“The Shen family’s daughter?” The Crown Prince was stunned at first, then exclaimed in disbelief: “Shen Miao?”

Fu Xiuyi looked at him with a smile but said nothing.

“Impossible.” The Crown Prince shook his head. “Miss Shen is General Shen’s precious daughter. Until now, she hasn’t been betrothed to anyone, likely because the General values his daughter’s lifelong happiness greatly. How would he willingly let her marry into the Eastern Palace? Besides,” the Crown Prince gave Fu Xiuyi a mischievous look and smiled, “Everyone in the capital knows that Miss Shen once had feelings for you, Ninth Brother. I couldn’t possibly steal her heart away.”

Fu Xiuyi smiled and shook his head: “How could she have feelings for me? Back then, it was merely childish folly. Otherwise, look at how she’s treated me these past years—cold and distant, treating me worse than a stranger.”

The Crown Prince thought carefully and realized it was true. These past two years, whenever Shen Miao saw Fu Xiuyi, she never showed the same warmth as before, instead acting cold and distant as if they were strangers. This had puzzled many of the imperial princes. Nevertheless, the Crown Prince said: “Perhaps it’s because you were indifferent to her that Miss Shen became upset with you.”

“Elder Brother, please stop teasing me,” Fu Xiuyi smiled. “Besides, the Shen family is too prestigious for me to aspire to as in-laws. I would prefer a wife of less prominent status—it would be more comfortable. But returning to the matter at hand,” Fu Xiuyi said seriously, “Why must Elder Brother approach General Shen and Miss Shen directly? For marriage arrangements, parental command and matchmaker’s words, the best approach would be to entrust this matter to Father Emperor.”

“Father Emperor?”

“Indeed.” Fu Xiuyi noticed the Crown Prince’s empty cup and refilled it, then continued unhurriedly: “Father Emperor loves no one more than Elder Brother. Since Father Emperor wishes to support you, he will certainly find you a marriage that strengthens your position. If Elder Brother wishes to marry Miss Shen, Father Emperor would surely be pleased. With an imperial decree for marriage, everything would be resolved easily.”

“Ninth Brother thinks too simplistically,” the Crown Prince shook his head. “Forced melons aren’t sweet. If Miss Shen is unwilling to marry me, even though an imperial decree would force her into the Eastern Palace, she would harbor resentment over time. General Shen would also resent Father Emperor. The marriage would create enemies rather than allies—that would be disastrous.”

“Why would Elder Brother think that way?” Fu Xiuyi looked at him in surprise. “What all women seek is a wealthy and stable future. Marrying into the Eastern Palace, though not as a primary consort, the position of Crown Prince’s secondary consort is still quite prestigious. When Elder Brother ascends the throne, Miss Shen would naturally be promoted to consort status. Elder Brother has a gentle temperament—if you treat Miss Shen well, how could she harbor resentment? Consider your wife—she too was bestowed in marriage by Father Emperor, yet now she wholeheartedly supports and plans for Elder Brother.”

Hearing this, the Crown Prince felt Fu Xiuyi’s words made sense. The Crown Princess had also been bestowed in marriage by an imperial decree. Before that, they had barely met. Initially, she had been reluctant, but now she was deeply devoted to the Crown Prince, always putting his interests first.

“Women are all alike—marry a rooster, follow a rooster; marry a dog, follow a dog. Treat her well, and she’ll follow her husband with complete devotion. Elder Brother is among the finest of men—how could you not win over a mere woman?”

The Crown Prince felt somewhat embarrassed by Fu Xiuyi’s words and repeatedly waved his hand. The brothers continued their heartfelt conversation, drinking and enjoying each other’s company immensely.

However, when Fu Xiuyi left the Eastern Palace late that night, the Crown Prince’s drunken appearance instantly vanished, replaced by a clear-headed demeanor.

