The sudden news from the Empress plunged the Shen family into an anxious state. Without question, Shen Xin and his wife were unwilling to let Shen Miao marry into the imperial family. “The royal family is the most heartless of all.” Besides various political considerations, the complexity of the imperial harem meant that if Shen Miao married into it, she would face constant schemes and machinations, making her life far from easy. Compared to these concerns, wealth, glory, and supreme honor seemed not worth the cost.

Shen Xin was determined to marry Shen Miao off before the imperial edict arrived. Even before the palace visit, due to the matter with Madam Su, Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan had already begun to consider Shen Miao’s future. Luo Xueyan had ordered servants to prepare a booklet listing eligible young talents in the capital, with detailed records of their character and appearance, where they lived, how many people were in their household, and how much property they owned in their hometown—everything thoroughly investigated. Luo Xueyan had also indirectly inquired about Shen Miao’s thoughts, and upon hearing that Shen Miao didn’t mind this method of finding a husband, she felt reassured and was prepared to genuinely search for a match for Shen Miao.

The Shen family held considerable power in the capital and was particularly special in Emperor Wenhui’s eyes, so the selection of marriage partners couldn’t be taken lightly. Shen Xin didn’t consider officials who already possessed great power, to avoid Emperor Wenhui thinking they were deliberately forming alliances. Therefore, Luo Xueyan and Shen Xin selected families of moderate wealth with no political ambitions and upright character from respectable lineages. Shen Qiu, being outgoing, had many good brothers in the Ministry of War who could help investigate the private conduct of these candidates.

This was how Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan planned for Shen Miao, but contrary to their expectations, whenever Shen Xin showed the slightest interest in forming a marriage alliance, the other party would politely decline, saying either their son was already engaged or wasn’t ready to take a wife yet. Shen Xin had a fierce temper and cherished Shen Miao deeply. If others didn’t appreciate Shen Miao, Shen Xin wouldn’t think highly of them either, and would leave angrily.

But time after time, they encountered the same situation. Those promising young men whose families they had finally deemed worthy all found excuses to decline. One or two instances might be a coincidence, but so many began to seem unusual. Shen Xin also noticed something wrong, until a military official friendly with Shen Xin told him that court officials now knew the imperial family intended to bestow Shen Miao upon the Crown Prince. While Shen Xin was searching for a family for Shen Miao, who would dare compete with the imperial family for a woman? If Shen Miao married elsewhere, avoiding her fate of entering the Eastern Palace, the imperial family would surely dislike her husband’s family.

Everyone was protecting themselves. Even with the Shen family’s great wealth and status, and Shen Miao’s wisdom and composure, no one dared to marry her.

When Shen Xin learned this news at home, he flew into a rage, saying that he had previously thought those upright families didn’t follow the crowd, but they turned out to be cowards. It was good they hadn’t married Shen Miao into such families—people who couldn’t take responsibility wouldn’t be able to protect Shen Miao in the future.

Shen Miao heard what Bailu and Shuangjiang had discovered and merely smiled faintly.

Jingzhe anxiously said, “How can Miss be so calm? Master and Madam are worried. At this rate, even if the imperial edict hasn’t arrived yet, they won’t find a suitable person.”

“The Fu family isn’t fools,” Shen Miao said, picking up a cup of hot tea and taking a sip. “How could they not know what Father and Mother are planning?”

Shen Miao had known from the beginning that Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan’s method wouldn’t work. As for how the news that she would marry the Crown Prince had spread, needless to say, it was the imperial family’s doing. The imperial family had almost openly announced to the world that Shen Miao was their chosen one. How would the officials of Ming Qi dare to openly oppose the imperial family by competing for her? Thus, Shen Xin and his wife’s plan to quickly marry Shen Miao off was destined to fail.

Guyu’s throat tightened with emotion: “Miss, you don’t intend to marry the Crown Prince, do you?”

