Early the next morning, Shen Miao was to accompany Xie Jingxing into the palace to meet the Yongle Emperor. As it was their first meeting, she had to wear the court attire befitting a Royal Consort. When Xie Jingxing emerged, Shen Miao couldn't help but pause in surprise.
The court attire of Great Coolness and Ming Qi were certainly different—Ming Qi's leaned towards delicate beauty, while Great Coolness's exuded noble grandeur. Xie Jingxing wore a purple-gold robe embroidered with qilins, an official's hat, black boots, and an agate belt, appearing exceptionally imposing. Shedding his usual air of frivolity, he now seemed somewhat unapproachable.
After sharing a meal, Shen Miao and Xie Jingxing set off for the palace by carriage. Due to the events of the previous night, Shen Miao felt somewhat uneasy, but Xie Jingxing seemed quite pleased with her reaction and deliberately brought it up during the ride, his words teasingly mischievous.
Shen Miao thought to herself that this man truly had no inhibitions now that they were in Great Coolness. However, as it was her first time meeting the Yongle Emperor, her heart was inevitably heavy. Yet, Xie Jingxing's playful banter lightened her mood considerably.
Prince Rui's Estate wasn't far from the palace—perhaps intentionally so by Xie Jingxing. The guards at the palace gates recognized him and immediately let them pass. Jing Zhe and Gu Yu, Shen Miao's maids, followed behind her, barely daring to breathe as they walked cautiously, afraid of committing any impropriety that might trouble their mistress.
The palace maids and eunuchs in Great Coolness's palace kept their heads down, attending to their duties, but Shen Miao could still feel curious glances directed her way as she passed. This being her first visit to the palace, many were likely scrutinizing the kind of wife Xie Jingxing had married. While the common folk might be lenient towards her, those in official positions were different. Moreover, given Xie Jingxing's sensitive status, if Shen Miao guessed correctly, the title of Prince Rui's Consort was one many coveted.
Her every move not only represented her as Prince Rui's Consort but also reflected the dignity of the Shen family of Ming Qi.
With this in mind, Shen Miao unconsciously straightened her posture further, her demeanor growing even more poised, inadvertently adopting the bearing of an empress from her past life.
Noticing this, Xie Jingxing smirked and leaned in to whisper in her ear, "No need to be so tense. You're about to outshine the Empress."
Shen Miao shot him a glare. Even at a time like this, Xie Jingxing remained irreverent. The palace was filled with eyes and ears, likely including the Yongle Emperor's informants. If Xie Jingxing's behavior reached the emperor's ears, she might be labeled a femme fatale. Having once been a virtuous and obedient empress in her past life, she had never played the role of a seductress who brought ruin to a nation.
As she pondered this, Xie Jingxing suddenly took her hand. Shen Miao instinctively tried to pull away, saying, "What if someone sees—"
"What if someone sees?" Xie Jingxing retorted, displeased. "Must we seek others' permission for this prince to hold his consort's hand?"
Before Shen Miao could respond, they arrived at a side hall where a plump eunuch stood outside. Spotting them, he greeted, "Your Highness, Prince Rui, may you be well. His Majesty and Her Majesty have been waiting for some time."
Whether intentionally or not, the eunuch did not bow to Shen Miao.
"Duke Deng," Xie Jingxing refused to let it slide, pushing Shen Miao forward slightly. "This is this prince's beloved wife. Why do you not pay your respects?"Shen Miao inwardly rolled her eyes at Xie Jingxing. It was clear that Duke Deng had received orders from his master to treat her this way. And who else could that master be but the Yongle Emperor? Since it was the Emperor's opinion, Xie Jingxing not only didn't comply but deliberately brought it up. Were they here today just to pick a fight?
Duke Deng's smile remained unchanged as he immediately adapted his words to his audience. Looking at Shen Miao, he said, "So it's the Royal Consort. This servant was blind and failed to recognize you. Please forgive me."
Unlike Xie Jingxing, Shen Miao smiled gently. "It's alright."
