"So that's how it is."
Ye Ke cautiously glanced at Ye Mei, relieved to see she didn't seem particularly upset. He tentatively asked, "Sister, do you think it's bad?"
"Bad?" Ye Mei gave him a surprised look before laughing. "What's bad about it? After entering the palace, one enjoys a lifetime of wealth and honor, standing above all but one. Do you really think I'm so foolish as to turn away such readily available riches?" She continued, "I've always wanted to marry someone in a high position, and the Emperor is the most exalted man in the world. There's nothing wrong with being his woman."
As she spoke, Ye Mei regained her usual charming demeanor, appearing to fully agree with Ye Ke's suggestion. Seeing this, Ye Ke clapped his hands in delight. "I knew it! Father was worried you might refuse and insisted I persuade you, but I told him it was unnecessary. Such a good opportunity—of course you'd agree. Only a fool would turn it down."
In his relief, he inadvertently revealed that he had been sent by Ye Maocai to convince Ye Mei. A flicker passed through Ye Mei's eyes as she smiled. "Father probably doesn't understand me, but you're my brother. You should know me better."
"Sister, if you enter the palace and win the Emperor's favor, don't forget about me," Ye Ke said. "Father has already brought me into official circles. With your support, my path will only grow smoother. Who knows? Soon, all of Longye might bow to us. We'll have everything we desire. As for that useless Empress—she's just a figurehead. Even Consort Jing, who carried the imperial offspring, is gone now. Once you're in the palace, no one will be a match for you. Success is guaranteed."
Ye Mei smiled. "Naturally."
Assured by her words, Ye Ke seemed thoroughly satisfied, his worries resolved. He chatted excitedly with Ye Mei about his future career prospects before finally taking his leave. Once he was gone, Ye Mei's expression turned cold.
That Ye Maocai had so quickly won over Ye Ke was no surprise. All Ye Ke had ever wanted was power and influence. Ye Maocai had dangled the right bait, and Ye Ke had taken it—even at the cost of his own sister. To Ye Ke, becoming the Emperor's woman was an enviable opportunity, but he had no idea of the dangers lurking beneath. The Yongle Emperor was difficult to control, and the astute Prince Rui watched closely from the sidelines.
Like Ye Mei, Ye Ke was ruthlessly selfish. When it came to personal gain, sibling bonds meant nothing. Even if he learned the truth—that being the Emperor's woman wasn't as glorious as it seemed—he wouldn't change his mind. His own career mattered more.
But Ye Mei had no intention of paving the way for him.
After Ye Ke left, she stood and paced the room, her agitation evident.
Yet she understood—in some ways, Ye Ke had now become her enemy.She thought for a long time before finally standing up with determination and opening the chest in the room. It contained dozens of outfits Madam Ye had made for her as compensation upon her return, all in the latest fashionable styles with the finest fabrics. Ye Mei crouched before the chest and began carefully selecting her attire.
Meanwhile, Shen Miao had also received the news brought back by Mo Qing.
"Jin Xingming?" Shen Miao frowned as she asked.
"Aside from being the son of a merchant family, there's nothing particularly special about him," Mo Qing replied. "But he suddenly came to Longye from Qinzhou, apparently to handle several business deals—all long-term ventures of the Jin family. Settling them like this suggests the Jin family doesn't plan to take on any new business in the coming years."
"No plans for business?" Jing Zhe couldn't help interjecting. "Then how will they survive?"
"It seems they're preparing to leave," Shen Miao mused. "Is there any news about Jin Xingming making moves to depart recently?"
Mo Qing was taken aback. "Madam guessed correctly. He's even sold some possessions to convert into silver notes, as if preparing for a long journey with substantial funds."
Shen Miao understood. "Investigate further—see if Jin Xingming has had any recent associations with particular individuals. Also, check the clothes and travel preparations he's made; they'll reveal clues about his destination. Whether it's a short or long trip, north or south. Pay special attention to anyone closely connected to him. And don't slacken surveillance on Ye Mei and her brother. If Jin Xingming and Ye Mei have had private dealings, follow them closely."
Mo Qing accepted the orders and left.
As Jing Zhe and Gu Yu sewed by lamplight, Gu Yu remarked, "Madam, what possible connection could that Miss Ye have with a merchant's son? Could it be she's taken a fancy to Young Master Jin, disregarding his merchant status to be with him?"
Shen Miao smiled faintly and shook her head. "Do you know about creeping vines?"