An advisor emerged from behind and tentatively looked at the Crown Prince, asking: “Your Highness, regarding the Ninth Prince’s words earlier…”

“Ninth Brother is trying to swap peaches for plums,” the Crown Prince smiled, pouring himself another cup of wine. “He shows courage and boldness. Even with Father Emperor growing suspicious of him, he dares to come to my Eastern Palace to curry favor. It seems we brothers have indeed underestimated him.”

“What does Your Highness think of the Ninth Prince’s suggestion to ally with the Shen family through marriage?” the advisor asked.

The Crown Prince set down his wine cup, his eyes flashing with a glint of shrewdness: “Though his intentions may be questionable, his strategy is usable. I do need the Shen family’s power. Shen Miao is a good pawn—there’s no harm in bringing her in.” He smiled again: “Since she’s attractive, coaxing her shouldn’t be too difficult.”

The advisor nodded: “Has Your Highness decided to agree?”

The Crown Prince looked at the wine pot on the table: “In a few days, I will personally raise this matter with Father Emperor. After it’s done, I’ll remember Ninth Brother’s favor.”

As Fu Xiuyi had predicted, a few days later, the Crown Prince did indeed bring up this matter to Emperor Wenhui. The Emperor didn’t immediately agree but didn’t refuse either. He gave the Crown Prince a meaningful look before finally smiling: “Good. I thought you had made no progress, but you’ve finally shown some wisdom.” He added: “I will consider it.”

After the Crown Prince left, Emperor Wenhui said to Eunuch Su beside him: “The Crown Prince wants to marry Shen Miao—I hadn’t expected that.”

Eunuch Su smiled: “Miss Shen’s talents, character, and appearance are all excellent. The Crown Prince has good taste.”

“Enough of that,” Emperor Wenhui said disdainfully. “I’m not brainless. But what does it mean that the Ninth Prince has pointed the Crown Prince toward this path?” His words revealed he knew the idea of allying with the Shen family had come from Fu Xiuyi.

Eunuch Su carefully refrained from speaking. Royal family matters were deadly to get involved in—as a servant, he dared not interfere.

“But it works well. I had been planning to support the Crown Prince anyway. The Prince of Zhou and the Prince of Li increasingly disregard me, and I can’t figure out the Ninth Prince. With the Shen family behind him, the Crown Prince can both counterbalance the Princes of Zhou and Li, and keep the Shen family’s military power under control. It saves me effort. However…” Emperor Wenhui looked at the book on the table and smiled, closing the document and standing up: “Prepare the carriage for Kunning Palace.”

—

When Luo Xueyan received word from someone in the palace asking her to bring Shen Miao to the palace the next day, she was quite bewildered. She thought something might have happened with Shen Xin, but when she asked him, he was equally puzzled. Regarding imperial matters, the couple was always extremely cautious. Though cautious in their hearts, they dared not show it to Shen Miao, fearing it would worry her.

Although Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan tried to appear relaxed, Shen Miao couldn’t feel at ease. The Fu family would not summon Luo Xueyan to bring her into the palace without reason. But what could it be this time? She had no clues. Pei Lang hadn’t written to her for a long time—if he had, she might have figured out Fu Xiuyi’s next move… Suddenly, Shen Miao had a thought: why hadn’t Pei Lang written to her for so long?

In the past, even without major news, Pei Lang would maintain correspondence with her. But it had been a long time now. A suspicion arose in Shen Miao’s mind—perhaps Pei Lang could no longer write to her? Had Fu Xiuyi discovered something?

Her mind grew increasingly chaotic. Ever since meeting that strange mad Taoist at Putuo Temple, Shen Miao had found it difficult to calm her thoughts. She wanted to know who the noble person with the “fierce dragon subduing heaven” fate was, and who had given her the chance to relive her life. But thinking about it repeatedly yielded no answers, only making her more agitated.

Shen Miao involuntarily looked up at the window. The window was tightly shut. Xie Jingxing had once said he could enter even without an open window, but he hadn’t appeared for several days. Shen Miao, wearing an outer robe, walked to the window and opened it. The night wind was bitterly cold, and she tightened her clothes.

