After many days of light snow in Jingdu, the sky finally cleared.

Shen Miao was airing her books in the courtyard, all military texts that Shen Qiu had brought over. Having been kept indoors for days, they were likely to develop mold, so she was drying them thoroughly. Jingzhe and Guyu were hanging bedding in the courtyard. Jingzhe said, “I heard the lawsuit between the Chen family and the Shen family has become quite the spectacle, with many people watching. It’s been dragging on for so long now, who knows what the outcome will be?”

“What outcome could there be? Both sides will end up worse for it,” Guyu scoffed. “To bring family matters to court, how laughable! Fortunately, the Master and Madam separated from the family early; otherwise, we might have been implicated as well.”

Chen Ruoqiu’s maiden family had filed a lawsuit against the Shen family.

Chen’s father was a stubborn old man who cared greatly about appearances and refused to admit defeat, always striving to win in everything, never allowing himself to be in the wrong. Although Chen Ruoqiu was already married, Chen’s father wanted to defend her reputation. This wasn’t because he cherished Chen Ruoqiu, but because he wouldn’t allow the Shen family to look down on the Chen family. Chen Ruoqiu’s mother, however, was formidable. She felt sorry for Chen Ruoqiu and, with a few words, convinced Chen’s father to vigorously pursue a lawsuit against the Shen family over the divorce.

The Chen family claimed that after marrying into the Shen family, Chen Ruoqiu had worked diligently to manage Shen Wan’s household affairs and had even offered to find concubines for him, but Shen Wan himself had refused. Chen Ruoqiu had been married into the Shen family for many years, and everyone knew she was cultured and gentle. Now, for the sake of a woman of unknown origin who had sought refuge with them, Shen Wan was divorcing his wife, favoring a concubine at the expense of his wife.

The Shen family, on the other hand, argued that although Chen Ruoqiu was the mistress of the household, she couldn’t bear a son. Instead of helping her husband continue the family line by accepting concubines, she opposed when her husband tried to bring someone into his household, showing her jealous nature.

One claimed the mother-in-law was unkind, the other claimed the daughter-in-law was unfilial—truly a great farce. The people of Jingdu watched with relish.

Finally, a complaint was filed with the magistrate’s office, which rarely dealt with such lawsuits. Moreover, this lawsuit wasn’t a major case, but since Chen’s father was a county official and Shen Wan wasn’t a minor official either, the court couldn’t afford to offend either side and thus kept delaying the matter.

In this lawsuit, the marital fate of Shen Wan and Chen Ruoqiu had reached its end. First, because Shen Wan was a court official whose career would be impeded by a family lawsuit, as idle censors would seize any opportunity to criticize him. Second, because Chang Zai Qing was now pregnant.

Chang Zai Qing’s pregnancy came at an opportune time, practically pushing Chen Ruoqiu out the door. Although Shen Wan had cherished Chen Ruoqiu for many years, it didn’t mean he had no expectations for a son. If Chang Zai Qing were carrying a boy, he would have someone to continue his family line. Thus, the more he looked at Chang Zai Qing, the better she seemed, while Chen Ruoqiu had become like a discarded rag, not even worth a glance.

Shen Miao smiled slightly and said, “Don’t forget to give some silver to the officials at the magistrate’s office.”

Guyu agreed, but seemed confused and asked, “Miss, are you helping the Third Master or the Third Madam? Which side is this silver meant to support?”

Shen Miao had instructed Guyu to offer silver to the people at the magistrate’s office, but Guyu didn’t know exactly who Shen Miao intended to bribe, as she hadn’t seen the letter Shen Miao had written.

Guyu whispered, “It’s better to stay out of such matters. Those people aren’t good.”

Though her voice was soft, Shen Miao still heard it. Shen Miao said, “Neither side.”

Lawsuits consumed silver. Poor families resolved them quickly because they couldn’t afford to prolong them. But for families with some wealth, lawsuits often dragged on, not for any other reason but because the magistrate’s office also wanted to profit. The longer the lawsuit, the more the office could gain.

