“What do you think?” Ji Yushu asked.

Gaoyang stroked his chin: “If they’re going against Prince Ding, then it’s not just Prince Ding’s faction. Crown Prince, Prince Zhou, Prince Li—which side does Shen Miao belong to?”

“None of them,” said Xie Jingxing.

“Huh?” Ji Yushu asked curiously. “How can she not be on anyone’s side?”

Xie Jingxing’s gaze softened slightly: “Pei Lang is no ordinary person, just not yet in government service, so he appears inexperienced. You all heard Shen Miao’s approach just now. Even Shen Xin might not handle things as smoothly as she did.”

Slippery as an eel—neither confirming nor denying, neither refusing nor accepting. Even officials who had navigated court politics for years might not manage it as effortlessly as she did. Shen Xin was a military general, and Luo Xuegan was also from a military background. Where did Shen Miao learn these tactics? Was there someone else guiding the Shen family? He had initially thought so, but now he could determine that these were all Shen Miao’s ideas. If she were affiliated with the Crown Prince or other princes, she would never use such a meticulous, step-by-step approach. Each prince had powerful backing—why would they use such clumsy methods?

Yet within her capabilities, she maximized her objectives. It made one wonder: if she had sufficient background and power, what storms might she stir up? Even now, without resources, she was slowly cultivating her chess pieces.

The world was like a chess game, and in Ming Qi’s game, many people were competing. But Xie Jingxing had never considered Shen Miao among them. She was a weak woman with no apparent motive.

But now, through the young woman’s ability to recruit a hero with just a cup of wine, Xie Jingxing saw her ambition.

“But we still don’t know how she discovered Pei Lang’s background,” Ji Yushu said. “Even Fengxian Pawnshop couldn’t uncover it.”

Prefect Pei had used all his power to protect his son, surely making thorough preparations. Pei Lang hadn’t disappointed his father’s expectations—he hadn’t sought revenge or harbored hatred, but concealed his identity and became a teacher. No one would have noticed him, yet Shen Miao saw through his disguise and used Liuying as leverage to outmaneuver Pei Lang.

It was unclear where she had obtained such information, just like with the Chen brothers before.

“Forget about her,” Xie Jingxing said. “Is the memorial for the Commander ready?”

“It’s ready,” Gaoyang frowned. “But are you sure…? Once we start, there’s no turning back. And if the other side hasn’t received the news yet and doesn’t agree…”

“Do as I said,” Xie Jingxing stood up.

…

Back at Shen Mansion, in the west wing, Shen Miao changed her clothes. She had just let down her hair when Bailu hurriedly entered and said, “Miss, Madam wants you in her room. There’s an important matter to discuss.”

The New Year had passed, and spring was approaching. Since Shen Xin had requested the Emperor’s permission to stay in the capital for another half year, Luo Xuegan was also more relaxed. She spent her time buying clothes and jewelry for Shen Miao, or having Shen Qiu take Shen Miao out for entertainment. Sometimes, Shen Miao felt that Shen Xin and his wife were raising her like a pampered young master.

Shen Miao casually arranged her hair and went to Luo Xuegan’s room. Upon entering, she was surprised to see both Shen Xin and Shen Qiu there as well. Seeing her enter, Luo Xuegan quickly pulled her to sit beside her and asked, “Where did my darling go today?”

Shen Miao had instructed Bailu and Shuangjiang to stay in her room and tell anyone who asked that she had gone out. She replied, “Just wandering around. I passed by Kuaihuo Tower and brought back some strong liquor for Father and Big Brother.”

“That’s my good girl!” Shen Xin’s eyes brightened upon hearing this. He said, “The wine in the capital is too sweet and cloying—how can that be called wine! Strong liquor is better—straightforward!”

Shen Qiu was also pleased: “Little sister is so thoughtful!”

“All you know is drinking!” Luo Xuegan gave the father and son a sidelong glance. “The servants could have bought those things. Why should Jiaojiao bother with you two?”

