The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage

"What's going on?"

Shen Miao was taken aback. Such a somewhat frivolous gesture would normally have warranted a stern reprimand from her, but for some reason, she found herself answering honestly, "I was stabbed with a dagger while escaping earlier."

Xie Jingxing glanced at her, pulled a porcelain bottle from his sleeve, and tossed it to her. "Apply this."

Shen Miao caught it without another word, intending to tend to her wound. However, having sat on the ground for so long after being submerged in the icy lake, she had no strength left. Even sitting up was a struggle, let alone applying medicine.

Seeing this, Xie Jingxing had no choice but to walk over, grip her shoulders, and help her onto the small couch in the cabin. Having lived two lifetimes, Shen Miao was no blushing maiden and wouldn’t feel awkward just because they were alone together. Yet, wrapped in Xie Jingxing’s oversized robe, her snow-white shoulders exposed to the cold breeze, she shivered—whether from the chill or discomfort, she couldn’t tell—and goosebumps rose on her skin.

Before she could say anything, something warm suddenly draped over her head, burying her face entirely. Shen Miao shook her head free and realized it was Xie Jingxing’s fox fur coat. The warmth was comforting, and she instinctively pulled it tighter around herself, leaving only her small face peeking out. She stared at Xie Jingxing without speaking, looking very much like a fluffy little fox.

Xie Jingxing seemed amused. He stood and walked to the other side of the cabin, retrieving something before crouching in front of Shen Miao and reaching for her leg.

"What are you doing?" Shen Miao dodged, frowning.

"If you don’t treat that wound, it’ll fester by tomorrow," Xie Jingxing said. "Don’t think you can take advantage of me."

Shen Miao: "..." This man’s words were truly infuriating. What did he mean by "taking advantage"? And he said it with such a straight face! She didn’t even want to respond. "I’ll do it myself."

"Fine." Xie Jingxing stood up without hesitation, leaning against a nearby cabinet with his arms crossed, watching her with amusement. "Go ahead. I’ll watch."

Shen Miao bent down, but her hands trembled so badly she could barely hold the bottle. During the earlier struggle, the tall, thin man had thrown her around, leaving her entire body sore. Now, her hands shook uncontrollably. She barely managed to uncork the bottle but nearly spilled its contents.

After a long, futile struggle, she finally gave up. Yet, unwilling to admit defeat so easily to Xie Jingxing, she sat wrapped in the white fox fur, glaring at him in silence.

Xie Jingxing let out a derisive laugh, snatched the bottle from her hand, and crouched down again. Gripping her calf, he said carelessly, "I’m not a good person. If you keep being stubborn, you might lose this leg."

Shen Miao remained silent.

Xie Jingxing slowly rolled up her pant leg. His hands were cold and slender, bearing the faint calluses of a martial artist. As they brushed against her delicate skin, Shen Miao felt an odd discomfort, as if that patch of skin was heating up. The next moment, the fabric stuck to her wound by dried blood was yanked away, and the sharp pain nearly made her cry out.

"The cut’s deep," Xie Jingxing observed, frowning. "Why didn’t you say so earlier?"

"I didn’t expect you to be this kind," Shen Miao replied. She truly hadn’t anticipated Xie Jingxing’s willingness to help. Given their relationship, his saving her today was already an extraordinary act of goodwill. This man was cunning and far from benevolent—she couldn’t fathom why he’d bother with her wound. She had planned to deal with it once she returned to the Shen Mansion.

Xie Jingxing stood and picked up the teapot from the small table, emptying its contents. He scooped a full pot of lake water from outside the boat and placed it on the warm stove to heat. "I’m not that kind, but since you’ve been decent enough, I’ll play the good guy for once." He looked up at Shen Miao. "They say Shen Xin is loyal and righteous. I didn’t expect a little girl from the Shen family to understand loyalty too. Thanks for not giving me away."

His tone was half-joking, half-serious. Shen Miao didn’t bother correcting his misunderstanding. In that situation, revealing Xie Jingxing’s presence in the secret chamber would have gotten her killed immediately. Delaying tactics were common sense, but if Xie Jingxing believed she’d kept silent out of loyalty, letting him owe her a favor wasn’t a bad deal. She had no intention of clarifying.

