The General’s Mansion in the capital city of Jingdu had once been splendid and magnificent, commanding only reverence in the eyes of outsiders. Whenever the General’s Mansion was mentioned, people would recall the meritorious military achievements and horseback valor of the mighty general.

However, since the First Branch and the Shen family separated two years ago, with the First Branch being removed from the Shen family register, the General’s Mansion had fallen into decline at a pace visible to outsiders. Although Shen Gui and Shen Wan tried desperately to uphold the former glory of the General’s Mansion through their official careers, the paths of scholars and military officials were fundamentally different. Scholars relied on their minds and tongues; gaining merit took longer but was more sustainable. Military officials were different—fighting a battle and taking a few enemy heads could earn the admiration of thousands.

After the General’s Mansion fell into decline, although it still held its name, it no longer attracted attention as before. These days, it finally drew attention again, but as they say, good news stays within the door while bad news travels a thousand miles. The most astonishing piece of gossip now circulating was that Shen Wan, the Third Master of the Shen family, was planning to divorce his wife.

Among the three Shen sons, apart from Shen Xin, Shen Gui was smooth-talking but overly fond of women, making him somewhat careless in his affairs. Shen Wan was different from his second brother; he maintained his integrity and wasn’t excessively fond of women. Although he would occasionally visit pleasure houses with colleagues for appearances’ sake, he never created messy, troublesome affairs. He was also extremely careful about his reputation. To others, he appeared to be socially adept and talented. If he continued to accumulate experience for a few more years, his position would likely rise higher.

The official ladies also had a good impression of Shen Wan, not for any other reason but because Shen Wan doted on his wife and daughter, having no other women in his household. Those official ladies all had troublesome affairs in their courtyards, so they were both jealous of Chen Ruoqiu. After all, a husband devoted to only one woman wasn’t something one could encounter every day.

Who would have thought that at this critical moment, when Shen Yue had already been married off, Chen Ruoqiu and Shen Wan would suddenly bring up the matter of divorce?

The rumors in the marketplace were all detailed and specific: “Indeed, it’s because the Third Madam of the Shen family is childless. Look, there isn’t a single grandson in the Shen household now. How can they allow their lineage to end? The Second Master brings concubines into the mansion one after another, and at least he once had two sons. The Third Branch has never had a son; no wonder they’re anxious now.”

“When you think about it, the Third Master has a decent official career. Such a substantial family fortune, yet there’s no one to inherit it in the future. It’s truly a pity.”

“Chen’s womb is inadequate. After so many years, she can’t bear a son and won’t allow her husband to take concubines. How disrespectful! Common people would never behave like this. If I were the Third Master, I certainly couldn’t tolerate it either.”

“She won’t even allow him to take concubines? Tsk, such a virtuous woman yet so jealous, and still childless—truly a rare combination. How pitiful Third Madam Shen is.”

The rumors circulating throughout Jingdu were all on Shen Wan’s side. Chen Ruoqiu had once been a famous, talented lady from a scholarly family, well-received in noble ladies’ circles. But this time, whether commoners or those who previously flattered or befriended her, they unanimously criticized her faults. Perhaps Chen Ruoqiu had lived too happily in front of others, arousing jealousy, so when that happiness showed signs of fracturing, people were delighted to gloat or kick her while she was down.

In the Shen Mansion, Chen Ruoqiu smashed a white porcelain vase with a loud “bang.” The vase shattered on the ground, fragments everywhere, but Chen Ruoqiu was still not satisfied. She swept the teacups off the table as well. Her maids Shiying and Huayi dared not make a sound, allowing Chen Ruoqiu to cause such a commotion.

“Shameless! Shameless!” Chen Ruoqiu screamed. “That adulterous couple forces me into such a predicament, and yet I’m the one at fault? Ridiculous! Stupid!”

The outside rumors were all disadvantageous to Chen Ruoqiu. She had always been concerned about appearances, priding herself on being a lady from a scholarly family. How could she accept being called a jealous, childless shrew?

