The journey from Xiaochun City to the capital was long, crossing mountains and rivers over thousands of miles—a round trip would take half a year. Shen Xin set out the day after receiving the imperial edict. Accompanying him were Luo Ling and Luo Tan.

Luo Sui had sent Luo Ling along. As the eldest grandson of the Luo family, Luo Ling would shoulder the entire family’s future. Luo Sui wanted him to gain experience in the capital and understand Ming Qi’s current situation. Luo Sa had to remain in Xiaochun City to continue training the Luo Army with the elders.

Luo Tan and Luo Qian were not supposed to come along. However, Luo Tan had secretly climbed into a carriage and hidden in a trunk at the back. She only emerged when they were halfway along the journey. By then, it was too late to send her back, so they could only send a message home informing the family that Luo Tan would also accompany them to the capital.

Luo Tan yearned to see the capital and repeatedly promised not to cause trouble, finally earning permission to travel with Shen Miao’s group.

Besides the Shen Army’s advance unit that had originally returned with them, Shen Xin also brought some of the Luo Army this time. These men had been personally trained by Shen Xin and Shen Qiu and were the most elite soldiers. Each one could be a small leader in any other unit. This force valued quality over quantity, personally cultivated by Shen Xin to serve as his guards.

Setting out in spring, they traveled until deep autumn. The green trees along the way had turned to withered leaves, falling into the soil with the wind’s gentle sway. By the time everyone started adding layers of clothing, they were about to reach the capital.

The sky gradually darkened, and the group rested at an inn outside the city. Shen Qiu said, “We’ll enter the city early tomorrow morning. Then we’ll find a residence to settle in.”

When they had left, the Shen family household had been divided, so naturally, they couldn’t return to the Shen mansion.

Earlier at the Luo home, Luo Xueyan had mentioned the family division to Luo Sui, so Luo Ling and Luo Tan weren’t surprised. Luo Tan rested her chin on her hands with a dreamy expression: “Uncle, Aunt, can we find a place in a lively area? I’ve never been to the capital before. If we find a residence where stepping outside leads to bustling streets, that would be wonderful.”

Luo Xueyan smiled, “The eastern part of the city used to be the most lively, but we haven’t been back for two years, so I don’t know if it’s changed.”

“That’s easy to solve!” Luo Tan asked the waiter who was serving food, “Young man, do you know which part of the capital is the liveliest?”

The waiter didn’t know their identities, but seeing how many people they had brought, their fine clothing, and especially the young lady sitting in the middle—though young, she carried herself with remarkable dignity—he knew she must be a noble family’s daughter. He immediately responded enthusiastically: “Miss, there are many lively areas in the capital. Both the eastern and southern parts are quite bustling. The east has many shops where young ladies can conveniently buy cosmetics, while the south has many restaurants—if you want to eat something special, go to the south.”

Luo Tan was unsatisfied with this answer. She wrinkled her nose and said, “Is that all?”

Afraid of displeasing her, the waiter thought for a moment and added, “If Miss truly wants excitement, the southern part is still best. Recently, people from Qin and Great Liang have arrived. The Emperor has assigned them residences in Yanqing Lane in the south. Yanqing Lane is in the southern part of the city.”

“What is Yanqing Lane?” Luo Tan asked.

“Yanqing Lane has the most expensive land in the capital,” Shen Qiu explained. “It’s a place too good even for imperial relatives. Even the princes, establishing their households after leaving the palace, couldn’t live there. Only the National Uncle once lived in Yanqing Lane for a while.”

Luo Tan was first surprised: “This Yanqing Lane is truly so expensive.” Then she became disappointed: “But if it’s that expensive, we can’t afford a residence there.”

Hearing this, the waiter was shocked and looked at Luo Tan more carefully. As for Yanqing Lane, forget about buying a residence—even staying there for a few days was rare. Seeing Luo Tan speak so boldly, the waiter almost suspected he had misjudged them as country folk visiting the city for the first time.

