“Because there was no reason to stand by and do nothing,” Shen Miao said.

Xie Jingxing remained silent.

Shen Miao knew this reasoning made little sense. In others’ eyes, before cooperating with Pei Lang, she and Pei Lang had barely any interaction. Even counting their exchanges at Guangwen Hall as student and teacher, they had scarcely spoken more than a few sentences. To entrust important matters to someone with whom one was barely acquainted, and without a hint of doubt, naturally seemed strange to others.

Especially since Xie Jingxing was not a careless person. He was adept at noticing details others overlooked, possessing a frighteningly keen perception.

But some things couldn’t be explained clearly. She could hardly reveal everything about her previous life. Even if others believed her, she couldn’t convince herself.

Shen Miao thought Xie Jingxing would continue questioning, but he simply nodded and said, “Very well.”

Shen Miao was startled, then sighed with relief.

The most comforting aspect of dealing with Xie Jingxing was that before becoming friends, he would find ways to uncover all of one’s secrets, but after becoming friends, he respected and would not force people to admit things they were unwilling to discuss.

Of course, he might still discover things through his methods.

“However,” Xie Jingxing mused, “the Ding Prince’s mansion has many guards. Rescuing someone right under Fu Xiuyi’s nose won’t be simple.”

Shen Miao’s heart stirred. “You’re going to personally intervene?”

“What else?” His tone revealed neither pleasure nor anger, yet carried a peculiar meaning. “For someone you ask me to save, I dare not make any mistakes.”

Shen Miao looked at him hesitantly. Xie Jingxing’s identity was already complicated enough because of Princess Rongxin and Su Mingfeng, though at least these two had some past connections with him. But Fu Xiuyi was different. If Fu Xiuyi discovered Xie Jingxing’s identity, Shen Miao would be surprised if he didn’t seize the opportunity to cause trouble, given how well she knew him.

“Be… careful,” Shen Miao said. “I don’t want to become a widow right after getting married.”

Xie Jingxing replied, “How can you jinx yourself like that?” Then with an ambiguous smile: “Don’t worry, you won’t become a widow.”

Shen Miao: “…” Never mind. His previous words must have been to tease her. Someone as cautious as Xie Jingxing wouldn’t personally take action. She was overthinking.

After talking a while longer, Luo Xueyan’s maid came to summon them for dinner. Shen Miao and Xie Jingxing went out together, and the meal proceeded harmoniously. Xie Jingxing had once charmed the aloof Princess Rongxin into happiness, so naturally, he easily pleased the good-natured, smiling Luo Xueyan. His extensive knowledge and polite speech even caught Luo Ling’s attention.

Even Shen Xin, particular as he was, found nothing to criticize. Shen Qiu, however, remembered what Shen Xin had told him at noon about testing the Rui Prince’s martial skills. Midway through the meal, he bluntly announced, “I’ve eaten too much today. Brother-in-law, come spar with your elder brother afterward. A man shouldn’t always be cooped up indoors; we should keep our bodies active.”

Shen Miao set down her chopsticks. Luo Xueyan scolded, “Shen Qiu, are you itching for a beating? Should mother spar with you instead?”

“Mother,” Shen Qiu complained, “this is between us young people. Please don’t interfere.” He turned to the Rui Prince, suddenly remembering something. “Oh, I almost forgot to ask—brother-in-law, you do know martial arts, right?”

“A little,” Xie Jingxing smiled at him.

Shen Qiu said earnestly, “That’s good. Being from the imperial family, I imagine your martial arts instructors must be excellent. Don’t worry, your elder brother will go easy on you. But since I’ve served in the military and spar daily with soldiers, I sometimes don’t know my strength. If I accidentally…” He cupped his hands. “I hope brother-in-law will understand.”

He called “elder brother” and “brother-in-law” with affection, and his words seemed apologetic, but his expression and tone betrayed his eager anticipation. It seemed only the unfinished meal prevented him from immediately dragging the Rui Prince to the training ground for a match.

Luo Tan and Luo Ling observed from the sidelines. Luo Tan wondered about the Rui Prince’s martial arts skills. People knew little about the Great Liang’s Rui Prince, only that the royal family was known for their beauty, and this Rui Prince was no exception. The rest remained mysterious, and his martial skills had never been specifically mentioned, suggesting they weren’t exceptional.

Yet Luo Tan trusted her intuition. When she’d visited the Rui Prince’s mansion to ask for help, she sensed he was formidable.