“It must be that cheap woman spreading these rumors.” Chen Ruoqiu gritted her teeth. When she mentioned divorce to Shen Wan, it was just to scare him. Who would have thought that this news would somehow spread throughout the streets and alleys, pushing her and Shen Wan to a point of no return? Most disheartening was that Shen Wan had not come to see her once.

“It must be that cheap woman instigating my husband!” Chen Ruoqiu’s nails dug deep into her palms. The Old Madam was deliberately elevating Chang Zai Qing to oppose her. Now Shen Yue was nowhere to be found, Shen Wan was bewitched by Chang Zai Qing, and in the entire Shen Mansion, not a single person stood by her side. Perhaps in the entire capital city, everyone thought she was the one at fault. Chen Ruoqiu suddenly felt the powerlessness of fighting alone.

“Madam, the Old Madam has given her orders. What shall we do next?” Huayi finally couldn’t help but ask.

Either let Chang Zai Qing enter as a noble concubine or let Shen Wan grant herself a divorce letter—neither option was acceptable to Chen Ruoqiu. But in the Shen Mansion, she was indeed powerless.

Her love for Shen Wan was now gradually turning into hatred. She abruptly stood up, coldly laughed, and said, “How can things be so easy in this world? The Shen family humiliates me, and I’m supposed to accept it? Pack my things, I’m returning to the Chen family!”

…

Chen Ruoqiu had returned to her maiden home.

Chen’s father was a county official, responsible for maintaining various documents in the Ming Qi Palace. Because he held a civil position and was well-read, Chen Ruoqiu had always considered herself from a scholarly family. Moreover, Chen’s father had indeed been the top examination scholar in his youth and was quite capable.

Chen Ruoqiu’s marriage to Shen Wan was partly for the alliance between the Chen and Shen families, though it was also Shen Wan who had chosen Chen Ruoqiu himself. Although Chen’s father wasn’t one to spoil his children, he valued the family’s reputation greatly, especially that pretentious air of superiority which was almost identical to Chen Ruoqiu’s. Therefore, if Chen Ruoqiu were divorced or gained a reputation for jealousy, Chen’s father would certainly be displeased. An indissoluble lawsuit between the Chen and Shen families was inevitable.

When Shen Miao heard this from Jingzhe’s mouth, she was reading by lamplight. Jingzhe said, “Now that the Third Madam has returned to her maiden home, this matter certainly won’t end peacefully. If they discover that those rumors were spread by Miss… what then?”

Those rumors in the marketplace weren’t spread by Chang Zai Qing, nor by Shen Wan, not even by the Old Madam, but by Shen Miao.

Shen Miao had lived with the Third Branch for a lifetime and knew that while Chen Ruoqiu was self-righteous and deeply loved Shen Wan, she wasn’t a fool. Upon discovering Shen Wan and Chang Zai Qing’s affair, she would certainly be furious and act impulsively, but after thinking it through, she would appear hurt before Shen Wan. Shen Wan still had some lingering affection for Chen Ruoqiu and would soften somewhat. By then, if Chang Zai Qing entered the household, whether Chen Ruoqiu or Chang Zai Qing would emerge victorious remained uncertain. Chen Ruoqiu wouldn’t be easily defeated.

It was better to spread some rumors, making Chen Ruoqiu even angrier, pouring oil on the fire of her relationship with Shen Wan, pushing it to an irreparable state. A woman’s desire for revenge was terrifying; inciting incidents would make things more interesting. Sure enough, Chen Ruoqiu was driven to the extreme and returned to her maiden home.

Having taken this step, turning back would be difficult. Both parties would have cracks in their hearts. Broken mirrors rejoined—that was a story only found in theatrical scripts. Shen Miao felt that many things she hadn’t seen clearly in her previous life in the palace now appeared crystal clear from a different perspective as an outsider. Manipulating others, even enemies, didn’t make her feel particularly good. Perhaps because she would think about whether Madam Mei had looked at her the way she now looked at Chen Ruoqiu.

