"This method is quite simple, as long as the Crown Prince of Qin cooperates," Shen Dongling said.
Wang Bi asked, "What do you mean by that?"
Shen Dongling smiled. "Isn’t our Ming Qi currently seeking an alliance with Great Coolness? Judging by your words, Qin State would surely be happy to ally with us as well. What if Qin demands the hand of Fifth Sister as a condition for the alliance?"
"That would never work. Even if His Majesty, for the sake of the people, had no choice but to agree, General Shen would never consent to sending Fifth Miss Shen so far away." Wang Bi was well aware—after all, the entire Fixed Capital knew how much Shen Xin doted on his daughter Shen Miao. Marrying her to another region was already unthinkable, let alone sending her as far as Qin State, where they might not see each other for years.
Shen Dongling smiled. "Exactly. But if this news were to spread, and the people of Ming Qi learned of it, they would surely pressure General Shen to send Fifth Sister away. After all, Huangfu Hao is the Crown Prince of Qin and quite handsome—Fifth Sister wouldn’t be at a disadvantage marrying him. If Uncle refuses, Qin might abandon the alliance with Ming Qi, leaving an opening for Great Coolness to exploit, putting Ming Qi’s stability at risk. Trading one Fifth Sister for the safety of the people—whether Uncle sees it as a fair deal or not, the common folk certainly would."
Wang Bi fell into deep thought.
Shen Dongling continued, "The world knows my uncle prioritizes righteousness above personal concerns. Now, he’d be pressured by the people. He might fight the court, but he can’t ignore the will of the masses."
"Even His Majesty cannot act entirely as he pleases—he must consider the people’s sentiments. How much more so for my uncle? On one hand, he wouldn’t want Great Coolness to seize an opportunity, but on the other, he’d never allow Fifth Sister to marry so far away. Yet who could stop Huangfu Hao? Even if someone could, would they dare? At this point, if the Crown Prince were to step forward and declare that Fifth Sister was already promised to his household, everything would be resolved."
"This..." Wang Bi hesitated, but Shen Dongling went on with a smile, "Huangfu Hao wouldn’t dare disregard the Crown Prince’s dignity. Besides, rumors of this matter have already circulated—Huangfu Hao could easily verify them himself. Compared to marrying Huangfu Hao and living far away in Qin, Uncle would naturally prefer Fifth Sister to marry into the Crown Prince’s household, where he could still keep an eye on her. If the Crown Prince steps up at this critical moment, Uncle would surely be grateful."
Wang Bi’s eyes brightened. Being shrewd, he immediately recognized the merits of Shen Dongling’s plan and sank into contemplation.
But Shen Dongling wasn’t finished. Wrapping an arm around Wang Bi’s neck, she added, "Of course, this play requires cooperation from both Huangfu Hao and the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince could offer Huangfu Hao some benefits—once he accepts, they can act out the rest, and everything will fall into place."
Wang Bi pulled Shen Dongling close and kissed her cheek firmly. "Who knew I’d married such a strategist?"
Shen Dongling lowered her head bashfully. "Husband, don’t tease me. I merely thought of it on the spot. There must be many flaws in the plan, but I’m sure you can find ways to refine it.""You've already done remarkably well to think of this." Wang Bi grew increasingly fond of Shen Dongling as he looked at her, saying, "This time you've truly helped me greatly. Rest assured, once our plan succeeds, I'll certainly mention your contribution before the Crown Prince, letting our Ling'er bask in the glory as well."
Shen Dongling inwardly scoffed. Men achieving merit and fame feared nothing more than having their accomplishments shared, especially by a woman. The idea that Wang Bi would actually credit her was absurd—it was merely empty flattery for the moment.
Yet understanding this was one thing. Shen Dongling still pushed Wang Bi lightly, feigning urgency as she said, "Husband, you mustn't mention that this was my idea. Who would scheme against their own sister for no reason? If not for helping you overcome this difficulty, I would never have resorted to this. If word got out, how could I face others in the future?"
