The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage

Shen Miao's awakening nearly shocked the entire court.

Day after day, she had slept without any sign of waking. Just when everyone had given up hope, who would have thought that Xie Jingxing would take the two children out for a spring outing, and Shen Miao would simply wake up on her own? When the two returned to the palace, they nearly made the jaws of everyone in the palace drop.

Shen Xin and his wife, along with Shen Qiu, came out to see Shen Miao standing perfectly fine before them. Luo Xueyan immediately burst into tears and hugged her tightly. Shen Xin and Shen Qiu stood stunned for a long time. Though they didn’t show their emotions as openly as Luo Xueyan, their eyes still reddened.

Luo Tan clapped her hands and reached out to touch Shen Miao’s hair, saying, “Is this real? Am I seeing things? Gao Yang, pinch me—tell me if this is real?”

Gao Yang wasn’t there, as he was busy fetching Gao Zhan.

When Gao Zhan arrived, he took Shen Miao’s pulse and marveled after finishing, saying, “The Empress’s pulse is steady. She is perfectly fine now.”

Everyone let out a long sigh of relief.

The Shen family had arrived in Great Coolness shortly after Xie Jingxing ascended the throne. When they learned that Shen Miao had fallen into a deep slumber with no signs of waking, they couldn’t accept it. They insisted on searching the world for renowned physicians to cure her. Moreover, they feared that Xie Jingxing wouldn’t allow a comatose woman to remain as Empress—or even if she did, people’s hearts were fickle, and he might eventually fill the palace with other women. Shen Xin was determined to take Shen Miao away.

Yet Xie Jingxing refused outright. He even knelt to beg Shen Xin, and in the end, he threatened with the Ink Feather Army, nearly coming to blows with Shen Xin.

It was Luo Tan and Luo Xueyan who intervened, reminding them of Chuyi and Shishi. Shen Xin had no choice, but he still worried that someone might take advantage of Shen Miao’s unconscious state to cause trouble or mistreat her. So he handed over command of the Shen Family Army and the Luo Family Army to Luo Ling, and the entire family took up long-term residence in the palace to keep watch over Shen Miao and prevent any mishaps.

This was somewhat against protocol, but Xie Jingxing was happy to allow it. Having people around to talk to Shen Miao was a good thing. Over the past several months, the Shen family had also witnessed firsthand that Xie Jingxing treated Shen Miao no differently than before. Sighing in relief, they gradually let go of their worries.

As they recounted these events, Shen Miao’s heart was filled with mixed emotions. Never had she imagined that upon waking, she would see her loved ones again—all safe and sound, living in peace. It was a blessing she hadn’t dared to hope for.

“Sister-in-law,” Ji Yushu said, “Now that you’re awake, those court officials won’t dare to spout nonsense anymore. You have no idea—over the past several months, the officials in Longye have suffered terribly under His Majesty’s hand.”

Xie Jingxing gave him a slow, sidelong glance. “Too much talk.”

Ji Yushu immediately fell silent. Ever since Shen Miao had fallen into her slumber, Xie Jingxing had shown patience only toward the Shen family and the two precious children, Chuyi and Shishi. He had no tolerance for idle chatter, let alone jokes. His methods of dealing with people had only grown more ruthless. Naturally, no one dared to provoke him.

“If you’ve finished asking, then leave,” Xie Jingxing said coldly, watching the noisy crowd. “It’s late today. Don’t disturb my Empress’s rest.”

He emphasized the words my Empress heavily.Seeing this, Shen Qiu rolled up his sleeves, ready to fight Xie Jingxing. Over the past six months, the two had often clashed in private—ostensibly for sparring, but in reality, it was just a way to vent their mutual dissatisfaction. Shen Qiu resented the fact that Shen Miao had fallen into a deep sleep because of Xie Jingxing, thinking how much better things would have been if she had never gotten involved with him. Xie Jingxing, in turn, was annoyed at Shen Qiu for meddling—why should an outsider, even if he was her elder brother, have any say over his own wife?