"I do!" Jing Zhe quickly responded. "When I lived in the countryside, our yard was full of them. Every spring, we had to pull them out one by one. If we didn't, they'd strangle the other trees to death."
"Ye Mei is just like those vines," Shen Miao said. Like creeping vines, she possessed tenacious vitality, appearing everywhere. Most importantly, any man could become her "tree." She relied on these trees to climb upward, absorbing sunlight and rain, growing stronger and more resilient until she reached the tallest one.
And in her ascent, those trees would be drained of nutrients, withering away in her grasp.
Jing Zhe and Gu Yu exchanged glances. After a long pause, Jing Zhe whispered, "Is she really that formidable?"
"At first glance, such vines seem strong, but they have one fatal flaw," Shen Miao explained. "Once her last 'tree' dies, with nothing left to sustain her, she perishes along with it."
"What one relies on, when finally taken away, brings the greatest suffering," she said.
There was no doubt—Ye Mei wanted something from Jin Xingming. As the son of a merchant family, if he was settling his business affairs and preparing to leave, it was clear Ye Mei intended to board his ship to escape the abyss of the Ye family.
But how could Shen Miao let her have her way?
This time, Shen Miao would decide Ye Mei's fate for her.
...For several days in a row, Xie Jingxing had not returned to the residence. Even Tie Yi was absent, and when asked about it, Cong Yang knew nothing, making it seem like the guards in the residence were busier than usual.
Not long after, sudden news spread through the capital. The former Zhennan General, Lu Zhengchun of the Lu family, had led his troops in rebellion, stationing them in Ruyang City and occupying it as his stronghold, openly opposing the imperial family.
This news shocked the people of Longye. It was said that Lu Zhengchun already commanded a considerable number of troops and had been secretly recruiting and expanding his forces over the years. Ruyang City's vast terrain made his occupation of it all the more unexpected. The Lu family indeed had the audacity to challenge the imperial house.
The Shen family guards who had accompanied Shen Miao were somewhat alarmed by this, but Shen Miao remained composed. As the ancients said, "First suppress, then elevate." Xie Jingxing and the Yongle Emperor were likely employing this strategy—giving the Lu family a taste of success first. A military man like Lu Zhengchun would naturally assume the imperial family feared him, growing complacent and increasingly arrogant. This would allow the imperial family to better prepare and strike the Lu family down in one fell swoop.
Though Shen Miao had full confidence in Xie Jingxing and didn’t believe the Lu family truly had the power to rival the Xie family, her concerns lay elsewhere. While the Lu family was bold, their defiance was directed solely at the imperial family. In the eyes of the common people, the Lu family, much like the Xie family of old, had once rendered great service in establishing the dynasty. Though now labeled as rebels, the Lu family had their own narrative. They openly claimed the imperial family had forced them into rebellion, even alleging that the death of Emperor Xiaowu was linked to the Yongle Emperor. They accused Empress Dowager Jingxian of wielding undue influence as an imperial in-law, conspiring with the Yongle Emperor to murder Emperor Xiaowu and the other princes, thus securing the throne through illegitimate means.
The realm was in an uproar!
Indeed, when Emperor Xiaowu passed, Empress Xiao had swiftly dealt with the remaining princes, leaving no evidence behind. Yet to those with suspicions, it all seemed highly irregular. The common people, though harboring doubts, dared not voice them. Later, when Empress Dowager Jingxian died and the Yongle Emperor ascended the throne, his reign brought prosperity and peace to Great Coolness, and the past was gradually forgotten.
But this did not mean the people had entirely let go of those events.
On the contrary, once the Lu family's accusations surfaced, the people of Great Coolness, after their initial shock, began to waver. A small portion truly believed the Lu family’s claims, while the majority remained skeptical. However, an emperor who failed to secure the people’s loyalty would inevitably sow the seeds of future turmoil. Just as Empress Xiao’s ruthless actions, though executed flawlessly, now posed problems for the Yongle Emperor.
Even if the Yongle Emperor used harsh measures to silence the people and suppress the rumors, could he rely on such tactics forever? Would he spend his entire reign suppressing dissent?
"The Lu family is truly shameless," Jing Zhe said indignantly. "How dare they slander His Majesty like this?"
Gu Yu sighed. "They’ve already rebelled—it’s a fight to the death. What’s a little slander in comparison?" She added, "The Lu family is ruthless, willing to drag the imperial family down with them. Even if they win, they may never gain the people’s support."
Shen Miao frowned in thought for a moment, then said, "Bring me paper and ink." She walked straight to the desk.