“It doesn’t matter,” Shen Miao spoke up. “There’s a street next to Yanqing Lane, near restaurants, just outside the lane. The price isn’t as high, and it’s certainly affordable. It’s not far from Yanqing Lane either—a good compromise.”

Hearing this, the waiter was stunned again and instinctively said, “The young lady is correct, indeed it is so.”

“Does Jiaojiao also want to see the excitement?” Shen Xin asked. Shen Miao was not naturally drawn to crowds, so her speaking this way today made her seem somewhat interested.

“It feels fresh and new,” Shen Miao smiled.

“Wonderful, wonderful!” Luo Tan’s eyes lit up as she looked at Shen Miao. “Little cousin, you’re the best!” She believed Shen Miao had said this for her sake and felt immensely grateful.

Shen Miao raised her eyes to the waiter: “Have the people from Qin and Liang already arrived?”

The waiter, whose gaze had never left this youngest-looking girl who seemed to turn even her chair golden just by sitting in it, respectfully answered when she spoke: “Yes. The Ming Qi tribute ceremony will be in a few days. Both Qin and Great Liang have sent representatives to offer congratulations. These people are now staying in mansions in Yanqing Lane.”

“Who did Qin and Great Liang send?” Shen Miao asked.

The waiter scratched his head: “Qin sent the Crown Prince and Princess Ming’an, Great Liang sent Emperor Yongle’s younger brother, Prince Rui.”

Shen Miao lowered her eyes and said, “Thank you.”

After the waiter left, Luo Ling asked, “Does cousin have any thoughts about the visitors from Qin and Great Liang?”

Shen Miao smiled: “Nothing much, I just find it somewhat curious.”

Luo Tan smiled cheerfully: “Whatever the case, tomorrow when we reach the capital, we can properly enjoy the excitement.”

…

In the palace of the capital, inside the Emperor’s bedchamber, a heavy medicinal smell permeated the entire chamber. The incense burning in the censers further added to the sense of melancholy deep in one’s heart.

On the dragon bed, Emperor Wen Hui lay with his eyes half-closed, leaning against the couch. Beside him, a beautiful woman in palace attire was gently feeding him medicine, spoonful by spoonful. This person was none other than Consort Dong.

She fed him with extreme patience and care. The Emperor could only take a small spoonful at a time, so she blew on each small spoonful to cool it, testing it herself to ensure it wasn’t too hot before slowly feeding it to Emperor Wen Hui. As she fed him, she gently patted his back to help his breathing.

After finally finishing a bowl, Consort Dong picked a candied fruit from an enamel bowl and placed it in Emperor Wen Hui’s mouth. The Emperor frowned, but after swallowing it and letting the last bit of bitterness in his mouth fade away, he said, “I’m touched that you still remember this.”

“Your Majesty isn’t afraid of bitterness, but this concubine fears Your Majesty’s discomfort,” Consort Dong smiled gently. “For my sake, please eat a little of this fruit.”

Emperor Wen Hui was amused by her, his eyes softening as he said, “In this palace, you understand my wishes the best.”

Two years can change many things. No matter how vigorous Emperor Wen Hui had been, he ultimately could not resist the erosion of time. Moreover, he had so many sons who were younger, stronger, and more ambitious than him. With both internal and external situations critical, he had aged considerably, and his body had gradually become prone to illness.

The Crown Prince’s health was also precarious, and the Crown Prince’s faction was gradually losing ground. Prince Zhou and Prince Jing were on the rise, while Prince Xuan and Prince Li watched with fierce eyes. Consequently, Emperor Wen Hui found the women in the back palace quite tiresome. At this time, the unambitious Consort Dong and Prince Ding Fu Xiuyi caught his eye.

What an emperor trusts most are sons and women without ambition. When Emperor Wen Hui fell ill, he most liked to summon Consort Dong to attend to him. Even with such imperial favor, Consort Dong remained as cautious as ever and would never take the initiative to speak to Emperor Wen Hui about Prince Ding’s affairs, which pleased the Emperor even more. Occasionally, he would discuss with Consort Dong some displeasing matters from court.