In her previous life, when Shen Miao was in the palace, she had seen Fu Xiuyi targeting a court official who had once followed Prince Zhou. Fu Xiuyi couldn’t openly attack him, so he maneuvered the official into a lawsuit that eventually bankrupted him.

Government offices and medical halls were the most costly places. Thinking of how Shen Wan and Chen Ruoqiu had mercilessly schemed against the First Branch of the Shen family in her previous life, Shen Miao wanted nothing more than to tear apart this pretentious couple.

Originally refined people, husband and wife now facing each other in court—wasn’t that the height of absurdity? Moreover, by spending a little silver to remind the magistrate’s office to prolong the case, without causing bankruptcy, both the Shen and Chen families would be severely weakened. Besides, both Shen Wan and Chen Ruoqiu were people who cared about appearances; this time, they would certainly never reconcile.

Nothing could be more perfect.

Shen Miao’s gaze turned slightly cold. But Chang Zai Qing getting pregnant at this time… thinking of the role Chang Zai Qing had played in Luo Xueyan’s death in her previous life, Shen Miao couldn’t help but laugh coldly.

She said, “Call Mo Qing over and have him find some people to bring someone back from Liuzhou for me.”

Liuzhou had more than just Chang Zai Qing. There were also Chang Zai Qing’s husband and son. In her previous life, Chang Zai Qing had destroyed Luo Xueyan and lived comfortably for many years before someone exposed her past. Now, Shen Miao would expose it herself.

She would certainly add more mockery to the Third Branch’s farce.

While Shen Miao was considering the Third Branch of the Shen family, Shen Wan was at Prince Ding’s mansion.

In the several storms of imperial succession struggles, Shen Wan was a clever man, always careful about where he stood. The Crown Prince was legitimate but frail, Prince Zhou had a favored imperial consort but was arrogant in his actions, Prince Li had extensive connections but wasn’t favored by Emperor Wen Hui, and only Prince Ding formed his faction but appeared uninterested in the throne.

However, Shen Wan had a feeling that Fu Xiuyi wasn’t as disinterested in the throne as he appeared to be. This made Shen Wan even more hesitant, but since Shen Xin’s return, the Shen family had suffered one misfortune after another, and even Shen Wan felt somewhat ill-fated. His career path was becoming increasingly difficult, and other princes might not even want him on their side. At this moment, he thought of Fu Xiuyi.

In the early years, before Shen Xin had separated from the family, Fu Xiuyi had treated Shen Wan quite well, even implying the desire to recruit him. Shen Wan, of course, understood that Fu Xiuyi was after Shen Xin’s military authority, but at that time, he had more options and thus evaded the matter. Later, Fu Xiuyi seemed to understand his intention and became less warm than initially.

Now that the Shen family had declined from its former glory, if Shen Wan still wanted to maintain his brilliant official career… coupled with the possibility that Chang Zai Qing might bear him a son, Shen Wan’s “middle-of-the-road” approach instantly transformed into a desire to take a risk.

Fortune favors the bold—great fortune comes with great danger, but he still wanted to try.

So Shen Wan finally came to Prince Ding’s mansion, ultimately choosing to defect. Shen Wan found it somewhat amusing. Had he made this decision earlier, perhaps Shen Yue wouldn’t have had to marry into the Wang family, there wouldn’t have been a need for an exchange marriage, and she wouldn’t have had to run away. Shen Yue might have been able to win Fu Xiuyi’s heart. But if Shen Yue hadn’t been part of the exchange marriage, perhaps he and Chen Ruoqiu wouldn’t have reached this point, Chang Zai Qing wouldn’t be pregnant, and he wouldn’t be defecting to Prince Ding.

Life’s coincidences and the ironies of fate.

Fu Xiuyi sat in the main seat and ordered someone to serve tea to Shen Wan. There was no need for pleasantries; both understood the purpose of the visit. Fu Xiuyi smiled gently: “Official Shen is busy with family matters today, yet suddenly visits. What brings you here?”

Shen Wan looked embarrassed. His and Chen Ruoqiu’s affairs had caused a stir throughout the court, and his colleagues looked at him as if he were a joke. For Shen Wan, who cherished his reputation, this was agonizing torment.

