Princess Ming’an was dead!

Shen Miao was startled. Though Luo Tan’s explanation was jumbled and unclear, she understood most of it. Without a doubt, Princess Ming’an’s death was the work of Xie Jingxing. As for the two men mentioned, Shen Miao immediately thought of the Xie brothers. Thinking about it, she couldn’t help but draw in a sharp breath. Indeed, Xie Jingxing was ruthless. If Princess Ming’an had merely been killed ordinarily, it probably wouldn’t have caused much of an issue. But placing Princess Ming’an and the Xie brothers together in such a scandalous pose meant that the public’s attention would focus not on the murder itself, but on the alleged affair between Princess Ming’an and the Xie brothers.

Certainly, perhaps all of this was the murderer’s handiwork, but compared to a cold investigation, this kind of salacious case would more easily become the talk of the town. No matter what, even if Crown Prince Huangfu Hao or Emperor Wenhui suppressed it by force or came forward to clarify, others would not believe them. Princess Ming’an, as an imperial princess, was now being gossiped about like a brothel girl for all to see. When news of this returned to the Qin Kingdom, it would surely become a laughingstock there as well.

Xie Jingxing was truly merciless.

As for the Xie brothers, Shen Miao’s thoughts darkened. Perhaps Huangfu Hao would be furious, but no one could prove that the Xie brothers had forced themselves on Princess Ming’an, because the Xie brothers were also dead. Huangfu Hao couldn’t take out his anger on the Marquis of Lin’an, as the Marquis had lost two sons in succession, which was already quite tragic.

Seeing Shen Miao deep in thought, Luo Tan couldn’t help but ask, “Little cousin, have you figured something out? Who do you think is behind all this? Who could be so daring?”

Shen Miao smiled slightly, “I’m not skilled at solving cases. If you want to know the outcome, just wait and see how the Court of Justice investigates.”

“Regardless,” Luo Tan, with her straightforward personality, said, “I don’t feel any sympathy for her at all. That princess was arrogant and vengeful. From what I’ve heard, if she were still alive, she would eventually find some fault with you, little cousin. This outcome is quite good. I wonder which hero has done such a public service.” Luo Tan rubbed her hands together, seemingly eager to meet this person.

Shen Miao glanced at her and said, “You seem quite fond of murderers and arsonists. You have quite a broad mind.”

Luo Tan replied, “We from the Luo family have always been clear about our likes and dislikes!” She suddenly paused and said, “Speaking of clear likes and dislikes, when you were kidnapped before, I went to ask the Rui Wang of Da Liang for help. After all, he did rescue you immediately. When you have free time later, little cousin, don’t forget to thank him.”

Shen Miao said, “…Thank you for your concern.”

Luo Tan patted her shoulder, but then they heard Jingzhe coming in from outside, smiling as he said, “Miss Luo, Imperial Physician Gao has come to check your pulse.”

Luo Tan’s expression changed instantly. She immediately stood up and said to Shen Miao, “Well, little cousin, I must take my leave. Think more about Princess Ming’an’s matter today, and if you figure anything out, hehe, do tell me. I want to find that fellow!” With that, she scurried away like a mouse that had seen a cat, lifting her skirt as she ran.

Shen Miao sighed as she watched Luo Tan’s retreating figure, her gaze gradually deepening.

Xie Jingxing had created such a big commotion, naturally venting his anger thoroughly. However, considering that a princess of a kingdom was involved, and many people were implicated, would it just blow over peacefully? Shen Miao didn’t think so.

…

The news of Princess Ming’an and the Xie brothers being made into ice sculptures in the capital of Dingjing quickly spread throughout the entire city. Officials promptly drove away the commoners surrounding Wanli Lake and took down the three bodies. When Huangfu Hao saw Princess Ming’an’s corpse, he indeed flew into a rage, his anger so intense that even Emperor Wenhui could barely withstand it.

Huangfu Hao’s face was so grim it could drip water. He laughed coldly and said, “On Your Majesty’s soil, a princess of my Qin Kingdom has been insulted to death. I cannot help but wonder what Mingqi’s intentions are. Perhaps I should quickly report this to my royal father and let him decide.”