“The tribute ceremony is about to begin,” Emperor Wen Hui sighed. “The messenger says Shen Xin will return to the capital in a few days. Two years ago, I drove him out, so he probably still harbors resentment. If the situation weren’t so urgent, I would never invite a wolf into my home.”

“Your Majesty,” Consort Dong smiled, “General Shen is your subject, naturally meant to serve you. He’ll do whatever you ask him to do. Why torture yourself, Your Majesty?”

“Subject?” Emperor Wen Hui sneered. “This subject has greater prestige than I do. How can I believe he wants to be just a subject? Xie Ding was the same before, but he lost his son, and now the Xie family is too weak to fight back. I’m too lazy to completely eradicate them. As for the Shen family, after the tribute ceremony is over, still… I always feel uneasy.”

Consort Dong spoke no more. At this moment, if she spoke, it might be seen as the harem interfering in politics. Therefore, she lowered her head without a word, merely playing with the enamel bowl.

At that same moment, someone was standing in Consort Dong’s Sufang Palace. The person wore magnificent clothes and a high crown, with handsome, cold features—it was Fu Xiuyi. Compared to two years ago, he appeared more steady and mature, with an indescribable grace.

“Shen Xin is resting outside the city tonight and will enter the capital early tomorrow morning,” the guard in front of him was bowing and speaking quietly.

Fu Xiuyi tightened his grip on the cup in his hand, lost in thought. After a moment, he suddenly smiled: “Master Pei calculated brilliantly, truly right—arriving tomorrow…” He said, “Pass down the order: all city gate guards must listen. When Shen Xin returns to the capital, the entire city should welcome him.”

The guard bowed in acknowledgment and quickly withdrew.

Fu Xiuyi stood with his hands behind his back, a trace of profundity flashing across his face. Two years ago, the Shen family had completely disrupted his plans with one move. Now returning to the capital, Fu Xiuyi had a feeling that this was also a move in the Shen family’s scheme. Perhaps Shen Xin had known all along that he would have this day of return, which was why he had left so decisively and freely.

If that was the case, why not put the Shen family on the fire to roast once more? Use the Shen family as a target, letting Emperor Wen Hui, Prince Zhou’s faction, Prince Li’s faction, and even Qin and Great Liang fix their gazes on the fat meat that was Shen Xin? He was certainly a very vindictive person and particularly hated being manipulated.

Dare to scheme against him, Fu Xiuyi? The Shen family would surely pay the price.

…

Early the next morning, Shen Xin’s group set out again. Starting from this inn, if they traveled quickly, they could reach the capital before noon. Since they still needed to find a residence, the earlier they arrived, the better.

Upon reaching the capital’s city gate, the guards took one look at Shen Xin’s medallion and immediately showed respect: “So it’s General Shen!” They hastily ordered the gates opened to welcome Shen Xin’s group inside.

Luo Tan said, “Uncle, they seem to respect you a lot. It appears your official position is very high.”

Shen Qiu and Shen Miao, however, both frowned simultaneously. When they had left the capital, those guards had looked at them coldly, almost gloating over their misfortune. Today’s enthusiasm surely wasn’t just because they needed him back to intimidate the Qin delegates. It was probably… due to instructions from certain people.

Luo Tan lifted the carriage curtain to look outside and exclaimed in amazement: “So this is the capital! So big and lively, with so many more people than Xiaochun City. Ah, little cousin, the young ladies here are so beautiful! How can they be so radiant? Goodness, even the young gentlemen have fair, delicate skin.”

Her chatter was loud enough for nearby people to hear, and they turned to look. When they did, they shouted in surprise: “It’s General Shen! General Shen has returned!”

General Shen has returned!

Shen Xin already had a prominent reputation among Ming Qi’s common people. In the past two years, with the Xie family’s incident and the Shen family moving away, people had developed a sense of despair about fallen heroes. Even when people from Qin and Great Liang arrived in the capital, there was a sudden feeling of humiliating vulnerability. Shen Xin’s appearance at this time undoubtedly gave the common people a backbone. Immediately, more and more people gathered around, all exclaiming, “General Shen has returned!”

