Princess Rongxin’s invitation for Shen Miao was set for the afternoon of the next day. Luo Xueyan had Shen Xin prepare numerous gifts for Shen Miao to bring to the Princess’s residence. Since Princess Rongxin had helped Shen Miao considerably on multiple occasions, Luo Xueyan wanted to express her gratitude to the Princess.

Shen Qiu, to prevent any mishaps along the way, brought many guards, with Azhi and Mo Qing also following along. Despite these precautions, throughout the journey, Shen Miao’s expression could hardly be described as relaxed. Instead, Jingzhe and Guyu, beside her, seeing her state, assumed Shen Miao was concerned about safety on the road and comforted her for quite some time.

In the carriage, Shen Miao had been contemplating how to respond to Princess Rongxin’s questions when they arrived at the Princess’s residence. If Princess Rongxin inquired about Xie Jingxing’s matter, she should dispel the other’s suspicions in a certain way. But Princess Rongxin was a very cautious person, and once suspicion arose, it would be extremely difficult to eliminate.

Shen Miao felt troubled.

Jingzhe smiled, “What is Miss thinking about so seriously? It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Miss with such an expression.”

Shen Miao started slightly, feeling somewhat surprised. Indeed, since her rebirth, relying on her knowledge of the paths from her previous life, she had progressed exceptionally smoothly. Even with matters concerning Luo Xueyan, Shen Xin, and Shen Qiu, the handling wasn’t particularly difficult. As for others, she would care about those with whom she had some benefit, such as Liu Ying and Pei Lang, but what did other people’s affairs have to do with her? Here she was, racking her brains to think of excuses for Xie Jingxing, but what relationship did she have with Xie Jingxing that warranted such wholehearted dedication?

Shen Miao became somewhat annoyed with herself, understanding that she had always been one to overthink. A voice in her heart said this was all trouble Xie Jingxing had created himself, and he should resolve it on his own. Another voice, however, was reluctant to let Xie Jingxing handle this thorny matter alone.

After all, having Xie Jingxing reappear before Princess Rongxin, with the added identity of Great Liang’s Prince Rui, would be too cruel for both Princess Rongxin and Xie Jingxing.

Before Shen Miao could devise a strategy, the carriage had already arrived at the entrance of the Princess’s residence. The servants of the Princess’s residence, most of whom recognized Shen Miao, respectfully welcomed her inside. Shen Miao instructed Mo Qing and the others to remain outside the gate to help transfer the gifts for Princess Rongxin to the storeroom. A palace maid led Shen Miao inward.

She was taken directly to Princess Rongxin’s bedchamber.

Although Princess Rongxin was rarely seen in court these days and generally maintained a low profile, the Princess’s residence was still spacious and magnificent. However, since her husband’s death, Princess Rongxin had lived as a widow and didn’t value these material possessions much. Therefore, her bedchamber was primarily simple and clean, giving a somewhat cold and desolate feeling upon entering.

Princess Rongxin was drinking sweet soup sent from the kitchen. Seeing Shen Miao arrive, she instructed her servants to serve Shen Miao a bowl as well. She smiled and said, “This is from a new cook who is very skilled at making desserts and sweet soups. I don’t know if it suits your taste, but I find it better than what’s served in the palace. Try it.”

Shen Miao thanked Princess Rongxin and lifted the bowl to taste it in small sips. She wasn’t particularly fond of sweet foods but couldn’t refuse due to the Princess’s face. While eating, she observed Princess Rongxin’s expression.

Princess Rongxin looked much better than when they had briefly met in the palace. Her complexion was considerably rosier, and her mood seemed good, with a smile on her face. Shen Miao said, “The Princess looks much healthier.”

The medical hall recently happened to receive a rare medicinal ingredient. The kitchen brews medicine for me daily. It would be difficult for me not to get better.” Princess Rongxin sighed, “It’s truly fortunate. Before, finding this medicinal ingredient was extremely difficult. I never imagined I would come across it at this time.” Her tone held quite a bit of pleasant surprise.

Shen Miao followed Princess Rongxin’s words, but inwardly felt something was strange. Princess Rongxin wasn’t usually one for trivial matters; even in casual conversation, she discussed insightful and interesting topics. She wouldn’t normally mention such personal matters specifically. Yet Shen Miao couldn’t grasp the meaning behind these words.

She had thought Princess Rongxin would ask about Xie Jingxing today, but surprisingly, the Princess didn’t mention him at all, nor did she seem inclined to. Instead, she changed the subject to Emperor Wenhui suppressing news of Shen Miao’s marriage arrangements.