Xie Jingxing glanced at Duke Deng and said, "Enough. If His Majesty is so dissatisfied with me, why summon me here?" He then smirked. "If not for my Royal Consort persuading me today, who'd bother coming to see him?"
Duke Deng and Shen Miao: "..."
Shen Miao tugged at his sleeve. Xie Jingxing said, "What's there to fear? As the mistress of Prince Rui's Estate, you've no reason to fear anyone. Don't worry, if anyone bullies you, your husband will stand up for you."
His voice wasn't lowered, and even the quick-witted Duke Deng couldn't hide his awkward expression. Suddenly, violent coughing came from the main hall. Duke Deng startled and said, "Please, Your Highness and Royal Consort, follow this servant inside."
Held by Xie Jingxing's hand, Shen Miao followed him in.
She kept her head lowered the entire way, not daring to look up—proper etiquette for a first audience with the Emperor. Knowing the Yongle Emperor likely disliked her, Shen Miao didn't want to make even the slightest mistake, ensuring every detail was flawless. All she could see were the smooth marble floors carved with cloud patterns, covered with soft woolen carpets.
"Your younger brother pays respects to Imperial Brother," Xie Jingxing said lazily, barely going through the motions of a bow.
While Xie Jingxing acted so insolently, Shen Miao couldn't follow suit. Still, she didn't kneel, merely bending in a bow. "This subject's wife pays respects to Your Majesty."
"So you're Shen Miao?" After a long pause, a deep, authoritative voice spoke. "Raise your head."
Shen Miao lifted her gaze.
The man seated on the high throne wasn't very old—perhaps in his thirties—with sharp eyebrows, star-like eyes, a high nose, and thin lips. He bore a seventy to eighty percent resemblance to Xie Jingxing. However, while Xie Jingxing's features were softer with a sharp demeanor, blending beauty and vigor perfectly, this middle-aged man—likely due to long years in power—lacked that gentleness. Compared to Xie Jingxing's roguishness, he appeared more upright and unyielding. His profound gaze carried a chill, as if piercing through one's very soul.
Though the brothers shared some facial resemblance and both exuded noble elegance, their temperaments were poles apart. Xie Jingxing seemed like a carefree young master, treating everything with playful nonchalance, while this man clearly imposed strict discipline on himself and others, radiating shrewdness and steadiness without pause.
Shen Miao was surprised. She hadn't expected the Yongle Emperor, renowned through the ages as a wise ruler, to be so young and strikingly handsome—utterly different from the white-haired elder she'd imagined.While she was observing the Yongle Emperor, he was also scrutinizing her. His gaze was sharper, carrying an oppressive sense of authority, his face cold as if he might erupt in anger at any moment. Most ordinary young women would likely be frightened to tears under such a stare. However, Shen Miao was different from ordinary girls—she had faced Fu Xiuyi’s cold indifference far more often in the past.
Seeing her expression remain composed, a glint of severity flashed in the Yongle Emperor’s eyes. But then, Xie Jingxing’s lazy voice echoed through the hall:
"Has Your Majesty looked enough, Imperial Brother? If you keep staring, this subject might start feeling uneasy."
Shen Miao paused, unable to hide her surprise. She had been speculating about the nature of Xie Jingxing’s relationship with the Yongle Emperor. She had vaguely sensed that the bond between these two brothers was more genuine than that of the imperial siblings in Ming Qi, but she hadn’t expected Xie Jingxing to speak to the emperor so boldly. And what was more astonishing—the Yongle Emperor didn’t seem angered by it.
In royal families, strict protocols were the norm, and given the delicate positions each held, it was nearly impossible to share the kind of brotherly affection common among ordinary people. Simply avoiding fratricide and maintaining a friendly relationship was already a luxury. Yet Xie Jingxing, who had spent so many years in Ming Qi, now interacted with the Yongle Emperor as if they had grown up together like ordinary brothers.