Jing Zhe was startled. "Madam, are you writing a letter back to Ming Qi?"Shen Miao shook her head: "I need a very large sheet of paper, bigger than the prisoner notices posted on city gates."
Her brush moved like a dragon and snake, sharp and unconstrained. Jing Zhe and Gu Yu had seen Shen Miao write before—when sending letters home to Ming Qi or exchanging messages with Pei Lang in the past. But back then, Shen Miao had always been calm, showing no signs of anything unusual. Today, however, she seemed different—solemn, as if she were writing something of immense importance, yet impassioned, reminiscent of an old scholar debating fiercely in the Hanlin Academy. As she wrote, her strokes grew faster and faster, almost without hesitation, flowing freely until she finished in one breath.
Done, she set down the brush and lifted the enormous sheet of paper with both hands, shaking it as if to dry the ink.
Jing Zhe and Gu Yu leaned in to look and saw black characters covering the vast white paper. Shen Miao's handwriting was usually soft and rounded, but these words carried a sharp edge, like a sword leaping off the page to pierce the heart.
"What... is this?" The two maidservants were illiterate, yet they sensed this was something of great significance.
"No one cares about the truth," Shen Miao said, "but the outcome matters." She let the paper air until the ink was nearly dry before instructing Jing Zhe, "Take this to the bookshop and have three thousand copies printed. Then have the estate guards post them everywhere under cover of night." She added, "Quickly!"
Not daring to delay, Jing Zhe and Gu Yu complied, carefully carrying the densely written paper out the door.
Watching their retreating figures, Shen Miao exhaled softly.
In this world, martial prowess can settle the realm, while literary skill can pacify the land. The realm was already settled, but the land remained uneasy. Since the Lu family sought to stir trouble, why not seize the initiative to bolster their own morale? The ways of war and words were always intertwined—if the Lu family had their tongues to spread chaos, she had her own cunning strategies of war. The outcome was yet unknown, but she would not only make the Lu family lose, she would make them lose bitterly, without gaining a single advantage.
That night, Xie Jingxing still did not return.
Shen Miao dressed and ate alone, managing Prince Rui's Estate with meticulous order. She occasionally met with noblewomen of Fixed Capital, subtly calming their anxieties. Only when she lay down to sleep at night did she feel a chill. Thinking of Xie Jingxing for a while, she pulled the covers over herself and closed her eyes to sleep.
Early the next morning, as Longye's sunlight spilled into every corner of the city, sharp-eyed townsfolk noticed white sheets pasted on their doors, densely covered in writing. One householder, a butcher who couldn't read, happened to see his neighbor Scholar Ma passing by and called out, "Scholar Ma, you're educated—come see what this is!"
Scholar Ma approached the butcher's door, saw the writing, and first sighed, "Fine calligraphy!" Then he leaned closer and read aloud, word by word: "A Letter to Our Compatriots..."
Within just a few days, "A Letter to Our Compatriots" spread through every street and alley, becoming known to all. Copies of the snow-white sheets appeared everywhere—most scholars tucked them into their robes for safekeeping, while many others sought to meet the writer.
In the Hanlin Academy, young scholars were already poring over the text."In the past, when the dynasty was weak, the people still lived in peace. Yet now that it prospers, chaos arises instead? With His Majesty on the throne, granaries are full, winds and rains come timely—how can traitors dare to doubt their ruler, rebel against their sovereign, defy reason, and overturn morality? Are they not ashamed? Do they not blush? Are they not disloyal, unjust, and unkind?"
The scholar reading aloud was surrounded by a large crowd of students, who upon hearing this, all wore expressions of shame, though some were also stirred to indignation. The text first addressed the recent rebellion by the Lu family, vehemently condemning them for such treasonous acts, then spoke of the rumors spread by these traitors—rumors that had actually been believed by many, which was truly disheartening. During the reign of the Yongle Emperor, the people of Great Coolness lived in peace and prosperity, with the nation thriving and its citizens secure, surpassing even the era of Emperor Xiaowu. Instead of reflecting on the emperor's benevolence and achievements, the people had chosen to heed the baseless words of a traitor. Were they not ashamed? Did they not blush? The text then turned to the current state of civil and martial affairs in Great Coolness, where talents flourished—scholars and martial candidates alike. The latter should devise ways to resist treacherous ministers and serve the princess, while the former ought to correct public opinion rather than fan the flames.