“My royal brother had been stubborn, seemingly very eager to have you as his daughter-in-law, although I also found it inappropriate. That day after you left, I pleaded with him, hoping he would abandon this idea, but he wouldn’t agree. Later, it was thanks to Prince Rui.” She looked at Shen Miao and smiled, “I imagine General Shen has already inquired about the reason and told you, right?”

Shen Miao nodded, inwardly becoming alert.

“Although saying this may be treasonous, and I don’t hope Great Liang truly harbors ambitions toward Ming Qi, we must still thank Prince Rui. If not for his one statement, my royal brother wouldn’t have changed his mind. Your marriage arrangement would likely not have been suppressed as it is now.”

Shen Miao remained silent; at such a time, saying more would only lead to mistakes. Unexpectedly, Princess Rongxin suddenly took her hand and said with a smile, “Previously, I noticed you had a close relationship with Great Liang’s Prince Rui. I am considerably older than you, have eaten more salt than you have rice, and I see people similarly. Prince Rui’s identity is special. I thought, given your young age, you might easily be deceived, but I never expected him to be someone who values loyalty. His speaking up at this crucial moment, if we say it was intentional, seems a bit forced, don’t you think?”

Princess Rongxin’s attitude toward Prince Rui hadn’t been like this before; the contrast was so great that Shen Miao became increasingly cautious. However, her face showed no panic, only smiling in response, “Prince Rui is a dragon among men, while I am merely a floating weed. We certainly cannot be mentioned in the same breath. I’m not so conceited as to think Prince Rui would speak for me.” This was a tactful denial of any intimate relationship with Prince Rui.

“I know you’re being shy. Princess Rongxin was unusually persistent and peculiar today. She said, “I won’t tell anyone.”

Shen Miao was about to speak, but Princess Rongxin again turned to discuss other matters.

Princess Rongxin was particularly enthusiastic today, pulling Shen Miao into various conversations for a long time. When she had mentioned Prince Rui earlier, Shen Miao thought the Princess would continue to press the issue, but instead, she changed the subject to ask whether Luo Xueyan had recently considered any suitable young talents for Shen Miao.

From midday until nightfall, Princess Rongxin showed no sign of wanting to end today’s conversation or send Shen Miao home. Shen Miao couldn’t quite discern the Princess’s intentions.

Jingzhe and Guyu hoped Shen Miao would return home early to avoid the difficulties of traveling in darkness, with slippery roads and poor visibility for the carriage. But this was the Princess’s residence; when neither the Princess nor Shen Miao had spoken, who were they, mere servants, to speak up?

After the last pot of tea was finished, Princess Rongxin stood up. Jingzhe and Guyu inwardly sighed with relief, thinking that Princess Rongxin was unusually spirited today and that finally they could return to the Shen residence. Unexpectedly, Princess Rongxin affectionately took Shen Miao’s hand and smiled, “Accompany me for a walk in the courtyard.”

Jingzhe and Guyu opened their mouths wide. This was the Princess’s residence—Princess Rongxin had lived here for many years and wandered her courtyard daily. Why, when Shen Miao was properly visiting, would she want to go for a courtyard stroll? Moreover, in such darkness, with the cold outside, what courtyard was there to explore? Did all royal princesses have such peculiar habits?

Shen Miao, however, understood. Princess Rongxin had other intentions beyond the obvious. Today’s invitation to the Princess’s residence wasn’t merely for Shen Miao to keep her company in conversation. Princess Rongxin surely had her plans.

But Shen Miao couldn’t refuse.

She said, “All right.”

To Jingzhe and Guyu’s surprise, the “courtyard” Princess Rongxin took Shen Miao to was a secluded courtyard. In the darkness, there were no lanterns at the entrance, making it impossible to see what characters were written on the plaque.

Princess Rongxin, holding Shen Miao’s hand, stepped into the house and said with a smile, “This courtyard is called Xingzhi Court.”

Shen Miao’s heart skipped a beat, realizing what Princess Rongxin was about to say.

Sure enough, upon entering, Princess Rongxin nostalgically ran her hands over some small ornaments on the shelves and smiled, “This is where Jingxing lived.”

Jingzhe and Guyu, following behind, were somewhat surprised upon hearing this. The place where the Xie family’s young marquis lived?

“Jingxing lost his mother at a young age. After Yuqing died, I pitied him for his youth and unfortunate life, and was also angered by the Marquis of Lin’an’s inability to remain faithful, causing trouble in the rear court. Yuqing was ill-fated, and at her deathbed still had to bear the title of a jealous woman. At that time, Madam Fang took advantage of the situation, and I couldn’t openly deal with her without bringing posthumous slander to Yuqing. I was furious then, and also feared Madam Fang might employ some malicious schemes, so I brought Jingxing back to the Princess’s residence to raise him.”

