“What do you mean?” Shen Miao asked.

Xie Jingxing wouldn’t say such things without reason; his words surely carried deeper meaning.

Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow and looked at her. “Shen Yuan is Prince Ding’s man.”

Shen Miao’s heart skipped a beat, but she remained silent.

“Before Shen Yuan’s incident, he had a secret meeting with Prince Ding,” Xie Jingxing said. “The Shen family is now in internal conflict. Besides targeting your father, what else could they be planning?”

“Impossible!” Shen Miao exclaimed involuntarily.

Xie Jingxing stared at her searchingly, as if trying to see through her, and asked, “Why not?”

Shen Miao’s palms grew damp as her mind momentarily fell into confusion. The Shen family’s true troubles hadn’t begun during these two years. The imperial family’s move against the Shen family would be delayed for some time since they currently lacked justification. Shen Yuan was working for Prince Ding—both men were extremely cautious and wouldn’t make a move without absolute certainty. For instance, in her previous life, she only discovered the Second and Third Branches’ involvement at the very end, and Shen Yuan had surely produced evidence of treason only at the final moment.

But what was happening now? It was far too early for the imperial family to move against Shen Xin. How could Shen Yuan be making a move at this time? The evidence shouldn’t be complete yet. Had Fu Xiuyi decided to act now?

How had things changed like this?

As her expression wavered, she looked up and met Xie Jingxing’s contemplative gaze. Shen Miao felt a jolt of alarm—Xie Jingxing was perceptive and could likely discover something from her expression. Realizing this, she smiled to cover her reaction and said, “Shen Yuan is my second brother. Why would he harm my father?”

Hearing this, Xie Jingxing laughed with profound meaning. “Shen Miao, do you take me for a fool?”

“Since Young Master Xie is telling me these things,” Shen Miao said seriously, “does Prince Ding intend to move against my father?”

Xie Jingxing shook his head.

Shen Miao hadn’t expected much, and even if Xie Jingxing knew, he certainly had no reason to tell her. The Xie family was deeply involved in Ming Qi’s political landscape; helping recklessly would only bring trouble upon themselves. If she were in Xie Jingxing’s position today, she probably wouldn’t even have offered a warning.

But still… Shen Miao examined Xie Jingxing’s official attire and asked curiously, “What are you doing at the palace?”

Her casual question and righteous demeanor made Xie Jingxing pause momentarily. But after just an instant, Xie Jingxing languidly replied, “Going to the palace to request command.”

“Request command?” Shen Miao was startled and instinctively asked, “For whom?”

Xie Jingxing merely smiled without answering. Shen Miao suddenly looked at him: “You… requested command for yourself? The Northern Frontier… The Xiongnu?”

Now it was Xie Jingxing’s turn to be surprised: “How did you know?” The Northern Frontier Xiongnu matter was confidential. Even Shen Xin might not have known about it before the imperial decree was issued, let alone Shen Miao. Xie Jingxing had always been curious about Shen Miao’s sources of information, and he found it even more unexpected that she knew about palace matters.

Shen Miao stared at him blankly, while her heart churned like turbulent waves.

The Northern Frontier, with its Xiongnu troubles, had persisted. The region’s complex terrain and the ferocity of its people had led Emperor Wenhui to engage only in minor conflicts, avoiding confrontation in previous years. Later, as the Xiongnu grew more aggressive, Emperor Wenhui dispatched Xie Ding to battle. Though the Xie family’s army was known for its bravery, they suffered complete annihilation on the battlefield. That same year, during winter, Xie Ding returned, wrapped in a horsehide shroud, plunging the nation into mourning. The following spring, Xie Jingxing took his father’s place in battle, only to face devastating defeat—pierced by countless arrows, skinned alive, and displayed on the city tower in a horrific end.

Xie Jingxing had died at twenty-two; now, he was barely nineteen.

Shen Miao felt a moment of suffocation. The emperor shouldn’t be confronting the Xiongnu at this time. Xie Jingxing had requested to command himself. Xie Ding likely didn’t know about this yet, and from Xie Jingxing’s demeanor, it seemed he had already received his commission.

