"So, you be the concubine, and I'll be the wife."
Shen Miao gave Lu Wan'er a surprised glance. The condescending tone in Lu Wan'er's voice made her wonder where such confidence came from. Initially, after hearing Lu Wan'er's earlier words, Shen Miao had thought the Lu family's reputation for intelligence wasn't unfounded. But now, this statement left Shen Miao unsure whether Lu Wan'er was truly naive or just pretending. To say such words so brazenly—was Lu Wan'er genuinely foolish or merely acting the part?
"If Miss Lu has such intentions, you're welcome to speak directly with His Highness," Shen Miao replied with a faint smile. "Telling me these things is pointless."
"Of course I know that," Lu Wan'er scoffed, casting her a disdainful look. "The reason I came to speak with you today is simply to remind you of your place. I hope you'll have the self-awareness to voluntarily propose becoming a concubine to His Highness, Prince Rui."
Shen Miao nearly laughed. She arched her lips slightly and said, "That, I'm afraid, I cannot do."
"What did you say?" Lu Wan'er's eyes widened, clearly not expecting Shen Miao to refuse.
Their voices had risen enough to draw the attention of the surrounding noblewomen. Shen Miao made no effort to lower hers as she continued, smiling, "I will never willingly become a concubine. Nor will I ever encourage my husband to take on additional consorts to 'expand the family tree.' When Prince Rui came to my Shen Mansion to propose, he made it clear that no other women would enter his household. Had he not promised this, I would never have traveled all the way to Longye to marry him."
The noblewomen around them gaped in astonishment.
Such a stance defied societal norms. In this world, fairness between men and women was already scarce. Most men kept multiple wives and concubines—whether in Great Coolness or Ming Qi, monogamous marriages were rare. If even ordinary men struggled to resist temptation, how much more so those from wealthy, influential, or royal families?
Prince Rui was handsome, charming, and held immense power at a young age. Surrounded by endless temptations, how could a man like him possibly remain devoted to just one woman in his lifetime?
This young lady from the Shen family of Ming Qi truly had an inflated sense of self-importance. How utterly presumptuous!
Lu Wan'er's face darkened with fury as she hissed, "Prince Rui's Consort, this is jealousy. A jealous woman lacks virtue."
Shen Miao smiled. "Perhaps so. I've always been prone to jealousy. Had Prince Rui not made that condition, I might never have been swayed."
Lu Wan'er was too enraged to speak.
Shen Miao's unyielding attitude made her seem like a thorn that couldn't be easily plucked. The noblewomen exchanged bewildered glances. Shen Miao had just arrived in Longye—instead of behaving meekly and cautiously, she flaunted such audacity, even daring to offend the Lu family, whom even the Yongle Emperor treated with some wariness. Where did she get such nerve? Was she truly this foolish?
But Shen Miao wasn't afraid.
Even if the Yongle Emperor disapproved of her and sought to arrange another marriage for Xie Jingxing, he would never pair him with Lu Wan'er. Though Lu Wan'er claimed her union with Xie Jingxing would aid his political career, not only was Xie Jingxing not the type to climb the ranks using women, but the Yongle Emperor himself wouldn't dare casually unite Xie Jingxing with the Lu family through marriage.The matter concerning Consort Jing was likely a move born of helplessness. But if Lu Wan'er were also to enter Prince Rui's Estate, both brothers of the Great Coolness imperial family would then be tied to the Lu family. Dominance by maternal relatives was never a good thing. Fu Xiuyi could bind the Shen family to his side through Shen Miao because the Shen family was inherently loyal and honest. The Lu family, however, already harbored ambitious designs.
By reason and sentiment, Lu Wan'er was not the Yongle Emperor's choice. Now that Shen Miao had so resolutely rejected Lu Wan'er's proposal, word of it would likely reach the Emperor's ears and align perfectly with his intentions.