What would happen if Shen Qiu faced the Rui Prince? Luo Tan, who never minded stirring up excitement, was content to watch.

Luo Xueyan was so angry she wanted to beat Shen Qiu, but with the Rui Prince present, she had to maintain her dignity as lady of the house. She could only look at Shen Xin threateningly: “Aren’t you going to control him?”

Unexpectedly, Shen Xin, who usually complied with Luo Xueyan’s every wish, didn’t even lift his eyelids. He swallowed a bite of food before responding with detachment: “Control what? Let the young people settle their affairs.”

Shen Miao immediately understood. Shen Qiu would never be so bold as to repeatedly challenge Luo Xueyan’s patience without Shen Xin’s backing. Shen Xin wanted to test Xie Jingxing’s martial skills.

Shen Miao glanced at Xie Jingxing beside her. Noticing her gaze, he turned his head and curved his lips into a smile.

How could this man cause such a commotion simply by delivering a wedding dress? Shen Miao truly admired his ability.

With Shen Xin’s approval, Luo Xueyan’s further objections would seem unreasonable. After the meal, Shen Qiu eagerly led Xie Jingxing to an open space in the Shen residence’s courtyard.

Fearing something might happen, Luo Xueyan followed. Shen Xin naturally wanted to watch, and Luo Tan dragged Luo Ling along to see the excitement. Shen Miao had no choice but to go as well. The courtyard was filled with spectators, as if watching a tournament match.

Luo Xueyan openly and subtly warned Shen Qiu not to cause any trouble and to be gentle. The Rui Prince was a scholar, a royal descendant who hadn’t experienced hardship. He shouldn’t use the rough tactics he employed with soldiers, lest he frighten the prince.

Shen Qiu let her words in one ear and out the other. Excitedly, he instructed his men to bring out an array of weapons, asking, “Brother-in-law, which would you like? Choose first.”

He spoke with great generosity.

Looking at the weapons brought out: long spears, halberds, iron rods, curved sabers, nine-section whips, giant hammers, long swords… even several enormous axes.

All were extremely heavy and unwieldy weapons.

Luo Xueyan was so angry she no longer wanted to watch.

The Rui Prince’s gaze flickered slightly.

Shen Qiu said smugly, “Brother-in-law, these weapons are all excellent. Choose whichever you like—consider it your elder brother giving you an advantage.”

Shen Miao: “…”

Strangely, though Shen Qiu had never been particularly clever regarding social graces, he still possessed the aloofness and iron-blooded demeanor befitting a military officer. Yet today, compared to Xie Jingxing, why did he seem so clumsy, almost childlike?

Shen Miao could almost guess how amusing her elder brother must appear in Xie Jingxing’s eyes.

Xie Jingxing scanned the weapons and casually picked up a short dagger.

“This?” Shen Qiu was surprised, not expecting Xie Jingxing to choose a short dagger. “Brother-in-law has good taste, but an inch shorter means an inch more dangerous. Few people dare to use such daggers in daily practice. Don’t choose it just because it’s light. Why not this long sword? Though a bit rusty, it’s not heavy—you can lift it.”

“Thank you, elder brother,” Xie Jingxing smiled. “But I’ll take this.”

Shen Qiu snorted coldly. “Then don’t blame your elder brother for being merciless. It’s only because your chosen weapon is so inferior.”

Xie Jingxing tugged at the corner of his mouth.

Though he wore a mask, the smile on his lips seemed to carry a hint of nonchalance and mockery that easily provoked others. Shen Qiu immediately shouldered a long spear, pointing its tip at Xie Jingxing.

Luo Xueyan covered her face.

“After you, elder brother,” Xie Jingxing said courteously.

“Such arrogance!” Shen Qiu charged forward with his spear held high.

Many years later, when the formidable young general, Marshal Shen, became old Marshal Shen—his illustrious military achievements the envy of countless, his victorious battles innumerable, revered as a war god, respected and admired by all martial artists—he would still clearly remember this warm, sunny afternoon. It would remain an indelible memory… and a humiliation for countless years to come.

No one saw clearly what happened. Shen Qiu charged with his spear, the two became a tangle, then quickly separated. Shen Qiu’s spear fell to the ground, and the Rui Prince’s two fingers held the dagger steadily against Shen Qiu’s neck.