Now that Shen Miao had returned, Xie Jingxing was once again asserting his dominance, which only fueled Shen Qiu’s irritation.

But then Luo Xueyan spoke up: "He’s right. Jiaojiao just woke up, and with all of us bombarding her with questions, she must be overwhelmed. Let her rest for now. There’s plenty of time ahead—we can talk slowly."

Shen Miao actually wanted to hear more about what had happened over the past six months, but she realized it would take too long to explain everything at once. Better to save it for later—there was no rush.

After some discussion, the group dispersed, and Shen Miao returned to her chambers.

She went to freshen up first. Jing Zhe and the other maidservants attended to her bath, wiping away tears as they did so. Their eyes brimmed with emotion as they said, "Madam… Your Highness, you’ve finally awakened. We kept praying for the chance to serve you like this again, wondering if the heavens would grant us this mercy. Who knew they would be so kind as to give us another opportunity… Your Highness, from now on, we’ll serve you like this every day…"

Shen Miao hadn’t expected her bath to reduce the maids to such tearful gratitude, leaving her both touched and amused. She ended up soothing them with gentle words, understanding how frightened they must have been during her half-year slumber.

Once she was dried and dressed, her hair carefully combed, Shen Miao stepped out and asked the nursemaid to bring Chuyi and Shishi to her. The two children were placed on the bed. Though Xie Jingxing had often held them close to Shen Miao while she slept, and they had never seen her awake, they were already familiar with her presence. They giggled at her, their tiny hands reaching curiously for her hair.

Shen Miao’s heart melted at the sight of them. She playfully wiggled her fingers to tease them. Since they were twins and equally lively, the nursemaid had dressed them in different colors to tell them apart—Chuyi in a blue tunic, Shishi in red.

Chuyi grabbed Shen Miao’s finger and burst into delighted laughter.

Shen Miao couldn’t help but chuckle.

Just then, Xie Jingxing returned from outside and saw Shen Miao lying on the bed, laughing joyfully with the two little ones.

He walked over and scoffed, "Did sleeping for half a year make you stupid? You’re grinning like a fool."

"I’m looking at my sons," Shen Miao retorted, shooting him a glare. "What’s it to you?"

"They’re my sons too," Xie Jingxing countered, raising an eyebrow. "Without me, how could you have had them?"

Shen Miao ignored him and continued playing happily with Chuyi and Shishi. Xie Jingxing removed his outer robe, then circled behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close. "These two silly boys aren’t that interesting," he murmured.

"You didn’t give them proper names?" Shen Miao complained. "Chuyi and Shishi are such casual nicknames. Did you just pick them at random?"

"Who said it was random?" Xie Jingxing replied. "I left the naming to you—for when you woke up."“Aren’t you afraid I might never wake up?”

Xie Jingxing lazily replied, “Then they’ll just be called Xie Chuyi and Xie Shishi.”

Shen Miao: “…”

The two little ones on the bed seemed to understand Xie Jingxing’s words, protesting with incoherent babbling.

Shen Miao quickly reached out to soothe them, but Xie Jingxing grabbed her arm and pulled her back into his embrace. He said, “After half a year apart, you don’t even miss me. So cold.”

Shen Miao paused for a moment before suddenly turning around, breaking free from Xie Jingxing’s hold and standing straight. She crossed her arms and stared at him with a faintly mocking smile.

Xie Jingxing suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

She said, “Young Marquis Xie, do you know what you’ve done?”

Xie Jingxing was baffled. “What have I done?”

Shen Miao gave a cold laugh.

…

The summer flowers were in full bloom, butterflies and bees flitting about amidst the birdsong and fragrance. The streets were bustling with people, and horses galloped past. The lively cries of vendors echoed from the east to the west of the city, filling the air with joy.