As Madam Lu and Lu Wan'er stood frozen, a light chuckle came from across the room. A voice said, "The Royal Consort is truly a woman of strong character. Prince Rui, though young, is deeply sentimental and righteous—a rare man indeed in this world."
Shen Miao turned to see the speaker seated beside Ji Yushu's mother. She was a somewhat slender woman dressed in a tea-colored embroidered skirt, her complexion slightly dark, with regular features that appeared somewhat stern due to age, giving her an unapproachable air. Her long eyes seemed to scrutinize others, as if trying to see through them, making her appear uncomfortably shrewd and severe.
Bajiao took the opportunity to refill Shen Miao's tea and whispered by her ear, "That is Madam Ye from the Prime Minister's residence."
With just that one sentence, Shen Miao understood. The Ye family represented civil officials, while the Lu family represented military power. This Madam Ye must be from the Ye family, one of the two great aristocratic families of Longye. Unlike the Lu family's overt arrogance, Madam Ye appeared more restrained, yet Shen Miao sensed she would be even more challenging to deal with.
Madam Ye looked at Shen Miao and suddenly smiled. "Prince Rui and his consort seem deeply devoted. I suppose the Royal Consort will also accompany him to the Imperial Hunt in a few days?"
Shen Miao smiled faintly. "That will depend on discussions with His Highness." She couldn't casually respond to such leading questions. Everyone in this room today likely had ulterior motives, and she couldn't afford to let her guard down.
"The Royal Consort is new here and may not yet know the delights of the Imperial Hunt. There are many amusing events where the Consort might join in the fun," Madam Ye continued.
Madam Lu and Lu Wan'er remained silent, still displeased by Shen Miao's earlier rebuff. They showed no intention of supporting Madam Ye's remarks.
Shen Miao observed Madam Ye, realizing she was being pressured into agreeing to attend the hunt.
Then, Ji Furen, seated beside Madam Ye, spoke up with a smile. "Ladies, let us not press the Royal Consort. She is still young and, as Madam Ye said, new to the capital. She may still be shy. The hunting grounds are full of familiar faces—naturally, she would need time to consider."
Her words effectively shielded Shen Miao from further pressure.
Shen Miao glanced at her in surprise, and Ji Furen responded with a gentle nod.
Ji Furen's husband held the high-ranking position of Left Court Official, so none of the other ladies dared contradict her. Madam Ye, though unwilling to relent, could no longer press aggressively. Instead, she studied Shen Miao intently, making her frown slightly.The Colorful Summer Banquet passed without much fanfare. Lu Wan'er, likely infuriated by Shen Miao, turned and left immediately. The remaining Madam Lu treated Shen Miao with indifference, and since she was the hostess, the other ladies naturally followed her lead, deliberately leaving Shen Miao out in the cold.
However, Shen Miao had experienced such neglect often in her youth in Ming Qi, so she paid it no mind. Sipping tea, she listened as Bajiao quietly explained the relationships among the various ladies, committing them to memory. Far from affecting her, this cold treatment allowed her to better grasp these connections.
When it was time to leave, no one came to see her off. Just as she was about to board her carriage, someone unexpectedly called out to her.
Turning around, she saw it was Ji Furen.
Ji Yushu's mother was dignified and amiable, bearing some resemblance to her son. Smiling at Shen Miao, she said, "Yushu told me how much he was indebted to the Royal Consort during his time in Fixed Capital of Ming Qi. Today, I’ve come on his behalf to express our gratitude."
Shen Miao felt a pang of guilt and quickly demurred. After all, she had used Ji Yushu's Fengxian Pawnshop to her advantage on more than one occasion.
