With her thoughts unsettled, Shen Miao didn’t linger with the Shen family members. Without a backward glance, she quickly returned to her room. Outside, Shen Gui’s group had seen enough of the spectacle. Eager to learn more about the situation, they dispersed in small groups. Shen Yue followed behind Chen Ruoqiu, a trace of joy appearing on her face. Yesterday, hearing that Consort Dong had met with Shen Miao and Luo Xuexian had made her very uneasy. After all, Consort Dong was Prince Ding’s birth mother. What if she took a liking to them and tried to arrange some connection? Fortunately, from today’s developments, it seemed the First Branch was the one in trouble.

With this thought, Shen Yue’s steps became lighter.

As for Shen Dongling, whose hand was held by Concubine Wan, she gave the courtyard a thoughtful look before following them back.

The spacious West Courtyard instantly became empty. Even Azhi had returned to the Shen family army with Shen Xin’s guards. With Emperor Wenhui suddenly summoning people to the palace, the Shen family army was naturally also confined. Fortunately, Mo Qing was still present, as he hadn’t yet been officially registered with the Shen family army.

Inside the room, Jingzhe, Guyu, Bailu, and Shuangjiang stood behind Shen Miao, while Mo Qing stood with bowed head by the door, his face showing traces of solemnity. Though Shen Dongling had suggested that perhaps Emperor Wenhui merely wanted to bestow additional rewards on Shen Xin, everyone knew this was impossible.

Shen Miao sat at the table with a deeply furrowed brow, which somewhat reassured Mo Qing. He had worried that upon learning this news, Shen Miao would become nervous and flustered. Now, although she looked solemn, she didn’t seem particularly anxious.

Shen Miao stared at the letter before her. The Shen family had been completely wiped out by Fu Xiuyi later on. She had tried to prevent it, but Fu Xiuyi had enumerated the Shen family’s crimes before the entire court, listing them one by one until she was left speechless. Although she knew these were all false charges, these fabricated pieces of evidence were so convincingly presented that any rebuttal seemed futile.

That day in the Imperial Hall, every moment had been carved into her soul like knife marks. The indictment against the Shen family had listed events chronologically, day by day, scene by scene. Now it was the 69th year of Ming Qi, and she had been reborn in the 68th year. Whatever Shen Yuan had given to Fu Xiuyi, the evidence must relate to events from the 68th year of Ming Qi or earlier.

What crimes had the Shen family been accused of before the 68th year of Ming Qi?

Shen Miao closed her eyes, and certain fragments flashed through her mind.

She was wearing the Empress’s court dress, her head adorned with phoenix hairpins that couldn’t hide her disheveled state. The civil and military officials were in an uproar. Pei Lang stood with bowed head and indifference, while Fu Xiuyi angrily threw the memorial at her face.

A civil official was reading: “In the 68th year of Ming Qi, the Shen family soldiers, defying imperial orders, privately released bandits, deceiving the Emperor…”

Privately releasing bandits, deceiving the Emperor!

Shen Miao suddenly opened her eyes!

She suddenly remembered that in the 68th year of Ming Qi, something significant had indeed occurred. Shen Xin had fought against the Western Rong, defeating them and capturing three cities. Emperor Wenhui had ordered that everyone in those cities be killed without exception.

For a military commander, razing a city was the cruelest kind of merit. In the Western Rong cities, apart from soldiers, most were old people, women, and children. These civilians lived as peacefully and harmlessly as Ming Qi’s citizens; the only wrongdoers were the Western Rong soldiers. Shen Xin was not naturally inclined to killing, and privately, he had spared the lives of those women and children.

Except for the Shen family army, no one should have known about this. The men of the Shen family army had all been personally trained by Shen Xin and would never betray him. Shen Yuan must have had something to do with this. Perhaps long ago, Shen Yuan had planted spies within the Shen family army.