“Jingxing was very mischievous by nature and was also very close to me. I didn’t have a son myself, so I thought keeping Jingxing by my side wouldn’t be bad. Later, I renovated Xingzhi Court for him here.”

As Princess Rongxin spoke of these matters, she seemed quite reflective. Through her description, Shen Miao could almost see the infant waiting to be fed. Shen Miao was fortunate; both her parents were intact and deeply loved her. Although there was some estrangement due to instigation from the Shen family’s second and third branches, it could be remedied. But Xie Jingxing had been motherless since birth.

Or rather, from birth, in this false identity in Ming Qi, he played a tragic and unsuccessful role.

“Jingxing was raised well by me here. The Marquis of Lin’an came several times to claim him, even approached my royal brother, but I still refused. However, after Madam Fang gave birth to two sons, I returned to Jingxing.” Princess Rongxin turned to look at Shen Miao: “Do you know why?”

Shen Miao pondered briefly, then said, “Because Young Marquis Xie is the legitimate son of the Lin’an Marquis’s household, and the Lin’an Marquis’s position should rightfully be inherited by him. If the Young Marquis had remained in the Princess’s residence, Madam Fang and the two illegitimate brothers of the Xie family would have taken advantage, and the position of the Marquis of Lin’an might have fallen into the hands of those two brothers.”

Upon hearing this, Princess Rongxin smiled, “I always knew you were perceptive. When I was your age, I certainly couldn’t have thought this far.”

Shen Miao smiled faintly, neither confirming nor denying. Of course, a young maiden who had never had children wouldn’t think of children’s futures or see things so far ahead. But she had given birth to two children in her previous life. Putting herself in those shoes, if it were Princess Wanyu and Fu Ming, she would also have sent them back. Why should things that rightfully belonged to her children be taken by others?

“Although Jingxing returned, his relationship with me remained good. They say blood is thicker than water. I feared he would grow close to the Marquis of Lin’an and, swayed by villains, harbor resentment toward me and Yuqing. But to my surprise and relief, his relationship with the Marquis of Lin’an was never good. No matter how the Marquis tried to please him, he remained indifferent. Sometimes I thought he and the Marquis truly didn’t look like father and son—where was the thickness of blood in that?”

Shen Miao’s heart rose in suspense; the ulterior meaning in Princess Rongxin’s words was too intense.

Princess Rongxin picked up a small mirror from the shelf and said, “Actually, it’s not just that he didn’t look like a father and son with the Marquis of Lin’an; he didn’t much resemble Yuqing either. The Marquis of Lin’an is a muddled man, somewhat indecisive, unclear in certain matters, otherwise, he wouldn’t have been schemed against by a small vixen like Madam Fang. Yuqing was foolish, dedicating herself entirely to a man, ultimately suffering in silence and losing her life, needlessly causing her child to suffer. But Jingxing’s nature was different from both of them.”

“Jingxing appeared mischievous, but he was extremely decisive in his actions. Once he obtained a fine sword that was coveted by his good friend. His friend didn’t say anything, but he noticed. Later, he claimed to like his friend’s mirror and exchanged his precious sword for it.”

“I asked him, ‘If you don’t like the mirror, why lie?’ He told me, ‘Because I didn’t particularly like that sword either.'”

“It seemed that from a very young age, he knew what he wanted and what he didn’t want. He wouldn’t spare an extra glance at things he didn’t want, while firmly grasping what he desired from the start. He was always smiling and very attractive to young ladies, yet he never showed special interest in any of them. He was, in fact, colder than anyone.”

Princess Rongxin stared at Shen Miao. For a moment, Shen Miao felt that Princess Rongxin and Xie Jingxing were somewhat similar in certain aspects, especially when they fixed people with their sharp gazes, as if they could see through one’s soul. That compelling pressure was once again displayed by this no-longer-young royal princess.

She said, “I thought that the Marquis of Lin’an was something he didn’t need, so from the beginning, he never had any familial affection for the Marquis. I always believed that I was someone he wanted to hold onto firmly, but now it seems I was wrong. I am also someone he doesn’t need, aren’t I?”

That question, “Aren’t I?” was directed at Shen Miao.

Jingzhe and Guyu had already been led out by Princess Rongxin’s maid, Lady Yang, leaving no one else in the room. Shen Miao listened quietly, then spoke, “The Young Marquis does care about the Princess.”