Noticing no one was nearby, Ji Furen leaned in slightly and whispered, "The Royal Consort must have seen today that the Lu family’s fourth young lady is determined to marry into Prince Rui's Residence. But pay no heed to her words—if it were possible, she would already be Prince Rui’s consort. It’s all empty talk. As for Madam Ye’s mention of the Imperial Hunt, the Royal Consort should inform His Highness upon returning. The waters run deep there, and it would be unwise to fall into someone’s trap." Seeing other ladies beginning to emerge from the Lu residence, Ji Furen added, "I shouldn’t say more. If the Royal Consort finds time, do visit our residence. Since you’re not yet familiar with Longye, I’d be happy to guide you." With that, she bid farewell and hurried off.
On the way back, Shen Miao pondered the day’s events. Lu Wan'er’s words hadn’t bothered her, but for some reason, Madam Ye’s presence left her unsettled.
Shen Miao asked Bajiao, "At the banquet today, I didn’t see Madam Ye’s daughter. Why didn’t the Ye family bring any of their young ladies?"
Bajiao paused, then shook her head. "The Ye family has no daughters."
"How can that be?" Shen Miao frowned.
"It’s common knowledge in Longye," Bajiao explained. "Prime Minister Ye and Madam Ye married young and had a daughter shortly after, but the child passed away early. Madam Ye was so grief-stricken that their relationship cooled. Later, Prime Minister Ye took a concubine, who bore him a son—the current Young Master Ye of the Prime Minister’s household."
Shen Miao frowned. "Are there no other heirs in the Prime Minister’s household?"
Bajiao shook her head. "After Young Master Ye was born, Prime Minister Ye was once ambushed while traveling and suffered an injury that left him incapable of siring more children."
Shen Miao was astonished. How could an aristocratic family like the Ye household have only one son? She asked, "So the Ye family has only one illegitimate heir?""That's not quite it. The concubine passed away due to frail health when Young Master Ye was born, though some say the Ye family strangled her to death. After his birth, Young Master Ye was raised under Madam Ye's name, holding the status of the legitimate heir. However," Bajiao paused, "even with this status, Young Master Ye isn't particularly favored by Madam Ye."
"Why is that?" Shen Miao found it odd. Even if he wasn't her biological child, with no other heirs in the Ye family, treating this legitimate son well would ensure a better future for Madam Ye herself.
"Young Master Ye was born with a congenital condition—his legs are weak, making it difficult for him to walk. Someone like him can never pursue an official career. That's why some say the Ye family's decline begins with this generation," Bajiao explained.
Shen Miao finally understood. So he was a cripple—no wonder Madam Ye looked down on him. At this thought, a sudden realization struck her. The Ye family excelled in literature, the Lu family in martial arts. The Lu family had sent Consort Jing into the palace, so why hadn't the Ye family done the same? It wasn't that the Ye family lacked ambition, but rather that they had no spare daughters. Sending a relative's daughter would be hard to control.
As for the current situation, Shen Miao could vaguely guess the Yongle Emperor's intentions.
The Ye family couldn't compete with the Lu family in terms of heirs. If they allied with the Lu family, even if their ambitions succeeded, only the Lu family would benefit. Human nature is inherently selfish—why should one aristocratic family rise to dominance while the other declines? It would be better to betray them first.
The Yongle Emperor likely wanted to stir conflict between the Lu and Ye families, win over the Ye family, and then deal with the Lu family, who held military power. This would make things much easier.
However, the Ye and Lu families had been close for many years, their interests deeply intertwined. The Ye family knew the Lu family's weaknesses, and vice versa. Driving a wedge between them wouldn't be simple.
Lost in these thoughts, Shen Miao didn't even notice when the carriage returned to Prince Rui's Estate. It wasn't until Bajiao called out "Madam" beside her and someone flicked her forehead, asking, "What are you so absorbed in?" that she snapped back to reality.
Shen Miao looked up to see Xie Jingxing. He had returned early today, still dressed in his dark red official robes, looking imposing and dignified. Startled, she grabbed his sleeve and hurried toward the study, saying, "Perfect timing—I have something to ask you!"