The cheering crowd’s voices almost blocked the carriage’s path forward. The people’s enthusiastic shouts and admiring expressions were everywhere. Luo Tan covered her mouth: “Goodness, Uncle’s reputation is so high among these people.”

Outside, Luo Ling and the others wore somewhat embarrassed expressions. Having people line up to welcome me was certainly good, and being adored wasn’t bad either. Shen Xin received such treatment every year when he returned triumphantly to the capital. But now, Shen Xin wasn’t returning covered in glory—he was returning to the capital after being expelled two years ago, summoned back by the Emperor. The louder the people’s cheers, the more it seemed like a slap to Emperor Wen Hui’s face, almost like confronting him.

Inside the carriage, Luo Xueyan and Shen Miao also wore slightly grim expressions. Especially Shen Miao, whose gaze suddenly turned cold. Only Luo Tan didn’t realize what was happening, her heart full of joy for Shen Xin’s prestige.

With the road so blocked, Shen Xin had to ask his guards to explain to the people. Hearing this, the people, although still standing on both sides of the street watching, were no longer as excited as before and cleared the way.

Mo Qing and A Zhi rode ahead on horseback to find a residence, just as Shen Miao had said, in the street next to Yanqing Lane in the southern part of the city. The residences there were quite good. Although Shen Xin had spent a considerable amount of money reorganizing the Luo Army and wasn’t as wealthy as before, when Shen Miao wanted to live in the southern part of the city, Shen Xin agreed without hesitation.

The carriage headed toward the southern part.

The closer they got to Yanqing Lane, the fewer people there were. This was because the people living around Yanqing Lane were mostly high officials and noble families, either rich or noble. Ordinary people could not afford the land there. The commoners who had come to welcome them had mostly dispersed by this point, allowing the carriage to travel smoothly. Mo Qing and the others quickly returned to report that they had found a residence. They would move in first and discuss the payment later. The original owner of the residence knew Shen Xin’s reputation and didn’t require much silver as a deposit.

When they were just a wall away from Yanqing Lane, a sudden breeze arose outside, coincidentally blowing open the curtain of Shen Miao’s carriage. The curtain flew up quickly and then fell back down just as fast.

Shen Miao’s gaze fixed slightly. Luo Tan noticed and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Shen Miao glanced at the carriage curtain, shook her head, and said, “Nothing.” But in her heart, she was secretly alert. For a moment, she had felt someone watching her. That feeling of being observed was extremely uncomfortable.

In the distance, on a high building, a young man and woman stood side by side holding jade flutes. The woman was as beautiful as a flower, dressed in golden robes, with large eyes and a small mouth, adorned with numerous pearls and jade ornaments. These somewhat gaudy accessories didn’t look ugly on her; instead, they gave her a delicate, charming beauty. She glanced at the distant carriage and said disdainfully, “So this is the mighty General Shen’s family? Such a great reputation, yet so ordinary.”

The young man beside her, about twenty years old, had features somewhat resembling hers. He was considered handsome, but because his nose was slightly hooked, his whole appearance carried a trace of harshness. He smiled, “Someone who can make the Ming Qi royal family fearful is no simple matter.”

“Crown Prince brother is joking again,” the young woman glanced sideways, appearing thoroughly spoiled. “The former Lingan Marquis Xie family was also lawless, yet now they’re like stray dogs. That Xie Jingxing didn’t even leave a complete corpse. The Shen family might well become the second Xie family.”

The young man smiled without continuing the conversation.

Elsewhere, someone was leaning at the top of a building, partly hidden by evergreen cypress trees. Only one edge of his golden robe was visible, and one hand lifted a teacup to his mouth. The hand was clear and powerful, with a white jade thumb ring on his middle finger, making the entire hand seem like a masterpiece carved from jade. As the teacup approached his mouth, one could see the beautifully shaped chin and thin, slightly red lips, moistened by the tea, making them even more bewitching.