Emperor Wenhui pressed his temples. Huangfu Hao’s somewhat threatening words made him quite displeased, as if the Crown Prince didn’t regard him, the Emperor of Mingqi, with any importance. However, this incident was indeed sudden, and even Emperor Wenhui himself didn’t know why such a thing had happened. The Marquis of Lin’an, Xie Ding, knelt beside him, tears streaming down his face as he pleaded, “I beg Your Majesty to thoroughly investigate this matter! Give my sons justice and clarity!”

The civil and military officials in the Imperial Hall all sighed with sympathy. The Lin’an Marquis Manor used to be so prosperous, and the younger Marquis of Lin’an had been so vigorous, even finding excuses to disregard imperial orders outside, yet he still managed to marry the noble Princess Yuqing of Mingqi. But since Princess Yuqing’s death, the Lin’an Marquis Manor seemed to have lost its spirit, gradually declining. Xie Jingxing, a descendant of Princess Yuqing, had been a rare talent of exceptional quality, yet he too was buried in the yellow sands of the battlefield. Emperor Wenhui had originally planned to deal with the Lin’an Marquis Manor, but after seeing how the Marquis nearly destroyed himself following Xie Jingxing’s death, he gradually stopped paying attention to the manor. Now, the Marquis’s remaining two illegitimate sons had also died tragically, and the once-great Lin’an Marquis Manor had no successor, destined to disappear into the torrent of Mingqi’s history. Recalling past glory and seeing today’s desolation, everyone couldn’t help but feel a sense of grief.

Huangfu Hao glanced at Xie Ding inconspicuously, with a hint of sinister malice in his eyes. Regardless of whether the Xie brothers were victims or if they were positioned in such a manner after death, one thing was indisputable: Princess Ming’an’s purity and dignity were destroyed because of the Xie brothers. The person behind this was certainly despicable, but the Xie family could not be let off either. When had the Qin royal family ever suffered such humiliation? Huangfu Hao looked at Xie Ding, his mind already made up.

Emperor Wenhui had a splitting headache. He waved his hand to signal everyone to be quiet and said gravely, “This incident is extremely vile. Someone has committed such a heinous crime right under the imperial gaze, disregarding Mingqi’s laws and regulations, and the crime is immense. I have already sent people from the Court of Justice to thoroughly investigate this case, and we will certainly catch the person behind it and give everyone a proper explanation!”

Despite these words, Huangfu Hao was still displeased. He cupped his hands and said, “Since it is a princess of Qin who has suffered, I request that Your Majesty allow our people from Qin to participate in the investigation. Otherwise, when I return to my country and my royal father inquires, I will be unable to account for it.”

His words implied that he did not believe Mingqi would truly investigate the matter thoroughly.

Emperor Wenhui suppressed his anger and said, “Very well, I permit it.”

After Emperor Wenhui left, most of the court officials who were not acquainted with Huangfu Hao did not approach him. But the Marquis of Lin’an was still a noble of Mingqi, and having suffered such a misfortune, everyone came forward to comfort him.

Amidst the comforting crowd, one person walked past Huangfu Hao and gently said, “I offer my condolences to the Crown Prince.”

This person was Fu Xiuyi, the Prince of Ding.

Huangfu Hao, still angry, did not improve his expression upon seeing Fu Xiuyi. He cupped his hands in return and was about to leave when he heard Fu Xiuyi say softly behind him, “Regarding the princess’s murder, I have some thoughts. I wonder if the Crown Prince would like to hear them.”

Huangfu Hao was taken aback. At that moment, the officials were busy consoling the Marquis of Lin’an, and the two of them had just reached a corner where no one could see their interaction. Huangfu Hao laughed coldly and asked, “Could it be that the Prince of Ding has some brilliant insights?”

“I’ve just noticed some peculiarities,” Fu Xiuyi smiled indifferently. “If the Crown Prince is interested, when you have time, I am willing to discuss this matter in detail with you.”