As personal maids, although Jingzhe and Guyu sometimes couldn’t understand what Shen Miao was thinking, they could sense some of her feelings. For instance, Shen Miao didn’t like the imperial palace or the people in it. If Shen Miao were to marry into the Eastern Palace now, she would surely be unhappy.

Shen Miao said: “We’ll see as we go along.” But in her heart, she knew she would never marry into the imperial family of Ming Qi again. If it came to an imperial edict, which could control people’s lives, as a last resort, she would ruin her reputation. After all, what the Fu family wanted was the Shen family’s military power, though they didn’t dare show their true face to the outside world. If Shen Miao’s reputation were ruined and the Crown Prince still insisted on marrying her, it would look extremely bad. Which was more important—a green hat or military power? Based on Shen Miao’s understanding of the Fu family, military power would certainly be more important. But if they were willing to wear a green hat just to marry her, the common people wouldn’t view the imperial family as deeply affectionate, but rather think the imperial harem was in chaos.

Even if the imperial family had lost public support, they wouldn’t dare let such rumors spread widely.

However… Shen Miao stared at the tea leaves floating in her cup. Her reputation would be similarly ruined.

Fortunately, she had no sisters who would be implicated and mocked along with her. Unfortunately, Shen Xin and the others would surely face pointing fingers and criticism.

But this was the worst option and also the only way out.

Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan didn’t know that Shen Miao already had her plan and was still earnestly seeking a good husband for her. But the imperial family’s rumors had spread, and even matchmakers didn’t dare to take business from the Shen family—the Shen household had become deserted.

Shen Qiu was almost ready to kidnap a friend to marry Shen Miao. Luo Xueyan stopped him, and the three—Shen Qiu, Luo Xueyan, and Shen Xin—sat in the room discussing Shen Miao’s marriage with worried expressions.

Luo Xueyan said: “The imperial family’s move is truly too despicable. Previously, so many people wanted to connect with us through marriage, but now they all avoid us. What kind of situation is this?”

“It’s all my fault,” Shen Xin said. “I should have arranged a marriage for Jiaojiao earlier. I thought she was young and waiting a few more years wouldn’t matter, but I didn’t expect to fall into this trap.”

Shen Qiu scratched his head: “Regardless, Sister cannot marry into the Crown Prince’s residence. Our General’s Mansion has raised our girl—why should she become someone’s secondary consort? She should be choosing among the best to be a primary wife; there’s no reason for her to be a secondary consort.”

“Now no one dares to connect with our family through marriage. What can we do?” Luo Xueyan looked anxious and tentatively asked: “Perhaps we should look outside the capital for a suitable family?”

Shen Qiu was surprised: “Mother, you want to marry Sister far away?”

Luo Xueyan replied irritably: “I’m out of options, aren’t I? Officials in the capital probably all know about this matter by now. It’s likely spread beyond the capital too. We need to find a more remote place where they don’t know about this situation.”

“No,” Shen Xin firmly refused. “Marrying far away would only make Jiaojiao suffer. Besides, with mountains and rivers between us, if her in-laws mistreat her, how could we help from the capital?”

Luo Xueyan became annoyed: “This won’t work, that won’t work—what do you suggest?”

Shen Qiu sighed: “Ultimately, people in the capital are afraid of being implicated. Is there no man who values Sister more than his own life?” Seeing Luo Xueyan staring at him, Shen Qiu quickly added: “Besides Father and me, of course.”

As they were talking, Luo Ling entered from outside. Luo Xueyan invited him to sit down, eagerly asking: “Ling’er, did you find any suitable families today?”

Luo Ling shook his head.

Shen Xin and Shen Qiu both looked disappointed.

Luo Xueyan also lowered her head, staring worriedly at the teacup before her. Amid silence, Luo Ling spoke softly: “Aunt, Uncle, Cousin.”

The three looked up to see Luo Ling with a strange expression, seeming to want to speak but hesitating.