The Shen family: “…”

The Rui Prince released his hand, gracefully twirling the dagger between his fingertips before looking at Shen Qiu with a half-smile. “Thank you for your courtesy, elder brother.”

At these six words, Shen Qiu’s face turned purple-red.

The Shen family exchanged bewildered glances, not understanding what had happened. Luo Tan murmured, “Did Cousin Qiu… lose?”

Everyone was shocked.

Regarding martial arts, among the younger generation in Ming Qi, if Shen Qiu claimed second place, no one dared claim first. First, he had been personally taught by Shen Xin since childhood. The Shen family had a military lineage for generations, with many martial arts manuals in their home, giving Shen Qiu a solid foundation. Second, Shen Qiu had followed Shen Xin to battlefields from a young age, experiencing real combat. With these advantages, Shen Qiu’s martial skills were thorough, without any weaknesses.

Yet the Rui Prince had disarmed Shen Qiu’s spear and held a dagger to his throat. No matter how you looked at it, Shen Qiu had lost.

Shen Qiu gritted his teeth, unwilling but forced to admit: “I accept my defeat.”

Luo Tan was the first to applaud: “Brother-in-law is amazing to defeat my cousin Qiu! You’re now the top martial artist in Ming Qi!”

Luo Ling quickly covered Luo Tan’s mouth. As Shen Qiu’s cousin, she was cheering for an outsider, which would make Shen Qiu feel worse. Luo Ling anxiously glanced at Luo Xueyan, thinking she must be displeased that her son had lost to an outsider. To his surprise, he saw Luo Xueyan hurrying to the returning Rui Prince’s side, saying, “Jingxing, your martial arts are so good?”

“I’ve practiced since childhood, but it’s all for show,” the Rui Prince smiled. “Not as solid as elder brother’s techniques. I’m ashamed.”

“Young people shouldn’t be so modest,” Luo Xueyan said. “If you have reason to be proud, you should be proud. That’s what befits a young man.”

Shen Miao thought silently: Xie Jingxing is already the world’s most arrogant person. Any more pride, and he’d ascend to heaven…

The meal ultimately concluded with the host and guests satisfied. Luo Xueyan and Luo Tan asked Xie Jingxing many questions about martial arts. Xie Jingxing’s modesty was perfectly measured, and he seemed knowledgeable about everything, quickly delighting Luo Xueyan. After Xie Jingxing left and everyone dispersed, Luo Xueyan still mused: “This Rui Prince seems quite good. Setting aside his status, his courage, talent, appearance, and character are all exemplary.”

“Wearing a mask, who can tell what he looks like?” Shen Qiu said. “Mother is too biased. What if his face is scarred and ugly? And how can you judge his character? I don’t think he’s anything special.”

“What do you know?” Luo Xueyan retorted. “A cultured mind naturally shows in one’s bearing. Though I can’t see this child’s face, his demeanor is excellent. Even if his face isn’t that handsome, his bearing compensates for any facial inadequacies. Besides, I’ve crossed more bridges than you’ve walked roads. One’s character can be seen in their eyes—something that can’t be faked.”

Shen Qiu pouted: “You’re just biased.”

“Shen Qiu, that’s enough for today.” Luo Xueyan glanced at him, recalling the earlier events, and grew angrier. “Why are you targeting him? Rather than envying others, you should practice your martial arts. You didn’t last a few moves before having a blade at your throat. Have you no shame?”

Shen Qiu quickly said, “I understand, Mother. I’ll go find Father to practice martial arts right away!” As he spoke, he fled like the wind.

Luo Xueyan looked at the wooden box on the table containing Shen Miao’s wedding dress. Thinking such valuable clothes should be locked up for safekeeping, she picked up the box to personally place it in the storeroom when she noticed what seemed to be a hidden compartment on the box’s lid.

Her curiosity aroused, she opened the compartment, and a small book wrapped in red cloth fell out.

Meanwhile, Shen Qiu was speaking with Shen Xin.

“Father, Rui Prince has practiced martial arts for more than just a few years. From his performance, he must have started from childhood. Otherwise, he couldn’t have decided our match in just a few moves.” Shen Qiu pondered before adding, “Moreover, his techniques were ruthless, surpassing even those of the soldiers. Logically, a royal family member shouldn’t need such skills.” He added resentfully, “I was careless this time. Next time, I’ll beat him until he looks at me with new respect.”

Shen Xin waved his hand. “Enough. You’re no match for him.”