Shen Miao wore a bright yellow long-sleeved robe embroidered haphazardly with colorful floral patterns. The garment was already gaudy, and the intricate embroidery made it appear even more excessive. Coupled with her head full of gold and silver hairpins and heavy makeup, she looked particularly… foolish.

Passersby occasionally glanced her way, their expressions full of ridicule.

Shen Miao’s gaze was dazed.

Just moments ago, she had been in the palace of Great Coolness, on the brink of death from childbirth, believing she had died. Yet now, she stood in the middle of this lively street.

This street was not unfamiliar to her—it was the heart of Fixed Capital in Ming Qi.

What was happening? Longye to Fixed Capital couldn’t be traversed in the blink of an eye. Was she dreaming?

But Shen Miao knew she wasn’t. Jing Zhe and Gu Yu followed behind her, their expressions cautious. Shen Miao looked down at her clothes… It was as if she had returned to a time long ago, so long ago that… she had just begun her infatuation with Fu Xiuyi?

Had the rebirth she thought she experienced been nothing but a dream? A fleeting illusion—which was real, and which was the dream?

Shen Miao felt dizzy. She raised a hand to her forehead, startling Gu Yu, who asked, “Miss, are you feeling unwell?”

Shen Miao shook her head and was about to speak when she spotted a familiar figure at the street corner. The man wore tattered robes, held a horsetail whisk, and swayed his head while muttering something incomprehensible, looking utterly eccentric. Yet Shen Miao’s eyes lit up, and without another word, she rushed toward him.

Jing Zhe and Gu Yu couldn’t stop her in time and had no choice but to follow, watching helplessly as Shen Miao approached the man.

“Daoist Master Chiyan!” Shen Miao called out.

The strange Daoist turned around, grinning—it was indeed Daoist Master Chiyan.

Upon seeing her, the Daoist looked astonished and asked, “Madam, what brings you here?”

Shen Miao noticed he had addressed her as “Madam” rather than “Miss.”

Jing Zhe angrily retorted, “Who are you calling ‘Madam’? Don’t speak nonsense—our young lady is unmarried!”

But Shen Miao silenced Jing Zhe and said to Daoist Master Chiyan, “Master, may we speak privately?”

“Miss!” Jing Zhe and Gu Yu stamped their feet in frustration.

Shen Miao frowned sharply. “Do as I say!”

Her commanding tone startled the two maids, who immediately fell silent.Shen Miao and the Red Flame Taoist walked into a dilapidated temple, with Jing Zhe and Gu Yu standing guard outside. Shen Miao looked at the Taoist, hesitated for a moment, then asked, "You recognize me, don’t you, Taoist?"

"I’ve met the lady three times before," the Taoist replied, holding up three fingers.

Once in her past life, and twice since her rebirth—that indeed made three. Shen Miao quickly pressed, "Taoist, do you know what’s happening? How did I end up here?"

Everything had been fine—she had clearly been nearing the end of her lifespan, so how had she returned to the Fixed Capital of Ming Qi, back to the very beginning? Had everything with Xie Jingxing, even the events in Great Coolness, including giving birth, all been nothing but a fleeting dream? If it were a dream, it had felt far too real.

"The lady’s fate is most peculiar," the Taoist said. "Though you were granted a chance to start anew, it inadvertently disrupted the natural order, thus bringing about a life calamity. The previous ones were resolved, but this is the final trial. It has nothing to do with others—only you can overcome it."

Shen Miao frowned. "What do you mean by that, Taoist?"

"In your past life, someone pleaded for you to be given a chance to start over. Yet the world holds countless possibilities. You may have come to know, met, and loved the person from your reborn life, or you might have encountered and loved someone entirely different. Lady, you now have two choices."

Shen Miao clenched her fists. "What choices?"

"Your ‘other body’ is likely in a deep slumber at this moment. You may choose to remain in this dream, seeking another possibility—starting everything anew from now, living a different life. However, your ‘other body’ will never wake again."