Shen Qiu asked: “Cousin, what’s wrong? Whatever you have to say, just say it. We’re all family here.”

Luo Ling took a deep breath and said: “Has Cousin not found a suitable match yet?”

Luo Xueyan shook her head: “Everyone in the capital fears trouble from the imperial family and wants to stay far away from the Shen family. Finding someone suitable who is willing to marry Jiaojiao at this critical time is extremely difficult.”

“Then,” Luo Ling paused, before summoning the courage to continue, “I am willing to marry Cousin.”

With these words, the room fell silent. Even the maids serving at the side didn’t dare speak, quietly retreating to the sides.

Shen Qiu and Shen Xin stared intently at Luo Ling. Luo Ling, as if suddenly finding courage, continued: “I know my right hand is still not fully recovered. In terms of family background and appearance, there are many in the capital better than me, but… I am willing to marry a Cousin. I will always be good to her, never taking concubines or bedchamber attendants—she will be the only woman in my household. Besides…” Luo Ling smiled slightly, “If Aunt and Uncle are worried about the imperial family taking action, I can take her back to Xiaochun City. My parents and grandfather are there, and they will also take care of Cousin and not let her suffer. Aunt and Uncle can visit Cousin in Xiaochun City the next time you go on a campaign.”

“Cousin, you…” Shen Qiu was speechless, and not just him—Luo Xueyan and Shen Xin were also somewhat stunned.

Luo Ling’s words were plain and simple, without flowery promises, but valued for their sincerity. Before this, Luo Xueyan had considered the two children, but seeing that Shen Miao seemed to have only sibling affection for Luo Ling, she had thought no more of it. But now, circumstances were different—compared to the Crown Prince, Luo Ling was the best destination.

Luo Ling had grown up under Shen Xin and his wife’s care. He was upright, gentle, and tolerant—perfectly suited to accommodate Shen Miao. As the son of her elder brother, they were practically one family. If Shen Miao married him, she wouldn’t suffer mistreatment from her father-in-law and mother-in-law. Given how much Luo Lianying and Madam Yu loved Shen Miao, they would likely favor her greatly. Most importantly, Luo Ling could take Shen Miao back to Xiaochun City, far from the Emperor’s reach. Even if the imperial family were dissatisfied, they couldn’t extend their reach that far, allowing Shen Miao to avoid the storm.

As the succession struggle among the princes intensified, Ming Qi’s situation became more complex, making the capital increasingly dangerous. Shen Xin himself couldn’t leave the capital due to his military authority, but he didn’t want to drag his children into dangerous whirlpools. Shen Qiu was a man who had already entered officialdom and couldn’t escape anymore, but Shen Xin always hoped Shen Miao could live a peaceful and smooth life.

Marrying into the Luo family was indeed a good choice.

Shen Xin stared at Luo Ling, his words somewhat sharp: “Ling’er, right now you’re marrying Jiaojiao to solve a problem, but what if you meet a girl you truly fancy in the future? What then?”

These words were somewhat probing, but Luo Ling suddenly became shy. His face slightly reddened, yet he persisted: “I won’t meet anyone I fancy… the only one I fancy is Cousin.”

Hearing this, Shen Qiu immediately brightened up, slapping Luo Ling on the shoulder: “So you’ve had your eye on my sister for some time?”

Luo Xueyan was also surprised. Luo Ling had a gentle and composed character, not one to show emotions easily. Although he had always been good to Shen Miao, Luo Xueyan had thought it was just an elder brother looking after his sister. She hadn’t expected Luo Ling to have such intentions.

Luo Ling nodded.

“This stinking kid lucked out,” Shen Qiu suddenly seemed displeased and grumbled.

“Shut up, Qiu’er.” Luo Xueyan glared at Shen Qiu, looking at Luo Ling with increasing satisfaction.