However, after deposing the Crown Prince and pursuing charges against the entire Shen clan, with one crime after another, this charge of “deceiving the Emperor” had seemed less significant. But in the hands of the usually cautious Fu Xiuyi, bringing this out separately at a time when matters weren’t yet ripe could only mean that the current situation had made even Fu Xiuyi feel threatened. The Shen family had become a variable. In this life, without her entanglement with Fu Xiuyi, he hadn’t prevented Emperor Wenhui from allowing the Shen family to stay a few more years. The imperial family had finally set its sights on the Shen family’s fat meat.

So, the evidence Shen Yuan had given to Fu Xiuyi must be the charge that Shen Xin had failed to follow Emperor Wenhui’s order to “raze the city.”

This matter could be made either serious or minor. But in the current situation, with the imperial family intent on reclaiming the Shen family’s military power, how could they let this opportunity pass?

The situation had become extremely difficult.

Shen Miao clenched her fist, slowly calming herself. It wasn’t yet the worst time. Although the imperial family wanted to deal with the Shen family, they only wanted to recover military power. Moving against the Shen family now would inevitably cause discontent among other noble families. The Fu family was too cunning to do this.

What should be done at this moment?

Everyone in the room watched as Shen Miao’s expression kept changing, all feeling puzzled. Suddenly, Shen Miao stood up and said, “I need to leave the mansion.”

“What?” Guyu was startled. “Miss, leaving the mansion at this time would invite gossip.”

“When family troubles arise, isn’t it natural to seek solace with friends?” Shen Miao’s gaze turned cold. “Let’s go.”

Mo Qing naturally had no objection to Shen Miao’s decision. Moreover, in his heart, he had complete faith in Shen Miao, knowing she had her own methods. Seeing her so determined now, he felt somewhat reassured and said, “I’ll make arrangements.”

Seeing Mo Qing’s agreement, Jingzhe and Guyu said no more. They had Bailu and Shuangjiang stay at the mansion to await news, while they accompanied Shen Miao out.

Shen Miao’s actions naturally caused surprise among the household. When people came to inquire, they were told she was going to see Feng Anning. Since Feng Anning was considered Shen Miao’s friend, it seemed natural for Shen Miao to seek comfort from her when the First Branch was in trouble. Thus, no one stopped her.

After leaving the mansion gate, Mo Qing drove the carriage toward the Feng residence. Once they passed through a small alley and confirmed no one was following, Shen Miao said, “Go to the Su residence.”

“The Su residence?” Guyu was surprised. “Which Su residence?”

“The residence of the Marquis of Pingnan, Su Yun’s household.”

Mo Qing outside was very familiar with the roads in Dingjing City, and knew exactly where each noble’s mansion was located. Without needing directions, he turned the horse’s head and galloped in another direction.

Jingzhe and Guyu wanted to ask something but didn’t dare. Shen Miao surely had her plan. But even as servants, they knew that in the court, the Xie family was one of the Shen family’s political enemies. The Marquis of Lin’an’s Xie family and the Marquis of Pingnan’s Su family were in the same boat, so the Su family and the Shen family were naturally at odds. With the Shen family in trouble, why seek help from mortal enemies?

But… perhaps it wasn’t about seeking help. Jingzhe and Guyu thought anxiously.

At the Marquis of Pingnan’s Su residence, in Su Mingfeng’s room, another person was currently seated. The person wore a purple-gold robe that shimmered with light, a casual smile of indifference on his face. In contrast, Su Mingfeng looked anxious and said, “What’s going on? How could you request command for yourself?”

“Dingjing City is too boring. I’m going to the Northern Frontier to have some fun,” Xie Jingxing said.

“Have fun?” Su Mingfeng looked at him, anger showing on his usually gentle and cultured face. “Do you know what kind of place the Northern Frontier is? Even others don’t dare to confront the Xiongnu directly, so why are you joining in on this trouble?” Seeing that Xie Jingxing wasn’t taking his words seriously, Su Mingfeng softened his tone. “I know you’re unhappy that your father is bringing Xie Changchao and Xie Changwu into official positions, but you don’t need to vent in this way. This is no small matter, not child’s play. Although you’re skilled in martial arts, the Northern Frontier has complex terrain, and you’ve never been there before… Jingxing, you can’t go.”

“Su Mingfeng,” Xie Jingxing said amusedly, “His Majesty has already given me the command. Do you think I can still not go?”

