After thinking for a while, Shen Miao asked Xie Jingxing, “How do you plan to deal with Princess Ming’an and Xie Changwu?”

Though she had repeatedly told herself not to be curious about Xie Jingxing’s affairs, Shen Miao couldn’t help but ask. When Xie Jingxing had taken away Xie Changchao’s corpse, she found it very puzzling. She asked, “Are you planning to kill Xie Changwu?”

“Should I wait for him to scheme against me from behind?” Xie Jingxing countered.

Shen Miao rolled her eyes. Even if Xie Changwu truly wanted to scheme against Xie Jingxing, he would need to be capable of doing so first. Not to mention that Xie Jingxing currently holds the prestigious position of Prince Rui of Great Liang. Even in the past, when he was just the young lord of the Marquis of Lin’an’s household, the Xie brothers had never gained the upper hand in their confrontations. Even the resourceful Madam Fang could only watch helplessly as Xie Jingxing behaved arrogantly and willfully for so many years.

“You don’t have to kill him. You didn’t have to kill Xie Changchao either,” Shen Miao said. “Your fa… the Marquis of Lin’an will thoroughly investigate the consecutive deaths of his sons. Though you may have other methods, it would still cause unnecessary trouble.”

Xie Jingxing’s eyes turned cold. “I decide who lives and who dies.” Suddenly glancing at Shen Miao, his lips curled up as he said, “You seem very aware of your role as an ally. What, are you worried about me?” His tone suddenly became more flirtatious. Compared to the carefree youth from two years ago, the increasingly handsome and refined Xie Jingxing, making such gestures, was captivating. Though dangerous, there was something bewitching about him that drew people closer.

Shen Miao calmly averted her gaze and said, “I’m worried you’ll implicate me.”

Xie Jingxing snorted with laughter, his smile tinged with amusement. “No need to worry. If I have ways to protect you, I certainly have ways to protect myself. I won’t cause trouble for others.”

Shen Miao found his words strange, feeling as if Xie Jingxing was alluding to something. However, since there were only the two of them in the room, she couldn’t imagine who he might be referring to. Thinking she was overthinking, she simply followed his lead: “Naturally, His Highness Prince Rui has great abilities.”

“There are areas where I’m outmatched,” Xie Jingxing said lazily. “I’m not good at the wounded trick.”

Shen Miao: “What did you say?”

“Never mind,” Xie Jingxing stood up and walked over to Shen Miao. He was extremely tall, and standing next to Shen Miao created an imposing pressure. Usually when he spoke with Shen Miao, he was either casual or flirtatious, which diluted that pressure. Today, however, perhaps it was Shen Miao’s imagination, but she felt Xie Jingxing’s gaze was much sharper than usual.

“How do you want me to deal with Ming’an?” he moved closer to Shen Miao and asked softly in her ear.

Shen Miao instinctively stepped back, but Xie Jingxing held her shoulder. His expression was strange, as if he was restraining something. Suddenly, he released her and turned away coldly, asking, “What do you think?”

“Why are you asking me?” Shen Miao said. “Don’t you already have a plan?” Since Xie Jingxing had taken Xie Changchao’s body away, Shen Miao assumed he had already determined his next steps. Why was he asking her now?

“It depends on you.” Xie Jingxing didn’t turn around.

“If Prince Rui takes action, how successful would it be?” Shen Miao quickly calculated in her mind. “I mean, if you kill Princess Ming’an, can you ensure no one finds evidence against you?”

Xie Jingxing paused, turned to stare at Shen Miao for a moment, and suddenly smiled. “Shen girl, you’re quite the businesswoman.”

Shen Miao was slightly stunned. Xie Jingxing hadn’t called her “Shen girl” for a long time. Hearing it now made Shen Miao feel as if they were back to when they first met two years ago. At that time, they were wary of each other, matched opponents who kept their guard up, thinking they would never associate with each other for the rest of their lives. Yet unexpectedly, in just two years, they could sit together calmly discussing murder.

