“Ouch!” Su Mingfeng cried out in surprise. “Why did you kick me? I was just about to warn her too, but she drank so quickly, what could I do?” Su Mingfeng looked Xie Jingxing up and down. “Besides, she’s the one who’s going to suffer the consequences, not you. What are you so concerned about?”

Xie Jingxing ignored him and sat down at the table, asking with a serious gaze, “Is what she said about the military horses true?”

Hearing this, Su Mingfeng’s expression turned grim. Under Xie Jingxing’s piercing gaze, he finally answered with difficulty, “Yes, it’s true.”

“Why did you hide it from me?” Xie Jingxing’s question was pressing.

Su Mingfeng shook his head and gave a bitter smile. “My father and I only discussed this matter privately. I haven’t told a single person, and my father would be even less likely to speak of it—who would joke about something that could cost them their official hat? I was planning to tell you after some time… but how did the Shen family’s daughter come to know of this? Perhaps they have acquaintances in the Military Horse Department? But even the people in that department wouldn’t speak carelessly about such matters.”

Xie Jingxing glanced at Su Mingfeng. Though Su Mingfeng was also a talented individual, he had been sheltered by the Su family since childhood, protected from all hardship and never experiencing any major storms in life. It seemed that Shen Miao’s cards were endless, repeatedly exceeding his expectations. Xie Jingxing had given Shen Miao a strategy of “retreat,” but he never expected that Shen Miao wouldn’t use his strategy at all. Joining with the Su family and other familiar high officials to petition against Shen Xin was contrary to the expected approach, but it could indeed solve Shen Xin’s urgent crisis. However, the emperor’s thoughts were unfathomable—even if he spared Shen Xin this time, the power of the Shen family army was great, and someday it would still be viewed as a thorn in the emperor’s side. They might escape temporarily, but not forever.

But… had Shen Miao not considered this? Xie Jingxing didn’t think so.

Seeing Xie Jingxing silent, with a furrowed brow deep in thought on his usually carefree face, Su Mingfeng also grew nervous. He knew that this friend of his, though appearing unconcerned, understood the court’s structure more thoroughly than anyone. Su Mingfeng asked, “What’s wrong? Is there a problem?”

Xie Jingxing shook his head. “What do you think?”

“From horse disease to horse plague, it is indeed highly possible. Moreover, this is a serious matter, and my father is the commander in charge of military horses. If something goes wrong, the Su family will be the first to bear the consequences,” Su Mingfeng said. “If Miss Shen truly hasn’t deceived me, I think it’s worth a try. Although convincing my father will be somewhat difficult… I will certainly do my best.” After a pause, Su Mingfeng looked at Xie Jingxing. “What do you think of this deal?”

Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow. “The biggest winner in this deal certainly won’t be you, but you won’t lose out either.” He glanced at Su Mingfeng. “Do as she says.”

Su Mingfeng lowered his head, somewhat hesitant. “But… joining together to impeach Shen Xin, isn’t she afraid it will backfire?”

“Haven’t you noticed?” Xie Jingxing said with a half-smile. “She understands the Emperor’s mind more clearly than you do.”

Su Mingfeng said nothing, but saw Xie Jingxing stand up. Su Mingfeng was startled. “Where are you going?”

“To request a commander’s order,” Xie Jingxing resumed his previous lazy demeanor. “I need to show it to the Marquis of Lin’an.”

…

Outside the main gate of the Xie residence, Shen Miao put on her bamboo hat and asked Moqing beside her, “Did you sense anyone else in Su Mingfeng’s room just now?”

Moqing was surprised. “I didn’t sense anyone else present. Did you notice something?”

Shen Miao shook her head. Since Moqing’s martial arts were superb and he hadn’t detected anyone, there probably wasn’t anyone there. But still… Shen Miao found it strange that Su Mingfeng kept glancing toward the screen. Though she lacked martial arts skills, her ability to observe people’s expressions was highly refined, and dealing with a somewhat immature young man like Su Mingfeng was more than manageable for her.

Thinking about it now, the two teacups on the table had also seemed a bit odd.