Still, Shen Miao mused silently, even if she had exposed Xie Jingxing, given his skills, he’d likely have escaped unscathed. She’d heard clearly—those two men surely had allies nearby. Yet now, there wasn’t a single trace of them. It wasn’t hard to guess who had handled it.

After a brief silence, the water boiled. Xie Jingxing tore a strip of fabric from his robe, dipped it in the hot water, and lifted Shen Miao’s calf onto his knee. With one hand supporting her leg, he used the other to clean the blood around the wound.

Shen Miao’s foot nearly pressed against Xie Jingxing’s chest, touching the cold, stiff fabric of his robe—like the stern heart beneath his playful exterior. Uncomfortable, she turned her head away, her toes curling slightly. In her past life, aside from Fu Xiuyi, she’d never been this close to another man. Even with Fu Xiuyi, looking back now, most of their interactions had been forced. Most of the time, he’d left her with the impression of an "emperor." Thus, during her youth, she’d hardly known any men.

To break the silence, Shen Miao asked, "Who were those people?"

She meant the tall, thin man and his companion. Xie Jingxing didn’t answer immediately. After cleaning her wound, he sprinkled medicine over it and wrapped it with a handkerchief. His movements were practiced, as if dressing wounds was second nature to him. The flickering lamplight in the cabin and the radiant lanterns on the lake cast shifting shadows on his face. For a fleeting moment, his handsome features seemed softened by an illusion of tenderness.

Even Shen Miao was momentarily stunned. But the illusion didn’t last. Xie Jingxing released her leg, suddenly leaning in with both hands braced on either side of her. His sharply defined face was now inches from hers, his peach-blossom eyes brimming with an intoxicating allure. His playful smirk carried an inexplicable dominance that left her breathless.

Shen Miao met his gaze calmly. After a moment, Xie Jingxing leaned back and said indifferently, "Knowing too much isn’t good for you."

"I don’t want to know anything," Shen Miao said. "I just hope you won’t drag me into your mess." The words left her mouth before she could stop them. Today had been chaotic—perhaps the sudden events or her injury had frayed her nerves. Somehow, Xie Jingxing had provoked a side of her she usually kept buried: petty, argumentative, and quick to anger.

"As long as you know your place, no one can drag you into anything," Xie Jingxing replied. He tidied the scattered fabric strips in the cabin, then found a long pole to hang Shen Miao’s wet clothes near the warm stove to dry.

"When can I leave?" Shen Miao asked.

"People are watching outside. Leaving now would invite gossip. Besides, being alone with me might ruin my reputation." Xie Jingxing’s words were as infuriating as ever. "So, for the sake of my virtue, I’ll take you to the princess’s residence when we dock. Someone there will escort you home."

Shen Miao blinked. "The princess’s residence?"

"Princess Rong Xin," Xie Jingxing said, poking at the charcoal. "She’ll help."

Princess Rong Xin was also born to one of the late emperor’s concubines. Though not as favored as Princess Yuqing, she’d been dearly loved by the late emperor. Among his children, Princess Yuqing and Princess Rong Xin had been especially close. Princess Yuqing had married the Marquis of Lin’an, while Princess Rong Xin had wed the top scholar of the imperial examinations. Unfortunately, the scholar had died of illness within a few years, and Princess Rong Xin had never remarried, living alone in her residence ever since.

Given Princess Yuqing and Princess Rong Xin’s bond, it made sense that the latter would help Xie Jingxing.

Shen Miao glanced at him. He’d thought far ahead. If the Shen family were summoned now and saw them alone together in disheveled states, misunderstandings would arise. Given the Shen and Xie families’ relationship, who knew how complicated things might become? Having Princess Rong Xin intervene was a smart move.

Fireworks burst overhead. Shen Miao, seated by the cabin window, turned to look outside. Against the night sky of Fixed Capital, colorful explosions bloomed brilliantly. As Bailu and Shuangjiang had said, the fireworks wouldn’t stop all night. Watching them amidst the bustling crowd earlier had been one thing; seeing them now over the tranquil lake was another.

