The night wind was unusually cold. At Prince Rui’s residence, Gao Yang was reading a delivered letter with great interest.

Though Shen Miao lived in the Shen residence with plenty of soldiers and strong guards, she remained surrounded by dangers for various reasons and couldn’t afford to relax her vigilance. Xie Jingxing had assigned a secret guard from the Moyu Army to quietly follow Shen Miao and prevent any mishaps.

This guard named Cong Yang had originally been a scout in the Moyu Army. His skills were first-rate, both in combat and gathering intelligence, but he had one flaw—he was as chatty as a gossip. Every day, he would report to Xie Jingxing about Shen Miao’s activities. This letter detailed whom Shen Miao had met that day and what she had said. Everything except her visits to the latrine and bathing was meticulously recorded.

Gao Yang found this rather perverse but could do nothing about Cong Yang’s thorough nature. When he read about Shen Miao’s group encountering Su Mingfeng at noon in the street, his expression changed.

Although he didn’t know what Su Mingfeng had discovered, given Su Mingfeng and Xie Jingxing’s years of friendship, these strange actions were concerning.

Just as he was pondering this, Ji Yushu walked by behind him, biting into an apple. Seeing Gao Yang staring at a piece of paper, he glanced over but focused on the wrong point. “Ah, so the Shen family’s young cousin likes Su Mingfeng.”

Startled by Ji Yushu’s sudden comment, Gao Yang nearly tumbled off the stone bench. After recovering, he angrily said, “What are you being so jumpy about?”

“You’re too easily frightened,” Ji Yushu patted his shoulder. “Stop fanning yourself with that fan all day. Practice martial arts instead—that’s the right path.” Then he returned to his original topic: “Miss Luo and Young Master Su would make a good match. Third Brother has connections with both families, perhaps he could act as a matchmaker.”

Gao Yang frowned. “Which eye of yours saw that they’re a good match? Besides, who said Luo Tan likes Su Mingfeng?”

“Both my eyes see they’re a good match,” Ji Yushu replied, pointing to a line in the letter: “Look, Miss Luo told Su Mingfeng, ‘No wonder you’re brothers—you’re both equally handsome.’ Tell me, isn’t this Miss Luo’s roundabout way of showing interest in Su Mingfeng? Otherwise, why would someone randomly compliment another person’s looks unless they had ulterior motives?”

Fortunately, Cong Yang was talkative and had included not only Shen Miao’s words but also Luo Tan’s in the report. Ji Yushu was truly talented—from a whole page of text, he’d immediately spotted this single line.

Gao Yang suppressed his slight displeasure and said, “Nonsense.”

“You just don’t understand,” Ji Yushu snatched the fan from Gao Yang’s hand and imitated his profound demeanor, waving it while looking smug. “Only an experienced connoisseur of romance like me can discern a young lady’s true feelings. What do you know? If you’re nice to me, I might consider teaching you how to—ACHOO!” In the cold winter weather, fanning himself caused Ji Yushu to sneeze.

Gao Yang grabbed his fan back, ignoring him.

Just then, Xie Jingxing returned from outside, followed by Tie Yi and Nan Qi. They appeared somewhat travel-worn, returning from some unknown place.

“Third Brother!” Ji Yushu greeted him enthusiastically, but Xie Jingxing walked past without a glance, his face cold as he headed indoors. Nan Qi and Tie Yi also looked solemn. Ji Yushu, completely oblivious to Xie Jingxing’s bad mood, continued, “Third Brother, something happened to Fifth Miss Shen.”

Xie Jingxing paused mid-step and frowned at him.

Gao Yang also looked at Ji Yushu.

Ji Yushu cleared his throat and said seriously, “I just read the message Cong Yang sent back. Today, when Fifth Miss Shen went out, she encountered a scoundrel who touched her hand.”

Gao Yang covered his face in embarrassment while Ji Yushu continued, “Third Brother, do you know who this audacious scoundrel is?”