This "Letter to Compatriots Across the Land" was eloquently written, its phrases sharp and incisive. Even setting aside its political stance, it was a masterpiece of literature, and its arguments were so compelling that they evoked both shame and reflection. As for the Lu family's rumors, they were effortlessly debunked.
The Yongle Emperor was such a good ruler, showing such kindness even to the common people—how much more so to his courtiers? Since the Lu family had rebelled, they were clearly not loyal subjects. It was pitiable how they had nearly been misled and incited—truly shameful.
The scholars felt deeply embarrassed and were eager to befriend the brilliant mind behind this text, though they could not uncover the author's identity. As for the martial candidates, their patriotic fervor was ignited, and they longed to join the campaign against the Lu family, personally beheading the traitors.
Thus, the once-widespread rumors of the Yongle Emperor's patricide and usurpation were no longer mentioned.
Cong Yang had spent the night posting notices, never expecting such a strong response or that the rumors would be dispelled so easily. His admiration for Shen Miao reached new heights. "Madam," he said, "your skill rivals even the top scholars in the palace. I've never seen these scholars so fervently admire anyone. If they knew your identity, they'd be utterly astonished."
Shen Miao smiled. "The Lu family is now in Ruyang and has no control over Longye. At most, they've planted a few rumor-mongers among the people. But the people of Great Coolness aren't fools. Given two lies—one baseless, the other well-reasoned—which would you believe?"
Cong Yang pondered this.
"Still, it's also because the people's hearts were already inclined toward the emperor, so it was easy to sway them back. If the Lu family had won the people's support and their standing among them was unshakable, even if I wrote ten such letters, it would be futile."
Cong Yang scratched his head. "Regardless, Madam, you've made a brilliant move. When the master returns, he'll surely be delighted. And who would have thought that someone from the general's household could be so talented?"
Shen Miao offered no reply.Talent? The "Letter to Our Compatriots" is nothing more than a deceitful missive meant to fool the world. The hearts of the people must be cultivated—if the Lu family wished, they could certainly achieve the same. When Fu Xiuyi ascended the throne, there were naturally voices of doubt. But wasn’t it Pei Lang who, with that very "Letter to Our Compatriots," turned black into white, washing Fu Xiuyi clean until he emerged as the unparalleled wise ruler of Ming Qi?
Now, she had turned this very tactic against the Lu family—an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. If the Lu family sought to tarnish the imperial family’s reputation this way, it would be impossible.
Meanwhile, in a small town in Yongzhou of Great Coolness, a man in a blue robe walked with his hands behind his back. As he passed by, he happened upon a schoolhouse where an elderly teacher in his sixties was reciting with a swaying head: "In the past, when the dynasty was weak, the people still lived in peace. Now that it thrives, why does chaos arise? With His Majesty on the throne, granaries are full, the winds and rains are favorable. Yet traitors doubt their lord, rebel against their sovereign, defy reason, and overturn the natural order. Should they not feel shame? Should they not blush? Are they not disloyal, unjust, and unkind?"
The man in blue paused mid-step, involuntarily turning his gaze toward the sound. He saw the old teacher, having finished the passage, declare: "This is the widely circulated 'Letter to Our Compatriots' from Longye. I have only one copy of this transcription. All of you must copy it down and submit it tomorrow."
Pei Lang was momentarily stunned, then, as if realizing something, let out a soft chuckle. After laughing for a while, his eyes dimmed again. He took one last look at the swaying teacher and walked away.
In Weiyang Palace, Empress Xiande also held a letter in her hands, reading it word by word to the Yongle Emperor with a smile. The emperor sat in his chair, his complexion pale, yet his expression softer than ever before.
"Jingxing truly married a treasure," Empress Xiande remarked with a laugh. "One would think she was a general’s daughter, a warrior, yet she turns out to be a top scholar who can stir hearts and minds. The academies in Longye are all secretly trying to uncover the author of this letter, never suspecting it’s a woman."
The Yongle Emperor gave a light hum. "Cunning as a fox."
"She’s helping you," the empress retorted. "Thanks to her, all those nonsensical rumors outside have died down. Isn’t that good?"
"I don’t care," the emperor said.
"You may not," the empress countered, "but you must think of Jingxing and the others."
The emperor fell silent.
After a moment, the Yongle Emperor called out, "Qingzhen."
Empress Xiande responded with a soft "Hmm," then froze, turning to look at him. Qingzhen was her maiden name—one she hadn’t heard in a long time.
The emperor didn’t look at her, instead focusing on the half-burned scented incense in the crane-shaped holder on the table. "Do you regret it?"