"Jingxing, if you keep talking like that, even I might get angry," a voice laced with amusement chimed in. Shen Miao’s gaze shifted to the woman seated beside the Yongle Emperor.
This must be the Yongle Emperor’s wife, the Empress Xiande of Great Coolness.
Empress Xiande appeared younger than the emperor, dressed in a simple yet elegant court robe of green pomelo hue embroidered with golden edges, cinched with a wide belt. Her attire was modest, and her dignified features reflected the refined upbringing of a noblewoman—wise and composed. She sat beside the Yongle Emperor, smiling at Xie Jingxing.
Shen Miao also recalled Xie Jingxing once praising Empress Xiande. Few women earned his approval, so the fact that Empress Xiande was among them spoke volumes about her uniqueness. Even without Xie Jingxing’s endorsement, Shen Miao felt an instinctive fondness for the empress—her graceful and poised demeanor was something even Shen Miao in her past life, as an empress herself, would have admired with humility.
"Jingxing’s wife, the young lady of the Shen family from Ming Qi," Empress Xiande nodded at her with a gentle smile. "I’ve always wondered what kind of woman could finally settle Jingxing’s heart. Now that I’ve met you, I understand—his taste is impeccable."
Shen Miao hastily expressed her unworthiness.
However, Empress Xiande’s praise seemed to displease the Yongle Emperor. He shot her a glance, his displeasure evident as he said sternly, "The customs of Ming Qi and Great Coolness differ. Now that you’ve married into Great Coolness, you must abide by its rules."
"Imperial Brother," Xie Jingxing cut him off, "this subject will naturally teach her the rules. If she fails to learn, Your Majesty need not concern yourself—Prince Rui’s Estate is under my jurisdiction. Your Majesty should focus on your own affairs."
Xie Jingxing’s blatant protection of Shen Miao, coupled with his open defiance of the emperor in her presence, finally provoked the Yongle Emperor’s anger.
"You’re shielding your wife like this? Not even allowing me to say a word more?" the emperor snapped. "Shall I just hand this throne over to you?""Forget it." Xie Jingxing waved his hand dismissively. "You can keep that position for yourself, I'm not interested. It's just that I finally managed to marry a girl. If you interfere again and my wife runs away, what am I supposed to do? Spend the rest of my life alone?"
Shen Miao: "..."
If Xie Jingxing were Fu Xiuyi's brother and spoke to him like this, he would have been dead ten times over by now.
The Yongle Emperor stood up, gave Shen Miao a threatening glare, then turned and strode away in a huff. Halfway out, seeing that Xie Jingxing was still standing beside Shen Miao with no intention of following, he erupted in fury: "Get your ass over here!"
Xie Jingxing sighed helplessly and said to Empress Xiande, "Sister-in-law, I leave Jiaojiao in your care." Then he turned to Shen Miao: "I'll come back for you after I'm done."
After Xie Jingxing and the Yongle Emperor had left, Empress Xiande smiled faintly and rose to stand beside Shen Miao. "It's rather stuffy in here. Since you've never been to the palace of Great Coolness before, why don't I show you around?"
Shen Miao quickly agreed.
Empress Xiande was very kind, with almost none of the usual imperial airs. The two strolled casually through the imperial gardens, with the Empress asking if Shen Miao had adjusted well to life in Longye. Her manner was so warm and sisterly that it put Shen Miao completely at ease.
"Since Jingxing returned to Longye, I haven't seen him show interest in any young lady these past few years. I thought he might never fall for anyone, yet in the end, he married in Ming Qi. Though it was unexpected, I'm truly relieved—otherwise, I'd have worried he'd remain alone forever."
Hearing this, Shen Miao smiled. "How could the Prince be alone? Even in Ming Qi when he was young, many girls admired him. There was no way he'd end up by himself."
Empress Xiande shook her head with a smile. "But have you ever seen him treat anyone particularly well?"
Shen Miao froze.