"You like watching these?" Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow.

"I don’t," Shen Miao replied.

Every year during the Ming Qi imperial New Year’s banquet, the emperor and his consorts would set off countless fireworks in the palace gardens. Back then, she’d just returned from the Qin State. The palace had suddenly gained a Mei Furen, whose favor never waned. That New Year’s Eve, Mei Furen and Fu Xiuyi had feasted and reveled in the gardens while Shen Miao sat alone in the Kun Ning Palace with Wan Yu and Fu Ming, watching the fireworks rise and fade. It had been the coldest display she’d ever seen. Since then, she’d disliked them.

"Fleeting things aren’t worth looking at. Pretty but useless." Her tone carried a hint of bitterness, but her gaze was mournful.

Xie Jingxing gave her a strange look, then stood and retrieved something from a cabinet. He returned and handed it to her.

"No telling how long until we dock. Since it’s the Jade Rabbit Festival, you might as well make a lantern," he said.

Shen Miao examined the lantern in her hands—likely left behind by previous occupants of the cabin. It lay flat and unfolded, with no candle inside. Through the window, the lake’s surface was dotted with countless floating lanterns. Their boat drifted through the glittering expanse like a lone ferry crossing the Milky Way.

Without waiting for her response, Xie Jingxing made one himself. Once finished, he casually set it adrift on the lake. Shen Miao watched and asked, "Why didn’t you write a wish?"

Lanterns were supposed to hold slips of paper inscribed with prayers, so the gods could hear and grant them in the coming year.

"I don’t believe in gods," Xie Jingxing said lazily. "No point writing one."

Shen Miao considered this. It was hard to imagine someone as arrogant and unruly as Xie Jingxing earnestly praying to deities. She folded two lanterns but didn’t write any wishes or place candles inside. Instead, she used a fire tinder to light the topmost flower of each lantern and set them afloat.

The two lanterns burned from top to bottom, resembling twin flames on the water. Xie Jingxing frowned. "Those are mourning lanterns. What are you doing?"

Lighting lanterns this way was an offering to the dead. Amidst such festive cheer, Shen Miao was here mourning.

Ignoring him, Shen Miao watched as the flames consumed the lanterns until nothing remained on the lake’s surface.

In this second life, some things could be redone—but not all. Like Wan Yu and Fu Ming. Past or present, meeting them again meant eternal farewells. In this lifetime, there would be no more gentle, dignified princess or steady, mature crown prince.

A handkerchief appeared before her. She looked up to see Xie Jingxing’s impatient expression. "Why are you crying again?"

Shen Miao touched her cheeks—they were wet. Lost in melancholy amidst the revelry, she hadn’t even noticed her tears.

As she took the handkerchief, Xie Jingxing spoke again. "You’ve got some backbone. If you ever run into trouble, you can come to me."

The abrupt statement left Shen Miao momentarily stunned. She turned to him. The young man’s profile, illuminated by the lantern-lit lake, appeared even more striking. Leaning against the window, he met her gaze, something complex flickering in his eyes before he added carelessly, "I don’t like owing favors. Since you didn’t give me away today, I won’t treat you poorly. You seem to attract trouble. Maybe someday you’ll need my help. When that time comes, I’ll lend a hand for today’s sake."

Shen Miao nodded. "Thank you, Young Marquis."

Xie Jingxing smirked and turned to her, his tone teasing. "Helping is one thing—just don’t fall for me."

Shen Miao nearly laughed in exasperation. "Young Marquis thinks too highly of himself."

"Oh?" Xie Jingxing strode over and loomed above her where she sat on the couch. Suddenly, he plucked the hairpin from her head, examining it thoughtfully. "Then why are you wearing ‘my’ gift?" He emphasized the word "my."

Shen Miao hesitated, about to say her maid had put it there, when Xie Jingxing continued, "Today, you’ve touched me and seen me. But don’t think about marrying me." His grin turned wicked. "A little girl like you? I’m not that desperate."