No one answered him, but Nan Qi and Tie Yi grew increasingly anxious. Fifth Miss Shen was their master’s chosen one—who would dare to be so bold as to touch her hand?

Ji Yushu wailed dramatically, “It’s Su Mingfeng! It’s your sworn brother Su Mingfeng! As brothers, how could he stab you in the back? So unrighteous, so disloyal, so shameless!”

Nan Qi and Tie Yi were dumbfounded. Xie Jingxing’s gaze turned ice-cold. Gao Yang simply covered his face with his fan, not wanting to witness Ji Yushu’s typical attention-seeking behavior when people gathered.

…

A single lamp cast feeble light as Shen Miao listlessly read a book beneath it. She occasionally glanced at the window, which was wide open despite the cold weather. Shen Miao suspected Xie Jingxing had planted someone in the Shen residence, but she didn’t mind. Since Shen Xin and Luo Xuean didn’t work from home, and Shen Qiu was rarely around, there were no secrets in the Shen residence for Xie Jingxing’s spy to discover. It was like having an extra guard who didn’t need to be paid.

Since Xie Jingxing’s person would be observing her every move, opening the window would signal to his master that she was waiting for Xie Jingxing with important matters.

Shen Miao couldn’t stop thinking about encountering Su Mingfeng in the street today—it was not a good thing. Su Mingfeng and Xie Jingxing were close friends. In her previous life, when Su Mingfeng died, only Xie Jingxing dared to claim his body, despite risking the Ming Qi royal family’s anger. This proved they were indeed best friends. As best friends, they must know each other well. Today, Su Mingfeng had noticed her bracelet and mentioned a “tiger-head ring,” which couldn’t have been a casual remark. It must have some connection to Xie Jingxing.

Shen Miao didn’t know how many people in Ming Qi were aware of Xie Jingxing’s true identity. But from Su Mingfeng’s reaction today, it seemed he didn’t know. If Su Mingfeng discovered that Xie Jingxing wasn’t dead… who knew what complications could arise?

Lost in these chaotic thoughts, she heard movement at the window. Looking up, she saw the purple-robed young man entering with practiced ease, even closing the window behind him to keep out the cold.

Xie Jingxing strode over and sat at the table. The tea was still hot, and he poured himself a cup, acting as if he were in his own home. Shen Miao ignored the strange feeling in her heart and took a sip of her tea before saying, “I called for you because there’s something important.”

“What is it?” Xie Jingxing asked with a curl of his lips.

After a moment’s hesitation, Shen Miao said, “Su Mingfeng may have discovered that you’re still alive.”

Xie Jingxing remained silent.

Shen Miao extended her wrist, showing the translucent jade bracelet that made her wrist appear even more slender and fair. “Today, Su Mingfeng saw this bracelet on my wrist in the street. He mentioned something about a ‘tiger-head ring’ and asked if I had seen you. I believe there must be some connection. Perhaps he suspects you’re still alive.”

Xie Jingxing frowned slightly. He was naturally handsome, but when he wasn’t wearing his usual half-smiling expression that captivated hearts, a piercing coldness seemed to emanate from him.

Shen Miao thought about how Xie Jingxing, now a man of Da Liang, wore a silver mask while bearing the identity of Prince Rui to conceal his true identity. Who would have thought her carelessness might lead to Su Mingfeng’s discovery? Even if Su Mingfeng was Xie Jingxing’s good friend, he could still be used by others. If this brought trouble to Xie Jingxing… after all the help he had given her, her first act had been to cause him problems. Shen Miao felt a twinge of guilt.

She carefully suggested, “Perhaps… we could find a way to remedy this.”

“Impossible,” Xie Jingxing flatly rejected her proposal. “Su Mingfeng and I have been friends for many years. He’s cunning and intelligent. We can’t fool him.”

Shen Miao felt a headache coming on, but also felt somewhat resentful toward Xie Jingxing. If this tiger-head ring had such significance, why give it away so casually? And of all days, she happened to wear it when she encountered Su Mingfeng.