Another change! Another change!

Something that should have happened years later had appeared ahead of schedule. With Xie Jingxing heading to battle now, would the outcome be the same as in her previous life?

Regarding the Xie family, Shen Miao had intended to save them to later unite against imperial power. But no matter how she tried to change things, were some people’s fates still following their original trajectories? Would this beautiful, talented, and arrogant young man before her still meet the worst possible end?

Xie Jingxing noticed her unusual expression and asked with slight mockery, “You seem quite concerned?”

This teasing remark went unanalyzed by Shen Miao, whose mind was in turmoil. She looked at him and asked, “Will you… lead the Xie family army?”

“Pay close attention to the Xie family army, and be mindful of those around you,” Shen Miao spoke deliberately, starting somewhat hoarsely but growing increasingly serious. “The Northern Frontier has heavy sandstorms, and soldiers’ armor is already thick. No matter what, never remove your heart shield.” In her previous life, Xie Jingxing had been pierced by countless arrows; perhaps wearing a heart shield would have helped. More importantly, Shen Miao found Xie Jingxing’s death too suspicious. How could a young general with exceptional tactics and strategic insight be defeated so miserably? Moreover, as she later understood the political landscape, she knew the royal family had been oppressing noble families, and there might well have been royal agents within the Xie army. The tragedy of the Xie father and son might not have been free from conspiracy.

Focused on the bigger picture, Shen Miao didn’t realize that with her current relationship with Xie Jingxing—which hadn’t yet reached friendship—these earnest words of concern seemed rather peculiar.

Xie Jingxing was also surprised by her unexpected concern. He suddenly smiled, moved closer to Shen Miao, and leaned down slightly. Standing this close to her, his peach blossom eyes filled with mockery, he teased, “So concerned about me?”

Shen Miao, absorbed in her thoughts, hadn’t noticed how close he’d come. Startled into awareness, but still not fully returned from her speculations, she momentarily looked bewildered. Her clear eyes, when confused, appeared childlike and evoked sympathy.

Xie Jingxing paused slightly, feeling a sense of helplessness. He was naturally ruthless, and to him, the Shen family was merely a chess piece on the board. He knew Shen Miao had deep thoughts and mysterious methods—she was certainly not the harmless maiden she appeared to be. Yet sometimes, he felt she was just a girl who didn’t understand anything. Bullying such a girl made him feel somewhat embarrassed.

This embarrassment was quickly cast aside. Xie Jingxing stepped back and said, “The Shen family’s military power is too strong—that’s not good.”

Shen Miao replied, “Today my mother entered the palace, summoned by Consort Xu and Consort Dong.” When mentioning Consort Xu and Consort Dong, her expression showed no reverence, as if speaking of two completely ordinary people. Xie Jingxing seemed accustomed to this.

He said, “Retreat.”

“Retreat?” Shen Miao asked.

Xie Jingxing said no more. He had given Shen Miao a hint. If she were clever, she would understand his meaning.

Shen Miao lowered her eyes, thought for a moment, and said, “Thank you.”

Xie Jingxing waved his hand lazily, lost in his thoughts. Shen Miao asked again, “This commission… when will you depart?”

“In ten days.”

“So soon?” Shen Miao exclaimed.

“What’s wrong?” Xie Jingxing tilted his head to look at her, with a half-smile. “Will you miss me?”

“Not at all…” Shen Miao said expressionlessly. “In that case… I wish the Young Marquis victory and a triumphant return.”

“When I receive rewards,” Xie Jingxing said carelessly, “I’ll send you a small trinket as a token of fortune.”

Shen Miao was about to speak when Xie Jingxing pressed his hand to his waist and said, “Someone’s coming.” Then he smiled at Shen Miao: “Until we meet again, Shen… Jiaojiao.” With that, he leaped out through the window of Yiju Chamber.