Empress Xiande smiled. "This consort has never regretted it."
"After I die, follow Jingxing. If you meet someone suitable, remarry," the emperor said. "Change your name, your identity. You are good—you’ll live well."Upon hearing this, Empress Xiande's eyes welled up with tears, but she forced them back and looked at the Yongle Emperor, saying, "In Your Majesty's eyes, am I truly so unworthy?" As if recalling something, she gave a self-deprecating smile. "Indeed, in Your Majesty's eyes, I have never been important." With that, she stood up and addressed the Yongle Emperor, "I understand now. I shall act as Your Majesty wishes." Then she turned and left first.
Tao Gugu witnessed the scene and felt the urge to intervene, but in the end, she remained silent. Empress Xiande had always been gentle in temperament, as if nothing could provoke her anger. Throughout all these years with the Yongle Emperor, she had never once raised her voice at him. Today marked the first time she had ever lost her temper with the emperor.
The Yongle Emperor gazed at the burning scented incense, half of which had already turned to dust. The fragrance lingering in the air would one day dissipate too.
Just like human memories and affections.
……
Ye Mei had spent a long time dressing up in her room.
She had always been beautiful. Since arriving at the Ye household, nourished by Madam Ye’s soups and tonics, she should have grown even more radiant. Yet somehow, she no longer seemed as dazzling as when she first arrived. Perhaps exhaustion had settled between her brows.
Today, she had taken her time selecting a peach-pink thin gauze dress embroidered with scattered peach blossoms. After meticulously applying her makeup, she finally achieved that captivating, peerless beauty look—her eyes shimmering with allure.
As she stepped out, she happened to run into Ye Ke, who gave her a puzzled glance and asked, "Sister, where are you going?"
"To Miss Sun’s residence for tea," Ye Mei replied with a smile.
Ye Ke had no reason to doubt her, especially since Ye family guards would accompany her. Ye Mei set out with the guards, veiling her face as she truly headed to Miss Sun’s home. Though the Sun family’s official rank in Longye wasn’t high, they were still far from commoners.
Once inside the Sun residence, Ye Mei was led to a small chamber. Upon entering, she immediately spotted Jin Xingming, who had been waiting for her. His eyes lit up at the sight of her, brimming with admiration and infatuation as he murmured, "Mei'er, you grow more beautiful by the day."
The more disgusted Ye Mei felt inside, the sweeter her smile became. With a pitiful tone, she said, "It was so difficult to leave the house today—I almost thought I wouldn’t get to see you, Brother Jin."
"If not for my past friendship with Miss Sun’s elder brother, who sent you an invitation under his sister’s name, meeting you would have been nearly impossible," Jin Xingming sighed.
Ye Mei smiled. "All thanks to Brother Jin’s resourcefulness."
Her words were honeyed, her face enchanting, and she charmed Jin Xingming into sheer delight. Just as he was at his happiest, Ye Mei suddenly added, "But Brother Jin, when will you finally take me away from the Ye household? I can’t bear staying there a moment longer."
Jin Xingming hesitated. "Even so, we must plan carefully. After all, the Ye family isn’t some insignificant household—we need a foolproof strategy."
Ye Mei sneered inwardly. There was no such thing as a foolproof strategy—this was just Jin Xingming’s excuse. He must have investigated the Ye family privately, realized Ye Maocai’s influence, and lost his nerve.
She lifted her face, her expression heartbreakingly vulnerable. "How long must we wait like this? I ask for nothing—not the Ye family’s wealth or status. I just want to live happily with you, Brother Jin…"
Few men could resist such sweet words, especially when spoken by a peerless beauty whose every glance was mesmerizing, every word dripping with allure, every movement an unspoken invitation. Jin Xingming felt his throat go dry, and when Ye Mei nervously licked her lips, looking even more helpless—
He could hold back no longer. Gripping her hand, he blurted out impulsively, "For you, Mei'er, I fear nothing! But you’re so beautiful—how could my devotion alone be enough to win your heart?" Tightening his hold, he pulled her into his arms. "Mei'er, if you become mine, I swear I’ll rescue you as soon as possible."Ye Mei nearly gagged, but her hesitation lasted only a brief moment. Her mind rapidly calculated several possibilities, and in the next instant, her hands slithered like snakes around Jin Xingming's neck as she whispered sweetly into his ear, "Alright."
－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－
In modern terms, "proclaiming to the world" would be like hiring a marketing account and a bunch of free internet trolls (￢_￢)
OpenNovel