Shen Wan said, “I am willing to serve Your Highness with my life!”

Hearing this, Fu Xiuyi merely smiled without responding, neither accepting nor rejecting Shen Wan’s words. The entire hall contained only them and servants, and the growing silence gradually made the atmosphere tense. Cold sweat began to form on Shen Wan’s forehead.

After what seemed like an eternity, when Shen Wan felt his entire body soaked in sweat, he finally heard Fu Xiuyi’s voice from above: “But now Shen Xin has left the mansion and lives separately. What can you offer?”

Shen Wan’s heart sank. Fu Xiuyi was indeed targeting Shen Xin.

When the Second Branch hadn’t yet declined, Shen Wan had already guessed that Shen Yuan was working for Fu Xiuyi. But what could Fu Xiuyi have Shen Yuan do? Shen Yuan had been recruited by Fu Xiuyi at a young age, and talent alone wasn’t enough to explain it. Later, Shen Wan figured it out: Shen Yuan could monitor Shen Xin or sabotage Shen Xin’s daily affairs.

But then Shen Yuan died, and Fu Xiuyi presumably lacked someone like him. Later, Shen Xin simply went to Xiaochun City, so such a person became unnecessary.

Who would have thought that two years later, Shen Xin would return to the capital with a force that couldn’t be ignored, certainly becoming a thorn in Fu Xiuyi’s side.

Shen Wan cautiously said, “Although we live separately, there is still some brotherly feeling. If Your Highness has any instructions, I will do my utmost.”

“Good,” Fu Xiuyi said. “I admire talented people and believe in Official Shen’s abilities. Recently, there has been a matter. Since Official Shen is here today, there’s no need to trouble others. Since we’re on the same side, I believe Official Shen will handle it well.”

Shen Wan felt uneasy. Fu Xiuyi’s words indicated a difficult task. If he succeeded, he would truly become Fu Xiuyi’s man; if he failed to prove himself as a “talented person,” he would be mercilessly rejected by Fu Xiuyi. And Shen Wan would have to bear the consequences of this difficult task himself.

This was a transaction.

Steeling himself, Shen Wan said, “Please instruct me, Your Highness!”

Fu Xiuyi looked at him with satisfaction and said, “This matter is not difficult. I know that General Shen has a legitimate daughter, the Fifth Miss Shen, whom he cherishes like a jewel. Now, the Fifth Miss Shen is also at the age for betrothal.”

Shen Wan abruptly raised his head!

Previously, when Shen Miao had chased after Fu Xiuyi, declaring her desire to marry him, Fu Xiuyi wouldn’t even look at her. When occasionally mentioned among other princes and officials, he displayed an extremely annoyed demeanor. After all, being liked by such a foolish person was humiliating for a prince. But now… Shen Wan’s heart began to race. Shen Miao had grown increasingly beautiful, her temperament gradually becoming more composed, shedding her former foolish appearance, and could now be considered one of the finest noble ladies in Jingdu. If Fu Xiuyi wanted to marry Shen Miao… given the hostility between the First and Third Branches of the Shen family, once Shen Miao gained power, she would certainly suppress him.

Both publicly and privately, the better Shen Miao fared, the better for the First Branch of the Shen family, and the more dangerous for Shen Wan himself! He didn’t want Shen Miao to rise; he hoped she would fall to the dust!

Suppressing the bitterness in his heart, Shen Wan asked, “Does Your Highness… wish to marry the Fifth Miss?”

“Me?” Fu Xiuyi laughed as if he had heard a good joke. He shook his head and said, “Not me, but my imperial brother.”

Shen Wan was startled.

Fu Xiuyi’s voice slowly reached his ears.

“Have the Fifth Miss Shen marry my fourth brother, Prince Zhou.”

Shen Wan was initially astonished, but after a moment’s thought, when he understood, he suddenly felt a chill in his heart.