Shen Xin and Shen Qiu were not pleased—their feelings were truly complex. They were unhappy when no one would marry Shen Miao, and now that someone would, they were still unhappy. Especially Shen Xin, who felt that his beautiful daughter, raised with such care, was now to be married to this youngster before him, unfairly benefiting him. He found himself looking at Luo Ling with newfound scrutiny.

Shen Qiu said: “I’m not wrong. If our Jiaojiao hadn’t encountered this situation, she could have chosen any young man in the capital—even the most heavenly specimen wouldn’t be too good. Who would have thought that with this turn of events… Cousin has picked up a bargain. I don’t know what good deeds he did in his past life.”

Luo Xueyan was furious: “You rascal, dare to speak such nonsense again! A dog’s mouth can’t spit out ivory!”

Luo Ling smiled: “Cousin is right—marrying Jiaojiao is my good fortune. However…” he added, “This matter still requires Cousin’s approval. If Cousin is unwilling, then there’s no need to mention it further.”

He still wanted to respect Shen Miao’s wishes.

Luo Xueyan and Shen Xin exchanged glances, each understanding the other’s intentions. Whether to marry or not ultimately depended on Shen Miao’s attitude. But given the current situation, they thought Shen Miao would unhesitatingly choose to marry Luo Ling, rather than becoming a secondary consort in the Eastern Palace, which didn’t seem to match Shen Miao’s preferences. Moreover, compared to the Crown Prince, Luo Ling was handsome, gentle, and accommodating—more fitting the image of a good husband.

Luo Xueyan said: “Don’t belittle yourself. No matter what, your aunt, uncle, and cousin will always be on your side.”

Shen Xin and Shen Qiu were very dissatisfied with being “represented” by Luo Xueyan, but didn’t contradict her.

As they were discussing this matter, a servant suddenly came to report: “Master, Madam, someone is at the door.”

Given recent events with Shen Miao, acquaintances in the capital had been avoiding the Shen family, let alone visiting voluntarily. No one expected visitors at this time. Shen Qiu casually asked: “Who is it?”

The servant replied: “The Marquis of Pingnan’s wife.”

Everyone: “…”

When Madam Su entered the room, she hadn’t expected Shen Qiu and Shen Xin to be present. She was somewhat afraid of Shen Xin. In their early years, Shen Xin and Su Yu had political differences. Shen Xin wasn’t friendly to Su Yu, so naturally, Su Yu didn’t think much of Shen Xin, and Madam Su even less so. If not for Su Mingfeng, Madam Su would probably never have set foot in the Shen household.

Luo Xueyan invited Madam Su to sit. Madam Su greeted Shen Xin and smiled at Shen Qiu: “This must be your family’s eldest son. Truly a young talent, exceptionally handsome—not an ordinary young man.”

Shen Qiu repeatedly demurred. Madam Su then looked at Luo Ling and smiled, asking: “And this is…?”

Luo Xueyan explained: “This is my eldest brother’s son, Luo Ling.”

Madam Su looked at Luo Ling with a somewhat strange gaze, casually asking: “Is this young master already married?”

“In reply to Madam, not yet,” Luo Ling politely answered. Then he looked at Madam Su somewhat puzzledly, probably wondering why this woman he was meeting for the first time would ask about his marriage status—it seemed rather abrupt.

The more polite Luo Ling was, the stranger Madam Su’s gaze became. Looking carefully, there was even a hint of hostility. Others naturally couldn’t understand, but Madam Su was inwardly distressed. She hadn’t expected the Shen household to have such a suitable young cousin of marriageable age. This young cousin appeared talented, sensible, and courteous—quite outstanding. She knew that cousins were the most likely to develop feelings for each other. Shen Miao was young and inexperienced; who knew if she had been charmed by this cousin? If so, what chance would Su Mingfeng have? Madam Su immediately became alert, determined to fight for her son’s opportunity.