Su Mingfeng was stunned, and a look of despair appeared on his face. The Emperor’s golden mouth and jade words couldn’t be retracted. With the command already in hand, there was no room for maneuver. Even if Xie Jingxing himself changed his mind later, he would still have to go.

Seeing Su Mingfeng like this, Xie Jingxing said, “Are you cursing me to have an accident, or are you cursing me to have an accident?”

“You bastard!” Su Mingfeng cursed, quite resentful. “Why didn’t you discuss this with me?”

“Would discussing it with you have helped?” Xie Jingxing casually picked up a teapot and poured himself tea. “It makes no difference to me.”

“You!” Su Mingfeng was both angry and helpless. He knew Xie Jingxing had always been lawless, and once he decided something, not even nine oxen could pull him back. They were said to be childhood friends, but it seemed like he was the only one putting in effort. Xie Jingxing never told him anything, and even when he did, it was merely a “notification.”

Like now, coming over was just to “inform” him that he had received the command and would depart when the time came.

“Why must you go to the wretched Northern Frontier?” Su Mingfeng paced back and forth in the room. “Do you have a death wish? Don’t you know that if you win, that’s fine, but if you lose… your two half-brothers will be the first to clap with joy!” Su Mingfeng suddenly clapped his hands in front of Xie Jingxing and said, “Are you comfortable leaving them in Dingjing? Aren’t you afraid of what your father might say?” At this point, he suddenly stopped and looked at Xie Jingxing. “Does your father know about this?”

Xie Jingxing shook his head.

“See!” Su Mingfeng said. “You’re being so willful, and when Marquis Xie finds out, he’ll surely be furious. By then, with your two half-brothers spreading gossip, and that deeply hidden concubine in the house… who knows what the mansion will be like when you return from the Northern Frontier. Xie Jingxing, are you really at ease?” Su Mingfeng considered Xie Jingxing a true friend, and his words showed his concern for him.

Xie Jingxing smiled slightly, seemingly unwilling to discuss these matters further, and said, “After I leave the capital, keep an eye on the Princess’s mansion for me.”

In Dingjing City, apart from the Su family, Xie Jingxing associated most with Princess Rongxin from the Princess’s mansion. Now, heading to the Northern Frontier—at minimum a year or more, and who knows when he might return—Princess Rongxin would surely be upset upon learning of this.

Su Mingfeng had wanted to lecture Xie Jingxing further, but seeing his solemn expression, he didn’t feel right saying more. Then he heard Xie Jingxing say, “Within the next two years, the Su family should also avoid the limelight. You should not enter official service; claim illness instead.”

“Eh?” Su Mingfeng was puzzled. “What does this have to do with me? Wasn’t it said that as long as one enters office without getting involved in military affairs, it’s fine?”

“Just do as I say,” Xie Jingxing glanced at him and stood up. “I’m leaving.”

“Hey,” Su Mingfeng said, “You’re leaving just like that? What did you come here for today anyway?”

“To say goodbye,” Xie Jingxing shrugged, but suddenly heard a “thud” at the door. Su Mingfeng was startled, opened the door, and a round little bundle rolled in.

The bundle was round and chubby. Su Mingfeng helped him up, dusted off his clothes, and said, “Minglang, what are you doing here?”

The plump, round bundle was none other than the Su family’s second young master, Su Minglang. Seeing there was someone else in the room, and that it was Xie Jingxing, he first shrank back in fright, then hid behind Su Mingfeng, tugging at his clothes, and said, “Big Brother, the Shen family sister is here.”

“What?” Su Mingfeng didn’t understand what was happening. Then he saw his body double servant running over, panting as he said, “Young Master, there’s a young lady at the mansion gate looking for you.”

Hearing this, Su Mingfeng was stunned and looked at Xie Jingxing, who was smiling enigmatically. Su Mingfeng coughed lightly and said, “Nonsense! How would I know any young ladies?”

“It’s true!” the servant said urgently. “She says she’s the legitimate fifth young miss from the Mighty General’s mansion, and she has important matters to discuss with you.”