“Don’t worry,” she finally said after a pause. “It won’t be easily traced back to me.” She had entrusted this task to Fengxian Pawnshop, and since Ji Yushu had taken money, he would certainly handle it well. Fengxian Pawnshop had been doing business in Jingdu for so long; they would understand such matters.

Jingzhe said nothing more. Noticing the window was open, she rose to close it, saying as she went, “How does Guyu always forget to close the window? It’s freezing outside. What if Miss catches a cold from the draft?”

“Wait,” Shen Miao called out to her, glancing at the window. “Let’s air the room first; it’s quite stuffy in here. I’ll close it myself later.”

Seeing Shen Miao’s determination, although Jingzhe was somewhat perplexed as to how such a spacious room could be stuffy, she said nothing more. She trimmed the oil lamp’s wick and said, “Miss should rest early too.”

Jingzhe withdrew.

Shen Miao looked at the flickering candlelight and was about to pick it up to walk to her bed when, halfway there, the flame suddenly jerked as if something had flicked it, swaying wildly.

A familiar voice sounded, carrying its usual teasing laziness: “If you didn’t leave the door open especially for me, why are you about to sleep?”

Shen Miao turned around. The young man was leaning on the windowsill, one hand supporting his chin, his beautiful peach blossom eyes looking over carelessly, languid yet captivating. Even in the dim night, one couldn’t ignore his inherent radiance. Seeing Shen Miao slightly startled, he flashed into the room, naturally taking the oil lamp from her hand and sitting down at the small table.

His movements were as smooth as if entering his room.

“You’re back?” Shen Miao asked.

“Tsk,” Xie Jingxing stared at her, smiling ambiguously. “What, did you miss me?”

Shen Miao was accustomed to his frivolous and ambiguous language, simply ignoring him. She walked to the small table and sat down. Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow and said, “You handled Chen Ruoqiu’s matter quite well.”

Shen Miao glanced at him. “So you know about that too.” Xie Jingxing’s informants were all over Jingdu, and Fengxian Pawnshop’s Ji Yushu already had some connection with Xie Jingxing. While Shen Miao had Ji Yushu spread rumors, Ji Yushu had likely told Xie Jingxing. Shen Miao didn’t mind anymore.

“No wonder you had that attitude when Chang Zai Qing came to Jingdu back then,” Xie Jingxing murmured to himself, then looked at Shen Miao again, his tone unclear whether admiring or sighing, half-true half-false: “Truly ruthless.”

Shen Miao made no comment. Xie Jingxing seemed to remember something, somehow producing a box and tossing it into Shen Miao’s lap.

Shen Miao was almost hit by the box, feeling it was quite heavy for its small size. Instinctively catching it, she saw a large tiger carved on the box’s shell. The tiger’s head was vivid, somewhat adorable, yet also fierce with its bared teeth and claws. Thinking of the white tiger named “Jiao Jiao” that Xie Jingxing kept, Shen Miao suppressed her irritation and opened the box.

As soon as she opened it, she was almost dazzled by the colorful items inside. The heavy box was full of exquisitely crafted, luxurious jewelry. Not to mention the entire box, even a single piece would be invaluable. What was Xie Jingxing giving her jewelry for? Shen Miao shook her head at him and said, “I don’t need jewelry.”

Xie Jingxing said, “These are all priceless. You’re a young lady, after all. What’s wrong with buying some jewelry?”

Shen Miao thought for a moment and asked, “Perhaps Fengxian Pawnshop would accept them as pawns.”

Xie Jingxing was taken aback and frowned, asking, “Are you that short on money?”

“Having more money is always good. Many paths need money to pave, and over time, things inevitably get tight,” Shen Miao said frankly. Now facing Xie Jingxing, she wasn’t as vigilant as before and spoke quite plainly about everyday matters. Since Xie Jingxing had connections everywhere, he could find out things on his own even if she didn’t tell him, so why bother hiding?