Suddenly, a figure flashed before her. Congryang stood up from below the wall and asked Shen Miao: “Is Miss looking for my master?”

Startled, Shen Miao touched her chest in irritation and replied crossly: “No.”

But Congryang seemed not to hear Shen Miao’s words and continued earnestly: “My master is not in the capital recently. Miss need not wait for him here.”

“I’m not waiting for him,” Shen Miao emphasized. “I’m just getting some air.”

Congryang said nothing. Something occurred to Shen Miao, and she asked: “Congryang, if I enter the palace, could you come with me?”

Hearing this, Congryang was stunned, then replied somewhat embarrassedly: “This servant is not from the palace and is unfamiliar with its layout. Following Miss inside, I would have nowhere to hide and couldn’t guarantee avoiding detection.”

Shen Miao lowered her eyes. Since Congryang couldn’t guarantee he wouldn’t be discovered, it was best to drop the idea. She thought further—whatever game the imperial family was playing, they surely wouldn’t openly harm her in the palace, especially with Luo Xueyan present. Realizing this, she felt relieved and said: “It’s nothing.”

“If Miss has anything to say, you can tell this servant. I will pass it to my master when delivering messages,” Congryang glanced at Shen Miao, talking to himself.

Shen Miao slammed the window shut with a “bang.” Like master, like servant—neither listened to what others said.

Meanwhile, at the Rui Prince’s mansion, Gao Yang and Ji Yushu were studying a map covered with markings. Looking closely, one could see it was a military defense map.

A guard came to report: “Master Gao, Young Master Ji, Miss Shen is entering the palace tomorrow. Should we include this in the message to His Highness?”

“Entering the palace?” Ji Yushu asked. “What for?”

The guard shook his head.

Ji Yushu sighed: “We’ve been busy making this map and haven’t kept a good eye on Miss Shen for Third Brother. When he returns, we’ll be in trouble, not knowing anything. Hey,” he nudged Gao Yang, “you have people in the palace—is anything happening recently?”

“Nothing important,” Gao Yang pondered, then said: “Don’t include it in the message yet. He’s busy with important matters—it would be distracting. Since Congryang hasn’t reported anything, it’s probably not serious. If something does happen, we’ll handle it.”

The guard acknowledged and left.

Ji Yushu looked at Gao Yang: “I don’t think your approach is appropriate.”

“What’s inappropriate about it?” Gao Yang said impatiently. “Look at the map.”

Ji Yushu muttered: “Anyway, if something goes wrong and Third Brother asks why we didn’t report promptly, I’ll say it was your decision…”

—

The next day, Shen Miao followed Luo Xueyan into the palace.

Each time they entered the palace, something would happen. Luo Xueyan was somewhat vigilant, but Shen Miao was accustomed to it. Knowing the imperial family never had good intentions made her less nervous.

The palace maid led them directly to Kunning Palace.

Upon arriving at Kunning Palace, they first saw the Empress seated in the main position. The consort sitting beside the Empress had a gentle smile and modest yet elegant attire—it was Consort Dong.

The Empress and Consort Dong? Shen Miao’s heart instantly tensed.

The Empress was the Crown Prince’s birth mother, having a proper, rule-following marital relationship with Emperor Wenhui. Born into a wealthy family, the Empress had led a smooth life to her current position. She focused entirely on the Crown Prince, showing little interest in the power struggles of the imperial harem. Though somewhat forceful in manner, she ultimately hadn’t been able to outmaneuver the seemingly inconspicuous Consort Dong.

Consort Dong had always appeared to stay out of harem affairs, much like Fu Xiuyi, watching other consorts fight bitterly. Of course, there was one more thing—she had imperceptibly contributed a little effort, often pushing events toward the worst outcome. Using others as tools and redirecting calamity? No one played these games better than Consort Dong.

If Madam Mei was openly vicious and arrogant, Consort Dong was gentle, mild, and all smiles as she handed you a knife. The two women got along famously—Consort Dong disdained Shen Miao but greatly admired Madam Mei.