“Then what should we do?” Even with all her cleverness, Shen Miao didn’t know how to proceed. Different specialties required different expertise, and concealing identities wasn’t her forte.

Xie Jingxing shook his head. “If he’s discovered it, then he’s discovered it. No need to worry.”

“Won’t this cause trouble for you?” Shen Miao frowned. “The Su family is still an official family of the Ming Qi. You’re from Da Liang. He might think you’re a spy sent by an enemy country… the consequences could be endless.” Shen Miao wasn’t being overly pessimistic—this was simply the reality. For a bit of advantage, even sisters in the imperial harem could harm each other, let alone when national interests were at stake.

Friendship was most precious, and for that reason, it could least tolerate deception and was most fragile.

Xie Jingxing lazily glanced at her, suddenly smiling. “Are you worried about me?”

Shen Miao was startled, then replied, “I’m concerned about myself.” After a pause, she added, “We’re in the same boat now. If you’re discovered, it might implicate me and drag down the Shen family. The losses would outweigh any gains.”

Xie Jingxing found this amusing. “Rest assured, being allied with this prince won’t cause you to lose out.”

Shen Miao was accustomed to his arrogance and didn’t take his words to heart. But then she thought of something else and asked, “Speaking of which, do you not plan to stop Su Mingfeng?”

“How long do you think I’ll wear this mask?” Xie Jingxing suddenly asked.

Shen Miao didn’t understand his meaning and remained silent.

“My identity will be revealed sooner or later,” Xie Jingxing said calmly. “If not by Su Mingfeng, then by someone else.”

Shen Miao was shocked and confused. She asked, “Haven’t you considered what your… family would think if your identity were discovered? The Marquis of Lin’an, Princess Rongxin, Su Mingfeng, and others…” Others might merely be surprised, but how would Xie Jingxing’s closest family and friends react? He would face questioning from those dearest to him. Even Shen Miao didn’t dare imagine it.

Even though she had been betrayed and hurt in her previous life, at least she and the Shen family were on the same side. But with Xie Jingxing’s identity revealed as Prince Rui of Da Liang, the situation would become much more complex.

Xie Jingxing smiled carelessly. “So what if they know?” He said, “It doesn’t matter if everyone in the world hates me.” He looked at Shen Miao, smiling with a hint of mischief. “I’m not afraid.”

For some reason, his smile made Shen Miao’s heart ache. She felt that this handsome young man wasn’t as heartless as he appeared.

As Shen Miao was lost in thought, Xie Jingxing unexpectedly patted her head. “Don’t remove the bracelet. Since I gave it to you, I’m not afraid of it being recognized.”

Shen Miao actually disliked having her head patted—what kind of impression would it give if people learned that the empress of a country allowed others to pat her head? She would be displeased even when Shen Qiu did it, yet today she extraordinarily allowed Xie Jingxing to do so without protest.

She sighed inwardly, deciding not to fuss over such details today.

Xie Jingxing stood up. “I thought you had urgent business, so I came. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.” He added, “If you have any problems in the future, just call Cong Yang. He’s your secret guard now. No need to open the window and wait for me. I’ll wake you when I arrive.”

He spoke so naturally that Shen Miao didn’t notice anything wrong until after Xie Jingxing had left. Only then did she realize how ambiguous his last words had sounded.

Recalling Xie Jingxing’s instruction, she softly called, “Cong Yang.” In the blink of an eye, a young man dressed in a black guard’s attire appeared before her.

Shen Miao felt a headache coming on. Had Xie Jingxing planted someone in her bedchamber? Would she be watched even while sleeping? She asked, “Do you stay in this room all day?”

Cong Yang replied, “This subordinate lives in the tree outside your door, Young Madam. As a trained fighter, I can hear even if you call softly.”

Shen Miao looked at him in surprise. “What did you call me?”

Cong Yang bowed to her. “Young Madam.”

Shen Miao: “Don’t call me Young Madam.”

“Yes, Young Madam.”