The man used the window as casually as if it were his front door. While Shen Miao stood in shock, the door was pushed open, and Tong Yao entered. Seeing Shen Miao standing in the middle of the room, she asked with surprise, “Why isn’t Miss Shen seated?”

Shen Miao came to her senses, smiled, and moved to sit down. In her mind, however, she was still thinking about what Xie Jingxing had said.

Xie Jingxing’s commission had him departing in ten days. Ten days… wasn’t that the same as three years later? Three years later, at this same time, Xie Jingxing went to battle, and then both father and son of the Xie family were forever erased from Ming Qi’s history.

The Xie family was following the same inevitable fate as in her previous life… What about the Shen family? What would happen to them? Xie Jingxing had given her a hint before leaving, but that wasn’t the outcome she wanted to see. Retreating might preserve their lives, but that would be all. Without power to protect them, peaceful days would become a luxury. The path of her previous life had made one thing clear to Shen Miao: only by standing higher than one’s enemies could one truly control one’s fate.

But Xie Jingxing’s method offered defensive security without offensive capability.

What method could she use to break through this predicament?

For the next several hours, Shen Miao pondered this question. She didn’t touch the snacks on the table, didn’t drink a sip of tea, and had no mood to look at the storybooks. This caused Female Official Tong Yao to glance at her repeatedly, wondering how a young girl like Shen Miao could sit so solemnly for an entire afternoon—even the most patient consorts in the palace didn’t have such endurance.

After waiting for what seemed like forever, a young eunuch finally came to summon them. Female Official Tong Yao led Shen Miao out, where Luo Xuexian was waiting at the door. Upon seeing Shen Miao, she managed a slight smile and took Shen Miao’s hand to leave the palace and return home.

Although Luo Xuexian tried her best to appear normal, Shen Miao was no ordinary person. Having learned to read expressions in the imperial harem, she saw Luo Xuexian’s deep concern. So she asked, “Mother, what did they say to you?”

Luo Xuexian smiled and said, “Nothing much, just some things about life in Xiaochun City. They probably haven’t been to the Northwest and wanted to experience it vicariously.”

Shen Miao asked, “Is that it? If so, why specifically summon Mother to the palace and talk for so long? That seems quite strange.”

Luo Xuexian stroked Shen Miao’s head. “What’s strange about it? The consorts in the palace can’t move about freely. They’re probably feeling bored, and Mother talking about distant places helps entertain them—that makes them happy.” Despite her words, Luo Xuexian still looked worried. Though she didn’t participate in court affairs, it didn’t mean she was ignorant of the court’s dangers. Today she had been very careful in her responses, but precisely because the conversation had been confined to daily life matters, she was even more puzzled.

There were no fools in the palace—everyone was shrewd. But today’s conversation hadn’t touched on military matters at all, not even mentioning the Shen family army. Instead, they only discussed the common people of Xiaochun City, which confused Luo Xuexian.

Military people have an instinct for danger. Luo Xuexian sensed danger approaching, but didn’t know what the problem was, which made her feel troubled.

But fearing to frighten Shen Miao, she didn’t plan to discuss these matters with her. Shen Miao didn’t ask further. By the time they returned home, it was nearly evening. Shen Qiu and Shen Xin had been waiting at the gate, and both sighed with relief when they saw the two return.

After dinner, Luo Xuexian instructed Shen Miao to rest early, then took Shen Qiu and Shen Xin back to their room, presumably to discuss today’s palace visit. Shen Miao didn’t follow. She had already learned much from Luo Xuexian, but what she couldn’t figure out was exactly what Shen Yuan had given to Fu Xiuyi.

The lamp shone brightly in her eyes as Shen Miao sat at the table deep in thought. Jingzhe and Guyu carefully avoided disturbing her. Outside the window, a light rain began to fall—the first rain since the New Year, signaling the coming of spring.

Spring was approaching, all things were reviving—this should be a time of new hope. But how could she find a path through the heavy snow and ice to a bright future?

Shen Miao closed her eyes briefly.