Life truly was full of twists and turns.

Seeing Shen Miao lost in thought, Xie Jingxing asked, “You want to kill her?”

Shen Miao snapped back to reality and said, “She conspired with the Xie brothers to kidnap me, intending to sell me to a brothel, preparing a fate worse than death for me. She also secretly plotted against my elder brother. I’m not a saint, nor will I repay evil with kindness. Taking her life is already merciful compared to what she did to me.”

“A ruthless girl,” Xie Jingxing smiled carelessly, seemingly unfazed by Shen Miao’s desire to kill a princess. He folded his arms and looked at Shen Miao complacently, saying, “But why should I do this?”

Shen Miao: “…”

She had heard that women could be moody during their menstrual cycles, and now Shen Miao couldn’t help but wonder if men experienced something similar. Otherwise, why was Xie Jingxing so moody today, completely unpredictable? A few days ago, Xie Jingxing had tried to bind Shen Miao to him, actively taking the lead in various matters. Now that she was asking for his help, Xie Jingxing was putting on airs. Even the slippery veteran ministers who had navigated court politics for years weren’t as frustrating as the young man before her.

She said, “Didn’t you already consider me your ally? Isn’t standing up for an ally a matter of course?” Shen Miao had figured it out—Xie Jingxing was someone who didn’t follow conventional rules. Pei Lang had once taught Fu Xiuyi the art of managing subordinates: if a subordinate has a peculiar temperament and is shameless, be even more shameless than they are. So she decided to use Xie Jingxing’s own words against him.

Xie Jingxing was momentarily stumped. Looking at Shen Miao, his eyes flickered as he said softly, “That may be so, but not only did I save you, I got involved in a murder case for you, and now you want me to help you assassinate a princess. Allies benefit each other mutually, yet you’re doing nothing. Those who help unconditionally are spouses, not allies. I think you’re treating me like a husband rather than an ally.”

Shen Miao was furious and laughed coldly, “If His Highness Prince Rui is unwilling, that’s fine. I won’t force you. I’ll handle Princess Ming’an’s matter myself.”

“How will you handle it?” Xie Jingxing asked calmly. “Will you ask your cousin for help?”

Shen Miao: “What does this have to do with Cousin Ling?”

Xie Jingxing said, “Why are you in such a hurry? I didn’t say I wouldn’t agree. As allies, it’s not a difficult task. This prince can handle it easily. But you should do something for me in return, shouldn’t you?”

Shen Miao glared at him.

“Hmm, I can’t think of anything right now,” Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow and sighed. “Just make me two baskets of pastries for now. This prince might get hungry during the assassination.”

Shen Miao: “…”

Even after Xie Jingxing left, Shen Miao sat back on the couch, now completely awake. She wasn’t sure what method Xie Jingxing would use to “assassinate” Princess Ming’an, but she felt surprisingly at ease. Given Xie Jingxing’s extensive resources—he had even dared to change his identity and swagger right under Emperor Wenhui’s nose—taking a princess’s life should be a simple matter for him, judging by how casually he spoke of it.

However… Xie Jingxing seemed to be in a bad mood today. Shen Miao thought as she cleared the cups from the couch. He was so moody that his emotions were unpredictable.

…

After several consecutive sunny days in Ming Qi’s capital, Ding Jing, it began to snow again. The noble ladies and young misses, being delicate, were unwilling to go out as the snowy roads were slippery. If they did venture out, they bundled up tightly and carried several hand warmers to avoid catching a cold. The Wanli Lake had frozen over, and even fishermen had to drill holes in the ice to fish. Overnight, the trees became adorned with glistening icicles. If anyone had splashed water on their doorstep the night before, they would certainly find it frozen over the next morning, making walking treacherous.

Such was the case at Prince Rui’s residence.