Shen Miao: “…” After a moment, she waved her hand and said resignedly, “Fine. Tell me, where did Xie Jingxing go?” Xie Jingxing had left in such a hurry, he must have had something urgent to attend to. Given the day’s events, Shen Miao felt uneasy, wondering if Xie Jingxing had gone to silence Su Mingfeng.

Cong Yang replied, “This subordinate doesn’t know.”

Shen Miao took a deep breath. Three questions, three non-answers—Xie Jingxing hadn’t sent a guard; he’d sent someone to monitor her. She sized up this Cong Yang, noting he looked young and strong. Tomorrow she’d send him to help chop firewood in the kitchen!

After leaving the Shen residence, Xie Jingxing instructed Tie Yi, “Keep Ji Yushu away from Cong Yang’s letters from now on.”

Ji Yushu had a troublemaking nature and seemed bored with the peaceful days. Creating issues at this critical juncture made Xie Jingxing want to kick him back to Da Liang.

Tie Yi acknowledged the order, then suddenly remembered something. “Master, the traveling Master Guanzhen has arrived at Putuo Temple. His Majesty previously asked you to check on him. Since we’re already in Ming Qi, when do you plan to go?”

After brief consideration, Xie Jingxing said, “Tomorrow.”

…

The next day, the weather was excellent.

Luo Tan had recently become fascinated with paper-cutting. Thinking of the approaching New Year, she brought a stack of red paper and scissors to make festive window decorations with Shen Miao.

As Shen Miao cut, memories surfaced.

In her previous life in Qin Country, the princes and princesses had deliberately mocked her by making her cut paper decorations and do needlework day and night. This not only damaged her eyesight, making her vision blurry at night, but also created thick calluses on her hands, making them rough.

Later, after returning to the palace, even though Shuangjiang brought pumice stones to help smooth them, the calluses wouldn’t go away. It happened to be Fu Xiuyi’s birthday, and all the beauties in the harem were offering gifts to please the emperor. Madam Mei played a sublime melody on the konghou, her delicate fingers dancing beautifully, captivating everyone.

When it was her turn, Shen Miao presented a large embroidery of mountains and rivers. As the empress, singing or dancing would have been undignified. The landscape was magnificent, and Fu Xiuyi liked it, with officials praising it too. But Madam Mei persisted, insisting that Shen Miao should also play the konghou.

Shen Miao was reluctant and looked pleadingly at Fu Xiuyi, but he casually said, “Since Mei’er is interested, let the empress play a piece for me. It’s been many years since I heard you play.”

With no choice, Shen Miao played.

Shen Miao knew how to play the konghou. She had learned many things from Fu Xiuyi, and though her playing wasn’t as moving as Madam Mei’s, it was acceptable. Yet it still provoked criticism from officials, mockery from palace ladies, and pointing fingers all around.

Why? Because the hands playing the konghou were simply too ugly. The joints were enlarged from years of labor, thick calluses visible between her fingers, the entire hand heavy and rough—not like the hands of an empress, but those of a country farm woman.

They formed a stark contrast to the tender, fair, and gracefully beautiful slender hands that had played before.

She wasn’t afraid of embarrassment for herself but feared that Wanyu and Fu Ming would be ridiculed because of her. As she played the konghou, she saw Madam Mei smiling alluringly at her and Fu Xiuyi’s cold, indifferent expression. Her heart ached to the point of tears. But Shen Miao couldn’t cry. For Wanyu and Fu Ming’s sake, she had to remain a dignified empress, unmoved by favor or humiliation.

She pretended not to care about anything, but after returning to Kunning Palace, she had Shuangjiang bring twice as much pumice stone and rubbed off a layer of skin from her hands.

Seeing Shen Miao lost in thought, Luo Tan called out, “Little cousin?”

Shen Miao snapped back to reality and saw that she had ruined the pattern of magpies celebrating spring that she was cutting. She couldn’t help but smile bitterly.

In this new life, her hands were still soft and unharmed, yet those calluses seemed to linger, constantly reminding her of that humiliating past.