This man’s words were venomous! And he loved twisting the truth! In both lifetimes, the men Shen Miao had encountered were either hypocrites or self-righteous prigs. A scoundrel who could infuriate people with a single sentence was a first.

"I don’t like you, Young Marquis, and never will. You can rest easy," Shen Miao retorted sarcastically.

"Good." Xie Jingxing’s smile remained playful, but his dark eyes flashed with warning and indifference. "Little girl, I’m not a good person."

Shen Miao said nothing. If Xie Jingxing wasn’t good, could she claim to be? Perhaps in her past life—but in this one, she was ruthless and cunning, far removed from anything "good."

The boat drifted silently downstream. Outside, a light snow began to fall, blending with the glittering lanterns on the lake. Fireworks painted the sky in vibrant hues. This New Year’s Jade Rabbit Festival hadn’t gone well—but it was certainly memorable.

The purple-robed youth leaned against the window, gazing outside indifferently. When he finally turned back, he found Shen Miao had fallen asleep at the small table.

In slumber, her usual aloofness and poise were absent. The day’s ordeals had left her cheeks flushed, and wrapped in Xie Jingxing’s oversized fox fur, she truly looked like a little girl. Her hair, mostly dried by the warm stove, had a stray lock covering one eye. It must have tickled, because she frowned in her sleep.

Xie Jingxing walked over, paused, then gently tucked the stray lock behind her ear. From his sleeve, he retrieved the jade begonia hairpin he’d taken earlier. After twirling it between his fingers, he carefully slid it back into her hair. Crossing his arms, he studied her peaceful expression and raised an eyebrow. "Sleeping so soundly around a strange man. You really have no sense of danger."

After a while, the boat jolted as it finally docked.

Xie Jingxing stepped onto the deck, where several black-clad figures emerged from the shore. The leader bowed. "Master, everything’s been handled. Shall we return to the residence now?"

Xie Jingxing glanced back at the cabin. "First, to the princess’s residence. Tie Yi, bring a carriage." He returned inside and rapped on the table. Shen Miao stirred drowsily. "We’ve arrived."

"Already?" Shen Miao jolted awake, glancing out the window before standing—only for her injured leg to buckle. Xie Jingxing caught her arm, then tightened the fox fur around her and scooped her up bridal-style, carrying her out.

Startled, Shen Miao instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck. Meeting his gaze, she saw his lips quirk. "Behave. Don’t take advantage."

Shen Miao: "..." Xie Jingxing’s arm supported her back effortlessly. Her head rested against his chest, where she could feel his steady heartbeat and firm muscles. For some reason, it made her uneasy.

Outside, a group of black-clad attendants stood waiting. Though they tried to hide it, their expressions shifted at the sight of Xie Jingxing carrying a girl. Unfazed, Xie Jingxing deposited Shen Miao into the carriage and said, "To the princess’s residence," before walking off without a backward glance.

As the carriage rattled away, the attendants exchanged bewildered looks. A tall young man asked, "Tie Yi, why was the master carrying a girl? Who is she?"

"Yeah," a woman chimed in, stroking her chin. "All these years, no beauty could get close to him. So this is his type." She brightened. "Ah, that explains it."

"Shut it," another woman—older and more alluring—snapped. "What’s so special about some brat? Is she even grown yet?"

"Huolong, we know you fancy the master, but jealousy won’t help," the first woman teased, turning to the middle-aged man. "Tie Yi, you’re with him most. Who’s that girl? What’s their relationship? Spill it."

"Enough!" Tie Yi barked. "Disperse! If the Shadow Division has so much free time, you can guard the Tower Prison tomorrow."

At that, everyone scattered, muttering excuses: "Just remembered something urgent," "Were the bodies disposed of properly?" "Better report back to the Shadow Division," "Today was really dangerous." They vanished into the night.

Tie Yi sighed in relief before disappearing as well.

Meanwhile, at the princess’s residence, Princess Rong Xin was preparing for bed when attendants announced Xie Jingxing’s arrival.