"What’s the other option?" Shen Miao asked.

"You must seek out the man destined for you in this life, make the man in this dream believe in you, and bring him back to Great Coolness, to the imperial palace. The moment you step into the palace, your ‘other body’ will awaken."

Shen Miao was stunned.

"But this will be difficult," the Taoist stroked his beard. "This man is now a stranger to you. Convincing him to accompany you to Great Coolness will be no easy task."

Shen Miao rubbed her temples. "That’s practically impossible."

Xie Jingxing’s nature was sharp and distrustful—he would never easily believe others. Even when Shen Miao had been reborn, it had taken her a long time to break through his defenses. Now… Shen Miao glanced down at her current attire. There was no way Xie Jingxing would believe her.

"Lady, I’ve said all I can," the eccentric Taoist remarked. "You may, of course, choose to remain in this dream. It is indistinguishable from reality, and you could live out your life here, starting fresh. It would be far simpler."

Far simpler. Choosing the second path, however, would be arduous.

Shen Miao lowered her head. After a long silence, she said, "Taoist, do you still have red strings? Could you spare me two?"

The Red Flame Taoist froze, studying Shen Miao as if seeing her for the first time, then suddenly laughed. "So the lady still chooses that path after all?"

"I could live like this. Staying here wouldn’t be bad," Shen Miao smiled faintly. "But even if there are countless possibilities in this world, if even one version of him is hurt because of me, I cannot bear it. If he doesn’t know me, then I’ll go and make him know me."

"If the mountain won’t come to me, then I’ll go to the mountain. The Taoist granted me a thread of fate, but if that thread is lost, I’ll find it myself," she declared.The Taoist priest Chi Yan said, "Love breeds folly! Since it is so, this humble Taoist shall bestow upon you another stroke of fate." He took out two red strings from his sleeve: "Madam, may you succeed."

Shen Miao bowed slightly and turned to leave.

...

Jing Zhe and Gu Yu had found things rather peculiar these days.

Firstly, Shen Miao had abandoned her former preference for gaudy gold and silver ornaments, opting instead for more mature colors—though they still looked quite striking on her. Secondly, she no longer catered to the whims of the second and third branches of the family as she once did, often ignoring them altogether.

Thirdly, she had previously been sneaking around to gather information about Prince Ding, but lately, she hadn't mentioned him at all, as if she had completely forgotten such a person existed.

Lastly, she had been frequently wandering the streets.

Shen Miao had a bigger headache than Jing Zhe and Gu Yu.

Xie Jingxing was the type who loved to roam about—today visiting brothels, tomorrow attending banquets. Though she knew it was all a facade, Shen Miao's current mindset made her want to kick him twice for his flirtatious behavior.

But to track Xie Jingxing's movements, she had no choice but to follow him secretly. Over the past half-month, she had nearly covered every corner of Fixed Capital without repeating a single route.

One evening, Shen Miao had Jing Zhe and Gu Yu wait at one end while she went to the entrance of Marquis Lin'an Manor herself.

Disguised as a man, her clean and sharp style, combined with Fixed Capital's knowledge of her as an incompetent who loved gaudy ornaments, ensured no one would connect her to Fifth Miss Shen.

From afar, she saw Xie Jingxing returning on horseback.

Accompanying him were Gao Yang and Ji Yushu.

True to his reputation as a leisurely young master who frequented brothels, he immediately recognized her disguise. Ji Yushu even whistled and teased, "Third Brother, another beauty comes running for you."

Shen Miao: "..."

Xie Jingxing dismounted, glanced at her with an inscrutable expression, and was about to stride inside when Shen Miao grabbed his sleeve: "Young Marquis Xie!"

Xie Jingxing halted.

"Let's talk," she said.

Inside the room, Xie Jingxing poured her a cup of tea and lazily eyed her. "Shen Miao, Fifth Miss Shen, you've been tailing me for half a month. Don't tell me you've actually fallen for me?"