Shen Miao tossed aside the scissors and said, “I’m done cutting.”

Luo Tan exclaimed, “Huh? Why?”

Shen Miao casually replied, “It causes calluses.”

Even Luo Tan, who greatly admired Shen Miao, couldn’t help but look at her strangely. “It’s not like you’re cutting day and night. How would you develop calluses?” She added, “No wonder your nickname is ‘Jiaojiao’ (Delicate).”

Shen Miao had just picked up her tea for a sip when Guyu entered from outside, saying, “Miss, Madam wants you in the main hall.”

Since Luo Xuean wasn’t at her official duties today, she was at home. Shen Miao asked, “Does Mother have something she needs from me?”

Guyu hesitated, then said, “This servant doesn’t know, but Madam Su from the Su family has come to our residence and is currently speaking with Madam in the main hall.”

“The Su family?” Shen Miao paused, putting down her teacup. “The Marquis of Pingnan’s Su family?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

…

In the main hall, Luo Xuean was speaking with Madam Su.

Madam Su hadn’t come empty-handed today. She explained that her husband had acquired two snow larks, birds native only to northern regions. Fearing they wouldn’t survive, and knowing Luo Xuean was from the Northwest, she had come specifically to ask how to properly care for them.

At first, Luo Xuean thought Madam Su had come to mock her, but seeing her sincere demeanor without any trace of ridicule, she reconsidered. Madam Su had also brought two baskets of fresh fruits newly arrived from their country estate.

Previously, when the Mighty General’s household and the Marquis of Lin’an’s family were at odds, and given the Su family’s close relationship with the Lin’an household, the Shen and Su families naturally remained distant, paying little attention to each other. Two years ago, when the Shen family had defied imperial orders, the Su family had even submitted a memorial criticizing them. Although this ultimately backfired, actually causing Emperor Wenhui to lower his guard, Luo Xuean still remembered this episode.

However, with Madam Su’s warm visit today, it would be impolite to be cold. As they say, one doesn’t strike a smiling face. Luo Xuean was perplexed, though—Madam Su claimed to have come asking about snow larks, yet after talking for half the day, she hadn’t mentioned the birds once. Instead, she kept discussing interesting sights in the small spring city and repeatedly praising Luo Xuean for raising such excellent children, until Luo Xuean blushed from the compliments.

After all this praise, Luo Xuean thought it appropriate for Shen Miao to meet the visitor and sent someone to fetch her. Inwardly, though, she was suspicious: now that the Marquis of Lin’an’s household was falling, perhaps the Su family wanted a new backer and was trying to curry favor with the Shen family?

If so, the Su family was certainly not worth associating with. With this thought, Luo Xuean regretted her impulsive decision to call Shen Miao. Especially seeing Madam Su’s expectant glance toward the door, she felt even more uncomfortable. But words once spoken couldn’t be taken back, so she couldn’t retract her invitation now.

When the maid outside announced that Miss had arrived, Madam Su immediately sat up straight, looking excitedly toward the door.

A tall young lady in a light yellow jacket and skirt entered. She was quite handsome, with an air of heroism in her features and tanned skin. She walked with a bounce in her step, wearing her hair in a deer-antler bun, adorned only with two pearl earrings and a red dagger at her waist.

Madam Su: “…” She hadn’t expected Su Mingfeng to be attracted to such a girl—one glance showed she was… quite lively and untamed.

The young lady saw Luo Xuean and smiled, saying, “Aunt.”

Aunt? Madam Su was startled, only then noticing another young lady behind the first. This one wore a lavender-bordered hundred-pleated skirt with peony patterns, a moon-white jacket, and an outer snow-white cape. Her skin was as fair as a peeled egg, with round, bright eyes, a small nose, and a small mouth—a clear-featured, lovable appearance. Yet a strange demeanor suppressed all that charm. She walked with dignity and stability, looking like someone who had stepped out of the palace. When Madam Su had first married Su Yu and met the empress as a new bride, she felt this petite, adorable young lady carried herself exactly like the empress—perhaps even more regally. It was as if a proud, cold noblewoman approached, every move exhibiting the nobility of high-ranking royalty.