Shen Miao shook her head, casting the random thoughts to the back of her mind. Whether there was someone behind the screen or not, and whoever they might be, the words she needed to say to Su Mingfeng had been said, and based on her understanding of Su Mingfeng, this matter should succeed.

After sitting in the carriage, Guyu asked, “Young Miss, will Young Master Su help the Master and Madam?”

Jingzhe and Guyu had been outside and didn’t know what Shen Miao and Su Mingfeng had discussed, assuming only that Shen Miao had asked Su Mingfeng for help. However, given the longstanding relationship between the Su family and the Shen family, they were somewhat worried.

Shen Miao nodded. “He will.”

In her previous life, the Su family had been executed for secretly selling military horses. Although it was also because the imperial family couldn’t tolerate old established families like the Earl of Pingnan, they had to make the charges complete on the surface. Besides the evidence of selling military horses, there was another incident recorded as a crime: in the early part of the 69th year of Mingqi, a horse disease broke out among the military horses managed by Su Yu, Earl of Pingnan, which even triggered a small wave of horse plague. Later, the Earl of Pingnan found a veterinarian from the countryside who controlled the epidemic. Apart from the confidants in the Military Horse Department, no one spread this news externally. Later, when the Earl of Pingnan’s family was seized, this matter was also exposed.

When Shen Miao was still the Empress, she had carefully examined the files on the Earl of Pingnan’s crimes, thereby learning where that veterinarian lived. Even if Shen Miao hadn’t approached Su Mingfeng today, when the small wave of horse plague spread widely, Su Yu would have found that veterinarian and controlled the epidemic. The reason Shen Miao didn’t want Su Mingfeng to tell Su Yu about this was to utilize the time difference.

Su Mingfeng using other reasons to ask Su Yu to submit a petition, and her taking advantage of this condition—it was a perfect match.

But… Shen Miao’s expression darkened. Before his death, Shen Yuan had given Fu Xiuyi evidence of the Shen family’s disobedience to imperial orders, which certainly wasn’t complete. That Fu Xiuyi had begun to deal with the Shen family now made Shen Miao feel a bit nervous. At present, she didn’t have complete cards to contend with Fu Xiuyi. The timing wasn’t right, and there was no opportunity, which truly matched Xie Jingxing’s suggestion—retreat.

However, how to retreat was also a question. Retreating three steps was a retreat, and retreating to advance was also a retreat. How to withdraw completely after arranging everything was the problem she needed to worry about now.

Because she couldn’t stay out too long and arouse suspicion, Shen Miao quickly returned to the Shen residence. In the Shen residence, everyone saw her return and thought that Shen Miao had complained to Feng Anning. As Shen Xin and Luo Xuenian had not yet shown signs of returning from the palace, it seemed that Shen Gui and Shen Wan had said something, as the other people in the Shen family wore expressions of watching a spectacle.

Having become accustomed to the Shen family members viewing the First Branch as enemies, Shen Miao ignored them and went straight back to the West Courtyard. Jingzhe and Guyu thought that Shen Miao would be preoccupied tonight, probably sitting at the table all night as she had yesterday, but to their surprise, Shen Miao washed up early and went to bed, causing the maids to exchange glances, increasingly worried for Shen Miao.

Shen Miao lay in bed, looking at the four-cornered sachets hanging on the carved bed posts, slowly closing her eyes.

She had done everything she could. Now, the only thing she could do was wait.

Wait for the Su family to join with other court officials to submit a petition, wait… for Emperor Wenhui’s suspicions to take effect.

…

In the palace, in Sufang Palace, unlike other magnificent palaces, Sufang Palace could even be considered plain. Even the decorations were just some flowers, plants, or paintings and calligraphy. Consort Dong was sitting sideways on a soft couch, listening to a tune. The young woman playing the tune had a round face, not particularly beautiful, but she played lively music. Consort Dong listened with a smile. Consort Dong wasn’t considered very beautiful either; among the many beauties of various shapes, she appeared quite ordinary. Though she was elegant, she was so mild-tempered and unaggressive that she was the least noticeable among the four consorts.

To her side sat a young man in splendid clothes, with handsome features and a somewhat cold temperament, though the smile on his face seemed quite friendly. He said to Consort Dong, “This tune is played quite well.”