“You woman!” Shen Xin was displeased again. “It’s all from Jiaojiao’s heart. How can servants’ purchases compare to Jiaojiao’s? Such shortsightedness!” Shen Miao’s relationship with them was now rarely harmonious and close, which made Shen Xin very happy. Even if Shen Miao had brought back two jars of clear water today, he would have been delighted to the heavens and naturally had to contradict Luo Xuegan.

“Shortsighted?” Luo Xuegan looked at him askance.

“Madam’s anger…” Shen Xin immediately said, “I am the stinking brat with shortsightedness.” He gave Shen Qiu a slap on the head.

Luo Xuegan couldn’t be bothered with the father and son’s antics. Looking at Shen Miao, she said, “Jiaojiao, the reason we called you today is to discuss something with you.”

“Please speak, Mother.”

“You’ve heard about the family division. It should happen in a few days. Your father and I have decided we need to buy a new residence. We’ve found a nice place in the east of the city and can hire servants to maintain it. However…” Luo Xuegan looked at Shen Miao with some difficulty. “Previously, when your father and I went to the northwest, we left you here, thinking that with the Shen family protecting you, you’d be safer. Now, once we separate from the family, if your father, I, and your brother leave again, it wouldn’t be safe for a young lady like you to stay alone in a residence. People might also gossip. So… Jiaojiao, would you be willing to come with your mother to the northwest?”

Shen Miao was slightly startled.

“Sister, the northwest is fun,” Shen Qiu said, seeing Shen Miao’s hesitation. “It’s not as exaggerated as they say. Living in Xiaochun City, it’s surrounded by mountains and waters, with many rare animals. I’ll take you hunting and get you a white tiger skin for a cloak.”

“Nonsense!” Luo Xuegan laughed. “Your sister is a young lady. What would she do with a white tiger skin?”

Shen Qiu scratched his head: “Well, there are also mines with huge gemstones. Sister can make jewelry!”

Shen Miao smiled slightly. She had been hesitant because she still had things to do in the capital, but hearing Shen Qiu’s description, she began to look forward to visiting the northwest. Who wouldn’t want to live without worries? Who wanted to wake up every day thinking about how to scheme against others? She sighed inwardly—she would go just this once. At worst, she could return next year and not go back.

“Alright,” Shen Miao nodded under everyone’s expectant gaze. “I’d like to experience it too.”

Luo Xuegan sighed in relief. Shen Xin laughed loudly: “I told you Jiaojiao would agree! She’s been back for so long and has never once complained about us rough soldiers!”

“Sister, sister,” Shen Qiu said excitedly. “I’ll introduce you to all my brothers. They know I have a sister, but have never met you. And your maternal grandparents’ family—you haven’t seen them since you were born. They probably won’t recognize you this time.”

Luo Xuegan’s family was a frontier defense family in the northwest. They had only visited once when Shen Miao was born, and because of the great distance, they hadn’t met in all these years. Shen Miao lowered her eyes. In her previous life, after Luo Xuegan’s death, the Luo family had severed ties with the Shen family. Shen Miao’s relationship with her maternal relatives wasn’t close, so she wasn’t even clear about the Luo family’s fate. But given Madam Mei’s ruthless methods, she must have found ways to ensure Fu Xiuyi wouldn’t spare the Luo family.

After talking for a while, when it got late, Luo Xuegan sent Shen Miao back to rest.

After washing up, Shen Miao sat at her table, watching the dancing flames, and couldn’t help but sigh. If she were really to go northwest with Shen Xin, she would need to arrange everything within this half year.

If there was anything consoling now, it was the matter with Pei Lang.

She was very clear that the Shen family, now prominent, should not get involved in palace affairs. However, as a secluded lady, she normally had no opportunity to access deeper information. Many things had changed in this life, and she needed Pei Lang as a spy. Fu Xiuyi was suspicious by nature—if someone came to him voluntarily, he would investigate thoroughly and might trace it back to her. But in a year, Fu Xiuyi would actively recruit Pei Lang, and it would be much easier for Pei Lang to go with the flow then.

Recruiting Pei Lang had involved some luck. Back then, Fu Xiuyi had recruited Pei Lang because one of his advisors had connections with Prefect Pei, which led to the discovery of Pei Lang’s background. It was also because Fu Xiuyi had arranged for Liuying that Pei Lang ultimately served him.