His tone was flippant, but his gaze was sharp—uncharacteristically piercing. He had clearly investigated her identity thoroughly yet feigned ignorance.

Shen Miao had a headache.

To wake the "her" in Great Coolness sooner, she needed to lure this Xie Jingxing to Longye quickly—then the dream would end. But in this dream, Xie Jingxing was still as unruly and suspicious as ever. How could she explain?

Tell him she was his wife? That she had borne him two children? Would Xie Jingxing think she had lost her mind?

She said, "Young Marquis Xie... could you accompany me to Great Coolness?"

Before she could finish, a gust of wind rushed toward her. Before she could react, a hand clamped around her throat. His voice was icy, laced with concealed lethality: "What do you know?"

Shen Miao nearly choked.

She knew it would be like this! Xie Jingxing's domineering nature made him impossible to reason with—she couldn't even explain!

Seeing her struggle for breath and confirming she truly lacked martial skills, Xie Jingxing loosened his grip slightly. Furious and anxious, Shen Miao snapped, "You bastard!"

Xie Jingxing's eyes narrowed. "You've got quite the nerve.""Bastard! Lecher! Shameless! Ungrateful! Heartless..." She cursed without pause.

Xie Jingxing was taken aback, unconsciously releasing his grip entirely. After a moment, he chuckled in amusement, "Fifth Miss Shen, I don't believe I've offended you."

Shen Miao rubbed her neck and said, "Take me to Great Coolness."

Xie Jingxing was about to react when Shen Miao continued, "If you take me to Great Coolness, I'll tell you what I know."

Crossing his arms, Xie Jingxing eyed her coldly with a faint smile. "Apologies, but I have no interest whatsoever in what you know." He sat back down at the table and leisurely sipped his tea. "However, I spared your life today. If I discover you have other schemes... Fifth Miss Shen knows I'm not a good man."

Shen Miao froze slightly.

"I'm not a good man"—Xie Jingxing had said those words to her before.

"Fifth Miss Shen still hasn't left? Planning to spend the night in my marquis manor?" He smirked. "I have no objections."

"Shameless!" Shen Miao spat before storming off.

Once she was gone, Xie Jingxing's expression turned icy. "Tie Yi," he called.

A black-clad figure appeared in the room.

"Investigate the Shen family—Shen Miao," he ordered.

The figure bowed and departed.

...

Chasing Xie Jingxing was proving difficult for Shen Miao.

Whether in reality or in dreams, Xie Jingxing was equally detestable, always making her grit her teeth in frustration. Especially in dreams.

In this dream, Shen Miao was nothing more than a stranger to Xie Jingxing. Before this, she had been notorious for her foolishness and even harbored feelings for Fu Xiuyi. If she suddenly appeared different now, he would only suspect her of being cunning, perhaps even aware of his true identity, and scheming something.

Xie Jingxing was wary of her, making it impossible to get close. Shen Miao had no choice but to follow him secretly every day, finding any opportunity to exchange a few words with him.

Xie Jingxing knew she was tailing him but pretended otherwise. Gao Yang and Ji Yushu, however, were aware and often teased them with meaningful remarks.

On the third day of the seventh month—Xie Jingxing's birthday.

Shen Miao naturally knew that the current young marquis of Marquis Lin'an Manor didn't celebrate his birthday on this day. But Prince Rui of Great Coolness did.

She recalled how, in reality, she had once quarreled with Xie Jingxing over Mei Furen on his birthday. Later, after making up, an assassination attempt had left him terrified. Thinking about it now, she decided to take advantage of this dream to make up for it by celebrating his birthday here.

She left early in the morning to reserve a banquet at Misty Rain Pavilion.

She had many gold and silver ornaments, all of which she pawned. A single banquet at Misty Rain Pavilion cost thousands in gold, nearly driving Jing Zhe and Gu Yu mad with worry, but Shen Miao paid them no heed.