“The legitimate fifth young miss from the Mighty General’s mansion…” While Su Mingfeng was still trying to parse this mouthful of a title, Su Minglang beside him jumped up: “It’s Sister Shen Miao! Big Brother, Sister Shen Miao has come to see you!”

Shen Miao? Su Mingfeng was dumbfounded for a moment, while Xie Jingxing frowned.

Setting aside the relationship between the Shen family and the Xie family, the Shen family and the Su family had never had any interaction. As for private matters, Su Mingfeng and Shen Miao had no relationship whatsoever. With Shen Miao suddenly appearing at his door, Su Mingfeng was completely confused. He asked Xie Jingxing, “Could she be… coming to see you?”

“Sister Shen Miao must be coming to see me!” Su Minglang happily cupped his cheeks. “Big Brother, let’s go see Sister Shen Miao!”

“Well…” Su Mingfeng hesitated.

“Go ahead,” Xie Jingxing suddenly spoke, his gaze meaningful. “Right here in your room.”

…

When Shen Miao entered Su Mingfeng’s room with Mo Qing, she happened to see Su Mingfeng’s servant leading Su Minglang out. The snow-white glutinous rice ball struggled vigorously, trying to break free, but ultimately in vain. Seeing her, his eyes lit up and he excitedly waved his little hands: “Shen family sister!”

Shen Miao stopped beside him, showing a rare smile as she patted his head. “What are you doing here?”

“Big Brother won’t let me in…” Su Minglang’s face drooped. “Shen family sister, did you come to see me?”

The servant beside them coughed lightly and apologetically smiled at Shen Miao: “I’m sorry, Miss Shen. The Young Master is waiting for you inside.” With that, he covered up Su Minglang’s words.

Su Minglang was very dissatisfied, puffing out his cheeks as he looked at Shen Miao. Shen Miao smiled and said, “I came to talk with your big brother about something. I’ll come see you next time and bring you some sweet cakes.”

Hearing this, Su Minglang immediately became happy and stopped struggling. After carefully reminding Shen Miao not to forget her promise, he happily followed the servant away.

Mo Qing, following behind, was somewhat surprised. Shen Miao had never been patient or kind to strangers, but just now she had treated Su Minglang with exceptional good temper. Anyone who didn’t know better might think Su Minglang was her son. As soon as this strange thought emerged, Mo Qing suppressed it. Aside from the fact that the age difference between Shen Miao and Su Minglang wasn’t that large, Shen Miao herself was still a young girl; how could there be any talk of motherhood?

Shen Miao pushed open the door and entered. In the room, only Su Mingfeng was sitting at a small table. Seeing Shen Miao enter with Mo Qing, he was first startled but didn’t stop them, allowing Shen Miao to enter. The servant at the door quickly closed it.

Mo Qing stood motionless at the door, ready for any unexpected situations.

Shen Miao walked straight to the opposite side of Su Mingfeng and sat down. She did all this with complete naturalness, which would have been fine if she were in her mansion. But this was a residence she was visiting for the first time, and before this, she hadn’t even had any interaction with Su Mingfeng. Such composure in front of a stranger made Su Mingfeng unable to help but take notice.

Shen Miao was also appraising Su Mingfeng.

To be fair, Su Mingfeng was a handsome youth. But standing next to someone as dazzling and domineering as Xie Jingxing, his light was somewhat overshadowed. Shen Miao knew that Su Mingfeng was not an ordinary official’s son; he had real abilities.

Unfortunately, the Su family had eventually been destroyed over the matter of selling military horses. Su Mingfeng had also lost his life in that disaster, and in the end, the bodies of the Su father and son had been personally collected by Xie Jingxing. The relationship between the Su family and the Xie family was evident.

Also, because of this, the Su family and the Shen family had never had any interactions.

Su Mingfeng felt uncomfortable under Shen Miao’s scrutinizing gaze. He coughed lightly and said, “Miss Shen, may I ask why you’ve come to our residence?”

“My parents and elder brother have been summoned to the palace by His Majesty. Does Young Master Su know why?” Shen Miao asked.