Wang Bi had only spoken casually. Had Shen Dongling eagerly accepted the credit, he would have thought her overly ambitious. But her flustered refusal now pleased him immensely, making her appear all the more endearing. He grew increasingly grateful that Shen Dongling had replaced Shen Yue in their marriage. "Very well, I won't mention it," he conceded. "But this isn't a bad thing. Once the Crown Prince ascends the throne, Fifth Miss Shen will become an imperial consort. She'll surely thank you someday—this is an opportunity others could only dream of."
Shen Dongling smiled. "That's exactly what I thought." Yet she knew better. Shen Miao was not one to crave power. The Shen family already treated her as their most treasured jewel, so wealth and status meant little to her. In some ways, Shen Miao was as stubbornly principled as Shen Xin. While others might eventually grow content with the benefits of marrying the Crown Prince, even if initially unwilling, Shen Miao was different. One misstep, and she would torment herself endlessly. Even if she appeared unaffected, her heart would never find peace.
I'm sorry, Shen Dongling thought silently. Of everyone in Shen Mansion, Shen Miao was the last person she wished to oppose—precisely because Shen Miao was dangerous, backed unconditionally by Shen Xin and his wife. But... times had changed.
Now that Shen Dongling had the means to oppose Shen Miao, she suddenly realized she had always envied her. She could trample over others in the Shen household—the second and third branches, Shen Yue, Shen Qing—but never surpass Shen Miao. The family Shen Miao relied on was the very one Shen Dongling could never have.
When those of lowly status gain power, they often discard their former caution and humility, becoming twisted in their newfound arrogance. This was why scholars from poor families, upon passing the imperial exams and securing minor official posts, often grew insufferably conceited.
Deep down, their inferiority gnawed at them, forever fearing others might uncover their past wretchedness.
Lost in thought, Shen Dongling was startled when Wang Bi spoke again: "This matter requires careful planning. I must first discuss it with the Crown Prince."
Regaining her composure, Shen Dongling smiled. "We should invite Fifth Sister out together when the time comes." After a pause, she added, "I could send her an invitation."
"Oh?" Wang Bi asked. "Would she accept?"It seemed Shen Dongling had long been aware that the relationship between her and Shen Miao was far from warm. Yet to her ears, it sounded like a sarcastic remark about the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate daughters. Suppressing her displeasure, Shen Dongling said, "Does my husband not trust me? Rest assured, I will definitely bring Fifth Sister out."
...
Meanwhile, at the Pingnan Earl's residence, Su Mingfeng was also plagued by a headache.
Yesterday, Rongxin Princess had unexpectedly visited the Pingnan Earl's residence. The princess had rarely ventured out in recent years, living a reclusive life that drew little attention. Disguised as she was, Su Mingfeng almost failed to recognize her.
For Rongxin Princess to lower herself and visit the Pingnan Earl's residence, there must have been an extremely important matter. The fact that she had her attendants directly announce her arrival to Su Mingfeng indicated that this matter had nothing to do with Su Yu—it was specifically for him. Though puzzled, Su Mingfeng dared not show the slightest neglect. He welcomed the princess inside, assuming she had come to assign him some task.
To his surprise, Rongxin Princess was not there to issue orders but to seek information.
And the information she sought left Su Mingfeng utterly astonished—she was inquiring about Xie Jingxing.
Xie Jingxing had died on the northern battlefield two years prior. Since everyone in Fixed Capital knew of the close bond between Xie Jingxing and Rongxin Princess, after his death, the princess fell gravely ill. From then on, no one dared mention Xie Jingxing in her presence, lest it stir painful memories.
Yet now, Rongxin Princess was the one actively questioning Su Mingfeng.
She asked him about Xie Jingxing’s past, probing subtly for any secrets he might have had. Finally, she inquired about the state of Xie Jingxing’s remains.