The Empress continued without waiting for an answer: "Jingxing and His Majesty may seem different, but the two brothers are actually quite alike. The Emperor appears cold on the surface, and his temperament is cold. Jingxing seems gentle and easygoing, but his nature is just as cold. He probably understands himself that his status is special—some things simply shouldn't be desired." She looked at Shen Miao and smiled. "I imagine Jingxing has already shared his secrets with you, so they're no longer secrets."
"Such a small child, forced to live hidden from the world since childhood—hiding his identity, his emotions—his self-control was honed, but his heart hardened as well. For royalty, that's a good thing, but for him personally, it isn't. I've always thought that if Jingxing ended up like His Majesty, his life would be too pitiful. Fortunately, he had better luck than the Emperor—he met you."
As Shen Miao listened to Empress Xiande's words, she felt uncertain. In their brief interaction, the Empress had proven to be someone instantly likable. Unlike Chang Zaiqing's deliberate attempts to please, Empress Xiande had a subtle, comforting presence that felt entirely genuine. She seemed to live authentically, almost unlike a woman of the inner palace.
But what did she mean by saying Xie Jingxing had better luck than the Yongle Emperor?
It was too difficult to answer, so Shen Miao could only listen quietly in silence."His Majesty has deep expectations for Jingxing," Xiande Huanghou said. "He hopes Jingxing can live comfortably and happily, but he also doesn’t wish for Jingxing to abandon his original aspirations by indulging in comfort. His Majesty has suffered greatly. If he has hurt you because of this, you must not blame him."
Shen Miao smiled faintly. "Whatever decision His Majesty makes, this humble wife has no right to blame him. However," she looked at Xiande Huanghou, "does Her Majesty have something to say to me?"
Xiande Huanghou sighed with a smile. "When I first saw you earlier, I felt a sense of familiarity about you. You are a clever girl, I know, but clever people tend to view things too rigidly. If you don’t untie the knot yourself, the entanglement in your heart may never loosen."
Shen Miao frowned slightly, sensing there was more to Xiande Huanghou’s words.
"His Majesty holds Jingxing in high regard. Though he consented to Jingxing’s marriage, he was never truly pleased about it. Jingxing naturally has ways to counter His Majesty’s decisions, but you are different. You are a girl from Ming Qi, and in Great Coolness, there will always be many constraints upon you." Xiande Huanghou continued, "I like you very much, but I am also His Majesty’s wife. I cannot change his decisions. I only hope you can find some comfort."
Shen Miao asked, "Is His Majesty planning something?"
Before Xiande Huanghou could respond, a coquettish voice came from behind them. "Sister is in such high spirits today, even strolling through the imperial gardens."
Shen Miao and Xiande Huanghou turned to see a palace lady emerging from a small corridor at the other end of the garden, surrounded by attendants. The woman wore a silver-vermilion phoenix robe embroidered with gold, her hair adorned with agate and jade flowers. Though it was already spring, her attire outshone the season in its brilliance. As she drew closer, her delicate beauty became apparent, though her flamboyant dress gave her an air of restlessness.
She approached with a languid curtsy to Xiande Huanghou, her manner careless, as if she held little regard for the Empress.
"Oh, it’s Consort Jing," Xiande Huanghou replied indifferently.
Shen Miao considered silently. This Consort Jing appeared to be in her early twenties, yet she already held the title of "Consort." Either her family background was extremely prestigious, or she was deeply favored. However, compared to Xiande Huanghou, aside from being younger and more delicate in appearance, Consort Jing seemed far inferior in grace. It was hard to see what had earned her the Yongle Emperor’s favor.
Consort Jing seemed to notice Shen Miao only then and asked, "This face is unfamiliar. Which household does this lady belong to?"
Shen Miao was now dressed as a married woman, her hair styled accordingly, so despite her youthful appearance, no one would mistake her for an unmarried noble daughter.
"This is Prince Rui’s wife, Prince Rui’s Consort," Xiande Huanghou said curtly, seemingly unwilling to elaborate further.