The Pei siblings were both stubborn, with strong wills. For instance, Liuying, after falling into the pleasure quarters, showed no trace of her noble origins and contentedly lived as a courtesan—perhaps because remembering her former identity caused her pain. Pei Lang, too, never mentioned revenge and was content being a teacher.

Liuying was unwilling to acknowledge her identity and resented her family for abandoning her to save her brother. If Pei Lang had approached her, she would have resisted more fiercely. But Shen Miao had offered Liuying a gentle way out. By controlling Liuying, she controlled the guilt-ridden Pei Lang.

Several years later, a Pei Lang who had navigated court politics would be more mature and would see the flaws in Shen Miao’s words today. But the current Pei Lang had not yet entered government service, and despite his intelligence, he lacked experience.

“Miss, you should rest early,” Jingzhe smiled. “Tomorrow you’ll be going with Madam to see the residence in the east of the city.”

Shen Miao nodded. Within this half year, at least the family could separate, and they could establish their own household.

However, she didn’t expect that plans couldn’t keep up with changes.

Early the next morning, after Shen Miao finished breakfast, Luo Xuegan’s maid came to say they would visit the residence once Shen Miao was dressed. After all, it would be their future home, and they needed to check if it was comfortable and secure before making a decision.

But before Shen Miao could finish dressing, people from the palace arrived. They requested Luo Xuegan to enter the palace, and the court lady also said that if possible, she could bring Shen Miao along.

Though phrased as a suggestion, it was essentially an order. Shen Xin and Shen Qiu immediately grew solemn, and Luo Xuegan was puzzled. Although she was a noblewoman in the capital, she didn’t usually stay in the capital and wasn’t familiar with the noble ladies’ circle. The visitor said they were invited by a palace consort, which was even more absurd.

No matter how she calculated, Luo Xuegan had no connections with the palace ladies.

Shen Xin and Shen Qiu thought further. Luo Xuegan had no relationship with the palace ladies, yet they specifically requested Shen Miao to accompany her. The real intention wasn’t what it appeared—could they have some design on Shen Miao? When it came to Shen Miao, they were always extra cautious. Shen Xin said, “Why don’t I accompany you to the palace?”

“What would you go for?” Luo Xuegan said. “They didn’t invite you. You’d just cause more confusion. I’ll take Jiaojiao.” She hesitated, “With so many people, they won’t do anything inappropriate. Besides, I’m not a helpless woman. If…” She wanted to say that if anything went wrong and it came to blows, she wouldn’t necessarily be at a disadvantage.

Shen Xin nodded: “I suppose the current situation isn’t that tense yet. Go with peace of mind.”

Luo Xuegan took Shen Miao’s hand and boarded the carriage arranged by the palace. They had planned to visit the residence early this morning, but due to this matter, no one knew if it was a blessing or a curse.

Shen Qiu and Shen Xin stood at the mansion gate, watching the carriage disappear. Anxiously, Shen Qiu asked, “Father, will Mother and Sister be alright?”

“I’ll go to the Ministry of War,” Shen Xin turned around. “You stay at the mansion in case we need to respond to anything.”

Shen Qiu nodded.

In the carriage, Shen Miao’s face was tense, her mind filled with various conjectures.

She didn’t think she was in any danger. There wasn’t much to scheme for from her currently, and regarding palace ladies’ tactics, she understood them better than anyone. Even if there was some strategy, it wouldn’t be executed so openly today. The imperial family valued appearances most; if anything happened to her in the palace today, the imperial family would be the first to be implicated.

If she considered it from another angle… Shen Miao’s gaze grew solemn. The palace ladies had no connection with Luo Xuegan, yet they summoned her to talk. Perhaps they wanted to extract some information from Luo Xuegan. The real intention wasn’t what it appeared—could it be about the Shen family? Or specifically, Shen Xin?

But why would they suddenly pay attention to Shen Xin? Shen Xin had been keeping a low profile in the capital and hadn’t become entangled with Fu Xiuyi as in her previous life. Even if the imperial family wanted to suppress the Shen family, they would need a legitimate reason. Could it be… they already had that “reason” to justify action?