“Father!” Shen Qiu was dismayed. “You won’t look down on me because of one mistake? I was careless. Who would have thought that a handsome, scholarly-looking man would be so secretly skilled? I…”

“Is that all that’s hidden?” Shen Xin interrupted, his expression complex.

“Father?” Shen Qiu was confused. “What do you mean? Is there something else he’s hiding from us? Is he not a good person?”

“Enough, you may go,” Shen Xin said. “Don’t overthink things. Focus on practicing your martial arts.”

Shen Qiu: “…”

He’d only lost once, yet it seemed as if he’d become a helpless scholar.

Shen Qiu left angrily, planning to spar with others in the training ground daily from now on. However, before leaving, he couldn’t help glancing back at Shen Xin.

Why did his father look so worried?

Indeed, Shen Xin was very troubled. This worry was gradually expanding in his heart, almost reaching the point where he couldn’t conceal it. He wanted to do something to divert his attention, but the more he tried, the more stubbornly his mind dwelled on this matter.

Yet he couldn’t tell anyone. If he did, who knew what changes it might trigger?

He had Shen Qiu test the Rui Prince’s martial arts to see if he was worthy of being the Shen family’s son-in-law. Before today, the Rui Prince was merely a name on Emperor Wenhua’s decree. The Shen family hadn’t expected anything from him. They viewed the Rui Prince as an ambitious person with malicious intent, making Shen Miao’s marriage unequal.

But today, seeing Luo Xueyan and the Rui Prince conversing happily, Shen Xin knew his wife best—Luo Xueyan was very satisfied with the Rui Prince.

If the Rui Prince had already begun to satisfy Luo Xueyan, then he could no longer be treated as just a name on a decree. To become the Shen family’s son-in-law, he would face various picky and demanding tests.

Martial arts was one requirement. While not expecting him to be peerless, he should at least be able to protect Shen Miao’s safety. As a woman’s husband, if your wife faces danger, you should at least be able to ensure her safety.

This was Shen Xin’s thinking. Unexpectedly, this match revealed some insights.

The younger family members couldn’t see clearly, but he and Luo Xueyan could, especially Shen Xin, who recognized even the techniques used during confrontation. The Rui Prince’s dagger-to-throat move was one Shen Xin had seen another person use.

Xie Ding.

The political disagreement between the Shen and Xie families was passed down for generations. The Shen family emphasized regimented military discipline, while the Xie family demanded unexpected tactics and unconventional strategies. They had contended for many years across generations, and by Shen Xin’s generation, it had become second nature. As for why they became rival families, that was no longer known.

The saying goes: those who know you best aren’t your friends, but your enemies. From his youth, Shen Xin had constantly competed with Xie Ding in secret. The Shen family had the Shen family spear, every thrust correct and murderous. The Xie family had no Xie family spear, but Xie Ding’s dagger-to-throat technique was enviable—perfect for assassinating enemy commanders. Imagine being in fierce combat with an enemy general on horseback when suddenly a dagger appears from a long spear, pointed at your throat. How terrifying.

With this move, Xie Ding was almost always victorious.

Xie Ding had not taught this technique to anyone else, only to his sole legitimate son, Xie Jingxing, not even to his two illegitimate sons. In his youth, when Xie Jingxing confronted others, he used this technique. By coincidence, Shen Xin had witnessed it once and was surprised that Xie Jingxing, at such a young age, had mastered it so perfectly. He had even slightly modified Xie Ding’s original throat-locking method, making it more ruthless.

And today, when the Rui Prince confronted Shen Qiu, he used precisely this move.

Or rather, he used the version modified by Xie Jingxing. The angle was identical, though whether intentionally or not, he executed it somewhat slower than before, as if deliberately letting Shen Xin see clearly.

Shen Xin couldn’t hide his shock at that moment. Beyond silence, he didn’t know how to respond.

Xie Jingxing was dead, having died on the northern frontier battlefield two years ago. Yet how did the Great Liang’s Rui Prince know Xie Jingxing’s dagger-to-throat technique, especially with identical movements?

Even when people perform the same actions, the same tricks, there’s always a slight difference. But in Shen Xin’s eyes, at that moment, the Rui Prince and Xie Jingxing’s silhouettes overlapped perfectly.

So a bizarre thought emerged—could the Rui Prince be Xie Jingxing?

But Xie Jingxing was dead!