At these words, Consort Jing’s expression changed. She exclaimed in surprise, "Prince Rui’s Consort?" and then scrutinized Shen Miao from head to toe.Unlike the Yongle Emperor's sharp scrutiny, let alone the Xiande Empress's kind observation, this person's gaze was utterly impudent, as if sizing up some plaything. After looking her over, she snorted through her nose and remarked with a sneer, "I had thought she must be some peerless beauty to make Prince Rui travel thousands of miles just to bring her back to Great Coolness. But now that I see her..." Her laugh was cutting. "Perhaps my judgment is poor, for I truly can't see anything special about her."
Shen Miao didn't know what connection or grudge this woman had with her, so she remained cautiously silent. The Xiande Empress's expression, however, turned cold. She said, "Indeed, there are very few people whom Consort Jing would find special."
Shen Miao was surprised that the Xiande Empress would stand up for her against Consort Jing, and she couldn't help but notice how much the Empress resembled the Yongle Emperor in this moment.
But the Xiande Empress's sarcastic remark seemed to have no effect—whether Consort Jing didn't understand or chose to ignore it. Consort Jing looked at Shen Miao and suddenly smiled. "It seems Sister is quite close with Prince Rui's Consort, even strolling through the gardens together. I wonder if Sister has been whispering secrets to her? It's only right, after all, since Prince Rui's Consort is new here and must be unaware of many things."
Shen Miao turned her gaze to Consort Jing.
Consort Jing tittered. "I suppose it's only natural. Prince Rui is so busy every day—how would he have time to tell his consort about Great Coolness? Speaking of which, my younger sister was just asking when Prince Rui would return. She's learned a new piece of music and was hoping for his guidance."
The Xiande Empress snapped, "Consort Jing!"
Shen Miao suddenly understood. So this was why Consort Jing had inexplicably targeted her. Xie Jingxing had always been popular with women in Ming Qi, and now, with his status as Prince Rui in Great Coolness, admirers were endless. She had barely arrived, and already someone was jealous.
Consort Jing smiled sweetly at Shen Miao. "If Prince Rui's Consort has nothing to do, perhaps she could invite my younger sister to the residence. My sister loves making friends, and it would be nice for Prince Rui's Consort to have another sister to keep her company."
Another sister? Shen Miao sneered inwardly. Another woman in the household, more like.
She had intended to brush it off lightly, but then her gaze fell on the white jade thumb ring Xie Jingxing had placed on her finger, and she changed her mind. She smiled and said, "I'm afraid that won't be possible."
Consort Jing froze. Even the Xiande Empress seemed taken aback by Shen Miao's response.
"His Highness has entrusted me with managing all affairs of Prince Rui's Residence—from the treasury funds to the shop ledgers, the servants and guards, and the incoming and outgoing correspondence. I'm swamped with work inside and out, so I'm afraid I won't have time to entertain guests." Shen Miao's tone was gentle, even apologetic. "As a newcomer, I dare not fail His Highness's trust. If your sister wishes, she may visit His Highness instead. I simply have no time to spare."
Her words left Consort Jing speechless, but a fire of fury burned in her heart.Shen Miao's words appeared gentle and considerate, claiming she had no time to accompany guests, but in reality, they were a blatant display of pride. See how much Prince Rui doted on her, entrusting her with the management of the entire Prince Rui's residence. Naturally, this was because Shen Miao was the only mistress in the household, but if he didn't cherish her, why would he hand over everything—shops, accounts, maids, and guards—to her? At this rate, one might as well say Prince Rui's Consort was managing Prince Rui himself.
She was subtly flaunting just how high her status was in the Prince's residence.
Shen Miao was occupied with important matters while also quietly trampling on Consort Jing's younger sister, who idled her days away and went around causing trouble in other people's homes—hardly the picture of virtue.
The corners of Xiande Huanghou's lips lifted slightly.
Consort Jing's face darkened with fury.
However, Shen Miao was not one to make enemies easily, especially in unfamiliar territory. But now, Consort Jing had provoked her anger. If she didn’t strike back fiercely this time, wouldn’t everyone dare to step on her head in the future?