It was just a dream. In reality, wealth was fleeting—how much more so in a dream?

She planned to drag Xie Jingxing there by evening. Over drinks, they might finally have a proper conversation and discuss matters concerning Great Coolness. The situation was far too complicated—even if she explained, Xie Jingxing wouldn't understand and might dismiss it as nonsense. She needed to think carefully.

She trailed Xie Jingxing to the Thousand Gold Building, where he was drinking with several noble youths from Fixed Capital. There, she caught sight of Qin Qing.The daughter of the Left Censor-in-Chief, Qin Qing, had once painted alongside Shen Miao during a Verification session. Qin Qing was exceptionally beautiful, dressed in a wide-sleeved, embroidered cotton robe of azure hue, cinched at the waist with a soft yellow sash that accentuated her slender figure. The flowing sleeves lent her an ethereal, almost fairy-like grace.

Qin Qing, usually haughty due to her striking looks and dismissive of ordinary people, was now seated beside her elder brother. Her gaze involuntarily drifted toward Xie Jingxing, her usual arrogance nowhere to be seen—replaced entirely by tender affection.

Only a fool wouldn't notice Qin Qing's interest in Xie Jingxing. Brother Qin also seemed intent on playing matchmaker, deliberately making space for Qin Qing to sit beside Xie Jingxing.

From her seat across the room, Shen Miao watched as Qin Qing and Xie Jingxing conversed. Xie Jingxing smiled with effortless charm while Qin Qing lowered her head shyly. From a distance, they looked like a perfect pair.

Shen Miao's eyes stung.

She knew this was a dream, knew that Xie Jingxing didn't recognize her now, didn't love her, and that whatever performance he put on with others was none of her concern. Yet it still hurt. She wondered—in the real world of Great Coolness, would Xie Jingxing someday have a beauty by his side, fragrant sleeves brushing, a harmonious marriage?

Among countless possibilities across worlds, he couldn't possibly choose her every time.

She closed her eyes, finding the scene of clinking cups and laughter unbearably harsh. Unable to watch any longer, she rose and left.

Walking aimlessly, she somehow arrived at Misty Rain Pavilion.

The banquet at Misty Rain Pavilion was the finest, its location ideal—the highest floor, where one could see both fireworks and the moon from the windows.

Shen Miao entered alone. The grand banquet hall stood empty except for her solitary figure. Exquisite dishes covered the table, splendid yet unable to mask the loneliness.

She poured herself a drink.

The wine was excellent—thick osmanthus brew, sweet with a lingering aftertaste.

She drank slowly, gazing at the moon with each sip.

The moon in the dream was beautiful. In the real world, who was Xie Jingxing watching it with?

She drank until her head spun, until she no longer heard the footsteps approaching behind her.

A teasing voice came from behind.

"Wow, the Shen family truly spares no expense. Fifth Miss Shen dining alone still books the top banquet at Misty Rain Pavilion."

Shen Miao turned to see Xie Jingxing walking in leisurely, a smile playing on his lips.

She frowned.

Xie Jingxing's gaze swept over the empty wine bottles littering the table—one after another, toppled haphazardly. He chuckled. "Drinking so much? Is Fifth Miss Shen in a bad mood?"

Shen Miao stared at him intently.

Xie Jingxing leaned down slightly, meeting her eyes at level. Noticing their faint redness, he paused, then said, "Surely not because of me?"

Shen Miao remained silent.

Xie Jingxing mused, "Because of Qin Qing?"

Before he could finish, Shen Miao suddenly threw herself into his arms.

Her hands clutched desperately at his waist, her face buried against his chest. This was the same familiar body—why was he speaking to her with such detachment?

Between sobs, she lashed out, "Shameless! Are you trying to divorce me? When you married me, you swore there'd never be another woman, that we'd be together for life! Xie Jingxing, you liar! You tricked me into marriage and now you're flaunting yourself everywhere! My brother and father will beat you senseless! Bastard, bastard, bastard!"