Huangfu Hao turned back. Fu Xiuyi smiled and walked away. Huangfu Hao stood there for a moment, looked back at Xie Ding surrounded by people, laughed coldly, and strode away, his sleeves sweeping behind him.

…

The people investigating Princess Ming’an’s case moved quickly. Since a princess of Qin was involved, the Court of Justice did not dare to be careless. But for some reason, this time not even a trace of evidence had been left behind. After examining the scene from all angles, the conclusion was still that Princess Ming’an and the Xie brothers had been romantically involved. But of course, this result could not be presented to Emperor Wenhui, let alone the Crown Prince of Qin, who would surely fly into a rage.

The case seemed to have reached an impasse.

In the Shen residence, Shen Qiu entered Shen Miao’s study and found her casually flipping through a biography bought from outside. He sat down across from her.

Shen Miao glanced at Shen Qiu, seeing his hesitant expression, and asked, “Big brother, you’re looking at me. Do you have something to say?”

“Sister,” Shen Qiu hesitated, seemingly finding it extremely difficult to speak, looking quite conflicted. Shen Miao found it strange and asked, “Brother, if you have something to say, just say it. Don’t worry.”

After lengthy consideration, Shen Qiu finally asked, “Sister, was Princess Ming’an’s matter your doing?”

Shen Miao was slightly startled, not expecting Shen Qiu to think of her. But she quickly smiled and said, “Why would brother say such a thing? Princess Ming’an and the two Xie brothers—I couldn’t possibly manage such a feat by myself.”

Shen Qiu looked at Shen Miao, his gaze complex. After a moment, he sighed and said, “Sister, before, our parents and I couldn’t protect you. All these years, we let you live in the Shen mansion with those heartless people. I didn’t understand what you went through at first, but later I did. I know you’ve learned to protect yourself, and I know you have some methods, but… we are your family.” He said earnestly and solemnly, “There are some things you don’t need to resolve by yourself. Tell me and our parents. Although we cannot shield the sky with one hand, we can try our best to protect you.”

Shen Miao lowered her eyes, concealing the myriad of emotions in her heart, and smiled, “Brother, you’re right, we are indeed a family. But Princess Ming’an’s matter truly wasn’t my doing. I don’t have such ability, nor such courage. Besides,” she asked in return, “Even if it were just Princess Ming’an, what connection do I have with the Xie brothers?”

Shen Qiu sighed and said, “You still don’t want to tell me the truth.”

Shen Miao remained silent. Regarding Shen Qiu, Shen Miao had been gradually revealing information about herself to him. One day, if things reached a point of no return, at least Shen Qiu could understand earlier why she had done these things. But not everything in this world could be achieved at once; she couldn’t possibly reveal everything now.

“Anyway, I just want to tell you, if I can guess that you’re connected to this matter, our parents might not be completely unaware either,” Shen Qiu stared at Shen Miao, his expression completely serious. “You should know that Princess Ming’an had no grudges with anyone in Mingqi, except with you. If we can think this way, the Crown Prince of Qin will naturally think of it too. Regardless of whether you’re involved or not, someone will direct their attention toward you. Sister, you are in great danger now.”

Shen Miao said, “But I have no connection to this matter. Even if they investigate, they won’t find anything linked to me, right?” In fact, how could Shen Miao not have thought of what Shen Qiu said? Xie Jingxing could certainly seal the mouths of all in Dingjing, preventing people from discovering any clues, but what would Huangfu Hao think? This was something Xie Jingxing could not prevent.

“Are you really that confident?” Shen Qiu asked.

Shen Miao said, “Don’t worry, brother. This matter truly has no connection to me at all.”

Shen Qiu finally relaxed a bit and said, “These days, you should not leave the residence. The capital is not peaceful, and there are also some ill-intentioned people. The residence has already increased its guards, so it should be safe.”

Shen Miao nodded. Shen Qiu stood up. He still had military duties to attend to and needed to return. Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly thought of something, turned to look at Shen Miao, and asked, “Sister, have you befriended someone powerful?”

Shen Miao’s heart skipped a beat, but her face remained calm as she shook her head and said, “No, I haven’t.”