Having lived alone for years without children, holidays only emphasized her solitude. Though Emperor Wenhui was nominally her younger brother, they shared no blood, and palace interactions could never match the comfort of her own residence. Thus, every Jade Rabbit Festival, she neither attended palace banquets nor ventured out, staying quietly at home as usual.

Tonight was different. Startled by Xie Jingxing’s visit, she changed clothes before heading to the main hall, where he sat waiting. Seeing her, he smiled. "Aunt Rong."

Princess Rong Xin’s given name was Yu Rong. As Princess Yuqing’s beloved sister, it was only natural for Xie Jingxing to address her as "aunt."

"Why have you come today?" Rong Xin Princess was surprised yet delighted to see Xie Jingxing. Having no children of her own, she had long regarded him as a son. She pitied his circumstances—when Princess Yuqing passed away, Rong Xin had gone to Marquis Lin'an Manor to offer condolences and had berated Xie Ding mercilessly. Though mischievous, Xie Jingxing always treated Rong Xin with respect, visiting her during festivals. However, he usually came after the New Year, so his appearance during the Jade Rabbit Festival this year was unexpected.

"I missed Rong Yi and came to see you. You wouldn’t turn me away, would you?" Xie Jingxing smiled. His striking looks and playful yet earnest tone made the maids in the hall blush.

Rong Xin tapped his forehead lightly. "Teasing even an old woman like me? You’ve grown bolder, you rascal."

"Missing you is one thing, but I also came tonight to ask for your help," he said.

Rong Xin straightened, her expression turning serious. "Jingxing, are you in trouble? Whatever it is, you can tell me."

"Don’t worry, it’s nothing major," he reassured her with a smile. "A friend of mine got separated from her family during the Jade Rabbit Festival and accidentally fell into the water. I rescued her, but it’s a bit... inconvenient for me to handle. I was hoping you could send her home under the princess manor’s name."

Though he made it sound simple, Rong Xin understood the implications. While Ming Qi was relatively open about interactions between men and women, a young woman’s reputation was still delicate—gossip could be devastating. However... Rong Xin studied Xie Jingxing. "This friend of yours... is a girl?"

Xie Jingxing nodded.

"All these years, I’ve never seen a girl by your side." Suddenly mischievous, she asked, "Jingxing, you’re grown now—how old is she? Is she betrothed?"

"Rong Yi," he sighed in exasperation. "She’s just a child. I owe her a favor, so I had to help. You’re not refusing, are you?"

"What nonsense!" Rong Xin feigned anger. "When have I ever refused you? Fine, fine. Where is she now?"

"In the carriage outside. Could you also find her a change of clothes?"

At this, Rong Xin’s gaze grew even more knowing. Xie Jingxing shook his head in amusement, deciding not to bother explaining. Rong Xin instructed her maids to bring Shen Miao from the carriage to a guest room to rest, then turned back to Xie Jingxing. "But you still haven’t told me—which family’s daughter is she?"

"Shen family of the capital. The Grand General of Might’s legitimate daughter, Shen Miao," he replied lazily.

Rong Xin, who had been sipping tea, nearly choked. She stared at him in disbelief. "That... Incompetent noble girl? The one infatuated with Prince Ding?"

Xie Jingxing shrugged. Rong Xin eyed him cautiously, choosing her words carefully. "Jingxing, there are countless girls in the world. You’re still young... Maybe wait a little longer?"

Xie Jingxing: "..."

Meanwhile, while Rong Xin and Xie Jingxing were deep in conversation, Shen Miao sat in the princess’s guest room, watching maids bustle around to tidy her clothes and hair.

In her past life, Rong Xin had never been this warm toward her—perhaps disdainful of her forward behavior or unimpressed by her lack of refinement. Even after Shen Miao became Empress, Rong Xin remained indifferent. Since the princess rarely visited the palace, their interactions were few, and her gaze had always been cold. To Shen Miao, Rong Xin had always been difficult to approach.

Who would have thought she’d be so attentive now? It left Shen Miao utterly bewildered.

Meeting the parents _( :3 」∠)_