Xie Jingxing had been pierced by countless arrows on the northern battlefield, his head severed by the enemy commander and displayed on the city Building, his skin flayed and left to dry. The Xie Family Army had witnessed this atrocity firsthand, making deception impossible. By the time efforts were made to retrieve his body, it was already mutilated beyond recognition, not even intact. Xie Ding had fainted upon seeing the remains, and Rongxin Princess, fearing she couldn’t bear the sight, had avoided looking altogether. It was Su Mingfeng, Xie Jingxing’s childhood friend, who had seen him off on his final journey.
Now, Rongxin Princess was asking Su Mingfeng whether he was certain the body had indeed been Xie Jingxing’s.
Under normal circumstances, Su Mingfeng might have found this merely puzzling. But ever since encountering Shen Miao on the street and spotting the Tiger Head Bracelet on her wrist, he had harbored doubts and kept a close watch on her activities within Shen Mansion. When Rongxin Princess suddenly came to him with questions about Xie Jingxing, Su Mingfeng almost immediately confirmed his suspicion—Xie Jingxing was not dead and was likely still alive in this world.
Though he couldn’t fathom why Xie Jingxing would remain hidden if he were alive, Su Mingfeng was no fool. After deflecting the princess with a few vague answers and seeing her off, he sank deep into thought.
If Rongxin Princess harbored suspicions, she must have noticed something amiss—meaning Xie Jingxing had left some trace of himself. Considering Shen Miao’s bracelet and the princess’s unusual behavior, Su Mingfeng formed a bold conjecture: not only was Xie Jingxing alive, but he was also right here in Fixed Capital.However, what puzzled Su Mingfeng was that Xie Jingxing and Rongxin Princess had always shared no secrets between them and were the closest of friends. What could make Xie Jingxing unwilling to reveal the truth even to Rongxin Princess? Moreover, why would Rongxin Princess inquire about Xie Jingxing's childhood? What connection did it have?
Whatever the reason, Su Mingfeng believed Xie Jingxing must have his own justification. The immediate priority was to find Xie Jingxing's whereabouts. Once he was found, all questions would naturally be answered.
But where to look for Xie Jingxing? Fixed Capital was neither too large nor too small, but searching for someone deliberately hiding in a vast sea of people—especially someone as capable as him—was certainly no easy task.
Su Mingfeng decided to have someone keep an eye on Rongxin Princess.
Since Rongxin Princess had already picked up some clues, she must know more than he did. Whatever she investigated, he could simply follow behind and reap the benefits.
Su Mingfeng raised his hand and summoned a servant, whispering a few instructions into their ear.
...
When Shen Miao received Shen Dongling's invitation, Xie Jingxing was drinking tea in her room. Ever since that night, Xie Jingxing had taken it upon himself to oversee her affairs. At first, Shen Miao found it highly unusual, but she gradually grew accustomed to it. After all, Xie Jingxing had eyes and ears everywhere—even if she didn't tell him, he would find a way to uncover things himself, leading to the same outcome regardless.
Xie Jingxing glanced at the invitation in her hand and asked, "Shen Dongling?"
"Probably scheming something again," Shen Miao replied. "She's invited me to a fragrance appreciation." She paused, then smiled faintly. "Fragrance appreciation, no less. It seems the Assistant Minister's household has quite the fortune."
Tea and wine tastings were relatively conventional, but fragrance appreciation was different. A single piece of high-quality incense could be worth a fortune, and once burned, it was gone forever. Shen Miao knew the most precious incense was the Jade Pear Agarwood—a piece the size of a fingernail could cost ten thousand taels of gold. Once, a merchant from the Western Regions had presented a lump as large as a child's fist to the palace, hoping to secure the title of imperial merchant. It was so rare that every concubine in the palace came to see it, and even Shen Miao found it fascinating.