This person was none other than Consort Dong’s son, the Ninth Prince, Prince Ding, Fu Xiuyi.

Consort Dong looked at Fu Xiuyi with a smile and waved her hand, causing the tune player to abruptly stop. Consort Dong smiled and said, “You played well. Take some reward money.”

The young woman who had been playing showed a flash of joy on her face and quickly left with her instrument, bowing repeatedly. Everyone in the Mingqi Palace knew that the servants in Sufang Palace had the most comfortable lives because Consort Dong was a kind person who treated her servants very generously. For instance, just now, merely for playing a tune, the woman received a generous reward.

“Everyone else may leave,” Consort Dong glanced at the other palace attendants, who also left in an orderly manner. In an instant, only Consort Dong and her son remained in the hall.

“Mother Consort’s methods of training servants are becoming increasingly sophisticated,” Fu Xiuyi said with a smile.

“Bestowing favor is better than making enemies,” Consort Dong said with a smile. “How many times have I told you this?”

“Yes, yes, yes,” Fu Xiuyi sighed. “Unfortunately, in my position, making enemies is much easier than bestowing favors.”

Hearing this, the smile on Consort Dong’s face faded slightly. She asked, “These days, your father has been concerned about the Great General of Martial Valor. On your end… do you have any assurance?”

Consort Dong had never interfered with Fu Xiuyi’s affairs. The harem was forbidden from meddling in politics, and Emperor Wenhui had nine sons, each more formidable than the last. It was better to hide one’s abilities than to display incompetence. Given that the situation was still unclear, Consort Dong didn’t mind being a “fallen out of favor” consort.

“Father was already concerned about this matter, so naturally he wouldn’t raise his hand heavily only to let it fall lightly,” Fu Xiuyi said. “The evidence I presented aligns perfectly with Father’s intentions and will only go smoothly.”

“I know you have your plans,” Consort Dong shook her head and said softly. “But Little Nine, the current situation is tense. You’d better be extra careful. Don’t claim credit, let them fight, and when they’re tired of fighting, that’s when you can make your move.”

“Your son will heed Mother Consort’s teachings,” Fu Xiuyi quickly said.

Consort Dong smiled, then suddenly thought of something and said, “Last time, when I had Madam Shen bring Shen Miao into the palace, you told me to make sure Shen Miao didn’t hear our conversation… What was that about?”

The previous time, when Luo Xuenian and her daughter were invited to the palace, Fu Xiuyi had instructed Consort Dong beforehand not to let Shen Miao be present. So later, Consort Dong had Tong Yao take Shen Miao out.

“What does Mother Consort think of the Shen family’s Fifth Young Miss?” Fu Xiuyi asked.

“She has a good appearance, likely to become a beautiful woman in the future. But her temperament is too docile and gentle, probably easy to be bullied,” Consort Dong looked at Fu Xiuyi. “I heard she once had feelings for you, though she doesn’t seem as unworthy as the rumors suggest. Though not particularly spirited or clever, she’s not at the level of being incompetent.”

Fu Xiuyi smiled slightly. “Even someone as discerning as Mother Consort can’t find fault with her?”

Consort Dong was surprised. On the surface, she appeared gentle, but privately she was an extremely picky person. Since Fu Xiuyi was now at the age to consider a wife, and being quite exceptional himself, there were many noble families outside wishing to marry their daughters to him. Among them were certainly many well-bred ladies, but Consort Dong could always find some fault, feeling that they weren’t worthy of her son.

And now these words, though not praising Shen Miao, didn’t contain any contempt, and thinking carefully, they even seemed somewhat favorable toward Shen Miao. Among the young daughters of officials, this was the first time Consort Dong had evaluated someone so generously.

So when Fu Xiuyi pointed this out, Consort Dong herself was stunned.

A seemingly ordinary young girl, how could she find no fault? But besides being somewhat dull, she truly didn’t know what was wrong. No lasciviousness, no ambition, with a gaze as calm as a matron’s—Consort Dong’s heart skipped a beat—wasn’t this exactly like herself? Or rather, like the self she pretended to be?