Hearing this, Xie Jingxing pulled out a round jade token from his sleeve and said, “This is a command token for the Jinyu Bank. With this, you can withdraw as much money as you want.” He casually tossed the jade token to Shen Miao, somewhat displeased: “Don’t be so lacking in vision all the time.”

Shen Miao was speechless. She had been an Empress in her previous life and had seen plenty of gold, silver, and treasures. Even if the Second and Third Branches had fostered some vulgar tastes in her during her younger years, she had certainly seen her fair share later in the palace and Qin country. Now to be told she “lacked vision” by Xie Jingxing was truly frustrating. However… she picked up the jade token, made of some unknown jade material, crystal clear and ice-cold to the touch. Shen Miao knew Xie Jingxing wouldn’t lie; this jade token could indeed be used to withdraw money at Jinyu Bank. But Jinyu Bank was the largest bank in Ming Qi, and sometimes even used by the royal family. Xie Jingxing was from Da Liang, yet he could get such a thing—he was truly unfathomable.

Shen Miao returned the jade token to Xie Jingxing, saying, “No reward without merit.”

Xie Jingxing looked at her with interest and said, “You have backbone.” He nodded for Shen Miao to look at the box, saying, “These aren’t ordinary jewelry. Look again.”

Shen Miao was somewhat suspicious and casually picked up a jade double ring. The jade was of excellent quality, certainly a fine item even in a jewelry shop. Looking at it, Shen Miao noticed something strange about the ring’s clasp. She felt it carefully and discovered a hidden mechanism. She raised her head to look at Xie Jingxing: “What is this?”

Xie Jingxing smiled: “Hidden weapons.”

“Hidden weapons?” Shen Miao fiddled with the hidden mechanism, about to press it down instinctively when Xie Jingxing suddenly called out to stop her. Then, Xie Jingxing stood up and moved behind her, encircling her shoulders from behind, teaching her how to use the jade double ring hands-on.

“There are needles placed here. The poison needles might harm our people. Ordinary people who are struck by the needles will temporarily lose consciousness. Effective within three inches. Don’t use it carelessly.”

“The hairpin contains poison powder. Removing the pin head can cause blindness. Use it if you encounter bandits.”

“The bracelet conceals a blade. Pull it open and it becomes a small knife. If someone ties you up with rope, use this to cut through it.”

“The eight-treasure earrings contain a whistle. In an emergency, you can blow it. I have people all over Jingdu; if you’re in danger, they’ll come to rescue you…”

He explained each item to Shen Miao carefully, his speech lacking the usual frivolity and laziness, showing rare seriousness. His long eyelashes lowered, enough to make one’s heart flutter. His hands were slender and fair, his beautiful peach blossom eyes half-lidded, occasionally glancing at Shen Miao, as captivating as rippling spring waters.

Shen Miao felt a bit hot.

Though the window was open, the room felt oppressively stuffy. When he bent down to look at her, Shen Miao was almost leaning against his chest, and even her back seemed to be covered with a fine layer of sweat. She turned to look; Xie Jingxing’s lips were beautifully shaped, slightly upturned, seeming to always be smiling. Shen Miao turned away as if burned.

She was somewhat distracted, which Xie Jingxing noticed, making him somewhat displeased. He tapped Shen Miao’s head once and said, “Focus.”

Shen Miao moved forward slightly, a bit further from him, pretending to be calm: “I’ve seen them all and memorized them. I’ll practice more later.”

Xie Jingxing’s lips curled: “Didn’t you say you didn’t want them?”

Shen Miao turned her head: “You remembered wrong.”

With this turn of her head, because Xie Jingxing was already bending down to look at her, she almost bumped into him. Shen Miao was slightly startled, her cheeks quickly turning red.