Su Mingfeng was perplexed. News of the Shen family’s situation had spread throughout Dingjing City early in the morning. Official colleagues were all on edge, as the slightest disturbance in court could potentially become a major event. But what did the Shen family’s troubles have to do with his Su family?

“I don’t know,” Su Mingfeng replied. He truly didn’t know on what grounds Shen Xin had been summoned to the palace. Everyone suspected that Emperor Wenhui wanted to deal with the Shen family, but no one knew exactly what the charge was.

“When my father defeated the Western Rong and recaptured cities in the northwest, His Majesty ordered the cities to be razed. My father did not comply,” Shen Miao said. “So I think His Majesty will punish my father for deceiving the Emperor and disobeying military orders.”

Su Mingfeng was startled, not because of the crime Shen Miao mentioned, but because she so easily told him about it. This matter in anyone’s hands could be used as leverage. At this moment, one would try to hide it, yet Shen Miao was so straightforward in telling him. Even though Su Mingfeng had been clever since childhood, he didn’t know how to respond and could only laugh dryly and perfunctorily say, “Ah, what should be done then?”

“So I would like to ask Young Master Su for help,” Shen Miao said.

Su Mingfeng was shocked once again. No matter how he thought about it, he couldn’t figure out what relationship he had with Shen Miao, or what relationship the Su family had with the Shen family, that would warrant the Su family extending a helping hand now. Unable to understand, Su Mingfeng surreptitiously glanced toward the screen.

“Miss Shen is joking,” he quickly withdrew his gaze and looked at Shen Miao, smiling politely. “But what help could I possibly provide? Miss Shen may be overestimating me… And forgive my rudeness, but this matter is complex. Helping randomly might inadvertently bring trouble upon oneself. I… I can’t find a reason to be a good-hearted person at the risk of danger.”

Su Mingfeng’s words were clever, polite, but unequivocally rejecting Shen Miao’s request. Su Mingfeng had realized that Shen Miao was straightforward, so he abandoned his usual indirect approach and plainly stated: No.

Hearing this, Shen Miao laughed lightly. When she laughed, her eyes were exceptionally clear, seemingly with a touch of innocence. But in an instant, her smile turned cold, and she said, “Young Master Su, although you haven’t yet entered official service, your father seems to still be in charge of the military horses.”

Su Mingfeng frowned slightly and said, “That’s correct.”

“Has your father mentioned to you that there seems to be a problem with the military horses?” Shen Miao asked.

At this, Su Mingfeng’s brow furrowed deeper as he stared intently at Shen Miao. “What does Miss Shen mean by that?”

Shen Miao smiled slightly: “I’ve heard that the military horses department has had some minor issues recently. Several military horses have fallen ill, and medicines are ineffective?”

Su Mingfeng tensely gripped his teacup.

Shen Miao’s words were true. Su Yun had been busy with this matter, working himself to exhaustion. Aside from a few subordinates in the military horses department and Su Yun secretly telling him, no one knew about this. But the people from the military horses department would never tell Shen Miao, as if word got out and reached Emperor Wenhui, who then imposed punishment, everyone would be in serious trouble, making things even worse.

But how did Shen Miao know?

Su Mingfeng heard his hoarse voice: “Miss Shen… where did you hear such untrue words?”

“Untrue words?” Shen Miao sighed, her eyes seeming to carry a slight smile. She leaned closer to Su Mingfeng and said softly, “Doesn’t Young Master Su fear that this horse illness might eventually become a horse plague?”

Su Mingfeng’s pupils suddenly dilated!

Horse plague!

“With the Marquis of Pingnan’s cautious nature, and having dealt with military horses all his life, how could he not suspect this?” Shen Miao feigned surprise. “What? Hasn’t he told Young Master Su?”

Su Mingfeng gritted his teeth and remained silent.

Had Su Yun not told him? Of course, Su Yun had told him. An illness in military horses that resisted all medicines was the precursor to a horse plague. It took considerable silver to raise a military horse, and once a horse plague broke out, the casualties among the military horses would be devastating. This wasn’t just a financial loss; on the battlefield, without sufficient military horses, an army simply couldn’t fight. If blame came down from above, the lightest consequence would be losing one’s official hat, and the severest could cost one’s head.