She had always assumed the Jade Pear Agarwood would be stored in the imperial treasury, given its immense value. Yet, on Mei Furen's birthday, Fu Xiuyi burned it just to amuse her. Fragrance appreciation was essentially burning silver and gold—equivalent to tossing away stacks of banknotes. Shen Miao's invitation mentioned Phoenix Beak Incense, another exceedingly precious variety. The salary of an Assistant Minister could never sustain such extravagance. Clearly, the family Shen Dongling had married into was undeniably wealthy. After all, even many first-rank officials in Fixed Capital wouldn't squander money like this. One could only wonder if Shen Yue, in the afterlife, would be furious enough to come back to life upon learning the truth.
"Phoenix Beak Incense isn't cheap. Spending so much silver surely isn't just for a casual reunion between sisters."
"Plotting against you?" Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow and asked."Shen Dongling is not Shen Yue. If she truly wants to scheme against me, I won’t be easily fooled. Shen Dongling isn’t foolish—I suspect she wants me to go because she’s plotting something. If I go, it’ll only make her plans smoother. If I don’t, I won’t lose much either." Shen Miao smiled faintly. "I’m just surprised that the Assistant Minister’s family has so much silver." She glanced at Xie Jingxing. Back at the execution grounds, Shen Miao had noticed that Shen Dongling’s clothes and jewelry were extremely lavish. Even if Wang Bi doted on her, spending beyond the Wang family’s means would be reckless. So how did the Wang family have so much money?
Xie Jingxing caught Shen Miao’s gaze and obligingly explained, "The Wang family serves the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince has private dealings with salt smugglers, and Wang Bi acts as the middleman."
Shen Miao suddenly understood. No wonder—salt smuggling was an immensely profitable business. Even a small cut of the profits would be enough to make one’s eyes gleam. No wonder the Wang family could afford such extravagance. With this, Shen Miao began to grasp the source of Shen Dongling’s confidence. If Shen Dongling had married an ordinary official, she would have had to tread carefully. But now, the Wang family was rolling in wealth, and Wang Bi worked under the Crown Prince. Shen Dongling likely believed that since Emperor Wenhui supported the Crown Prince, the throne would eventually fall to him. As the tide rose, so would the boat—Wang Bi, as the Crown Prince’s man, would naturally rise in status. As his lawful wife, Shen Dongling would bask in endless glory. Perhaps she had been blinded by this temporary splendor, emboldening her to act so boldly.
Born in hardship, dying in comfort—Shen Dongling failed to keep a clear head and thus couldn’t see the truth. The world was full of uncertainties. Who could guarantee the Crown Prince would inherit the throne? Even if he did, who could ensure Wang Bi would remain secure and rise steadily under him? History was full of loyal ministers discarded like hunting dogs once their use was over. The imperial family was the most ruthless of all.
"Wang Bi serves the Crown Prince," Shen Miao mused. "Shen Dongling’s sudden move must be related to Wang Bi—meaning it’s tied to the Crown Prince." She looked at Xie Jingxing. "My relationship with the Crown Prince… Is she trying to use my marriage as leverage?"
Xie Jingxing gave her an approving look. "Clever."
"You knew all along?" Shen Miao eyed him skeptically.
"Shen Dongling proposed the plan," Xie Jingxing said casually, picking up a pastry and taking a bite. "She had Huangfu Hao and the Crown Prince strike a deal to stage a performance. The condition for an alliance with Ming Qi would be your marriage to Huangfu Hao. Otherwise, the alliance would collapse, and Qin State might attack Ming Qi. Once this news spread, the terrified populace would demand Shen Xin marry you off to Huangfu Hao. Torn between the people and you, Shen Xin would be in agony."
"But no one in the world dares oppose Huangfu Hao. At that point, only the Crown Prince could step forward, claiming you were already betrothed to him. Compared to sending you far away to Qin State, Shen Xin would find it easier to accept you marrying the Crown Prince and staying in Ming Qi. He’d even feel grateful to the Crown Prince." Xie Jingxing shrugged. "Your half-sister is no simple character."