Xie Jingxing was momentarily stunned but then resigned himself to being dragged along. Meanwhile, Bajiao and Gu Yu gaped in astonishment. Bajiao grinned. "Madam is quite forward, isn't she?"
Gu Yu replied, "As she should be."
Uncle Tang emerged from behind and muttered, "What are you gawking at? Get back to work!"
Bajiao and Gu Yu stuck out their tongues and scurried off. Uncle Tang glanced at the tightly shut door, shook his head, and sighed. "No fallen petals—what kind of forwardness is that?"
Inside, Shen Miao recounted the day's events to Xie Jingxing, who remarked, "The Imperial Hunt?"
Shen Miao nodded. "It seems unusual this time."
"The Imperial Hunt on the second day of the sixth month is a tradition passed down by the late emperor," Xie Jingxing said lazily. "But my elder brother and I only linger on the outskirts—we never venture deep inside."
"Why?" Shen Miao asked.
"Dangerous," Xie Jingxing murmured.
Shen Miao froze.Xie Jingxing noticed her expression and instead laughed, raising an eyebrow as he asked, "Scared?"
"What is there for me to fear?" Shen Miao looked at him. "Are you implying someone would dare attack the Emperor and you during the Imperial Hunt? The grounds will be swarming with Imperial Guards. Who would have the audacity?"
"You've seen the Ink Feather Army," Xie Jingxing suddenly shifted the topic. "They're my men, unrelated to Great Coolness's military—something my imperial brother knows. Do you know why I maintain a private army?"
"Because the imperial forces can't be trusted?" Shen Miao quickly asked, though inwardly she found it hard to believe.
Xie Jingxing snapped his fingers.
Shen Miao was speechless.
Legends spoke of the Yongle Emperor as a wise ruler of Great Coolness, revered by its people—and indeed, the common folk seemed to hold him in high regard. Yet the loyalty of the military and officials beneath the surface appeared far from the tales. The imperial family itself seemed free of internal strife, facing threats only from external forces.
The imperial army was passed down through generations, meaning the troops inherited from the previous emperor refused to pledge allegiance to the current Yongle Emperor. Recalling Xie Jingxing's earlier tone when speaking of the late emperor's cold indifference, Shen Miao grew curious. Hesitating, she turned to him and asked, "Speaking of which, what really happened back then when you ended up in Ming Qi's Fixed Capital?"
At this, Xie Jingxing's gaze darkened. Even sitting beside him, Shen Miao could feel the chill in his mood.
After a moment, Xie Jingxing smiled and reached out to pat her head. "So many questions. Trying to uncover my secrets again? If you want to know, you'll have to trade for it." He smirked suggestively. "Your body would do."
Shen Miao rolled her eyes.
Xie Jingxing continued, "Still, you don't seem the least bit bothered by Lu Wan'er's words." His tone carried a hint of dissatisfaction. "Someone covets your husband, yet you show no fury. Shen Jiaojiao, you truly have no conscience."
Shen Miao replied, "It's not like you'd agree anyway, right? The Lu family is ambitious. I doubt you'd be foolish enough to keep a viper by your side."
Xie Jingxing burst into laughter, staring at her as he said, "But haven't I already done just that? And a beautiful viper at that."
This man couldn't stay serious for more than three sentences. Shen Miao ignored his teasing and asked, "What are your thoughts on the Ye family?"
Xie Jingxing pondered. "The Ye family is smarter than the Lu family—they know how to bide their time. Perhaps due to their lineage, they aren't as brazen as the Lus. My imperial brother and I plan to start with the Ye family, driving a wedge between them and the Lus."
Shen Miao's fingers twitched. For some reason, when facing Madam Ye today, she had felt an indescribable unease, as though the Ye family might not be as easy to handle as imagined. Yet the thought was so inexplicable she couldn't pinpoint its origin.
Xie Jingxing noticed her odd expression and asked, "You seem to have something on your mind?"