That night, someone else moved stealthily in fine clothes.

When Xie Jingxing passed through the courtyard, he happened to encounter Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao. Seeing him, they stopped and respectfully bowed, calling, “Elder Brother.”

Xie Jingxing had always ignored these two, and today was no different. Just as he was about to step past them, Xie Changchao called out to him. Xie Changchao said somewhat proudly, “It’s been a while since we’ve seen Elder Brother. We wonder what’s been keeping you busy. We wanted to go hunting with you a few days ago, but Father had us attend Official Liu’s banquet, so we regretfully couldn’t join you.”

Recently, Xie Ding had been taking Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao to various colleagues’ feasts, as everyone knew he was preparing to bring his two sons into official careers.

It should be noted that Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao were sons of concubines, with talents inferior to Xie Jingxing’s. If Xie Jingxing hadn’t been so carefree and unwilling to enter officialdom, everyone knew it wouldn’t have been their turn. But Xie Jingxing had been at odds with Xie Ding for years because of Princess Yuqing, their father-son relationship as cold as ice—how could it be repaired?

Xie Changwu was more modest than Xie Changchao, but even he couldn’t hide the smugness in his eyes. He said, “Elder Brother should come along sometime. With Elder Brother’s talent in both civil and military arts, you would surely win the favor of the officials. It would make it much easier to enter officialdom when you wish.”

Xie Changchao and Xie Changwu knew Xie Jingxing’s temperament well. They knew he was naturally proud, and the more they spoke like this, the less likely he would be to enter officialdom. In gaining Xie Ding’s favor, they could never compare with Xie Jingxing, nor in literary and martial skills, or even in appearance. Now that they finally had something over Xie Jingxing, naturally, they couldn’t help but show off.

Hearing this, Xie Jingxing only gave them a mocking look and suddenly asked, “Feeling pleased with yourselves?”

Xie Changchao and Xie Changwu were stunned, but Xie Jingxing had already walked away. The contempt in his glance, however, had been unmistakable.

Watching Xie Jingxing’s retreating figure, Xie Changchao said hatefully, “What’s he think he is! Who does he think he is!”

Xie Changwu’s expression turned venomous. “One day, I’ll have him under my foot!”

When Xie Jingxing returned to his room, two men were already waiting. One was middle-aged with a full beard, while the other was young with proper features.

The bearded middle-aged man asked, “Master, are you going to…”

Xie Jingxing sat down at the table and waved his hand.

“Xie Changchao and Xie Changwu…” the younger man said, “Should we…?” His final words carried a hint of murderous intent.

“Unnecessary. Acting now would cause complications,” Xie Jingxing interrupted. “Without me, Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao won’t do anything to Xie Ding. As for Madam Fang…” He gave a cold laugh. “Let her be.”

Both men bowed in acknowledgment. Xie Jingxing took out a document from his sleeve—a copy of the command request he had submitted today.

He was, after all, going to make this move on the chessboard.

…

The first ray of sunlight shone through the carved window onto the table. Shen Miao sat at the table, motionless.

Jingzhe entered carrying a silver basin and was startled. “Miss, why are you up so early today?”

Shen Miao didn’t speak. Jingzhe approached and saw that the oil lamp on the table had burned out, and Shen Miao’s fair face showed faint dark circles under her eyes. Jingzhe was startled and exclaimed, “Miss, did you not sleep all night?”

Shen Miao shook her head and pressed her forehead somewhat tiredly.

She had sat here all night.

Xie Jingxing’s hint had left her puzzled and confused. She didn’t know what Shen Yuan had given to Fu Xiuyi, only that it must be information harmful to the Shen family. And the word “retreat” indicated a move she didn’t want the Shen family to make. How should she break through this predicament?

Jingzhe spoke with concern: “No matter how worried Miss is, you shouldn’t strain your health like this. The Master and Madam would be heartbroken to see you like this. Please eat something first and then rest. You look unwell, and if you fall ill first, what then?”