He slowly curved his lips into a smile.

…

The residence Mo Qing found was separated from Yanqing Lane by a street. Turning around an alley led to the busiest part of the southern city, with endless restaurants and shops—truly an excellent location. The owner was also very accommodating. Luo Xueyan and Shen Xin were straightforward people, and the owner’s price was fair. They bought the deed that night, transferring ownership of the residence.

Just as they had settled in, a eunuch from the palace arrived with an imperial edict requiring Shen Xin to enter the palace the next day for an audience. Emperor Wen Hui’s impatience clearly showed that the situation was now truly urgent. After receiving the edict, they busied themselves moving their belongings. By the time they finished, it was already late. After dinner, everyone retired to rest, finally able to settle down after such a long journey.

Shen Miao and Luo Tan lived in adjacent courtyards. The residence here wasn’t as spacious as the General’s mansion, but it was clean and neat with a unique design. Shen Xin and Shen Qiu were somewhat regretful that they couldn’t train troops in the courtyard. Luo Xueyan and Luo Tan were still very satisfied, and Shen Miao, who never cared much about these things, naturally had no objections.

However, that night, Luo Tan snuck into Shen Miao’s room to talk.

Wrapped in a cloak, Luo Tan sat on Shen Miao’s couch and said, “Little cousin, I can’t sleep. Chat with me for a while.”

“What do you want to talk about?” Shen Miao asked Jingzhe and the others to leave, then trimmed the oil lamp’s wick a bit. She was also not sleepy, so she casually picked up a book from the table and flipped through it, though she wasn’t reading it.

“I didn’t expect the capital to be like this.” Luo Tan’s tone was hard to discern whether it was disappointment or delight. “I grew up in Xiaochun City and thought everywhere else would be the same. I didn’t expect the capital to be even bigger and livelier than what storytellers described. Little cousin, I’m a bit scared.”

It was surprising that the fearless young lady of the Luo family would have a day when she felt afraid. Shen Miao smiled, “What is there to be afraid of?”

“Being alone in a strange place is naturally frightening. Although brother Ling is also here, this is still not the familiar Xiaochun City. Little cousin, have you ever felt this kind of fear? When Uncle and Aunt were in the northwest, leaving you alone in the capital, were you afraid?”

“There’s nothing to fear,” Shen Miao replied calmly. Staying in the Shen mansion wasn’t scary for her because back then, in her eyes, the people of the Shen mansion were trustworthy relatives. Not knowing better and thus being unafraid… like Luo Tan said, feeling afraid because of being alone in a strange place… wasn’t that what happened when she was in Qin?

Thinking of Qin, Shen Miao’s gaze flickered, and she suddenly remembered what the waiter had said today. People from Qin and Great Liang had arrived. In her previous life, it was during the tribute ceremony that she had met the Qin Crown Prince and people from Great Liang. Great Liang had already shown ambitions then, making the Ming Qi royal family wary. To counterbalance Great Liang, Ming Qi and Qin had been tentatively exploring cooperation, until later when Fu Xiuyi ascended the throne, and Qin and Ming Qi allied, sending her as the Empress to be a hostage in Qin… The Qin Crown Prince Huangfu Hao was an extremely vicious and malevolent person. For some unknown reason, he always liked to oppose her. Princess Ming’an was even more arrogant, frighteningly so. Many of her difficult and humiliating days in Qin were courtesy of these two siblings.

As for Prince Rui of Great Liang… Shen Miao frowned. During the Ming Qi tribute ceremony in her previous life, the envoy sent by Great Liang did not seem to be this Prince Rui. It was another royal relative. This Prince Rui’s reputation had spread far and wide—he was Emperor Yongle’s younger brother but rarely appeared at court. The outside world knew little about him. In her previous life as Ming Qi’s Empress, Shen Miao knew very little about this Prince Rui, and Fu Xiuyi had never mentioned him much.

Some things had changed.