With the right timing, location, and support—not to mention Xie Jingxing backing her—if she yielded now, she’d be a fool.
Shen Miao smiled faintly. "I’ve heard that kind-hearted women are the most empathetic. Since Consort Jing is so concerned about this subject’s loneliness and wishes to find some ‘sisters’ to keep me company, she must truly understand such feelings. Perhaps Consort Jing also experiences loneliness at times. In that case, why not invite a few more ‘sisters’ to the palace in the future? That way, Consort Jing would surely be much happier."
Consort Jing was so furious she nearly choked on her breath.
Shen Miao’s words were sharp—Consort Jing had suggested that Shen Miao invite her fourth sister to the manor, intending to add another "sister" to her household. But Shen Miao, ever clever, threw the suggestion right back, implying that Consort Jing should also welcome a few more "sisters" into the palace.
Consort Jing gritted her teeth in resentment. Though she was still in her prime, years had already passed. Every year, countless Imperial Harem Maidens entered the palace, and the emperor’s favor was the most fleeting treasure of all. If a few more stunningly beautiful "sisters" were added, where would that leave her?
This Royal Consort Rui had a vicious tongue indeed.
Empress Xiande, however, suddenly laughed and said, "So Consort Jing has been feeling lonely? That’s easily solved. Tomorrow, I’ll speak to His Majesty—the palace has been rather quiet lately. It’s time to welcome a few new sisters."
Consort Jing panicked at once. "I’m not lonely! I’m not lonely at all!" Empress Xiande’s position was secure; adding a few more sisters meant nothing to her. But Consort Jing was currently favored—she dreaded the thought of sharing the emperor’s attention.
Shen Miao was grateful for Empress Xiande’s timely intervention, though she knew the empress was merely teasing. Still, she replied solemnly, "Consort Jing, you mustn’t refuse. Since you’ve been so considerate of this subject, it’s only right that I return the kindness." She spoke as if Consort Jing should be thanking her instead.
A soft chuckle came from nearby. The group turned to see the Yongle Emperor and Xie Jingxing standing behind the garden bushes, hidden by the foliage. It was unclear how long they had been listening.
The Yongle Emperor’s expression was cold, revealing neither joy nor anger. He merely remarked indifferently, "Prince Rui, your wife certainly has a sharp tongue." There was a hint of displeasure in his tone—he must have overheard Shen Miao and Empress Xiande deliberately provoking Consort Jing.
Consort Jing ran to the emperor in distress. "Your Majesty..."
Xie Jingxing walked over and patted Shen Miao’s head, as if rewarding the little white tiger in his courtyard. He said approvingly, "Jiaojiao is so thoughtful, even taking the initiative to consider others’ feelings." Then he glanced at the Yongle Emperor. "Since Consort Jing wants more sisters, Imperial Brother should oblige. It’s not like the palace can’t afford a few more idle mouths."
Consort Jing’s heart raced with panic. Biting her lip, she gazed pleadingly at the Yongle Emperor, the very picture of pitiable beauty.
Shen Miao nearly laughed. Consort Jing had come in with claws bared, but she was clearly witless. Now, it looked as if they had all ganged up to bully her. Shen Miao couldn’t fathom why the Yongle Emperor would favor such a woman.
The Yongle Emperor said coldly, "Since when do you meddle in my affairs?""Didn't Your Majesty's consort also interfere with this subject's Royal Consort?" Xie Jingxing arched an eyebrow as he looked at Consort Jing. His handsome features carried an air of effortless charm, and though he usually wore a lazy smile that delighted the palace ladies, they all knew deep down that Prince Rui was not someone to be trifled with.
His gaze was sharp, his tone calm, yet it sent involuntary chills down one's spine.
"Consort Jing," he said, "are you certain you want this prince to listen to your fourth sister play the zither?"
Consort Jing shivered.
－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－
Actually quite fond of the pairing between Yongle Emperor and Xiande Huanghou~
...
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