Ji Yushu fell flat on his face early in the morning, complaining that the ice in the courtyard hadn’t been properly cleared. Ever since Xie Jingxing had purchased the entire block of residences in Yanqing Lane, Ji Yushu spent most of his time at Prince Rui’s mansion playing with the big cat, only occasionally visiting the Fengxian Pawnshop when Hong Ling needed him to review the accounts.

Seeing Xie Jingxing walking out of the room, Ji Yushu called out, “Third Brother!”

Xie Jingxing couldn’t be bothered with him. White Tiger broke free from Ji Yushu’s grasp and ran quickly to Xie Jingxing’s side. Gao Yang came from another direction; he hadn’t returned to the palace the previous night and had stayed at Prince Rui’s residence.

“Are you going to the Shen residence again to treat the Luo family’s young miss?” Ji Yushu asked.

Mentioning this made Gao Yang’s head ache. He had treated many people—palace consorts, the emperor, even the wives and daughters of high officials—but he had never encountered someone like Luo Tan. Although she had been at death’s door just days ago, barely surviving, as soon as she felt slightly better, she continued practicing martial arts in the Shen residence’s courtyard. She claimed to have had an epiphany from Shen Miao’s incident, believing that only through rigorous martial arts training could she protect those close to her.

She didn’t consider her physical condition at all.

With such exertion, how could her wounds heal quickly? Whenever her wounds healed slowly, Luo Tan would look at Gao Yang suspiciously and ask, “Are you a palace physician? You’re not even as good as the apprentices in our Xiaochun City’s medical clinic. Back home, someone could fall and be chopping wood on the mountain the very next day.”

To compare him, an imperial physician, with clinic apprentices! And Luo Tan’s injuries weren’t mere bruises—she had nearly lost her life! Gao Yang had never encountered such an uncooperative patient who showed no reverence or flattery toward him. If he hadn’t used Luo Tan’s secret visit to Prince Rui as leverage, Gao Yang believed she might have even urinated on his head.

Seeing Gao Yang unusually distracted, Ji Yushu nudged him with his arm: “Why are you daydreaming in broad daylight? Have you become a fool from treating patients?”

Gao Yang came back to his senses and looked at Ji Yushu with disdain: “Not everyone is like you.”

Xie Jingxing suddenly spoke up: “How is Luo Ling?”

Gao Yang was surprised, wondering why Xie Jingxing was asking about Luo Ling, and replied, “He wasn’t seriously injured to begin with, so he’s the same as before.”

“How is his hand?”

“His hand?” Gao Yang said, “His right hand is useless now. Are you doubting my judgment?”

Xie Jingxing turned around and looked at Gao Yang with displeasure: “Can’t you heal his hand?”

“Though my medical skills are excellent, I’m not a miracle worker,” Gao Yang said helplessly. “His hand was injured down to the tendons and bones, and he already had an old injury. I can do nothing. What connection do you suddenly have with him? Even if you want to be good to the Shen family, Luo Ling is just a distant relative. Do you need to take care of even the relatives? Why don’t you just extend your benevolence to the whole world?”

Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow: “Who said I was taking care of him?”

“Then why do you care about his injuries?” Gao Yang was puzzled.

“I know! I know!” Ji Yushu, who had been ignored until now, finally found a chance to speak and interjected, “I know! I know!” He stroked his chin smugly, putting on a profound expression. “Young Master Luo was injured because of Fifth Miss Shen. If Young Master Luo doesn’t recover, Fifth Miss Shen will inevitably blame herself. Third Brother and Fifth Miss Shen have a deep friendship, so naturally, he doesn’t want to see Fifth Miss Shen sad. Right, Third Brother? Am I right?”

Xie Jingxing gave him a cold look. Ji Yushu touched his nose and said quietly, “I think it makes a lot of sense.”

Gao Yang, however, pondered Ji Yushu’s words carefully and seemed to suddenly understand something. When he looked at Xie Jingxing again, his gaze held confusion: “If that’s the case, Luo Ling’s hand injury is a good thing. This way, compared to you, he appears even more inadequate.”