Who was Shen Miao? She was Shen Xin’s legitimate daughter. The Xie family of the south and the Shen family of the north—the Xie family had truly declined, while the Shen family dominated Ming Qi. Whoever married Shen Miao would gain the vast military power of Ming Qi. Shen Miao’s status destined her not to marry powerful nobles, as this would make the already suspicious Emperor Wen Hui even more wary. It would be best for Shen Miao to marry a commoner, or at least not a military official. Perhaps because of this, Shen Miao had reached her current age without a betrothal, because marrying her to a commoner would make Shen Xin feel he was wronging his daughter.

If nobles were so cautious, the princes were even more reluctant to pursue Shen Miao. The Crown Prince was somewhat better, being the legitimate heir, but if any other prince married Shen Miao, it would almost be a blatant declaration of their ambition for succession. Such a heavy weight appeared to be a blessing but was a curse.

Currently in the succession struggle, Prince Zhou’s faction was the most prominent. Prince Zhou and Prince Jing’s imperial consorts were favored, and Prince Zhou himself was capable. As his influence grew and followers increased, if he became associated with Shen Miao, he would be pushed to the forefront, inevitably displeasing and alarming Emperor Wen Hui, while other princes would certainly be envious. Prince Zhou would likely be severely suppressed. As for the Shen family, they had openly chosen a side, and once the people from Qin and Da Liang left, the Shen family would suffer a terrible fate.

Killing two birds with one stone, executed with masterly skill. Shen Wan suddenly felt afraid of Fu Xiuyi; this man’s thoughts were too deep and ruthless, somewhat frightening.

Fu Xiuyi, however, seemed not to notice Shen Wan’s expression and smiled gently, saying, “This matter is entirely entrusted to Official Shen.” He didn’t specify how to do it or to what extent. Prince Zhou already had a Princess Consort, so if Shen Miao married into the family, she could only be a secondary consort.

Shen Wan had no idea how to proceed but couldn’t show it. He bowed to Fu Xiuyi and said, “I will do my utmost.”

The two then exchanged a few pleasantries. Fu Xiuyi’s attitude was neither warm nor cold. Two years ago, Fu Xiuyi might have treated Shen Wan better, but times had changed. The Shen family wasn’t what it used to be, and Shen Wan himself was embroiled in a lawsuit, so Fu Xiuyi naturally didn’t value him as before.

After Shen Wan left Prince Ding’s mansion, Pei Lang emerged from behind the screen.

Pei Lang walked to the position below Fu Xiuyi, looked at the teacup Shen Wan had used, and asked, “Does Your Highness plan to employ Shen Wan now?”

Fu Xiuyi looked at Pei Lang: “What does the Master think of Shen Wan?”

Pei Lang shook his head: “Though patient and somewhat capable, he lacks ruthlessness, and his family affairs are chaotic. If employed, he would inevitably cause trouble in the future. He can be used for minor tasks but is unsuitable for important ones.”

Fu Xiuyi smiled, looking at Pei Lang with admiration, and said, “The Master and I think alike.” Then he sighed and continued, “Since the Xie brothers died, some matters are difficult to entrust to others. The Xie brothers, if properly trained, would have been useful. Now they’re all ruined by someone. Although they weren’t important pieces, it has still added to our troubles.”

Pei Lang frowned: “Does Your Highness not intend to heavily employ Shen Wan?”

“A fence-sitter,” Fu Xiuyi smiled somewhat hollowly. “He could remain undecided before, and only seeks refuge with me now due to circumstances. I dare not use such an indecisive person. He’s only for small tasks.”

Pei Lang then asked, “Having Shen Wan find a way to match the Fourth Prince with Shen Miao, does Your Highness think it feasible?”

“Whether it’s feasible or not, I don’t know. But since this is Shen Wan’s only chance, he will certainly try to make it happen regardless of the cost. The Shen family’s merit is high, Prince Zhou is powerful, and things have reached a critical point. If we don’t act now, it may be too late.”

Pei Lang said no more. But then Fu Xiuyi suddenly asked, “If I were to marry Shen Miao, what does the Master think?”

Pei Lang’s heart skipped a beat, but his face remained calm as he analyzed, “It would likely be unwise, arousing the Emperor’s suspicion and making other princes wary.”

Fu Xiuyi nodded, his expression showing some regret, his tone indiscernible: “What a pity.”