Seeing the current situation, Shen Miao realized that Consort Dong was likely using the Empress as a tool again. After all, Consort Dong was the type who ensured she gained a significant advantage from everything she did.

The Empress smiled, offering Luo Xueyan a seat, then beckoned Shen Miao forward.

Following the gesture, Shen Miao approached. The Empress examined her carefully, up and down, then smiled with satisfaction and said to Consort Dong: “She’s a fine-looking girl.”

Luo Xueyan sat uneasily, wishing she could grab Shen Miao and leave the palace immediately. But as subjects, they had many constraints. She didn’t know what the Empress intended, but as a mother, she had instincts, especially regarding those who had designs on her children.

“How old are you this year?” the Empress asked.

“In reply to Your Majesty, this subject’s daughter is sixteen,” Shen Miao answered.

The Empress smiled and took Shen Miao’s hand, saying: “When I was in the palace, I often heard that General Shen’s daughter was both talented and beautiful. At previous palace banquets, I’ve seen you and found you quite charming. Thinking of these idle days, I called for Lady Shen to bring Miss Shen to meet me.” She sighed: “At just sixteen, to be so lovely and intelligent—I wonder which young man will have the good fortune to marry Miss Shen.”

Luo Xueyan’s heart sank, and her hands clenched at her sides. Shen Miao felt a shift in the atmosphere, now understanding about three-tenths of the Empress’s purpose in summoning them today.

Consort Dong also smiled: “Indeed! Beautiful and obedient, without a trace of arrogance—such young ladies are rare these days.”

“Lady Shen, has Miss Shen been betrothed yet?” the Empress asked with a smile.

Luo Xueyan hesitated briefly but quickly replied: “I wouldn’t dare to make Your Majesty laugh, but we have been looking at suitable young men for my daughter’s marriage recently.” If the imperial family had this intention, they had likely already thoroughly investigated Shen Miao’s current situation. She dared not deceive them, as that would be fooling the royal family.

“Is that so?” The Empress’s smile deepened. “Then would I be able to act as a matchmaker for Miss Shen?”

“No!” Luo Xueyan replied without thinking. Seeing the Empress’s displeased expression, she explained: “My daughter is still young. I’m reluctant to marry her off and wish to keep her with me for a few more years.”

The Empress smiled again: “Lady Shen, that’s not correct. They say a daughter shouldn’t be kept at home too long, or keeping her becomes a source of resentment. If you keep delaying Miss Shen’s marriage, she might blame you in the future. Isn’t that right, Miss Shen?”

Shen Miao glanced at the Empress and smiled: “This subject’s daughter also wishes to remain by her mother’s side.” She didn’t give the Empress any face at all.

The Empress’s smile became less pleasant. She stared at Shen Miao, wondering if she was brainless and thus daring to be so brazen, or deliberately challenging her. Thinking of such a woman as her son’s wife, the Empress instantly felt displeased.

Sensing the awkward atmosphere, Consort Dong smoothed things over with a smile: “Lady Shen and Miss Shen’s mother-daughter bond is enviable. However…” she changed tack, “A daughter must eventually marry. Being married doesn’t mean you can’t maintain a close mother-daughter relationship.”

These conciliatory words went unacknowledged by both Luo Xueyan and Shen Miao.

Consort Dong felt somewhat surprised. When Shen Miao had been infatuated with Fu Xiuyi, Consort Dong had thought her a brainless fool. Later, she felt that wasn’t quite right, that Shen Miao was rather clever and could discern what was important. Now, looking at her today, she thought—indeed, she’s Luo Xueyan’s daughter. Both mother and daughter were equally unbending and unmanageable, yielding to neither soft nor hard approaches.

The Empress seemed unaccustomed to such deliberate friendliness, especially when the other party wasn’t particularly responsive. But today’s meeting was merely meant to prepare the Shen family, to gauge their attitude. In truth, the Empress didn’t care what that attitude was. No matter how bold Shen Xin was or how much he loved his daughter, he couldn’t defy an imperial edict. One couldn’t fight against overwhelming power—everyone had to bow before imperial authority.