Shen Miao’s face darkened with fury. She let out a cold laugh. "How very considerate of her."To think they would use the common people to threaten Shen Xin. The family legacy Shen Xin inherited from Old General Shen was to fight for the common folk. Yet now, he was being threatened by the very people he deeply loved, with his own daughter Shen Miao on the other side. One could only imagine the agony in Shen Xin's heart. Among the residents of Shen Mansion, Shen Miao and Shen Dongling had always kept to their own territories without conflict. But now that Shen Dongling had struck first, an uncontrollable disgust surged within Shen Miao toward her.
She said, "The marriage arrangement with the Crown Prince is unacceptable."
Xie Jingxing looked at her with an amused smirk. "What, so eager to marry me?" Before Shen Miao could flare up, he added, "Don’t worry. No one in this world dares to snatch what’s mine. The woman I’ve set my eyes on—he wouldn’t dare take her."
He always spoke with such reckless audacity, and Shen Miao’s face inexplicably warmed. She changed the subject. "Since Shen Dongling schemed against me, it’s only fair I return the favor."
"My wife’s wishes are my wishes," Xie Jingxing said lazily.
Shen Miao: "..."
She asked, "What exactly are your intentions now? To destroy Ming Qi and unify the land under Great Coolness?"
Xie Jingxing’s gaze turned peculiar. "If I said yes, would you help me?"
"I’ve told you before—on this matter, I stand with you," Shen Miao replied.
The playful expression on Xie Jingxing’s face gradually faded. He couldn’t fathom what Shen Miao was truly thinking; there wasn’t even a hint to grasp. On the matter of hostility between the two nations, Xie Jingxing had never expected Shen Miao to side with him. Her current indifference was already surprising enough. But now, her expression reminded him—she was serious.
She wanted to destroy Ming Qi?
Why?
Shen Miao was not one to crave fame or fortune, so she wouldn’t say such things just to please him. Nor did it seem like she would forsake Ming Qi out of love for Xie Jingxing. From the moment they’d met, Shen Miao had harbored deep hostility toward the Fu Family. While this could be attributed to the Fu Family’s attempts to suppress the Shen Family, Shen Miao was a sheltered young woman—how did she know these things? At times, she seemed to see things more clearly than even Shen Xin and Shen Qiu, standing protectively before the Shen Family as if she had foreseen what would happen. The closer he got to her, the more he noticed the mysteries surrounding her. Yet even Fengxian Pawnshop couldn’t uncover the reasons behind her actions.
It was truly suspicious.
After a pause, he asked, "You... dislike Ming Qi?"
Shen Miao lowered her gaze. "The world’s tides ebb and flow—division follows unity, and unity follows division. That has been the way since ancient times. It isn’t something my likes or dislikes can change. Even if I were unwilling or displeased, these events would still unfold. It’s inevitable." She raised her eyes to the flickering candlelight on the table and said, "And compared to the Fu Family, I’d rather this land fall into your hands."
Xie Jingxing was stunned."The conflict between two nations should not involve the common people. Ming Qi has long been on the decline—burdened by heavy taxes, plagued by natural disasters, and its citizens struggling to survive. The government is corrupt, officials rotten to the core. The emperor is utterly incompetent, wary and scheming against meritorious aristocratic families, even eager to eliminate them outright, his greed too blatant to ignore. In contrast, the people of Great Coolness live in peace and prosperity, with all industries flourishing." Shen Miao continued, "I know the Yongle Emperor is a wise ruler. When he conquered other small states, their citizens voluntarily opened their city gates to welcome him. Isn’t that proof enough?"
Xie Jingxing gazed deeply at Shen Miao, an indescribable feeling stirring in his heart.