Since Shen Xin and the others were men, it wasn’t appropriate for them to sit and listen to women’s talk, so they left. Only Luo Xueyan and Madam Su remained in the main hall. Luo Xueyan smiled and asked: “What urgent matter brings Madam Su here today?” It was somewhat hasty to come without even sending a card first. Luo Xueyan had a subtle guess but didn’t dare to think too deeply about it, assuming she was being presumptuous.

Madam Su spoke earnestly: “Regarding the matter I discussed with Madam some days ago, has Madam considered it?”

Luo Xueyan was startled. What matters from some days ago? The marriage between Su Mingfeng and Shen Miao?

Luo Xueyan couldn’t help feeling alarmed. She said: “Has Madam Su not heard the recent rumors in the marketplace?”

Although she hoped someone would marry Shen Miao—the more options, the better—she didn’t want to deceive anyone or let them suffer misfortune. Thus, she spoke frankly.

Madam Su asked: “What rumors?”

Luo Xueyan steeled herself and simply said: “The rumors that the Crown Prince intends to marry our daughter into his residence.”

“Oh, that,” Madam Su smiled. “I’ve heard. Miss Shen’s excellence in character and appearance has even caught the imperial family’s attention.”

Madam Su said this without a trace of embarrassment, seeming even more forthright than Luo Xueyan, who couldn’t quite understand. Was Madam Su’s heart too big? Did she not understand what the imperial family’s interest in Shen Miao meant, or did she simply not care?

“You’ve heard about this and still consider a marriage between Young Master Su and my daughter?” Luo Xueyan asked.

“Of course I’m considering it,” Madam Su nodded. “One can’t be so domineering. We can’t say that just because the Su family favors Miss Shen, others aren’t allowed to favor her, can we? Madam, our Su family has a gentle nature—we’re not so overbearing.”

Luo Xueyan felt that Madam Su’s thinking was not aligned with her own, so she decided to be direct, explaining carefully: “The Crown Prince intends to bring my daughter into the Eastern Palace. Since we’re both mothers, I won’t hide it from you—my daughter is unwilling to be someone’s secondary consort, which is why we’re trying to marry her off early. But now that these rumors have spread, the families we were considering have all been making excuses. Madam understands, whoever dares to marry my daughter at this time would be opposing the imperial family. If they anger the imperial family, they would likely suffer… Madam Su, do you now understand my meaning? Do you still want this marriage?”

These words were sincere and without concealment, openly revealing the disadvantages to the other party. Madam Su, however, slowly began to smile: “Madam doesn’t think I’m a fool who can’t understand such matters, does she?”

Luo Xueyan was even more confused. Understanding the drawbacks yet still wanting this marriage? Wasn’t the Su family afraid of bringing trouble upon themselves?

“I won’t hide anything from you,” Madam Su smiled. “The capital’s situation is too complex now. My husband often speaks of avoiding calamity, probably thinking that by not standing out, one can avoid these worldly affairs. In recent years, the Marquis of Pingnan’s household has already withdrawn from court matters. Since we’ve already distanced ourselves from official business, we don’t have as many concerns. I’m aware of the danger in this marriage alliance, but what can I do when Mingfeng likes her?”

Luo Xueyan’s eyes widened as she exclaimed: “Likes her?” She had always thought Madam Su’s words that day were just polite formalities or made up to appease her. Now looking at Madam Su’s expression, it didn’t seem false.

“Of course,” Madam Su said. “If Mingfeng didn’t like her, why would I keep pestering you?” She sighed: “I’ve never seen Mingfeng like any girl before, but I know my son is stubborn. Once he likes something, it’s hard to change his mind. Since he’s taken a liking to Miss Shen, it would be difficult for him to like anyone else in the future. Rather than let him get stuck in a dead end, it’s better to fulfill his wishes.” Madam Su looked down at her fingertips: “Because of the Su family’s situation, Mingfeng can only hide his talents and can’t display his abilities in an official career. We’ve already let him down. If we don’t let him have his way in marriage too, my husband and I would feel indebted to him for life.”