This young man’s features were unbelievably handsome, usually appearing both righteous and evil, somewhat cynical. But when he looked at you with those beautiful eyes, it was as if the world had suddenly transitioned from winter to the chilly spring rain in a single night, with layer upon layer of red flowers blooming in the brocade city, indescribably romantic.

Xie Jingxing laughed softly. His voice was as mellow as fine wine, intoxicating enough to cause some panic. Xie Jingxing reached out and brushed Shen Miao’s bangs, carefully staring into her eyes, half questioning, half innocently asking: “Why are your cheeks red?”

Shen Miao abruptly stood up, walked a few steps, and with her back to Xie Jingxing, said: “The room is too stuffy.”

Precisely because her back was to Xie Jingxing, she missed the flash of knowing laughter in the purple-robed young man’s eyes.

“Because you feel guilty accepting something without merit?” Xie Jingxing said unconcernedly. “Simple, just make some pastries.” After saying this, he seemed to remember something and said, “I do so much yet can’t get anything in return, while others do nothing and receive everything. How infuriating.”

“What?” Shen Miao didn’t understand what Xie Jingxing meant. But Xie Jingxing had already stood up, saying, “Anyway, today I just came to bring you these hidden weapons. These things are all suitable for killing and silencing people, which should suit your taste.”

Shen Miao wanted to retort but felt what Xie Jingxing said was indeed correct. She lived on a knife’s edge; although protected by the Shen family, what she was doing was extremely dangerous. If one day the Shen family couldn’t protect her, she would have to fend for herself.

This box full of jewelry-like hidden weapons was invaluable to her. Xie Jingxing truly understood her. Thinking about how she had previously considered Xie Jingxing an opponent, what Pei Lang had said in her previous life was indeed correct—one’s opponent is often the person who understands them best.

Xie Jingxing suddenly thought of something else and asked, “Do you know Shen Yue’s whereabouts?”

Shen Yue? Shen Miao shook her head. She had spies in the Shen family and knew that Shen Yue had run away from home and was now missing. Chen Ruoqiu’s people still hadn’t found Shen Yue, and Shen Miao had also sent people to search for Shen Yue’s whereabouts, but all returned empty-handed. Shen Miao had wondered, though Jingdu was large, it shouldn’t be this difficult to find someone. Moreover, how could a delicate girl like Shen Yue survive alone outside for days?

“Do you know where Shen Yue is?” Shen Miao asked.

Xie Jingxing said, “She’s at the Prince Qin’s Mansion.”

After Xie Jingxing left, Shen Miao pressed her forehead and sat back down on the couch. The candle in front of the small table was almost burned out.

Shen Yue had gone to Prince Qin’s Mansion; Shen Yue had established a connection with Huangfu Hao. In this life, she had inadvertently changed the course of many events. For instance, Shen Yue’s fate. And now, Shen Yue, who had entered Prince Qin’s Mansion—what variables would occur in the future? No one could predict.

Shen Miao touched her chest, saw the box, reached for it, and picked out a jade double ring to wear on her wrist. The emerald green double ring made her wrist appear even more slender and fair, like a painting. Though the jade ornament should have been ice-cold, Shen Miao felt it was somewhat warm, like the young man’s gaze.

She irritably rubbed her hair and closed the box, but inadvertently noticed a jade token lying quietly beside it.

The command token for Jinyu Bank…

She had returned it to Xie Jingxing, yet somehow he had left it here, undoubtedly on purpose. She had never seen anyone so casually giving away such vast amounts of money to others. Shen Miao felt quite sorry for Da Liang’s Yongle Emperor.

Putting away the jade token, Shen Miao shook her head, thinking that she should return it to Xie Jingxing next time they met.

…

At Prince Qin’s Mansion, deep in the night, there was also a woman sitting in front of a mirror, grooming herself.

The woman sitting before the mirror was also of youthful beauty, quite attractive, especially with the faint scholarly air surrounding her—a uniquely beautiful woman. Now dressed in a snow-white undergarment, facing the mirror, she was a beautiful woman in her prime, yet her expression was somewhat gloomy.