It was often said that women were shortsighted, unable to see beyond the immediate and grasp the bigger picture. But perhaps they simply hadn’t met the right one. The most broad-minded and knowledgeable woman Xie Jingxing had ever encountered was his sister-in-law, the Yongle Emperor’s wife, Empress Xiande. Yet Empress Xiande came from a family of historians, renowned for her erudition and memory, and was the mistress of the imperial harem. Shen Miao, however, was only sixteen. The farthest she had ever traveled was Xiaochun City, and just two years ago, she was even mocked as an incompetent fool. Yet her insights into the current political situation surpassed even those of most of the Yongle Emperor’s advisors.
She did not see herself as belonging to any one nation but stood at the height of history, calmly following its laws as naturally as one follows the changing of the seasons.
There are few people in the world who see things so clearly, yet this person just happens to be sitting right in front of him. Xie Jingxing suddenly felt a wave of relief—this woman was discovered by him, and she was willing to share these thoughts with him.
Shen Miao, however, had no idea what Xie Jingxing was thinking. She had only heard Fu Xiuyi once praise the Yongle Emperor, calling him a legendary figure of the ages and a wise ruler. The territory of Great Coolness had not been as vast as it was today in its early days. Especially after the death of its previous emperor, the country had experienced significant turmoil, allowing other nations to take advantage. Later, when the current Yongle Emperor ascended the throne, he gradually began reclaiming lost lands. Not only that, he also started annexing smaller neighboring states. The Yongle Emperor was an extremely charismatic figure who won the hearts of the people. Some citizens of smaller states even eagerly awaited his annexation, hoping it would improve their difficult lives.
And the Yongle Emperor delivered.
At the time, Shen Miao had been deeply intrigued by this. Fu Xiuyi, too, had been wary of the Yongle Emperor. Later, when Fu Ming studied this period in his readings, he enthusiastically discussed it with Shen Miao, which made her memory of it particularly vivid.
Xie Jingxing paused for a moment before saying unhappily, "Why do you remember his affairs so clearly?"
Shen Miao: "..."
She replied, "Of course, I’m not that noble—I’m just trying to protect myself. If the Fu Family were to rule, the Shen family would eventually be eliminated under some pretext. If the ruler is unvirtuous, the subjects need not cling to righteousness. Isn’t that so?"
"Then how do you know the Yongle Emperor won’t be another Emperor Wenhui and won’t turn against the Shen family?" Xie Jingxing asked.
"I’ve heard that the Yongle Emperor has a general surnamed Li by his side, whose circumstances are quite similar to the Shen family’s. Yet the Li family was treated with great respect by the Yongle Emperor. The Shen family’s military power is inferior to that General Li’s, so there shouldn’t be any need for concern." Shen Miao thought to herself—at least in her past life, up until her death, that General Li’s family had lived very well.
Xie Jingxing was taken aback. "How do you know about General Li?"
Shen Miao’s heart skipped a beat—she had forgotten. In her current identity as the Shen family’s legitimate daughter, she naturally wouldn’t know about Great Coolness’s General Li. Still, she had to cover it up. She said, "This General Li is quite famous. It’s not strange for Ming Qi to know of him."
"Famous?" Xie Jingxing frowned. "More famous than me?"
Shen Miao decided not to engage with him on this topic and said, "Let’s not talk about this. Since the ultimate goal is to deal with Ming Qi, we can’t allow Qin State and Ming Qi to form an alliance. If that happens, Great Coolness would face some trouble in handling them. Isn’t the reason you’ve stayed in Fixed Capital to dismantle their alliance?"
Xie Jingxing smiled faintly. "A wife must follow her husband’s lead. You’ve thought very carefully on my behalf."
Shen Miao ignored the inappropriate implications in his words and said, "There’s a good way to dismantle their alliance. It just depends on whether you can pull it off."
Xie Jingxing smirked. "Do tell."
"Kill, plunder, frame, slander." She smiled gently and demurely. "The best outcome is leaving no witnesses."
－－－－－－Author’s Note－－－－－－
I really couldn’t come up with a title… so here’s the blunt truth…
If the computer repair guy doesn’t show up soon, I’m done for…
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