall and slender, slowly reaching up to touch his mask.
He removed it, allowing everyone to see his striking features.
A peerless beauty, his elegance like a verdant pine.
Those beautiful, ever-sparkling peach-blossom eyes brimmed with charm and amusement, yet the faint mockery at the corners of his lips masked that allure, gradually revealing a cold, proud sharpness.An unfamiliar Xie Jingxing, a young man entirely different from that flamboyant and dazzlingly handsome youth, yet faint traces of his former arrogant demeanor could still be glimpsed. Only now, that arrogance had been gradually suppressed, replaced by something extraordinarily dangerous—a terrifying edge.
He put the mask back on, speaking in a careless, somewhat languid tone: "Long time no see, Rong Yi."
Princess Rong Xin remained stunned for a long while, as if only now recovering from her earlier shock.
She looked at Xie Jingxing, examining him from head to toe with an unfamiliar gaze, her tone inscrutable as she said, "Should I address you as Prince Rui or Xie Jingxing?"
The alienation and wariness in her words even startled Shen Miao.
She had also imagined what it would be like if Xie Jingxing and Rong Xin Princess were to meet, but she never expected it to be like this. The familial affection from before was all a deception and a joke, yet the hostility Rong Xin Princess displayed in this brief moment was truly astonishing.
Xie Jingxing said, "As you wish, Princess."
"Was the medicinal ingredient sent by you?" Rong Xin Princess asked.
Xie Jingxing only smiled without answering.
Rong Xin Princess also smiled: "Prince Rui's gifts, this palace dares not accept for nothing. I imagine these medicinal herbs are not cheap. Later, I will have someone deliver the silver to Prince Rui's Residence. Many thanks to Prince Rui."
"No need," Xie Jingxing replied.
"What brings Prince Rui here?" Rong Xin Princess's voice was polite yet guarded, not at all like she was facing a "son" who had returned from the dead. It was the tone one would use with a complete stranger—or even an enemy.
"She knows nothing," Xie Jingxing said, nodding toward Shen Miao. "If the Princess has any doubts, you may ask me directly. There's no need to trouble her."
"How would I dare trouble her?" Rong Xin Princess sneered, though her tone carried a hint of complexity.
"Good that you won't trouble her," Xie Jingxing said as he walked over, wrapping an arm around Shen Miao's shoulder without regard for her expression. "Regarding today's matter, I will personally visit to explain another day. If the Princess has any grievances or misunderstandings toward me, there's no need to involve others." He smirked. "Prince Rui's Residence awaits at any time."
With that, he paid no heed to Rong Xin Princess's reaction and swiftly led Shen Miao out through the window.
Shen Miao was stunned by Xie Jingxing's actions today, so much so that she didn't react even as she was practically abducted from the princess's residence. She never imagined Xie Jingxing would dare to appear so boldly in the princess's residence. Though Xie Jingxing and Rong Xin Princess had once been as close as mother and son, that was in the past. Now, Xie Jingxing was a man of Great Coolness, and the difference in their national identities would inevitably change many things—especially given their delicate positions.
Take today, for example. Shen Miao had expected Rong Xin Princess to react hysterically—to rage, question, or weep in pain upon seeing Xie Jingxing. Yet the first emotion the princess displayed was wariness.
Her sarcasm, her subtle probing, her polite yet distant demeanor—all of it, restrained as it was, pointed to one undeniable fact: in the face of Xie Jingxing's resurrection, Rong Xin Princess harbored more suspicion than joy.
Shen Miao recalled Rong Xin Princess's words once more.
"Even as a child, he always seemed to know exactly what he wanted and what he didn't. Things he didn't want, he wouldn't spare a second glance. Things he did want, he held onto tightly from the start. He always smiled and was quite popular with the ladies, yet he never showed special favor to any of them. In truth, he was colder than anyone."
Had Xie Jingxing known from childhood that this day would come, and thus categorized familial affection as something he "didn't want"? Not that he didn't want it, but that he couldn't afford it. Because even if he claimed it, he would lose it one day. Loved ones would become enemies; once-warm gazes would turn wary. If that was the case, it was better to remain strangers from the start—without closeness, there would be no moment of shattered expectations.
A strange bitterness welled up in Shen Miao's heart.Brother Xie fiercely protects his wife, instantly turning into Sister Xie. Quick, let Liangliang come pamper you ╭╯＾╰╮~ Search for "blue" to read the full chapters ahead.
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