Pei Lang didn’t understand what Fu Xiuyi regretted. Emotionally, Fu Xiuyi didn’t seem to have any special feelings for Shen Miao. If he had, when Shen Miao was chasing him so publicly that all of Jingdu knew, he wouldn’t have been so cold. If Fu Xiuyi had shown any protection toward Shen Miao, then the rumors wouldn’t have been so unrestrained.

So what was Fu Xiuyi regretting? Was he lamenting the inability to secure the Shen family’s military power?

Pei Lang didn’t know the answer. After Fu Xiuyi left, he returned to his room, and only when he was sure he was alone did he begin to write a letter.

…

Tonight, Prince Rui’s mansion had a somewhat chilling atmosphere.

The servants all wore solemn expressions, barely daring to breathe. Today, when His Highness Prince Rui returned, his expression was extremely cold. Gaoyang and Ji Yushu, who followed him, also displayed rare solemnity, while Tieyi and Nanqi brought in a person dressed as a guard, all entering the room together with Prince Rui.

Even a personal study was spacious and well-furnished with some magnificent decorations, making it feel less like a study and more like a corner of a palace. Sitting in the main seat was a man idly playing with a thumb ring. He wore dark purple robes embroidered with gold, the garment slowly spreading over the wide chair, like a purple cloud flowing down from the horizon.

The person kneeling on the ground prostrated himself, only able to see the boots in front of him—blue-black deerskin boots with the most precise stitching, sewn finely and tightly without a single gap. The thread seemed to have silver edges. Just one boot seemed to reveal the owner’s arrogant yet magnificent demeanor.

Xie Jingxing had one foot resting on a soft couch, half-reclined in his seat, looking down at the person below. His features were unbelievably handsome; when smiling, his charm overflowed like spring colors impossible to contain, but when his face turned cold, one glance would make people feel terrified. Those beautiful peach blossom eyes seemed to transform the spring waters into icy mountain springs in an instant. He spoke softly, his voice revealing no emotion: “Speak, who is your master?”

The man gritted his teeth and remained silent.

Both Gaoyang and Ji Yushu frowned deeply.

Xie Jingxing lazily smiled and said, “It’s fine if you don’t speak. Throw him into the tower prison.” He suddenly bent down, moved closer to the guard, and lowered his voice: “Anyway, I already know who it is.”

The guard’s expression remained unchanged, though his body was covered in wounds, clearly having suffered considerable torture beforehand. Xie Jingxing smiled slightly, though the smile didn’t reach his eyes, and said, “Take his token.”

Ji Yushu and Gaoyang were both startled and couldn’t help looking at the guard.

The guard was momentarily stunned, then a flash of struggle appeared on his face. The mention of a token indicated that Xie Jingxing already knew his identity. Everyone knew that Da Liang’s Prince Rui was ruthless and unrestrained in his actions, and the tower prison was a place that chilled one’s heart just at the mention. Even he would tremble inwardly.

The guard steeled himself, knelt, and kowtowed to Xie Jingxing several times, saying, “May Your Highness show mercy!”

Xie Jingxing glanced at him, sneering, “So this is the caliber of people my imperial brother sends,” his tone deeply sarcastic. “I thought they’d be tougher. Boring.”

Ji Yushu couldn’t help but ask, “What did His Majesty want you to do to the Fifth Miss Shen?”

This person had been caught outside the Shen residence. Thanks to Xie Jingxing’s people constantly watching the Shen residence to prevent any accidents, they had caught him. The man was extremely skilled in martial arts and highly vigilant; Xie Jingxing’s people had waited for several days before capturing him. Now it made sense—being one of the Yongle Emperor’s secret agents, if he didn’t have such abilities, the Da Liang royal family would truly be in peril.

The guard wanted to say something but met Xie Jingxing’s ambiguous smile and felt a chill down his spine. Everyone knew that in the entire Da Liang royal family, this Prince Rui, who always wore a casual smile and was languid yet handsome, was the most formidable. Two years ago, when he returned to Da Liang, many court factions were secretly competing, yet Xie Yuan settled them one by one. Those officials who opposed him were all eliminated without a trace. His methods were ruthless, his schemes deep, yet his actions were beyond reproach. Moreover, apart from court struggles, he had also accomplished several impressive feats, leaving even the conservative old ministers speechless. This was what it meant to be both loved and hated.