Shen Xin found this idea both incredible and laughable, yet he couldn’t stop pondering it. He even felt that when the Rui Prince sparred with Shen Qiu, his movements were so slow as if deliberately allowing him to see clearly.

Did the Rui Prince want him to realize this truth?

Shen Xin was filled with doubt but hesitated to tell others. He thought it best to investigate first, to clarify things before deciding.

After all, he didn’t want to see Shen Miao hurt. And if the Rui Prince were indeed Xie Jingxing, the entanglements involved would be far from simple.

…

Days passed, and the New Year approached within days. For ordinary people, the days before New Year were happiest, as the year’s end called for treating oneself well—eating well, drinking well, playing well, with each day joyful. These happy days were brief, making them seem especially precious.

But for Pei Lang, each day was like slow torture, grinding away at him, tormenting him by stripping away a small piece of flesh daily, continuing relentlessly the next day. Sometimes he wished for a quick death tomorrow rather than endure such prolonged suffering.

He had been confined in Ding Prince Mansion’s dungeon for who knows how long. Even Fu Xiuyi no longer came, only the guards who tortured him. Each day’s torture was worse than the last. His legs were already bloody and tattered, and he’d heard that after today, his kneecaps would be gouged out.

With his kneecaps removed, he would have to kneel for life—undoubtedly a lifelong nightmare for someone as proud as Pei Lang. Fu Xiuyi truly understood human weakness. For a young man in his prime, full of knowledge and with a bright future ahead, to be forced to live on his knees from now on…even if he one day saw daylight again, his life would be utterly ruined, making death preferable to living.

Strangely, even now, Pei Lang had no intention of betraying Shen Miao.

Though his reason constantly urged him to confess, saying that afterward, all would be over, that even death would be better than this endless continuation, he resisted. He and Shen Miao weren’t even friends. She had initially coerced him with Liuying, forcing him to work for her. Though Shen Miao spoke harshly, she never harmed innocent people. Even if he betrayed her, she would never punish the innocent Liuying.

After all, this torture was too painful.

Though his reason thought this way, whenever he was about to speak, he closed his mouth at the last moment, as if confessing would be an unforgivable sin. Pei Lang wondered if he owed Shen Miao some great debt from a previous life to so willingly suffer for her.

But… after so long, no one had come to rescue him, and Pei Lang felt somewhat disappointed.

Perhaps Shen Miao had forgotten him, or perhaps sacrificing an insignificant piece in her grand game wasn’t worth her concern.

As he pondered this, he suddenly heard commotion outside—a noisy disturbance accompanied by the “crack” and “snap” of breaking objects.

Heat waves rushed toward him.

Someone shouted: “Fire! Fire!”

Fire?

Pei Lang was startled. This was Fu Xiuyi’s dungeon, where only Fu Xiuyi’s confidants and prison guards usually came, with others forbidden. Being under such strict surveillance, nothing usually went wrong. Yet surprisingly, a fire had broken out here, though it would likely be extinguished quickly.

But Pei Lang was wrong this time. Not only was the fire not extinguished, but it grew larger. Black smoke drifted in, and the chaotic footsteps outside gradually became fainter, as if moving further away.

Pei Lang’s cell was the farthest, innermost one. Normally hidden from view, he was isolated here alone. When the fire started, Pei Lang’s cell was in jeopardy. If there was a fire at the front, the deeper one went, the fiercer the flames, separating the inside from the outside. The deeper areas were more dangerous, and generally, no one would dare enter.

Especially not for Pei Lang—no one in this world would risk their life to save a condemned prisoner like him.

As rolling heat waves approached, Pei Lang felt this scene was familiar, as if he’d seen it somewhere before. Yet he felt a sense of release.

Let it be… ending like this was fine.

Just as he closed his eyes, he heard a strange voice in front of him: “Hey, are you dead?”

Pei Lang opened his eyes in surprise to see a black-clothed figure standing before him. The person’s face was covered with a black cloth, concealing their features except for a pair of brilliant, gleaming eyes. Despite the raging fire, they showed no panic. Seeing Pei Lang not respond, the figure seemed impatient, producing keys from somewhere and directly opening the cell door.

This person had come to rescue him!

Pei Lang felt a sense of disbelief. Yet given their disguise and appearance, they couldn’t be here for any other purpose.

However, Pei Lang’s heart stirred—why did this person’s eyes seem so familiar?