But this horse’s illness had come strangely and cunningly. Many veterinarians had been consulted, all without remedy. Recently, they had only managed to isolate the sick horses, yet horses continued to die intermittently. If it eventually became uncontrollable and was confirmed as a horse plague… it would be a major disaster.

“Miss Shen, what insights do you have?” Su Mingfeng asked hoarsely, speaking while inconspicuously glancing toward the screen.

Shen Miao now seemed in no hurry. She picked up an empty teacup from the table, poured herself a cup of tea, and took a sip.

Seeing this, Su Mingfeng wanted to say something but swallowed his words and assumed an attentive listening posture.

“I have a solution to your horse problem,” Shen Miao said.

Su Mingfeng was startled. “Is that true?”

“By chance, I know a veterinarian with exceptional skills. I’ve heard he once solved an identical horse illness. Finding him would resolve this military horse mortality issue.”

Su Mingfeng remained silent.

Shen Miao picked up the teacup again and took another sip, saying calmly, “Mending the fold after the sheep are lost may not be too late, Young Master Su. When the horse’s illness spreads and can no longer be concealed, it won’t just be the horses that suffer.”

Su Mingfeng bit his lip and looked at Shen Miao. “Miss Shen has specially come to offer a good strategy today, but I suspect there’s more to say.”

His gaze flickered. “Perhaps you think the Su family also has a good strategy to assist the Shen family? Please elaborate.”

“How forthright,” Shen Miao praised.

Su Mingfeng gave a bitter smile. How was he being forthright? It was Shen Miao being cunning. Earlier, he had said the Su family had no obligation to wade into these muddy waters to help Shen Xin, and Shen Miao had directly offered the terms of the deal. It must be said that Shen Miao was extremely good at targeting people’s vulnerabilities, seizing on the military horse issue that was currently troubling the Su family the most. This matter had not yet spread, and even he and Su Yun had discussed it privately. He didn’t know how Shen Miao had learned about it. Regardless, with these terms of the deal presented, he simply could not refuse.

No wonder Shen Miao wasn’t trying to be agreeable, speaking so directly—she already had a winning hand. A deal was a deal, laid out plainly, neither side could take advantage of the other.

“I know the Marquis of Pingnan knows many people at court, and his influence is broader than my parents, who spend most of their time in the northwest. I would like to ask the Marquis to help by gathering all his acquainted colleagues to submit memorials for my father.”

“Submit memorials?” Su Mingfeng frowned. “All pleading for General Shen?”

Shen Miao shook her head. “No, all criticizing my father.”

Su Mingfeng was stunned.

“The Marquis of Pingnan presumably doesn’t want to wade into these muddy waters,” Shen Miao smiled slightly. “So, how to persuade the Marquis is up to you, Young Master Su. But you must not mention the military horse matter to the Marquis, nor should you mention me. Otherwise, this deal will be off.”

Su Mingfeng didn’t quite understand. He looked up, and the young girl before him still appeared to be a young lady with delicate features, looking gentle and pure when she smiled, with a certain childlike clarity. However, when she wasn’t smiling, her eyes were cold, adding a touch of authority. That kind of pressure that made one feel inferior was something even Su Yun had never given Su Mingfeng.

“I can’t stay long. Please have someone send a message to my mansion after you’ve made your decision. Once this matter is successfully concluded, I will certainly provide the veterinarian’s location.” She stood up, gave Su Mingfeng a slight bow, and said, “Thank you.”

Su Mingfeng quickly stood up as well and said, “Certainly.”

Shen Miao glanced at the area behind the screen before turning to leave with Mo Qing. After Shen Miao left, Su Mingfeng finally relaxed. A person emerged from behind the screen—none other than Xie Jingxing.

“You heard everything,” Su Mingfeng said. “This young lady from the Shen family is more unfathomable than imagined.”

Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow without speaking. Su Mingfeng’s gaze fell on the table, where the teacup Shen Miao had drunk from remained. The rim was slightly moist.

“Speaking of which, that was the cup you drank from…” Su Mingfeng said. “You…”

Xie Jingxing unceremoniously gave him a hard kick.