Listening to this, Luo Xueyan gradually felt a sense of empathy. Being mothers, they naturally had some common ground.

Madam Su continued: “But rest assured, Madam, although our Su family is no longer in officialdom, we have enough silver and many shops—there will be no worries about food and drink. After Miss Shen marries into our family, my husband and I will treat her as our daughter. Mingfeng has a rigid yet kind nature; there won’t be other women in the household. Our family is simple. Though Miss Shen may not live as luxuriously as she would in the Crown Prince’s residence, she would be content and free.”

Luo Xueyan’s heart stirred—Madam Su’s words had touched her deeply. She didn’t need Shen Miao to marry into great wealth and splendor; she only wanted the husband to be upright, good-natured, good to Shen Miao, and a simple household would be even better. Su Mingfeng was truly a good candidate.

Thinking of Luo Ling from earlier, Luo Xueyan began to hesitate. Luo Ling was certainly good, but with him, Shen Miao would have to return to Xiaochun City. With Su Mingfeng, Shen Miao could remain in the capital.

This time, due to various considerations, Luo Xueyan didn’t immediately reject Madam Su, only saying she would think about it. After Madam Su left, Luo Xueyan went to discuss the matter with Shen Xin. Of course, the most important thing was still Shen Miao’s opinion. These two men were both fine young talents—after confirming that Su Mingfeng truly had no issues, they could let Shen Miao choose her future husband herself.

Somehow, this news reached Shen Miao’s ears. When Luo Tan came to see Shen Miao, she was laughing uncontrollably, saying: “Little Cousin seems to rarely leave home, but as they say, ‘good wine needs no bush.’ Look, both Cousin Ling and Young Master Su have come forward, not to mention the Crown Prince. That’s three peach blossoms at once! Others would be dying of envy.”

Shen Miao was quite helpless. That Luo Ling would propose to marry her at this time was unexpected, but what surprised Shen Miao more was that Madam Su had also come forward, seeking to secure this marriage for Su Mingfeng.

Madam Su’s previous attempt to connect with the Shen family had already puzzled Shen Miao. She feared Su Mingfeng aimed to uncover Xie Jingxing’s identity. Now that things had reached this point, with the Su family willing to oppose the imperial family to marry her, Shen Miao found Su Mingfeng increasingly dangerous. She thought it best to leave the matter of Su Mingfeng to Xie Jingxing himself, but… Shen Miao glanced at the window, wondering when that person would return. It was such a critical time, yet he had chosen to disappear. Inexplicably, Shen Miao felt somewhat displeased.

Luo Tan continued: “When we hung the red strings at the wishing tree in Putuo Temple, Little Cousin, the red string you threw landed in a good spot. I noticed at the time that many branches were extending toward that red string—perhaps representing these current peach blossoms. I think these mere three peach blossoms aren’t enough; there might be six, seven, or eight more coming.”

Shen Miao picked up her teacup and said: “Do you think it’s like cutting window flowers—you can have as many as you want?” Luo Ling had a kind nature, and the Su family was a bunch of peculiar characters. Finding two people unafraid to oppose the imperial family was already rare—how could there be others? Then she recalled what the mad Taoist had said: “Beware of peach blossom calamity.” Her heart skipped a beat—could that Taoist’s words be coming true?

Luo Tan continued to muse aloud: “But the red string you hung finally landed on a high branch. That high branch should be your ultimate destination. I wonder who my brother-in-law will be?”

Shen Miao sipped her tea, absently listening to Luo Tan’s nonsensical speculations.

“If it were the Prince of Rui, that would be wonderful!” Luo Tan clapped her hands. “Then I would rise with the tide as the Prince of Rui’s sister-in-law!”

Shen Miao, drinking tea, sprayed it all out, nearly choking herself.

Unexpectedly, Luo Tan’s words proved prophetic. These peach blossoms, when they didn’t come, they didn’t come; when they did, they were shocking. Merely three blossoms had indeed been an underestimate.