Shen Qiu didn’t say anything more and left.

Shen Qiu’s worries were spot on. That night, a special guest came to the Prince of Ding’s residence. This distinguished guest was none other than the Crown Prince of Qin, Huangfu Hao, who had been furious over his sister’s tragic death.

In the Imperial Hall, Fu Xiuyi’s casual remark to Huangfu Hao had finally made the naturally suspicious Crown Prince decide to make this trip. Before Huangfu Hao’s arrival, Fu Xiuyi had Pei Lang hide in the adjacent room to listen to their conversation through an open hidden window.

Huangfu Hao put down his teacup heavily. He didn’t waste time with Fu Xiuyi and got straight to the point, “Your Highness, the Prince of Ding, previously mentioned that you found something peculiar about my sister’s matter. Could you please elaborate?”

“Crown Prince, there’s no need to be hasty,” Fu Xiuyi smiled faintly. “I deeply regret Princess Ming’an’s murder. However, the current plan is not to immediately catch the culprit.”

Huangfu Hao frowned and looked at Fu Xiuyi with a cold smile, “Could it be that the Prince of Ding also believes I should let the matter rest? I don’t know what rules you follow in Mingqi, but in Qin, the murder of a princess is a matter of the highest importance. Even if we let it rest today, when my father learns of this in the future, he will surely demand justice from your Mingqi emperor. It was just a tribute banquet, yet my Qin princess lost her life here. Does the Prince of Ding think this is acceptable?”

His words carried implicit threats.

Fu Xiuyi shook his head and said, “Since the Crown Prince is so eager, I won’t speak in riddles. Generally, when a murder occurs, there’s always a reason. This case appears to be the joint murder of the Xie brothers and Princess Ming’an, but the way the bodies were positioned was intentionally humiliating, clearly meant to tarnish Princess Ming’an’s reputation. In other words, the culprit was targeting Princess Ming’an.”

Huangfu Hao laughed coldly, “I certainly understand that. To dare to do such a thing, they must be quite bold.”

“The Crown Prince might want to consider who in Mingqi would have such a grudge against Princess Ming’an?”

Huangfu Hao was taken aback, then frowned deeply in thought. Princess Ming’an had a haughty temperament and often beat or scolded her servants, so naturally, many resented her. But since entering Mingqi, due to her father’s repeated warnings not to cause tensions with Emperor Wenhui during their visit, Princess Ming’an had restrained herself somewhat. Therefore, although she acted willfully, she hadn’t offended any Mingqi officials.

Unless… Huangfu Hao suddenly thought of something, his eyes brightening, and he asked in a deep voice, “Are you referring to Shen Miao?”

Fu Xiuyi merely smiled without speaking.

“Impossible!” Huangfu Hao said, “Even if she had a conflict with Ming’an, and Ming’an later teased her, Shen Miao is just a woman. Ming’an had guards with her; how could Shen Miao have dealt with her?”

Fu Xiuyi smiled and shook his head, “Shen Miao couldn’t do it herself, but don’t forget, she is Shen Xin’s daughter. How does Shen Xin treat her daughter? The Crown Prince witnessed it at the tribute banquet.”

Huangfu Hao recalled that day at the banquet when Princess Ming’an and Shen Miao were at an impasse. Shen Xin, as a father, had stood by Shen Miao’s side from beginning to end, even willing to display a firm attitude at the expense of Emperor Wenhui’s favor. If Shen Xin were to stand up for his daughter, having his men take action, it wouldn’t be impossible.

“But what about the Xie brothers?” Huangfu Hao asked gravely. “Even if Shen Xin stood up for Shen Miao, he wouldn’t implicate the Xie family without reason. Xie Ding is still an official in Mingqi; Shen Xin wouldn’t create trouble for himself.”

Fu Xiuyi sighed and said, “Doesn’t the Crown Prince understand yet? During those days, I had the Xie brothers entertain Princess Ming’an, so they were together. As siblings, the Crown Prince surely knows the princess’s temperament. Shen Miao and Princess Ming’an had already developed antagonism. If Princess Ming’an wanted to deal with Shen Miao, it would be understandable. But since the princess was from Qin, and Shen Miao was an official’s daughter, direct action would be inconvenient. The Xie brothers were a perfect tool.”