“It seems Mother Consort has also noticed,” Fu Xiuyi smiled. “This Miss Shen is quite the hidden expert.”

Consort Dong looked at Fu Xiuyi, puzzled. “You’re saying she’s pretending? At such a young age, other things might be faked, but temperament is something that can’t be concealed.”

“Mother Consort,” Fu Xiuyi’s eyes flashed with an unusual light. “I’ve seen her publicly humiliated, I’ve seen her shamelessly professing love, I’ve seen her fiercely shooting three arrows at the training grounds to humiliate the Cai family’s son, and now you’ve seen her appearing dull and wooden. Mother Consort, with so many different appearances, which one do you think is her true self?”

Consort Dong’s hand holding the teacup paused.

How could one person have a thousand appearances, each vivid and lifelike, each seeming like their own nature? Such a disguise would be too terrifying. More terrifying was that she had only just come of age not long ago.

Fu Xiuyi lowered his head. What he didn’t mention was that he had also seen Shen Miao at the palace banquet, looking at him with unrestrained hatred in her eyes. That kind of deep-seated hatred wasn’t the hatred that a young girl would have from unrequited love. That kind of hatred seemed as if her very soul was trembling with anger, as if she wanted to tear him to pieces.

There were many puzzling aspects.

“Mother Consort, keeping the Shen family around is a variable. The current state of the empire cannot afford more changes,” Fu Xiuyi lowered his voice. “The Shen family’s daughter may not be as simple as we think. To eradicate weeds, one must remove the roots. It’s best to end it before it even begins.”

“So, this time the Great General of Martial Valor is doomed?” Consort Dong asked.

“That’s not the case,” Fu Xiuyi smiled. The Shen family is currently the head of the noble families. Removing the Shen family now would only cause greater variables. But taking away the Shen family’s power will only make them gradually decline. When the time is right, they can be caught in one net.”

“What if something unexpected happens along the way?” Consort Dong looked at him. “The Shen family might have other cards to play. What if they pass through safely? If it’s discovered that you submitted the petition, you might suffer.”

Fu Xiuyi shook his head. Though his smile was still friendly, his eyes suddenly turned vicious. “Deceiving the Emperor, this crime is already very serious. No matter how powerful they are, they cannot make the Shen family retreat unscathed. It’s just that… this was originally a test from me.”

“A test?” Consort Dong was somewhat confused.

Fu Xiuyi looked at his fingertips. “That’s right.” Shen Yuan had previously asked him to keep an eye on Shen Miao, but Fu Xiuyi hadn’t taken it to heart. But later, a series of events, including the extermination of Prince Yu’s household and Shen Yuan’s death, gradually made him realize that what Shen Yuan said might be true.

A young lady like Shen Miao couldn’t possibly accomplish these major events by herself. There was only one possibility: Shen Miao had someone backing her. The person behind her was so capable that Fu Xiuyi couldn’t help but be wary.

This time, when the Shen family got into trouble, leaving only Shen Miao untouched was naturally his suggestion to Emperor Wenhui. But Fu Xiuyi’s purpose was to see what method this deeply hidden Shen family Fifth Young Miss, who had even manipulated him, would use to solve the problem. And who was her helper?

However, regardless of the method used, Shen Xin would not be able to retreat unscathed. Fu Xiuyi clenched his fist. How could one spit out a piece of fat meat that was already in one’s mouth?

The Shen family was destined to perish in the history books of Mingqi, without a doubt.

…

Tonight, the Marquis of Lin’an’s residence was also not peaceful.

In the innermost courtyard, in the room, just as Xie Jingxing had taken off his outer robe, the door opened with a “bang.” The servant stood trembling at the doorway, afraid of being implicated, and said with his head lowered, “Young Master… I couldn’t stop him…”

The Marquis of Lin’an, Xie Ding, stood at the door. Hearing this, he became even angrier and shouted, “Stop? You try to stop me, I’m your father! When did this Lin’an Marquis residence change masters? Xie Jingxing, stand up straight!”

Xie Jingxing glanced casually at Xie Ding, lazily tossed his robe onto the couch, sat down in a chair, leaned back, and put on the air of a prodigal son, saying, “What brings the Marquis here in the middle of the night?”