Shen Miao shook her head—perhaps she was just being overly suspicious. She then inquired, "Will you be participating in the Imperial Hunt this time? Ji Furen warned me to beware of schemes, which I found strange."
Xie Jingxing's expression cooled slightly. "This time, whether you want to or not, you'll have to attend."
"Why?"
"This year marks the 60th anniversary of the late emperor's decree. During the Imperial Hunt, my imperial brother must hunt a male lion in the grounds to signify prosperity for the coming year—proof of his virtue as Great Coolness's wise ruler."Shen Miao remarked, "This can be considered a beast of prey." In ordinary hunting grounds, safety and lives were naturally prioritized. After all, those who came to hunt were high-ranking nobles, and any loss of life would be unacceptable. Unlike hares or foxes, a lion could easily take a life with a single misstep.
"Beasts are nothing to fear," Xie Jingxing said with a cold smile, his lips quirking. "Beasts don’t shoot arrows from the shadows—they’re far safer than people."
"Only the Imperial Guards are allowed inside. That was the rule established by the late emperor. But whether those guards are loyal or not is hard to say." Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow. "So you must understand, this is a game left to us brothers by the late emperor. A show for the world. Even knowing what it is, neither my elder brother nor I have any choice but to play along."
He glanced at Shen Miao’s worried expression and pinched her cheek. "But don’t worry, you’ll be safe. Though you’ll accompany us under the pretense of being a royal consort, you won’t enter the inner grounds."
"Do you have a plan?" Shen Miao asked. A sudden sense of foreboding flickered in her heart, making it impossible to relax even at Xie Jingxing’s playful demeanor.
Xie Jingxing stared at her and slowly shook his head. "No."
Shen Miao’s heart clenched tightly.
Xie Jingxing grinned. "Just kidding."
Shen Miao glared at him. Xie Jingxing stretched lazily and said leisurely, "After the hunt is over, I’ll tell you about the affairs of the palace. That should save you from overthinking." He smirked. "Now that you’re part of the Xie family, you’ll have to shoulder some responsibilities too."
Shen Miao’s heart stirred. Was Xie Jingxing finally planning to reveal his secrets to her? His origins—how he had ended up in Ming Qi’s Fixed Capital in the first place, and the Yongle Emperor’s attitude toward the late emperor—there was undoubtedly more to the story. She could vaguely sense the weight behind it all. Xie Jingxing’s casual way of speaking about the past wasn’t something forged by ordinary experiences.
Though uncovering these secrets brought her some comfort, why did she feel such unease about this imperial hunt? It was as if something terrible was about to happen. Her heart pounded wildly, and despite her efforts to calm herself, she remained restless.
She fell silent, clenching her fists unconsciously.
In the Great Coolness palace, Empress Xiande listened as her maid reported the events of today’s banquet. When she heard Shen Miao’s words—"I will not willingly lower myself to be a concubine. Nor will I expand my husband’s harem to bear him more children. When Prince Rui came to Shen Mansion to propose, he made it clear that no other women would enter his household. Had it been otherwise, I would never have traveled all the way to Longye."—Empress Xiande couldn’t help but laugh. Usually gentle and composed, her laughter now carried a youthful charm.
"What has amused you so, Empress?" The Yongle Emperor’s voice came from outside. His expression was stern as he stepped into Weiyang Palace, his gaze flickering with something unreadable as he took in the Empress’s demeanor.
Empress Xiande, still smiling brightly, said, "Cailian, repeat the Royal Consort’s words for His Majesty."The palace maid named Cailian quickly lowered her head and repeated Shen Miao's words verbatim. Upon hearing this, the Yongle Emperor flicked his sleeve in anger and exclaimed, "Such nonsense! Utterly unruly and insolent!"
Cailian was startled, her body trembling slightly. The emperor's wrath was not something a lowly palace maid like her could bear.
Empress Xiande gave the Yongle Emperor a reproachful glance before saying to Cailian, "You may leave now."