Shen Miao was confused. Summoning Luo Xuegan to the palace with her was probably a warning—if anything happened, even Shen Miao, their daughter, couldn’t be protected. The more she thought, the more likely it seemed, and Shen Miao couldn’t help but feel nervous. Many things in this life were different from her previous life, especially the overall situation in Ming Qi. She had tried her best to avoid and delay the tragedy of the Shen family, but she couldn’t escape the twists of fate. What was it this time?

Seeing Shen Miao’s poor complexion, Luo Xuegan thought she was afraid and comforted her lovingly: “Don’t be scared, Jiaojiao. We’re just going to chat with the consorts. It will end quickly, and then we’ll go see the residence.”

Shen Miao smiled slightly but remained preoccupied.

When they reached the palace gate, court ladies were waiting to escort them inside. Along the way, Luo Xuegan asked which consort had invited them, but the female official merely smiled without answering, saying they would find out when they arrived.

In the Yaoguang Hall, two elegantly dressed women were conversing. The woman on the left wore her hair in a fairy bun and was dressed in a water-red gold palace outfit, appearing truly magnificent. Her features were delicate, and though she smiled as she spoke, her eyes seemed distracted, displaying disrespect toward the woman beside her. Despite this attitude, the woman beside her didn’t get angry but responded with a smile. This woman wore an apricot-colored dress with plum patterns. Her appearance wasn’t as striking as the woman on the left, but she seemed gentle and polite, with a simple elegance.

These two were none other than the palace consorts who had invited Shen Miao and her mother. The woman in red on the left was Noble Consort Xu, and the elegantly dressed woman on the right was Virtuous Consort Dong.

“His Majesty asked us to invite Madam Shen, but why bring the Shen daughter as well?” Noble Consort Xu said impatiently. “They’ve been gone for so long and still haven’t arrived. They certainly think highly of themselves!”

“The general’s mansion is quite far from the palace,” Virtuous Consort Dong smiled. “Sister, don’t be impatient.”

Noble Consort Xu laughed: “You’re always playing the good person, aren’t you?” She suddenly thought of something and smiled mischievously. “Speaking of which, that Shen daughter once admired the Ninth Prince. Could it be that you’re very satisfied with her, which is why you’re defending her?”

Virtuous Consort Dong’s expression briefly stiffened before she smiled and said, “Sister is joking. But… since His Majesty wants both of us here, we should focus on the matter at hand. The Shen Fifth Miss is just accompanying her mother. We can have a court lady take her out later.”

Invoking Emperor Wen Hui’s name silenced even the arrogant Noble Consort Xu. She was about to make a sarcastic remark when she saw her court lady enter. Noble Consort Xu asked, “Have they arrived?”

The court lady nodded, and not long after, Luo Xuegan and Shen Miao entered. After paying their respects to the two consorts, Shen Miao followed Luo Xuegan, standing with her head lowered. She heard a somewhat shrill voice say, “Madam Shen, is this your daughter? Raise your head and let me see.”

Shen Miao hesitated, then slowly raised her head, meeting the appraising gazes of the two seated women. When she realized who was sitting on the right, her heart tightened, and she felt her blood boiling.

Noble Consort Xu on the left was the mother of Prince Zhou and Prince Jing, while Virtuous Consort Dong on the right was Fu Xiuyi’s birth mother. Virtuous Consort Dong smiled at Shen Miao and said to Noble Consort Xu, “She’s truly a proper child, clean and neat, with a look of good fortune.”

“Good fortune”—Shen Miao felt a blockage in her heart. Virtuous Consort Dong looked at her with a face full of gentleness. Anyone who didn’t know better would lower their guard at such a kind attitude.

Virtuous Consort Dong wasn’t favored. Emperor Wen Hui had countless women—some with backgrounds, some with talents, some with beauty, some with character. Virtuous Consort Dong was mild-tempered, neither fighting nor grabbing for anything, and had reached her position as one of the four consorts through steadiness alone. On the surface, she seemed to have the least status among the four consorts, but Shen Miao knew that Virtuous Consort Dong was not as harmless as she appeared.