The young lady addressed Luo Xuean as “Mother,” then looked at Madam Su.

Luo Xuean quickly said, “This is Madam Su from the Marquis of Pingnan’s family. These are my daughter and niece, Tan’er.”

Shen Miao and Luo Tan curtseyed to Madam Su.

Madam Su hadn’t attended the previous palace banquet but had heard about Shen Miao’s confrontation with Princess Ming’an there. Thinking Shen Miao must be strong-willed, she had been concerned when Su Minglang mentioned Su Mingfeng’s interest in her. But she had to see for herself, so she boldly sent a visiting card. Expecting Shen Miao to be an untamed heroine, she had instinctively assumed Luo Tan was Shen Miao, not realizing how far from reality this was until seeing the actual person.

She smiled, retrieving two pouches from her sleeve and placing them in Shen Miao and Luo Tan’s hands. “Madam Shen truly knows how to raise children. Both your daughter and niece are exceptionally beautiful. When they walked in, I wondered what heavenly maidens had arrived. Madam Shen, you are truly blessed.”

Luo Tan and Shen Miao looked at the pouches in confusion. It wasn’t a major holiday—why give pouches? If they were close acquaintances, it might be understandable, but Shen Miao knew there was no connection between the Su and Shen families. Could yesterday’s incident with Su Mingfeng have been exposed? But even if it had, what did that have to do with Madam Su visiting the Shen residence?

Luo Xuean also looked at the pouches awkwardly, about to decline, when Madam Su grasped her hands firmly. “If you refuse, I’ll be upset. I simply found these two young ladies beautiful and well-mannered, and it delighted me. It’s just a small meeting gift. They say Madam Shen is generous—why be so stingy about this?” She sighed, “If only I had two daughters.”

Today, Luo Xuean was truly confused by Madam Su’s behavior. She could only follow along, saying, “Not at all. Madam’s family has two sons, both excellent in their own right.”

“How are they excellent?” Madam Su shook her head. “Minglang is very mischievous, never thinking about his future, only knowing how to fool around with his father. I can’t control him. I’ve heard your son Qiu was sensible from a young age—I’m truly envious.”

“But you still have Mingfeng,” Luo Xuean smiled. “Your eldest son is a talented young man.”

Madam Su’s heart leaped with joy. She looked at Shen Miao and Luo Tan, saying, “Young ladies, we’re just chatting about boring matters that might annoy you. Why don’t you go entertain yourselves? I’d like to have a heart-to-heart with Madam.”

This was a polite way to dismiss them. Shen Miao grew increasingly wary—Madam Su had mentioned Su Mingfeng and then immediately asked them to leave. Perhaps she had guessed wrong? Was Madam Su truly here because of yesterday’s events?

As Luo Tan and Shen Miao walked outside, Shen Miao used the opportunity of turning her back to whisper, “Cong Yang, go to the main hall and listen to what they’re saying.”

She knew Cong Yang could hear even the faintest whisper. Luo Tan noticed and asked, “Little cousin, what are you muttering about?”

In the main hall, Madam Su pressed a hand to her chest and looked wistfully at Luo Xuean. “To be honest with you, Madam, Mingfeng is indeed exceptional. For all these years, he has never caused his father or me any worry. He’s handsome and talented, entered official service at a young age, and is filial and well-mannered. You couldn’t find another like him in the entire capital, even with a lantern.”

Luo Xuean smiled outwardly while thinking to herself: just a moment ago, she was praising Shen Qiu; now she’s claiming her son is the best in the capital. Who boasts about themselves like this?

While she was pondering this, Madam Su sighed dramatically and continued, “There’s just one problem. My son is stubborn—once he likes something, he won’t look at anything else. That’s why, even now, he remains unmarried. What a tragedy!”