“Shen Miao, I know you’re exceptionally intelligent and good at understanding people’s hearts. So there’s no need to comfort me.” Princess Rongxin laughed coldly, “If he truly cared about me, how could he deceive me with news of his false death? How could he watch me sleepless and suffering upon learning of his death? How could he plan everything from the start yet betray my trust and sincerity, remain near yet refuse to acknowledge me, using poor excuses to placate? Shen Miao, tell me, is this caring about me?”

The final sentence was suddenly sharp, almost carrying an angry questioning tone.

Shen Miao’s heart sank. After all, she knew.

But she still couldn’t admit it.

There are many things that, even knowing the outcome, cannot be spoken. Even with conclusive evidence, they cannot be acknowledged. Princess Rongxin was a princess of Ming Qi, and Xie Jingxing was Prince Rui of Great Liang. Once this information was confirmed, spoken by her mouth, what changes it would bring to the situation, what trouble it would cause Xie Jingxing, Shen Miao couldn’t be certain. She couldn’t recklessly admit it.

Even if Princess Rongxin had already determined it in her heart.

She said, “Your servant doesn’t understand what the Princess is saying.”

Princess Rongxin looked at her contemptuously. The previous warmth and kindness had disappeared, replaced by the superior attitude of someone in a high position looking down on a subordinate, able to easily crush an ant. That was the most common expression of the Fu family; at one time, Shen Miao saw it daily. She suddenly felt a surge of disgust, not for Princess Rongxin, but perhaps for the Fu family blood flowing in Princess Rongxin’s bones, making them somewhat convergent in certain aspects. Princess Rongxin said, “Do you know the crime for deceiving the royal family?”

“The crime of deceiving the Emperor,” Shen Miao answered.

“Colluding with the enemy, betraying the country, deceiving the Emperor—these eight characters are enough to have your entire Shen family executed and extend to nine clan relations. I imagine you’ve seen what happened to Shen Wan. Do you realize what you’re saying now? What lies are you telling me?”

Shen Miao said, “Your servant has said nothing.”

“Refusing to yield until the bitter end, is that it?” Princess Rongxin’s voice carried bone-deep coldness. “If I want you dead, it would be an effortless matter. If your answers today don’t satisfy me, I need only mention it slightly to my royal brother, and what awaits your Shen family will be utter destruction. Would you risk your parents’ and brothers’ lives for your willfulness?”

Shen Miao remained silent.

Princess Rongxin slowly said, “Now tell me, is Prince Rui the supposedly dead Xie Jingxing?”

“No.” Two firm words, without a trace of wavering, came from Shen Miao’s lips. As if all the terrible threats earlier were just smoke, leaving not the slightest mark on her heart.

“Shen Miao!” Princess Rongxin was furious. “I will have the Shen family charged with crimes!”

“All matters require evidence.”

“If I wish it, no evidence is needed to charge you with crimes.”

Shen Miao almost laughed coldly in her heart. The Fu family was like this, so domineering and tyrannical. Even the seemingly most just and impartial Princess Rongxin would, when facing something she wanted to know, unhesitatingly use royal power and tyranny to bully others.

People are complex, and human nature is selfish.

“This Princess asks you one more time, is Prince Rui Xie Jingxing?”

“No.”

Princess Rongxin was almost beside herself with anger. Usually, she admired Shen Miao’s composure and steadiness, but when this composure was directed against her, Princess Rongxin felt she was facing a brass pea, impossible to find any flaw. Ordinary young ladies would fear her threats, but Shen Miao was not afraid.

“Come here!” Princess Rongxin’s face darkened. “Take Shen Miao and—”

Her words were not finished, the remainder swallowed back into her throat.

From the window, a purple figure leaped in. He had jumped in from the back window where no one was guarding, thus no one saw him. The man wore dark purple brocade robes, with gold embroidery at the hem that bore a pattern all too familiar to Princess Rongxin.

After entering, he unhurriedly looked around, then strolled casually to stand before Shen Miao. He moved as naturally as if he were in his residence, then stood firm before Princess Rongxin. Only then did he speak lazily, “She’s timid, Aunt Rong. Don’t frighten her.”

Princess Rongxin had been silent since seeing this person, standing frozen in place. Upon hearing the address “Aunt Rong,” she pointed at him, trembling, unable to speak.

In this not particularly spacious room, the lamplight flickered slightly. The man played with the ring on his thumb, wearing half a silver mask that gleamed coldly, revealing red lips with a faint smile that didn’t provide any warmth.