Huangfu Hao was stunned and angrily said, “You don’t mean to say…”

“The Crown Prince need not be angry. I had originally planned to cultivate the Xie brothers for future use, but these two probably weren’t destined for greatness. You can understand what happened next: probably when the Xie brothers were taking action, something went wrong, so in the end, they were the ones who lost their lives, and unfortunately, the princess was implicated.”

Although Huangfu Hao’s face still showed disbelief, he had already begun to think. First, Shen Miao had been kidnapped for no apparent reason. At that time, Huangfu Hao had suspected Princess Ming’an, but seeing that she hadn’t left her residence and didn’t know many people in Mingqi, he hadn’t thought much of it. Later, Shen Miao was mysteriously returned to the Shen residence by that so-called Princess Rongxin, and then Princess Ming’an and the Xie brothers met with misfortune.

Fu Xiuyi was right; Princess Ming’an had a very vengeful nature. If she had previously lost face because of Shen Miao, she indeed wouldn’t have let the matter rest so easily. In those days, the Xie brothers frequently appeared at the residence. If it were for this reason, it made sense. But did Shen Miao have such capability? Huangfu Hao felt that something wasn’t quite right. Even if Shen Xin doted on Shen Miao and had such abilities, openly confronting a princess wasn’t a wise move. Especially since Shen Xin had just returned to the capital, and many things were still unstable… Even if not for his own sake, he would think of the other members of the Shen family. Was Shen Xin so foolish as to abandon reason for his daughter?

Huangfu Hao didn’t hear anything Fu Xiuyi said afterward. He felt that Fu Xiuyi’s words made some sense, but he was also uncertain. Seeing Huangfu Hao distracted, Fu Xiuyi didn’t say much more. After Fu Xiuyi left, Pei Lang came out from behind the screen.

“What is Your Highness’s intention?” Pei Lang asked. “Why direct attention to the Shen family?”

Fu Xiuyi glanced at Pei Lang and shook his head, “Sir, you might not know, but I believe that Shen Miao might have some connection with the Rui Wang of Da Liang.”

Pei Lang’s heart skipped a beat, but his face remained calm as he said, “Your Highness is still concerned about the incident at the Crown Prince’s residence. Rui Wang is from Liang Dynasty, and Shen Miao left the capital two years ago. There’s no possibility they could know each other. If they became acquainted in just these few months, it would be too far-fetched.”

“I know Sir thinks this is implausible,” Fu Xiuyi said, “but I have a feeling. There’s something strange between Shen Miao and Rui Wang. There have been many coincidental events these days. Precisely because if Shen Miao and Rui Wang only became acquainted in this short period, it’s even more worth pondering. Rui Wang is proud and aloof, difficult to approach even for my father. I want to know what capability Shen Miao possesses.”

Pei Lang frowned and asked, “What does that have to do with today’s matter with the Qin Crown Prince?”

Fu Xiuyi smiled and looked at Pei Lang, “Sir, don’t you think that Shen Miao alone couldn’t have done this, and Shen Xin isn’t an impulsive, hot-headed person? The Shen family alone wouldn’t commit such a rash act of murder, would they?”

Pei Lang suddenly realized, “Could Your Highness think…”

“Correct,” Fu Xiuyi said, “I suspect Rui Wang is behind this.”

Pei Lang fell silent. Seeing Pei Lang’s silence, Fu Xiuyi took the initiative to continue, “Rui Wang acts flamboyantly, and Da Liang has many capable people. With Rui Wang’s abilities, killing a princess would be a simple matter. But as you and I both know, Rui Wang had no grudge with Princess Ming’an, nor any connection with the Xie family. He wouldn’t cause trouble for himself without reason. But if it were for Shen Miao, everything would make sense.” He smiled faintly, “Though there’s a saying about a man’s reckless fury for a beautiful woman, I don’t believe so. There must be some special relationship between Rui Wang and Shen Miao.”