“Nonsense,” Xie Jingxing laughed instead of getting angry. “Even if he grew an extra hand, he would still be inadequate compared to me!”

Ji Yushu and Gao Yang: “…”

Had they said something wrong? Why did it feel like Xie Jingxing was even angrier?

Ji Yushu tried to appease Xie Jingxing: “That’s right! Who does Third Brother think he is? The Prince Rui of Great Liang, His Majesty’s brother—who in the world would dare to belittle you? The Luo family is just the son of a minor official from a border region of the Ming Qi. In our Great Liang, that’s just a trivial position. Besides, he can’t even use his right hand now. How could he compare to Third Brother?” Ji Yushu’s flattery skills were first-rate, flowing effortlessly without batting an eye.

“Comparing me to someone who can’t even protect himself? Ji Yushu, are you looking to go back to your hometown?” Xie Jingxing’s voice grew colder.

Ji Yushu was dumbfounded—he had managed to flatter in the worst possible way. What should he do now?

Gao Yang finally seemed to find his conscience and changed the subject, asking, “The people from the Talao previously asked how to dispose of Xie Changchao’s body. Now that Shen Miao has returned to the Shen residence, what’s your next step?”

Xie Changchao was dead, and news of Shen Miao’s safe return to the Shen residence, escorted by Princess Rongxin, was known throughout the city. The incident had initially shocked many, but now it seemed to have been resolved too easily, leaving people with a sense of anticlimax. However, since Princess Rongxin had personally intervened, rumors were difficult to spread, and gradually people began to forget about it.

But how could those involved forget so easily? At the very least, the remaining Xie Changwu must be on pins and needles. Xie Changchao had disappeared without a trace, yet the kidnapped Shen Miao had returned safely home. What must he be thinking?

Hearing this, Xie Jingxing slowly curled his lips and said, “The next step, naturally, is to settle accounts.”

Gao Yang looked at Xie Jingxing for a moment before tentatively asking, “Are you… Planning to deal with Princess Ming’an as well?”

“Why not?” Xie Jingxing said casually. “If Qin State doesn’t keep its dogs on a leash and they run around biting people, it’s not others’ fault if they’re caught and killed.”

“But,” Gao Yang disapproved, “although that’s true, His Majesty previously instructed that we should not act rashly while in Ming Qi. We don’t know His Majesty’s plans yet. If we move against someone from the Qin State, Huangfu Hao will investigate. Even if you have ways to handle it, it would still cause a lot of trouble.”

“Who said we’d use Great Liang’s people?” Xie Jingxing smiled lightly. “Can’t I use my people?”

Gao Yang was taken aback, and after a moment asked, “Why are you so determined to move against Princess Ming’an? You could make her suffer without taking her life. Why must you kill her?”

“This mad dog has caused me a lot of trouble,” Xie Jingxing’s gaze darkened. “This prince decides whose life to take. I don’t need to inform you, do I?” With that, he bent down to pick up White Tiger and walked out, ignoring the two men, apparently off to do something.

Ji Yushu frowned and said, “Is Third Brother having his period? Why is he so moody lately? Did you offend him?”

“Who has time for that?” Gao Yang replied. “I still want to live longer.”

“It seems Xie Changwu and Princess Ming’an are in for trouble,” Ji Yushu said sympathetically. “In that case, Xie Changchao’s death was quite easy. He must have had some good fortune.”

“Indeed,” Gao Yang rarely agreed with Ji Yushu’s words.

…

The Marquis of Lin’an’s residence in Ding Jing City was much quieter than it had been two years ago. It was no longer bustling with carriages and visitors; those who came to visit Xie Ding were fewer day by day. There was no helping it—ever since Xie Jingxing’s death, Xie Ding seemed to have lost interest in court affairs. The once influential Xie family, which had given even the late emperor headaches, had finally lost its spirit and could no longer thrive.