Cailian sighed in relief and hastily withdrew. Only then did Empress Xiande smile and remark, "Jingxing's wife truly seems like a perfect match for him—both so straightforward and genuine in character."
"Xie Yuan's mischief is one thing, but you're encouraging it too," the Yongle Emperor said disapprovingly, glancing at Empress Xiande. "It seems the Empress is quite fond of Shen Miao."
"Longye hasn't seen such an interesting person in quite some time," Empress Xiande said with a smile as the Yongle Emperor took his seat beside her. Her tone remained gentle, yet her voice carried an irrepressible admiration: "She appears intelligent, yet has remarkably maintained a sincere heart."
"I don't see any intelligence, nor do I see sincerity," the Yongle Emperor said coldly. "She's just a woman who schemes with all her might."
"If that were truly the case, with Jingxing's shrewd nature, how could he not see through it? Why would he still be so infatuated?"
The Yongle Emperor dismissed this: "Xie Yuan is still young and can't distinguish right from wrong. That's why he's been bewitched by a woman."
Empress Xiande sighed, knowing the Yongle Emperor's stubborn nature and not wishing to argue with him. She simply said, "In any case, I find Jingxing's wife to be a thoroughly good person."
"If she were truly good, she wouldn't have brazenly declared her jealousy in front of so many people," the Yongle Emperor said, clearly displeased. "Does the Empress also believe that refusing to bear children for one's husband and expand the household with concubines is the right thing to do?"
Empress Xiande smiled faintly. "That would indeed be excellent, but very few women can achieve it. If Prince Rui's Consort can do so, it is her blessing."
"Empress!" The Yongle Emperor frowned, his gaze turning stern as he looked at her.
"This concubine misspoke," Empress Xiande said, though her expression showed no trace of fear. She continued, "Encourage harmony, not division. Your Majesty should concern yourself less with Prince Rui's Estate. Jingxing is a man of his own mind. Too much interference will only earn his resentment."
"I have my own considerations," the Yongle Emperor said gravely.
After a moment of silence, Empress Xiande asked, "Has Your Majesty prepared for next month's imperial hunt?"
"I'm merely preparing for death," the Yongle Emperor said, his expression unreadable. "I've already arranged everything."
"May this concubine accompany you?" Empress Xiande inquired. "I wish to remain by Your Majesty's side."
"I will bring Consort Jing along," the Yongle Emperor replied. "If anything happens to me, the inner court will still need your care."
Empress Xiande lowered her head without a word. After a pause, she looked up again, her smile gentle. "This concubine understands."
"The one I worry about most is Xie Yuan. When he was young and infiltrated Ming Qi, I failed him. Now that the realm is settled, I still cannot fulfill my promise to him. Whether he hates me in the future or understands my intentions, this is all I can do." The Yongle Emperor gazed outside, his voice tinged with melancholy. "It's a pity my mother never got to see him before her passing."
"If she knew how outstanding Jingxing has become, she would be comforted," Empress Xiande consoled.
"Empress," the Yongle Emperor suddenly said.
Empress Xiande turned to him as he continued, "All these years... you've worked hard."
"Sharing Your Majesty's burdens is this concubine's blessing," Empress Xiande replied with a smile. Her expression was utterly serene, as if no hardship could diminish her grace in the slightest. "I have accompanied Your Majesty for decades. You have treated me well, and I am content."
The Yongle Emperor looked at her, wanting to say more, but his lips merely moved without words. Instead, he gave her a complicated glance before shifting his gaze to the curling smoke rising from the bronze crane censer in the hall.Xiande Huanghou also quietly gazed at her sleeve, as if the words she had just spoken were merely ordinary small talk. Yet, her eyes were undeniably slightly moist.
－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－
The plot this month can be summed up in eight words: sugar-coated shit with poison inside.
But we're almost at the part I really love—so excited! Yes, I do enjoy the sugar-coated shit plots.
...
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