This person was none other than Shen Yue from the Shen Mansion, who had been missing for many days.

Shen Yue had never imagined that one day she would establish a connection with the Crown Prince of Qin. Originally, she had planned to flee to Prince Ding’s Mansion. She thought that with Fu Xiuyi’s gentle, gentlemanly temperament, and her status as the legitimate daughter of the Shen family’s Third Branch, he wouldn’t ignore her, at least out of collegial respect. And she was beautiful, friendly, with talent in poetry and painting—even a stone man would be moved. By then, if she could tell Prince Ding of her grievances and gain his love and pity, she could surely win his heart.

But she had never left the mansion alone and didn’t know where Prince Ding’s Mansion was. She asked for directions but had to hide from pursuing Shen family servants. In the capital city, women like her—fleeing marriages or escaping from home after committing offenses—were often targeted when alone. Shen Yue was also targeted.

She was spotted by a group of local ruffians. Before she could find Prince Ding’s Mansion, she encountered trouble in a secluded alley. The ruffians stole her bundle and attempted to violate her chastity. In desperation, Shen Yue could only cry out that she was the niece of the mighty General.

Though reluctant, Shen Yue knew clearly that her father’s name wasn’t nearly as renowned as Shen Wan’s. Especially now that Shen Xin had returned to Jingdu with Emperor Wen Hui’s important mission, his influence was even greater than before. Calling out Shen Xin’s name would be more intimidating than calling out Shen Wan’s.

As it happened, someone was passing by and, hearing her cry out such a statement, rescued her. Shen Yue later learned that this person was actually from Prince Qin’s Mansion.

Then Shen Yue met Huangfu Hao.

Shen Yue had only seen Huangfu Hao once at the tribute banquet and dared not do anything improper because of his high status. This time, thinking Huangfu Hao had helped her in passing, Shen Yue thanked him earnestly. Unexpectedly, Huangfu Hao seemed very interested in her, or more precisely, very interested in Shen Miao, asking many questions about Shen Yue’s family.

Shen Yue thought Huangfu Hao might have taken a liking to Shen Miao, making her even more jealous. Regardless, Huangfu Hao was the Crown Prince of Qin and would one day be the Emperor of Qin. If Shen Miao and Huangfu Hao were to be together, Shen Miao could become the Crown Princess and eventually the Empress of Qin, or at least a Noble Consort if she were a secondary wife. Either way, it would be endless glory and wealth.

Therefore, Shen Yue spoke much ill of Shen Miao. Gradually, she vaguely revealed that Shen Miao was a woman of deep schemes without much virtue or talent. Sure enough, after Shen Yue finished speaking, Huangfu Hao’s expression wasn’t good. This greatly pleased Shen Yue.

Huangfu Hao planned to send Shen Yue back, but then she heard about Shen Wan wanting to divorce Chen Ruoqiu, and Chen Ruoqiu angrily returning to her maiden home. Shen Yue’s first reaction was fury, intending to return to the mansion to seek justice for her mother. But just as she was about to leave, she remembered that if she returned now, she would certainly be married to Wang Bi as his equal wife. Now that Shen Wan and the Old Madam were still angry about her exchange marriage with Shen Dongling, returning would surely bring no good outcome.

Shen Yue couldn’t think of a good solution but was unwilling to watch Chen Ruoqiu suffer. She knew that once Chen Ruoqiu was divorced, even her status as a legitimate daughter would be affected, and she would have even less standing in the Shen Mansion in the future. Shen Yue already had many grievances against Shen Wan and the Old Madam, and now she was even more unwilling to accept this.

Finally, she thought of a solution.

Huangfu Hao was the Crown Prince of Qin, with tremendous power. If Huangfu Hao intervened, perhaps everything would be much simpler.

And all she needed to do was please Huangfu Hao.

She had to stay at Prince Qin’s Mansion to avoid being found and manipulated by the Shen family.