Currently, the only members of the Xie family still climbing the ranks in official circles were Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao. Though not as brilliant as Xie Jingxing had been, they did possess some ability. If not for their status as sons of a concubine, they might have risen faster and higher. Even so, their current positions were quite remarkable.

Inside the Xie residence, Madam Fang was giving newly made clothes to Xie Changwu. Although Madam Fang was nearly forty, she showed few signs of aging. Unlike Princess Yuqing’s elegant and dignified bearing from her royal upbringing, Madam Fang still retained some of the delicate charm typical of women from Jiangnan. Her speech was soft and gentle, making people instinctively want to cherish her.

With such delicate charm, it was no wonder that Marquis Lin’an Xie Ding had eventually gone to Madam Fang’s bed, even though he already had Princess Yuqing as his wife.

Madam Fang said, “This is newly available fabric. I had the tailor make winter clothes for your brothers. Ding Jing City is getting colder day by day. You’re out and about all day, so don’t catch a cold.”

Xie Changwu took them and said, “Thank you, Mother,” though his mind was elsewhere.

“Your brother’s clothes are here too. I heard Changchao went hunting with some friends. Why hasn’t he returned after so long?” Madam Fang complained. Yesterday, the Marquis was telling me that Changchao had been eager to enter the Ministry of Personnel. The Marquis had planned to take Changchao to meet the Vice Minister to have a word, but Changchao wasn’t around these days, so the opportunity was missed.” Madam Fang sighed, “Changchao was always ambitious before. Why has he suddenly become interested in amusements now?”

Xie Changwu forced a smile and said, “Third Brother… isn’t just amusing himself. It’s because of the heavy snow and cold weather recently. He probably found it difficult to leave the mountains while hunting, so he’s been delayed. He’ll be back in a few days, and then Father can arrange another dinner with the Vice Minister of Personnel.”

Hearing this, Madam Fang became anxious: “With heavy snow, will the mountains be closed off? Changchao won’t be in danger, will he?”

“How could that be?” Xie Changwu smiled. “Many people are with him, all experienced hunters. Don’t worry, Mother.”

Madam Fang finally relaxed and took Xie Changwu’s hand, saying, “I now only have you two to rely on. The Marquis has been indifferent to me for so many years. Back then, with Xie Jingxing suppressing your brothers, seeing you suffer made me deeply distressed. After enduring for so many years, thankfully, heaven has eyes and wore him to death. Now there’s no one in the Marquis of Lin’an’s residence to block your path. You must continue to advance, trampling underfoot all those who once mocked our mother and sons. Eventually, even the Marquis won’t be able to ignore your achievements, and I’ll earn an official title. Once you shed the identity of concubine-born sons, this entire Marquis’s residence will be yours.” As Madam Fang spoke, though still soft-spoken, her words carried resentment and bitterness. It seemed she had been suppressing these feelings for many years.

Xie Changwu said, “Don’t worry, Mother. Since heaven allowed Xie Jingxing to die young, it shows that heaven is on our side. One day, we will rule over the Marquis of Lin’an’s residence!”

Madam Fang nodded.

After seeing Madam Fang off, Xie Changwu returned to his room and paced anxiously back and forth.

What he had told Madam Fang was merely to appease her. Appeasing Madam Fang was easy, as she was just a woman of the inner quarters. But now even Xie Ding was asking about Xie Changchao’s whereabouts every few days, which was becoming ominous.

Since the day Xie Changwu had returned from attending a banquet with Xie Ding, he had not seen any trace of Xie Changchao. If that were all, it might be fine—perhaps Xie Changchao had some urgent matter to attend to. But the person in the secret chamber had also disappeared, which terrified Xie Changwu.