As distant as if addressing a stranger.

Naturally, Xie Ding was furious again. However, Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao, who were following behind Xie Ding, both showed indignant expressions upon hearing this, but looking closely, there seemed to be a glint of light in their eyes. Xie Changchao said, “Big Brother, Father has been dedicated to you day and night. How can you speak to Father like this? Don’t you have any sense of propriety or respect?”

“None of your business,” Xie Jingxing spat out four words.

The elegant, dignified, and proud Young Marquis Xie, who was courteous outside, always acted like a crude soldier when facing Xie Ding and the other two, yet the self-proclaimed “scholarly general” Xie Ding could do nothing about it.

“Brat!” Xie Ding didn’t notice Xie Changchao’s instantly ashen face, but angrily said, “What kind of commander’s order is this that you wrote!” With a slap, he threw the paper in his hand at Xie Jingxing’s face.

Xie Jingxing caught the paper and looked at it, raising an eyebrow. “If the Marquis is not satisfied, have His Majesty rewrite one. Coming here in the middle of the night instead of sleeping, was it just for this?”

“Xie Jingxing, what exactly do you want to do?” Xie Ding was fuming. “Do you know what kind of place the northern border is? A commander’s order is not a joke. You’ve never commanded the Xie family army before, I’ve never taught you, do you know how to use them?”

At these words, Xie Changchao and Xie Changwu’s eyes flashed with a trace of malevolence. The Xie family army was the most valuable asset of the Marquis of Lin’an’s household, more valuable than the Marquis of Lin’an’s wealth and glory. Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao also practiced martial arts, but Xie Ding never had the intention of having his two brothers take over the Xie family army; instead, he groomed Xie Jingxing as the heir to the Xie family army. Even though Xie Ding had now brought his two brothers into official positions, once Xie Jingxing truly made the Xie family army his own, even if Xie Changchao and Xie Changwu struggled their entire lives, they would find it difficult to reach Xie Jingxing’s height.

“So what?” Xie Jingxing raised his lips in a smile, his gaze sweeping over with a hint of wickedness. “Use them more, and it becomes second nature.”

“No!” Xie Ding flatly refused. “Tomorrow you will come with me to court and explain to His Majesty that this commander’s order cannot be accepted!”

“Marquis,” Xie Jingxing tilted his head to look at him, as if looking at a joke. “The commander’s order is something I requested myself. To go back on my word to His Majesty… if the Marquis wants to see me lose my head, just say so directly. Why bother with such a roundabout approach?” As he finished speaking, he gave a meaningful look at Xie Changwu and his brother.

It was suggesting that Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao had ill intentions. The two men’s expressions froze. Xie Changwu said, “Big Brother, Father is just being kind. The northern border is a complex place. If something goes wrong, not only would your safety be at risk, but Father would also be punished, and the entire Xie family army would be disgraced. You can’t just think about making a name for yourself without considering the future of the Xie family.”

The implication was that Xie Jingxing’s expedition was completely overambitious, not knowing his limits, wanting to achieve merit but not knowing his capabilities, and going out would only be embarrassing.

At these words, even Xie Ding couldn’t help but frown.

“Brother need not worry,” Xie Jingxing retorted. “I look forward to you two entering officialdom, establishing merit in court, and gaining limitless glory. Then the Xie family will rely on your protection. The Marquis will be very happy.”

Currently, Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao had just entered official positions. To reach the point of establishing merit, with their abilities, that would be a very long time coming. Xie Jingxing was mocking them for their lack of talent, only able to climb the ranks through the Xie family’s connections.

“You!” Xie Changchao was furious and was about to speak when Xie Ding shouted, “Enough!”

Xie Changchao and Xie Changwu immediately fell silent, but Xie Jingxing showed some impatience and said, “Has the Marquis finished speaking? If you’re done, please leave quickly, I want to sleep.”

“Jingxing,” Xie Ding suddenly said wearily, “After all these years, do you still hate me so much? Hate me to the point that you’re willing to risk your own life to stay away from the Marquis’s residence.”