When Shen Miao had married Fu Xiuyi before, Virtuous Consort Dong had also praised her “face of good fortune that would benefit her husband.” But as Fu Xiuyi’s power grew, Virtuous Consort Dong became cold toward her. After her return from Qin country, Virtuous Consort Dong, then the Empress Dowager, was of one mind with Madam Mei. In Virtuous Consort Dong’s eyes, she was just a pawn to win over the Shen family, and a crude pawn at that. That’s why, when Fu Xiuyi later deposed the Crown Prince, Virtuous Consort Dong was the first to step forward to support Fu Sheng’s ascension.

She quickly lowered her head, hiding a trace of hatred in her eyes.

Noble Consort Xu and Virtuous Consort Dong thought Shen Miao was just shy. Noble Consort Xu casually asked, “How old are you this year?”

“In reply to Your Highness,” Shen Miao said softly, “this subject is fourteen.”

“Fourteen…” Noble Consort Xu pondered before smiling. “Soon, you’ll be of marriageable age.”

This abrupt comment immediately made Luo Xuegan tense. Her greatest concern now was Shen Miao, and a daughter’s marriage was crucial for her life. If the palace controlled Shen Miao’s marriage… Luo Xuegan’s expression turned very unpleasant. Seeing Luo Xuegan’s reaction, Noble Consort Xu instead burst into laughter. She said, “Madam Shen is so nervous. What, are you afraid I’ll matchmake for Miss Shen?”

Luo Xuegan hurriedly said, “This subject dares not!”

“Rest assured,” Noble Consort Xu said. “Even if I were to matchmake for someone, I wouldn’t carelessly play cupid. I would certainly ask for the young lady’s opinion. Speaking of which…” Noble Consort Xu looked at Shen Miao with a malicious smile. “Miss Shen, do you have someone you admire?”

Asking Shen Miao if she had someone she admired in front of Virtuous Consort Dong—everyone knew that Shen Miao had once admired Fu Xiuyi to the point of becoming the talk of the town. This was publicly embarrassing to Virtuous Consort Dong. Noble Consort Xu had always been arrogant due to Emperor Wen Hui’s favor, and among the four consorts, Virtuous Consort Dong was the easiest to bully. Noble Consort Xu had always delighted in using Virtuous Consort Dong as a target.

“Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness, but this subject currently has no one she admires,” Shen Miao said with her head lowered.

Noble Consort Xu seemed to find it boring, feeling that Shen Miao’s personality was dull and not at all the fool she was rumored to be. Otherwise, she could have had some fun. She waved her hand dismissively, “Fine, if there’s no one, then there’s no one.”

Luo Xuegan became even more cautious. Anything related to Shen Miao made her exceedingly vigilant. Just as she was thinking, she heard Virtuous Consort Dong say with a smile, “Madam, don’t be nervous. The reason my sister and I invited you to the palace today was simply to chat with you.” After a pause, she continued, “Neither of us has been to the northwest. The story of you accompanying the General on his campaign is a beautiful tale. We’re quite curious about the northern regions, so we invited you for a conversation.”

Virtuous Consort Dong’s voice was gentle and kind, like a spring breeze soothing one’s heart, but Luo Xuegan remained alert, and Shen Miao became even more suspicious. She knew today’s palace visit must have other intentions, possibly a way for Emperor Wen Hui to gather information. The Emperor had specifically chosen Noble Consort Xu and Virtuous Consort Dong—one arrogant and domineering, the other gentle and mild. With their contrasting approaches, they could indeed make one dizzy and unconsciously reveal information.

Shen Miao felt somewhat nervous.

“Thank you for your favor, Your Highness,” Luo Xuegan smiled. “But the northern regions are quite barren. I fear Your Highness might not be interested.”

“It’s alright,” Virtuous Consort Dong smiled. “Since we invited you, we’re not afraid of boredom.” Her voice paused, and she suddenly seemed to remember something as she looked at Shen Miao.