The secret chamber in the Marquis of Lin’an’s residence had been built by the brothers themselves with considerable effort. All the workers who had constructed it had been silenced by Xie Changwu, so within the entire residence, apart from the two brothers, no one else knew where the entrances and exits were. Even Xie Ding didn’t know, let alone anyone outside the Marquis’s residence.

Initially, Xie Changwu thought Xie Changchao had taken Shen Miao away, perhaps having found a way to transport her to a “brothel,” or perhaps Xie Changchao had other plans. But after waiting and waiting, the news he received was that Shen Miao had been returned to the Shen residence by Princess Rongxin. Xie Changwu immediately sensed trouble.

Shen Miao had been rescued, so where had the missing Xie Changchao gone? Had someone taken Shen Miao from the secret chamber? But there were no signs of a struggle in the chamber, and no one else could know about it. Could it be that Xie Changchao was discovered while taking Shen Miao out, and she was rescued? But what about Princess Rongxin’s statement?

Xie Changwu felt trapped in a strange cycle where nothing made sense. No matter how many people he sent to search for Xie Changchao, there was no trace of him.

Not only was Xie Changchao’s prolonged disappearance causing suspicion, but at the Qin State’s residence, Princess Ming’an had flown into a rage upon learning that Shen Miao had been rescued and summoned Xie Changwu. Xie Changwu could only temporarily appease Princess Ming’an with excuses, but paper cannot wrap fire—Princess Ming’an would eventually explode.

Xie Changwu was so anxious that he developed sores on his lips. He put on his outer robe, planning to have people search every corner of Ding Jing once more, when he suddenly noticed a letter on his desk.

He didn’t know who had placed this letter on his desk, as Xie Changwu never allowed servants or attendants into his study, and others couldn’t enter. He first warily looked around but saw no one. He picked up the letter, opened it, and was greeted by familiar handwriting.

It was Xie Changchao’s writing.

In the letter, Xie Changchao said that on that day, he had intended to take Shen Miao to find a brothel, but they encountered officials on the way and had to hide in a civilian house by Wanli Lake. The news of Shen Miao’s return to the Shen residence was a ruse jointly planned by Shen Xin and Princess Rongxin. They aimed to make those who had kidnapped Shen Miao lower their guard. On the surface, it appeared that the Shen family troops and officials had stopped searching, but in reality, they hadn’t relaxed their efforts at all. Therefore, Xie Changchao didn’t dare to appear with Shen Miao.

Now that Princess Ming’an was pressing urgently, it would be better to sell Shen Miao to the brothel district of Wanli Lake at midnight. No matter what, they should first humiliate Shen Miao. This would please Princess Ming’an, and it would be best if Princess Ming’an could also attend to witness this, compensating for the brothers’ misstep.

After reading the letter, Xie Changwu believed it to be seventy to eighty percent true.

Firstly, as the letter stated, although it was said that Shen Miao had been sent back by Princess Rongxin and rumors were rampant, neither on the day she was returned to the Shen residence nor afterward had she appeared in public. This meant no one had seen Shen Miao return. If so, why didn’t Shen Xin allow Shen Miao to appear in public to make the clarification more credible? Could it be that Shen Miao had not been found at all?

Secondly, and most importantly, the handwriting in the letter was undoubtedly Xie Changchao’s, and it even included the secret communication method between Xie Changchao and Xie Changwu. In his official capacity, Xie Changchao rarely wrote documents himself. It would be impossible to imitate Xie Changchao’s handwriting based on those few examples. If there were any samples, they would be the discarded practice sheets from when Xie Changchao practiced calligraphy at home. There were many such sheets, and if Xie Jingxing were alive, perhaps he could have imitated Xie Changchao’s handwriting.

But whether Xie Jingxing would bother to imitate Xie Changchao’s handwriting or not was irrelevant—Xie Jingxing had died on the battlefield two years ago, his remains never recovered. No one in this world could imitate Xie Changchao’s handwriting anymore.

Xie Changwu thought for a moment, walked to the desk, spread out paper, picked up a brush, and began to write a letter.