So after some lukewarm conversation, she dismissed Luo Xueyan and Shen Miao.

On the way back, Luo Xueyan remained silent, saying nothing. Shen Miao was also lost in her thoughts. This silent atmosphere frightened Jingzhe and Guyu, who thought something terrible had happened.

Upon returning to the Shen residence, Shen Qiu and Luo Ling had just returned from the Ministry of War and asked why the Empress had summoned them to the palace. Luo Xueyan gave vague answers, then pulled Shen Xin into their room.

Once inside, Luo Xueyan told Shen Xin what the Empress had said to her at the palace, concluding: “I think the Empress intends to arrange a marriage for Jiaojiao. What should we do?”

Shen Xin’s face had already darkened. “Arrange a marriage? Why should they arrange my daughter’s marriage? Jiaojiao has grown up under our care—why should anyone else have the right to dictate her marriage?”

“I suspect the Empress wants Jiaojiao to marry the Crown Prince,” Luo Xueyan said. “Today she repeatedly mentioned, directly and indirectly, that the Crown Prince’s health has improved. This cannot happen. The Crown Prince already has a Crown Princess. If Jiaojiao marries into that household, she would at best be a secondary consort—a secondary consort is just a concubine with higher status. I don’t want Jiaojiao to marry into a situation where she must serve tea and pay respects to another woman, living at someone else’s mercy. Just thinking about it makes my chest tight. Besides, even if the Crown Prince has high status and good character, what about his health? I dare not entrust Jiaojiao to him.”

“Regardless of which prince, Jiaojiao cannot marry into the imperial family,” Shen Xin slammed his fist on the table in frustration, making the cups rattle.

“Are you afraid that if Jiaojiao marries into the palace, our entire Shen family will be drawn into the succession struggle?” Luo Xueyan said. “Indeed, these days, these people’s intentions are obvious. Once connected to the imperial family, the Shen family would face difficult times.”

“It’s not just that,” Shen Xin sighed deeply. “Imperial sons are often fickle, with harems full of consorts and concubines. If Jiaojiao married into that life, she wouldn’t be happy. Even if the Crown Prince becomes Emperor and his health improves, what difference does it make? Three palaces, six courtyards, seventy-two consorts, sharing his favor equally—I don’t want Jiaojiao living that kind of life. Moreover, as you said, they don’t truly want to marry Jiaojiao for herself. For my son-in-law, he doesn’t need to be enfeoffed as a prince or dressed in brocade and fur, but he must be wholeheartedly devoted to Jiaojiao. If he can’t manage that, not even the Jade Emperor himself would be acceptable.”

Eavesdropping outside the door, Shen Miao felt a surge of warmth at these words. In this world, she still had family who supported her unconditionally. They were willing to offend the powerful rather than let her suffer even the slightest grievance.

Inside, Luo Xueyan continued: “Indeed, Jiaojiao absolutely cannot marry into the Eastern Palace. But when the imperial edict comes down, the situation will be dire. What should we do now?”

Shen Xin frowned in thought, then said: “Before the imperial edict arrives, we must quickly marry Jiaojiao off. But in such a short time, even arranging a betrothal would be difficult. And we wouldn’t know the groom’s character. Regardless, tonight I’ll have people look for promising young men. If there are any with good character, as long as Jiaojiao doesn’t object, we’ll arrange it immediately.” Shen Xin concluded: “The important thing is to prevent Jiaojiao from marrying into the imperial family.”

Shen Miao felt mixed emotions. The voices inside grew softer, presumably as they discussed which promising young men might be suitable. Shen Miao straightened up and was about to return to her room when she turned and saw Shen Qiu and Luo Ling standing behind her, both frowning. She didn’t know how long they had been there or how much they had heard.

Shen Qiu pulled Shen Miao away.

Once they reached Shen Miao’s courtyard, Shen Qiu and Luo Ling entered her room, sent away the maids, closed the door, and asked: “Sister, the Empress wants to arrange your marriage to the Crown Prince?”