“So Your Highness is using the Qin Crown Prince to draw out the snake from its hole?” Pei Lang asked.

“Exactly,” Fu Xiuyi smiled, “Huangfu Hao is naturally suspicious. Even if he doesn’t believe my words, he will harbor doubts and eventually test his suspicions. By directing all attention to the Shen family, if Rui Wang and Shen Miao truly have a connection, he will certainly intervene. Then we’ll know the relationship between them and make further plans.”

Pei Lang asked, “What if Rui Wang doesn’t intervene?”

“No matter,” Fu Xiuyi said, “If Rui Wang doesn’t act, the Shen family has already overstepped too much. Having Huangfu Hao deal with the Shen family and suppress their power is also good for us.”

“Has Your Highness decided to suppress the Shen family?” Pei Lang looked at him.

“If they cannot be of use to me, naturally, I won’t leave behind future troubles.” Fu Xiuyi’s smile was gentle, but his tone was very cold. He turned to look at Pei Lang and said, “In the future, I’ll need more of Sir’s advice.”

Pei Lang repeatedly said he didn’t dare.

After Fu Xiuyi left, when Pei Lang returned to his room and looked at the lamp before him, he couldn’t help but sigh.

Two years ago, Shen Miao had asked him to infiltrate Fu Xiuyi’s side as a spy. Pei Lang had reluctantly agreed. With his abilities, he had fortunately gained Fu Xiuyi’s favor, and now Fu Xiuyi regarded Pei Lang as his closest confidant. Just as with today’s secret meeting with Huangfu Hao, Fu Xiuyi hadn’t hidden anything from Pei Lang and instead trusted him completely.

Perhaps this was truly Fu Xiuyi having no guard against Pei Lang, or perhaps it was Fu Xiuyi’s tactic for managing subordinates. Ordinary people, seeing their master treat them so well, would naturally develop more loyalty. If Pei Lang weren’t Shen Miao’s man, that is.

The more he interacted with Fu Xiuyi, the more Pei Lang marveled. Fu Xiuyi was indeed a man of vision and strategy, with a great man’s ruthlessness, hiding daggers in smiles or pretending to be ordinary, truly possessing the methods necessary for an emperor. Pei Lang even believed that in a few years or a decade, the empire would eventually fall into Fu Xiuyi’s hands. Fu Xiuyi would ultimately become the ruler of the world. The reason was simple: among the Mingqi princes, no one was more suitable for the position than Fu Xiuyi.

But Shen Miao insisted on opposing Fu Xiuyi. Pei Lang didn’t have high hopes for Shen Miao, which meant he didn’t have high hopes for himself. He had selfishly considered defecting, but Shen Miao firmly held his weakness, Liu Ying. So this slight dissatisfaction and reluctance could only scatter with the wind. He looked out the window. Fu Xiuyi treated him exceptionally well, with private quarters and no spies placed to monitor him. Pei Lang took a piece of paper from the table, ground the inkstick, picked up a brush, and began to write quickly.

The night was as dark as ink. In the Rui Wang’s residence, Xie Jingxing was playing with the white tiger at his feet. The tiger had been eating a lot lately, fed five meals a day by Ji Yushu, and its body had begun to expand rapidly, looking like an absolute fur ball. It was no longer as agile as before when it played, always appearing somewhat foolishly plump. Even a demanding person like Xie Jingxing was too lazy to hold it now, and when he played with it, he seemed rather perfunctory.

From outside came a man who looked like a guard, much younger than Tie Yi. He took out a letter from his bosom and handed it to Xie Jingxing, saying, “This is a letter from the Prince of Ding’s residence, written by his advisor Pei Lang, meant to be sent to the fifth miss of the Shen residence.”

Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow, pulled out the letter, and quickly scanned it. When he reached the last line, he suddenly curved his lips in a smile. In the night, his features were as handsome as a painting, his purple-gold robe glistening, like a brocade-clad night walker from a painting. Though he smiled casually, Nan Qi slightly shuddered, sensitively perceiving that the master was displeased again.

The last line read: Stay away from Rui Wang at all costs.