Shen Miao now felt the hunger in her stomach, and after thinking all night, her head was dizzy. So she said, “Bring me some porridge. I’ll eat and then sleep for a while. Don’t mention this to anyone.”

Jingzhe responded with an “Alright” and ran out, presumably to the kitchen to fetch Shen Miao’s breakfast. Shen Miao stood up, wanting to wash her face with hot water. She had only washed halfway when she heard footsteps outside the door. Jingzhe came running back.

“How did you return so quickly?” Shen Miao was somewhat surprised. The distance from the small kitchen to here was considerable; even if Jingzhe ran, she would still need to wait a moment.

“Miss, something’s happened,” Jingzhe said anxiously. “People from the palace have come, summoning the Master, Madam, and Eldest Young Master to the palace immediately!”

The handkerchief in Shen Miao’s hand dropped into the basin with a “plop.” She steadied herself and said, “Let me see.”

In the courtyard, a eunuch from the palace was delivering Emperor Wenhui’s verbal order to Shen Xin. Normally, these people would show some courtesy to the mighty General. Today, however, their attitude was noticeably ambiguous. Sometimes one could discern a master’s attitude from the messenger’s demeanor, and clearly, this palace summons was not necessarily a good thing.

When Shen Miao came out, the courtyard held not only Shen Xin, Luo Xuexian, and Shen Qiu, but people from the other branches as well. Even Old Madam Shen had come out with Shen Yuanbai. However, from her appearance, Old Madam Shen showed no excessive concern; rather, she watched coldly, seemingly afraid of being implicated and eager to distance herself.

Shen Wan, however, asked the eunuch: “May I ask why His Majesty has summoned my elder brother to the palace?”

The eunuch looked skyward: “This humble one only follows His Majesty’s verbal order. I don’t know His Majesty’s intentions. Sir, please come with me to the palace quickly.” He urged Shen Xin to hurry.

Shen Qiu saw Shen Miao approaching and became nervous. He quickly took her hand and said, “Sister, why have you come?” Seeing Shen Miao looking in their direction, he hastily reassured her, “Don’t worry, Sister. His Majesty is just summoning us to discuss military matters. We’ll be back soon. When we return, brother will take you to eat candied haws.”

He feared frightening Shen Miao, not knowing that his demeanor made her more suspicious. Summoning Shen Xin, Luo Xuexian, and Shen Qiu to the palace together—although they hadn’t taken her along, thinking carefully, the people being taken were all leaders of the Shen family army. This must be related to the Shen family’s military power. Currently, the Shen family’s military authority was a hot potato, and anything involving military power required extreme caution.

At this moment, if Shen Miao showed fear, it wouldn’t help and would only burden Luo Xuexian and the others more. Therefore, Shen Miao smiled and said, “Is that so? Elder Brother must keep his promise.”

Seeing Shen Miao like this, Shen Qiu finally relaxed. He knew Shen Miao was intelligent but didn’t want her involved in court affairs. Besides, court matters were never simple—they could lead to death and destruction, implicating countless people. How could they be easily explained?

Luo Xuexian and Shen Xin also reassured Shen Miao: “Jiaojiao, stay at home and don’t go anywhere. When your father and I return, we’ll make new spring clothes for you together.”

Shen Miao agreed and watched as the eunuch led Shen Xin’s group away from the mansion.

Chen Ruoqiu held Shen Wan’s hand and asked worriedly, “Why would Elder Brother and Sister-in-law suddenly be summoned to the palace? Has something happened?”

Shen Wan shook his head. Shen Gui said, “Elder Brother has been too prominent and doesn’t know how to behave at court. If something happened, he probably wouldn’t have anyone to speak for him.” These words carried meaning—Shen Gui was implying that if Shen Xin were truly in trouble, he and Shen Wan would not help him in his time of need.

Shen Miao laughed coldly in her heart. Then she heard Shen Yue ask timidly, “If Uncle is in trouble, it must be serious, right? Taking all of them away—will it implicate us?”

“How could it implicate you, Yue?” Shen Gui smiled. “If anyone were to be implicated first, it would be the fifth child.”