Since they had heard, Shen Miao didn’t bother hiding it and nodded.

Shen Qiu slammed his fist on the table, gritting his teeth: “This is outrageous!”

Shen Miao laughed instead: “How many people wish to climb the high branch of the Eastern Palace, yet in your eyes, it becomes an insult? Brother, your standards are too high—by your measure, no one in the entire capital would be worthy.”

Shen Qiu replied irritably: “Jiaojiao, how can you be so casual about this? I’m worried for you, yet you laugh at me.”

Luo Ling looked at Shen Miao and asked gently: “What does Cousin think of this matter?”

Shen Miao shrugged: “We do what we can and accept what fate decrees.”

“Cousin doesn’t object?” Luo Ling’s tone was somewhat strange.

“Father and Mother are already finding me an escape route,” Shen Miao said casually, as if they weren’t discussing her lifelong happiness. “Find some promising young men—if I approve of one, we’ll quickly arrange a betrothal before the imperial edict reaches the Shen residence. That should suffice.” She smiled again: “Don’t worry, my standards aren’t as high as Brother’s. Finding someone acceptable shouldn’t be difficult.”

Shen Qiu muttered: “I wonder which family’s son will get so lucky…” Shen Miao pretended not to hear.

Luo Ling stepped closer and asked: “If no suitable match is found, or if the imperial edict arrives before then, what will Cousin do?”

Shen Qiu said: “Cousin, why are you saying such inauspicious things?”

Luo Ling continued to stare intently at Shen Miao, seeming determined to get an answer.

Shen Miao smiled and said: “Then I’ll marry.”

“Sister!” Shen Qiu exclaimed.

“What else can I do?” Shen Miao asked. “Should I let the Shen family bear the crime of defying an imperial edict and be destroyed? Should I let all my relatives suffer because of me? Because I selfishly refuse to marry, my family suffers with me. Brother, is that what you want to see? Brother, let me ask you—if you were in my position, if the Empress wanted to arrange your marriage, what would you do? Would you also say you’d rather die than marry?”

Shen Qiu fell silent.

If it were him, he would accept the arranged marriage for Shen Miao and his parents’ sake. If sacrificing himself could ensure the household’s peace, Shen Qiu felt there was nothing he couldn’t do.

“Brother would do the same as me,” Shen Miao said quietly. “Not everyone in this world can do as they please. Everyone has things they must bear. We do what we can and accept what fate decrees. I’ll try my best to avoid this outcome, but if I can’t, it’s not the end of the world. I’ll marry if I must.” Shen Miao looked at Shen Qiu: “A husband, a marriage—these are far less important to me than my family.”

“But that’s your lifetime’s happiness!” Shen Qiu’s eyes grew moist. He didn’t understand why his sister spoke so coldly about marriage and husbands, even with a trace of disgust. But he instinctively felt that Shen Miao, at a maiden’s age, lacked the hope and dreams a young woman should have. That meant he had failed to care for his sister properly.

“Happiness must be earned by oneself, not dependent on someone else,” Shen Miao said. “Does marrying a good man guarantee my lifelong happiness? Whether it’s the Crown Prince or someone else, can anyone truly guarantee that in the decades to come, he won’t take concubines or be fickle in his affections? I don’t believe it.”

“Sister, you can’t think that way. You’re not yet married—you can’t view people so terribly, or see things so… world-weary.” Like a woman who had seen a thousand ships pass.

Luo Ling looked thoughtfully at Shen Miao, his lips moving, but ultimately said nothing.

Shen Miao lowered her eyes. Husband? Marriage? In her previous life, she had suffered terribly in this regard. For her, these were words laden with pain. One shouldn’t fall twice in the same place—without expectations, there could be no hurt.

Her smile turned cold: “It’s not that I think too negatively—it’s that Brother thinks too much. It’s just marriage. All women must marry. Marry well, and life is peaceful. Even if life in the Crown Prince’s residence isn’t good, I won’t let those who hurt me go easily.”