Xie Jingxing stiffened. "When did I ever—"

But Shen Miao clung to him, weeping bitterly, and he swallowed the rest of his words.

The girl in his arms cried as if heartbroken, her body trembling with each sob—clearly overwhelmed by fury. Her arms locked around his waist like a child refusing to let go. After a hesitant moment, Xie Jingxing raised a hand, intending to gently pat her shoulder.She was the fifth young lady of the Shen family, notorious for her foolish incompetence. The Shen family had no ties with him and paid her no mind. Who would have thought that one day, Shen Miao would set her sights on him, always acting as though they shared a deep friendship. Xie Jingxing was baffled and grew even more suspicious, especially since Shen Miao seemed to know the secrets of his Great Coolness.

Yet, for some reason, he couldn’t bring himself to be harsh with her.

When Tie Yi mentioned she was drunk at the Misty Rain Pavilion, he inexplicably followed.

Xie Jingxing frowned as he stared at the person in his arms. The warm, delicate figure seemed to thaw his heart a little. But something felt strange—this posture felt familiar, as if he had done this before.

Where had he done this? In a dream?

Hesitantly, uncertainly, he spoke: "Shen Miao, have I… have I held you like this before?"

The sobbing in his arms abruptly stopped.

Shen Miao lifted her head from his embrace and stared fixedly at him.

Under the moonlight, her eyes were swollen and red, yet they sparkled brilliantly, as if new hope had emerged from despair—utterly captivating.

Rising on her toes, she grabbed Xie Jingxing’s collar, pulling him close, and kissed him fiercely.

"You’ve kissed me like this too," she said.

...

What followed was Shen Miao pestering Xie Jingxing relentlessly until he finally agreed to take her to Great Coolness.

Perhaps in that dream, if Xie Jingxing and Shen Miao had vanished overnight, the people of Ming Qi might have assumed they had eloped.

But so what? Once they reached the palace of Great Coolness, the dream would end.

During the nearly half-year journey, Shen Miao recounted her story in full to the Xie Jingxing of the dream. She didn’t know if he would believe her.

After listening, Xie Jingxing said nothing. But one night, he finally spoke.

"That Taoist was wrong," he said.

Shen Miao was puzzled. "What?"

"Out of countless possibilities, I would only ever choose you." With a smirk, he took one of the red strings from Shen Miao’s wrist and tied it around his own. "Let’s hurry. Don’t keep the real me waiting too long, Shen Jiaojiao."

...

Xie Jingxing listened, dumbfounded.

Shen Miao shot him a sidelong glance. "In that one possibility in the dream, you were a philanderer, visiting pleasure houses every day, bullying me relentlessly. No matter what I said, you didn’t believe me—you doubted me, even choked me. Xie Jingxing, do you know what you did?"

Her accusatory tone left Xie Jingxing speechless. After a long pause, he replied, "That was the dream me, not the real me."

"The dream you is still you!" Shen Miao snapped.

Xie Jingxing quickly pulled her into his arms to soothe her. "But in the end, the dream me believed you and took you back to Great Coolness. That proves my heart belongs only to you." Then, stroking his chin, he grumbled, "Still, that guy was lucky—you actually kissed him first."

Shen Miao: "..."

Only Xie Jingxing could feel jealous of himself.

"In that case, I must make it up to my wife," Xie Jingxing declared solemnly before suddenly sweeping Shen Miao into his arms. "Neglecting my wife is unforgivable. Today, my wife can do as she pleases."

"Hey, Chuyi and Shishi...""Let the nanny watch over her." Xie Jingxing carried her as he turned to walk out, though the corners of his lips couldn't help but curl upwards. "Although the person in the dream was detestable, there was one thing they weren't wrong about."

Shen Miao looked at him. "What was it?"

"Out of countless possibilities, I would only ever choose you—only you," he said.

－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－

See you again next Saturday!

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