Shen Gui’s words were malicious. After losing several sons, his official career had faltered. He had always envied Shen Xin’s higher rank and greater prestige. Now, seeing Shen Xin in trouble, he was naturally delighted and even hoped that Shen Xin’s branch would be destroyed, removing any obstacle in his path.

A flash of schadenfreude appeared in Shen Yue’s eyes as she looked sympathetically at Shen Miao. “Isn’t Fifth Sister pitiful now?”

Shen Miao didn’t anger but smiled faintly: “Even the palace servants don’t know His Majesty’s intentions, yet it turns out my two uncles have thoroughly understood the Emperor’s mind.” She looked at Shen Gui: “Since Second Uncle is so prophetic, I imagine that if this reaches His Majesty’s ears, His Majesty would appreciate Second Uncle’s keen understanding. Such telepathic ministers must be rare—almost comparable to Minister Wei of the previous dynasty.”

With these words, Shen Wan and Shen Gui both changed color slightly. What did emperors fear most? They most feared ministers randomly guessing their intentions. Wasn’t Shen Miao’s statement implying that Shen Gui and Shen Wan thoroughly understood Emperor Wenhui’s thoughts? What was she planning? She even alluded to Minister Wei of the previous dynasty. Minister Wei had been the emperor’s confidant, often understanding the emperor’s wishes with just a glance. During the emperor’s unstable period, Minister Wei had helped control many opposition officials. But what happened in the end? When the emperor consolidated his power, he ordered Minister Wei’s execution.

No monarch would like a minister who could read his mind too clearly. Understanding too much eroded reverence, and without reverence, one might one day put a knife to the emperor’s throat.

This was the imperial household—most suspicious. A single sentence could determine life and death.

Shen Miao’s words made Shen Gui and Shen Wan change color, yet they dared not refute, fearing that if her words spread and reached Emperor Wenhui, they might bring great trouble upon themselves. They were also secretly shocked, wondering where Shen Miao had learned this skill—placing such a significant accusation with just one sentence.

In the past, this had been Madam Mei’s typical method. Now Shen Miao had been provoked by Shen Gui’s unguarded words, though she didn’t truly want to engage in a war of words with them. The urgent matter was figuring out how to resolve the situation.

Old Madam Shen, having watched enough of the spectacle and unwilling to see her sons at a disadvantage, coldly snorted, “Only bringing trouble to the Shen family!” She still harbored thoughts about Shen Xin’s desire to divide the family, but with this development, the family division would be delayed. Old Madam Shen even thought that if Shen Xin got into trouble without implicating them—if only the First Branch suffered—wouldn’t all their property fall into her hands? With this thought, her eyes revealed greed.

Shen Miao felt extreme disgust. This roomful of people perfectly demonstrated what it meant to “kick someone when they’re down.” Among the world’s despicable people, the Shen family surely ranked high.

Concubine Wan held Shen Dongliing’s hand, hiding behind the others—she dared not speak in such a situation. Although Ren Wanyun had regained consciousness, she didn’t leave Caiyun Courtyard and thus didn’t appear today. Shen Dongling asked softly, “What trouble could Uncle be in? Uncle has rarely been in Dingjing City. Could it be due to his previous victory, and there might be other rewards?” Shen Dongling was perhaps trying to ease the tension, but Shen Yue was displeased with her words. Old Madam Shen also showed displeasure, while only Shen Miao was slightly startled.

Rarely in Dingjing?

Yes, Shen Xin and his wife, and Shen Qiu, had spent most of the year fighting in the harsh northwestern frontier. They had just returned to Dingjing, so accusations based on activities in Dingjing would be impossible. Yet yesterday, Consort Xu and Consort Dong had asked about life in Xiaochun City. Why would they suddenly ask about life in Xiaochun City? Shen Miao didn’t believe that these delicate palace women genuinely had an interest in the distant northwest.

There must be a connection. Not being in Dingjing City—what crime could that involve?