Shen Miao stared at Xie Jingxing in disbelief. She had never imagined Xie Jingxing would dare to appear at this time, openly in the Princess’s residence, before Princess Rongxin. Xie Jingxing had died on the northern battlefield two years ago; if he reappeared, it would cause an enormous sensation in Ming Qi. Add to that the identity of Prince Rui, and accusations of being a spy, secret agent, or worse would be inevitable.

How dare he?

Princess Rongxin pointed at him, trembling, and asked, “What did you call me?”

The purple-clad youth in the room, tall and slender, slowly raised his hand to his mask.

He removed the mask, allowing one to see his outstanding features.

Unparalleled beauty, elegant bones like a green pine.

That pair of beautiful peach blossom eyes, always containing some light, was full of playful charm, but the smile on his lips carried a faint mockery. Thus, the charm was concealed, gradually revealing a cold, proud edge.

A stranger, Xie Jingxing, a young man completely different from that flamboyant, dazzling, handsome youth, yet still faintly bearing traces of his arrogant, youthful shadow. Now that arrogance had been gradually suppressed, replaced by a genuinely dangerous, frightening edge.

He put the mask back on, speaking casually, somewhat lazily, “Long time no see, Aunt Rong.”

Princess Rongxin was stunned for a long time, seeming to finally recover from her shock.

She looked at Xie Jingxing, examining him up and down with an unfamiliar gaze, and said in an unclear tone, “Should I call you Prince Rui or Xie Jingxing?”

The distance and wariness in those words astonished even Shen Miao.

She had often wondered what the scene would be like if Xie Jingxing and Princess Rongxin were to meet, but never imagined it would be like this. The former familial affection was all a deception and a joke, but the hostility Princess Rongxin displayed in this brief moment was truly surprising.

Xie Jingxing said, “The Princess may call me whatever she prefers.”

“Did you send the medicinal ingredients?” Princess Rongxin asked.

Xie Jingxing smiled without speaking.

Princess Rongxin also smiled, “I dare not accept Prince Rui’s gifts freely. I imagine these medicinal ingredients are not inexpensive. Later, I will have someone send money to Prince Rui’s residence. Thank you, Prince Rui.”

“No need,” said Xie Jingxing.

“Why has Prince Rui come here?” Princess Rongxin’s voice was polite yet vigilant, not like someone facing a “son” returned from the dead, but entirely like facing a stranger, even an enemy.

“She knows nothing,” Xie Jingxing nodded toward Shen Miao and said, “If the Princess has any doubts, you can ask me directly. There’s no need to trouble her.”

“How dare I trouble her?” Princess Rongxin laughed coldly, her tone somewhat complex.

“Good that you won’t trouble her.” Xie Jingxing walked over, put his arm around Shen Miao’s shoulder, disregarding her expression, and said, “Regarding today’s matter, this Prince will personally visit to explain another day. If the Princess has any dissatisfaction or misunderstanding with this Prince, there’s no need to involve others.” He smiled with a raised lip: “Prince Rui’s residence awaits at any time.”

With that, without regard for Princess Rongxin’s reaction, he led Shen Miao forward a few steps and darted out through the window.

Shen Miao was shocked by Xie Jingxing’s actions today, so much so that she did not react to being taken out of the Princess’s residence. She could never have imagined that Xie Jingxing would dare to appear so boldly in the Princess’s residence, revealing his identity to Princess Rongxin. Although Xie Jingxing and Princess Rongxin had been like mother and son, that was in the past. Xie Jingxing was now from Great Liang, and the different national identities would cause many changes. Especially in their delicate positions.

For instance, after Princess Rongxin saw Xie Jingxing today, Shen Miao had expected her to be hysterical, to angrily question him, or to cry in pain. However, the first emotion Princess Rongxin displayed was wariness.

She mocked coldly, probed subtly, was polite and courteous, and did not make things difficult—such restrained emotions all revealed one fact: faced with the resurrected Xie Jingxing, Princess Rongxin’s suspicion outweighed her joy.

Shen Miao’s mind drifted back to Princess Rongxin’s words.

“It seemed that from a very young age, he knew what he wanted and what he didn’t want. He wouldn’t spare an extra glance at things he didn’t want, while firmly grasping what he desired from the start. He was always smiling and very attractive to young ladies, yet he never showed special interest in any of them. He was, in fact, colder than anyone.”

Had Xie Jingxing known from childhood that such a day would come, and so classified these familial affections as “unwanted”? Not that he didn’t want them, but that he couldn’t afford to want them. Because even if he wanted them, they would eventually be lost. Relatives would become adversaries, and once compassionate gazes would turn wary. Since that was the case, better to remain strangers from the start—without closeness, there would be no moment of disappointed expectations.

Shen Miao’s heart suddenly felt uneasy.