Fu Xiuyi knew about the Emperor’s plan to probe Luo Xuegan and that bringing Shen Miao along was a warning. He had instructed her yesterday that if Shen Miao was present, she should be sent away during the conversation. Fu Xiuyi was Virtuous Consort Dong’s son, and she naturally wouldn’t doubt him. Still… no matter how she looked, she couldn’t see anything worth guarding against in this somewhat dull and timid young lady.

Shen Miao kept her head lowered, her expression hidden. Virtuous Consort Dong said, “But our casual talk might be boring for a young lady. Tongyao, take the Shen Fifth Miss to tour the garden. When she’s tired, take her to the Yiju Chamber for some refreshments. Take good care of her.”

Noble Consort Xu was somewhat surprised but assumed it was the Emperor’s idea and didn’t object since it didn’t affect her. Luo Xuegan felt uneasy—keeping Shen Miao in sight would be best, but she also realized that the upcoming conversation with the two consorts wouldn’t be mere small talk. At least… in broad daylight, they wouldn’t dare harm Shen Miao.

With this thought, she felt slightly reassured and smiled at Shen Miao: “Jiaojiao, go with the court lady to tour the garden. After I finish talking with Their Highnesses, Mother will come find you.”

Shen Miao didn’t refuse, but inwardly she felt alarmed. Why would they suddenly send her away? She could have insisted on staying, pretending to be clingy, but that would have been too deliberate. Why wouldn’t they let her hear the conversation? Had she already aroused suspicion? The one who spoke was Virtuous Consort Dong, and this was their first meeting… Could it be that Fu Xiuyi had reminded Virtuous Consort Dong? This thought flashed through Shen Miao’s mind.

But she said nothing, respectfully rose to bid farewell to Noble Consort Xu and Virtuous Consort Dong, and followed Tongyao outside.

Court Lady Tongyao led her toward the garden. Gardens could be seen everywhere in the imperial palace, mostly built for the imperial consorts, and they were magnificent. However, Shen Miao had no interest in appreciating them. She was more familiar with every inch of this place than anyone else and knew exactly what flowers grew where in the garden, so she had no interest in listening.

Court Lady Tongyao noticed her distraction and said, “If Miss Shen is tired, I can take you to the Yiju Chamber to sit. There are refreshments there.”

Shen Miao nodded. Just as they were halfway there and could see the door of the Yiju Chamber, a young eunuch came running urgently. He whispered something in Tongyao’s ear. Tongyao apologetically said to Shen Miao, “The Yiju Chamber is just that building ahead, Miss Shen. Please go in first. I’ll deliver something and come right back. It won’t take long.”

Shen Miao nodded without complaint. The Yiju Chamber was right in front of them, and there were guards throughout the palace, so there was no fear of trouble. She had visited this place before and knew it very well.

Walking to the door of the Yiju Chamber, she opened it and went inside. The door closed behind her with a “bang,” and Shen Miao’s heart jolted. Before she could react, a pair of hands from behind covered her mouth. Without thinking, Shen Miao bit down and viciously elbowed backward.

She heard a hissing sound of pain from behind, but her elbow was firmly gripped, unable to move. A familiar voice spoke with suppressed anger: “Shen Miao, are you a shrew?”

Shen Miao was momentarily stunned, and the person behind her released his hand. She turned to look at him. Across from her, Xie Jingxing was rubbing his hand, his expression still showing slight anger. However… that wasn’t what Shen Miao cared about.

Unlike his usual carefree, arrogant, and dissolute manner, today he wore a deep red official robe with silver trim, elegant cuff links, a long hat, and blue boots. His sharp and proud appearance was completely different from before. Shen Miao had never seen him like this and was momentarily stunned.

Xie Jingxing locked the door, turned around with his arms folded, and looked at her with an air of planning to settle accounts.

But Shen Miao wasn’t afraid of him. She frowned and asked, “What are you doing here?”

“I saw someone coming out of the palace, thought it might be you, and came to check. It is you,” Xie Jingxing said with extreme casualness. “Has the Emperor summoned your father to the palace?”

Shen Miao’s heart skipped a beat: “What do you mean?”