Now, under his penetrating gaze that seemed to see through everything, the guard dared not conceal anything and had to reveal all: “His Majesty knew about the Fifth Miss Shen’s matter and feared Your Highness’s prolonged stay in Ming Qi was because of the Fifth Miss Shen. He sent me to investigate… but not to harm the Fifth Miss Shen, only to investigate…”

Both Gaoyang and Ji Yushu’s expressions simultaneously turned uncomfortable. Although the Yongle Emperor was in Da Liang, he certainly had spies in Ming Qi’s capital, Jingdu. Discovering the relationship between Shen Miao and Xie Jingxing, it was hard to predict what might happen. Given the Yongle Emperor’s temperament, he would certainly not allow anything outside his plans to occur. Shen Miao was, after all, from Ming Qi, and this identity could bring many variables. From Ji Yushu and Gaoyang’s perspective, the Yongle Emperor might not approve of Xie Jingxing’s intentions.

But the most troubling thing was that both brothers were equally stubborn and would never change their minds once decided. If the Yongle Emperor interfered, Xie Jingxing would certainly not comply obediently. Moreover, compared to the Yongle Emperor, Xie Jingxing had faced numerous assassination attempts in Ming Qi over the years, making his temperament even more rebellious and unpredictable. If the brothers truly fought, it would likely be a bloody storm, with the world turned upside down.

Sure enough, hearing this, Xie Jingxing laughed and said, “Oh? Since it’s just investigating information, there’s no need to imprison you. Let’s send you back to Da Liang.”

The guard was slightly startled, but before he could speak, he heard Xie Jingxing’s voice from above: “You know what to say?”

The guard hesitated for a moment. Both Prince Rui and the Yongle Emperor were equally fearsome. He felt quite desperate and tentatively asked, “Is there no connection between Your Highness and the Fifth Miss Shen?”

Xie Jingxing looked at him with interest, his beautiful eyes seemingly containing some deeper meaning. He slowly said, “How can my imperial brother’s people lie?”

Gaoyang tightened his grip on the folding fan, and Ji Yushu swallowed.

“Go back and tell my imperial brother that he’s right. I stayed because of Shen Miao,” the young man curled his lips in a gentle smile, but his expression was defiant. He said calmly, “Don’t try to change anything, because I won’t allow it.”

“Oh, and remind my imperial brother,” he yawned, “not to forget his agreement with me.”

…

The tranquil night covered everything—the undercurrents at Prince Rui’s mansion, the machinations at Prince Ding’s mansion, and the private conversations at the General’s Mansion.

Qiushui Garden had been entered and occupied by another. The original mistress had angrily returned to her maiden home and filed a lawsuit against her husband’s family. With such water and fire incompatibility, everyone knew Chen Ruoqiu would never regain her former glory. This new concubine, with gentle and dignified features, even carrying a child, was likely to rise high. Many servants, quick to step on the low and flatter the high, immediately switched to curry favor with this new mistress.

Chang Zai Qing sat in the room, touching her belly, a gentle smile on her face.

The western courtyard was too far away and usually quite desolate. The Old Madam had someone divine that Chang Zai Qing was carrying a son. She immediately began treating Chang Zai Qing like a treasure, and Shen Wan brought Chang Zai Qing to Qiushui Garden for better care.

Chang Zai Qing had become the new mistress of Qiushui Garden, and she was very satisfied with her current situation. Chen Ruoqiu might have been formidable, but she was aging and had failed to bear a son, putting her at a disadvantage in this struggle.

Shen Wan entered the room, placed some nourishing supplements down, then walked to Chang Zai Qing’s side, touched her belly, and smiled, “How wonderful.”

Chang Zai Qing returned his smile, then suddenly paused and asked softly, “Does the Master have something troubling him?”

Shen Wan was startled, then smiled bitterly and said, “Indeed, there is one troubling matter.”