Luo Tan didn’t notice Shen Miao’s distraction and continued talking, “I used to think that if I ever visited the capital in my lifetime, I would certainly pay respects to the young Marquis of the Lingan Marquis Xie family of Ming Qi. I didn’t expect that now that I’m here, I’ll never see him.” At this point, she showed some sadness. “Why couldn’t he have waited until I came to meet him once?”

Shen Miao was slightly startled. The image she had rarely thought of in two years gradually became clear in her mind. Upon returning to the capital, they had found a former servant from their previous residence who told them about the events of the past two years. The Lingan Marquis Household was one of the major events. After Xie Jingxing’s death, the Xie Army was severely weakened, and Xie Ding aged ten years overnight. Xie Ding had originally requested to resign and return home, but Emperor Wen Hui wouldn’t allow it. Although Xie Ding still held his position, he had lost all fighting spirit and merely went through the motions every day. However, his two sons from concubines had both entered officialdom. Though they didn’t hold high positions at court, they had good reputations and would likely become outstanding among Ming Qi’s younger generation in a few years.

When news of Xie Jingxing’s death reached the capital, Princess Rongxin had caused a scene at the Lingan Marquis Household. She cursed Xie Ding for being heartless and cruel—a perfectly good marquis household had lost Princess Yuqing, and now Xie Jingxing—truly a man-eating den of evil. Princess Rongxin had cried and raged, almost destroying the Lingan Marquis Household completely. Afterward, she increasingly lived in seclusion and rarely appeared.

The Su family, which had close ties with the Lingan Marquis Household, had also gradually declined these past two years. Not just Su Yu, but even the son who had seemed to have a promising future gradually faded from view. Overall, the decline of the Xie family came with Xie Jingxing’s demise, which the common people still lamented.

A dashing young man, proud and valiant, once gallant on the battlefield, ultimately died so tragically. No wonder the young women of Ming Qi all cried inconsolably when they heard of Xie Jingxing’s death.

Shen Miao watched the flickering flame and lowered her eyes, only to notice that Luo Tan had already fallen asleep on the couch, snoring softly.

…

Luo Xueyan used a comb to untangle her long hair. Although she was already a mother of two children, her hair was still black and bright without a single white strand, comparable to a sixteen-year-old girl.

Shen Xin removed his heavy armor and heard Luo Xueyan say, “Entering the palace tomorrow, my heart feels heavy.”

“What are you afraid of?” Shen Xin walked behind her, put his hands on her shoulders, and comforted her. “It’s not our first time entering the palace. Are you scared? Don’t be afraid, I’m still here.”

“That’s not what I’m afraid of,” Luo Xueyan gave him a sideways glance. “We both know why we’ve returned this time. The one in the palace probably harbors a grudge. I discussed this matter with my father before, and he said what’s most concerning is if His Majesty uses something to bind our Shen family.”

Shen Xin frowned. “What does my wife mean?”

“Jiaojiao and Qiu’er are still unmarried,” Luo Xueyan reminded him. “If these past two years in Xiaochun City, they had married, that would have been fine—one less worry. But I didn’t expect the Emperor’s edict to come so quickly. Now that our Shen family is regaining power, many people in the capital must be watching closely. Will the Emperor use Qiu’er and Jiaojiao’s marriages to manipulate the Shen family?”

Shen Xin was startled: “How could that be? Nonsense!” Regardless, in Shen Xin’s eyes, Shen Qiu and Shen Miao’s marriages should never involve political self-interest, let alone use their marriages to place the Shen family under another faction’s influence.

“Qiu’er aside, I feel Jiaojiao can’t wait,” Luo Xueyan said. “Jiaojiao is already sixteen. In Xiaochun City, that’s one thing, but here in the capital, this is the age to discuss marriage. After engagement, wait two years until eighteen, and marriage would be just right. We should settle Jiaojiao’s engagement before the palace gets any ideas.”

“So urgent?” Shen Xin hesitated. “Where are there any good families around here? Moreover, we still need to understand the other party’s character.”

“What do you think…” Luo Xueyan looked at him. “Of brother Ling?”