Xie Ding was now in his forties but still a handsome middle-aged man with a fine beard. Though a military general, he was unlike Shen Xin’s rough and straightforward manner, more like a refined gentleman. Xie Ding had been known as a “scholarly general” in his youth and was quite handsome. Most people in the Xie family had inherited Xie Ding’s appearance, even Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao were considered handsome young men, but compared to Xie Jingxing, they fell far short.

Princess Yuqing was gentle and elegant, and Xie Ding in his youth was like jade. Yet they produced Xie Jingxing, whose appearance was extraordinary, but whose temperament was even more so. Cynical, arrogant, and flamboyant, it seemed no one in the world could control him. He appeared to care about nothing, too proud to take anyone seriously. Such appearance and temperament would probably be considered legendary and romantic figures in history books.

But it also made people helpless, like Xie Ding at this moment.

Xie Ding’s temples now had flecks of silver-white. He said, “Jingxing, do you still hate me?” As he said this, Xie Ding’s voice was trembling. Though he usually treated Xie Jingxing with anger and resentment, at this moment, he was like a father making the most helpless surrender to his son.

Hate? Hate what? Hate that he allowed Madam Fang to enter the door, giving the malicious woman an opportunity? Causing Princess Yuqing to die with resentment, forcing Xie Jingxing to live in such a dysfunctional household? He was clearly at fault from the beginning, yet he acted like a lovesick fool and never remarried. He wasn’t willing to execute Madam Fang. He showered Xie Jingxing with love, vainly attempting to redeem himself.

The error had already been made, the person was gone, and how could the sin ever be redeemed?

Xie Jingxing glanced at him, his gaze sharp for an instant, but despite seeing this once-commanding general showing such fatigue, he remained unmoved.

He had never hated Xie Ding; he merely found him beneath contempt. Moreover… Xie Jingxing said, “The Marquis is overthinking. I don’t have that kind of leisure time.”

I don’t have that kind of leisure time to hate you.

These words were too hurtful. Xie Ding, upon hearing them, unconsciously took two steps back, clutching his chest, his face filled with unspeakable grief.

Meanwhile, Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao were increasingly delighted. The more deeply Xie Jingxing hurt Xie Ding, the more disappointed Xie Ding would be with Xie Jingxing. Only in this way would there someday come a time when the two brothers could completely replace Xie Jingxing’s position.

“In that case…” Xie Ding said with difficulty, “Then you may go on the expedition.” His voice dropped low. “I will explain to the Xie family army. Those people will assist you with their experience. Take the armor and heart shields from the residence.” Xie Ding seemed to have aged ten years overnight. Looking at Xie Jingxing, he said, “You… take care.”

Xie Changchao and Xie Changwu supported Xie Ding as they left. Before exiting, Xie Changchao gave Xie Jingxing a malicious smile: “Little brother wishes big brother a great victory over the enemy and a triumphant return.”

Yet his manner suggested he hoped Xie Jingxing would die on the battlefield.

After Xie Changwu and his brother left, the door to the room was closed, and under the flickering lamplight, a black-clothed person had appeared at some point. The black-clothed person said, “Master, Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao…”

“Forget it,” Xie Jingxing said. “If they die now, the Marquis of Lin’an will be even less likely to let me leave.”

“The Xie family army only obeys the Marquis of Lin’an and certainly won’t follow Master’s orders,” the black-clothed person said. “What does the Master plan do?”

“The mere Xie family army, who cares about them?” Xie Jingxing showed some impatience. “How are the arrangements at the Princess’s residence?”

“In response to Master, the people we’ve placed are in hiding, protecting Princess Rongxin. Master, won’t you bid farewell to Princess Rongxin?”

“No need,” Xie Jingxing waved his hand. “This is fine.”

The black-clothed person respectfully acknowledged and retreated.

In the light and shadow of the lamps, that handsome face shed its usual arrogance and flamboyance, revealing a trace of gentleness. Without the purple-gold robe, wearing only jade-white undergarments, the young man’s eyelashes were long, as if contemplating the firelight, handsome as a person in a painting.

“Hate?” He lowered his eyes and smiled faintly.

“Everyone in the world will hate me.”