Su Mingfeng left, staggering, appearing to have experienced a tremendous shock, almost seeming dazed and dispirited.

Shen Miao wanted to say a few words to Xie Jingxing, but he had already reverted to his previous casual demeanor, smilingly urging her to return to the mansion early to rest, showing no intention of discussing the matter further. Helpless, Shen Miao could only follow his wishes.

Some people like to share their painful experiences with others to gain sympathy. However, things that truly make people sad are never willingly shared—recalling them once is like stabbing oneself in the heart. Someone like Xie Jingxing probably didn’t like exposing his weaknesses to others, so in others’ eyes, he remained strong and omnipotent.

But Shen Miao had indeed heard something in his statement, “Most importantly, Ming Qi has never nurtured me—it has only tried to destroy me.”

Even after returning to the Shen residence, Shen Miao’s mind was still on this matter. What did he mean by Ming Qi only trying to destroy him? Thoughts of her previous life surfaced in Shen Miao’s mind.

In her previous life, the Marquis of Lin’an’s household eventually fell. Both Xie Ding and Xie Jingxing died in battle, leaving only the brothers Xie Changchao and Xie Changwu, who got promoted, and Lady Fang rose with them. In this life, although all three of Xie’s sons were gone, at least Xie Ding was still alive. As long as Xie Ding remained, the Lin’an Marquis household couldn’t be considered fallen. If Xie Ding wanted to remarry, at his age, it was still possible to have another son. Though it seemed tragic, it was much better than the previous life.

What exactly was different between this life and the previous one? It seemed to have started two years ago. In her previous life, Xie Jingxing didn’t go to battle on the northern frontier two years ago, but several years later. This advancement in time seemed to have led to some changes. So what exactly prompted Xie Jingxing to make this decision?

Because of her? Shen Miao pondered. But what had Ming Qi pushed in this process?

In her previous life, when Shen Miao learned about the Xie family’s affairs, she had sighed with emotion. She had also suspected in her heart whether the imperial family had interfered, but she didn’t want to delve too deeply. By all rights and reason, the Xie father and son, apart from being scoundrels, had never been disloyal to Ming Qi. If they were eliminated just out of fear that their meritorious service surpassed the Emperor’s, then the imperial family would seem too heartless and ungrateful.

Now this suspicion resurfaced in her mind.

Assuming the imperial family had initially targeted the Lin’an Marquis household, and both Xie father and son dying in battle with the Marquis household being burnt to the ground was the end the imperial family had planned for the Xie family. Then, because Xie Jingxing voluntarily requested to go to battle in advance, the imperial family’s “plan” was accelerated.

The imperial family got their wish with Xie Jingxing “dying in battle,” but at this point, Xie Ding was still alive. Not only that, Xie Ding had two more sons, and the imperial family’s ambitions for the Lin’an Marquis household still hadn’t disappeared. Fortunately, Xie Ding was devastated after Xie Jingxing’s death, so the “plan” to destroy the Lin’an Marquis household wasn’t urgent.

Two years later, both of Xie’s illegitimate sons died unexpectedly. From then on, Xie Ding had no possibility of recovery. Keeping him alive was harmless, so the imperial family changed their previous plan, even actively offering comfort, to showcase the imperial family’s benevolence and consideration for their ministers.

If Xie Jingxing had already foreseen everything that would happen later, then going to battle two years ago wasn’t acting on impulse. As he told Su Mingfeng, it was the only way to protect the Lin’an Marquis household.

But these were all Shen Miao’s thoughts. What the truth really was, no one knew. She thought she should find an opportunity to ask Xie Jingxing. In her previous life, she didn’t want to investigate deeply, but in this life, she was truly very curious.

That night, Shen Miao was lost in thought, Su Mingfeng was suffering, and naturally, there were others who couldn’t sleep.

In Prince Ding’s mansion, lights remained on all night.

Fu Xiuyi sat upright in the high seat, looking at the person who came to report, and slowly asked, “Su Mingfeng went to Prince Rui’s mansion?”

The subordinate replied, “Yes, when he came out, the heir to the Marquis of Pingnan seemed shocked, as if he wasn’t himself.”

Fu Xiuyi waved his hand, and the subordinate withdrew. A strategist by his side stepped forward and asked, “The heir to the Marquis of Pingnan went to Prince Rui’s mansion in the middle of the night—could they have some private relationship?”

“The Marquis of Pingnan’s household is no longer in government service. If Prince Rui was truly looking for someone to collaborate with, he wouldn’t look to him.” Fu Xiuyi’s gaze turned cold. “The Su family was originally an excellent chess piece. If not for Su Mingfeng suddenly falling seriously ill, causing the Su family to gradually withdraw from official circles, they wouldn’t be in this situation now. However,” he said, “the Su family also escaped a calamity because of this, which is fortunate.”

The strategist said, “Speaking of which, the illness that the heir to the Marquis of Pingnan contracted back then was indeed very strange. Because of the heir’s illness, the Marquis of Pingnan resigned from office and gradually withdrew from public life. Now there’s almost no news of them in the capital.”

Fu Xiuyi laughed, “Do you think Su Mingfeng was sick?”

“Please enlighten me, Your Highness.”

“Su Mingfeng and Xie Jingxing from the Lin’an Marquis household are close friends,” Fu Xiuyi said. “The Su family’s sudden withdrawal from official circles was strange from the beginning. Especially Su Mingfeng, who was rising rapidly at the time, but suddenly became seriously ill, didn’t even try to hold on, and directly resigned. He said he wouldn’t live more than a few years, but look, two years have passed, and Su Mingfeng is still living well. The Marquis of Pingnan was being wise and retiring at the right time. This naturally must have been because someone warned them. The Marquis of Pingnan’s household and the Lin’an Marquis household have always been on good terms. Apart from a close friend providing a warning, other people probably wouldn’t meddle in such affairs.”

“But,” the strategist asked with confusion, “the Lin’an Marquis household still had Marquis Lin’an Xie Ding. Why was it Xie Jingxing who warned them, and not Xie Ding?”

“Xie Ding could barely protect himself,” Fu Xiuyi took a sip of tea. “Xie Ding was arrogant and proud, relying on his military achievements to repeatedly act recklessly before my father. My father has long intended to remove him. If Xie Ding were a bit smarter, he would have restrained himself, but look, in the capital, when has he ever shown restraint? As for this Xie Jingxing,” Fu Xiuyi narrowed his eyes, “he cannot be underestimated.”

“Wasn’t Xie Jingxing also reckless and arrogant in his actions?” the strategist said. “In the capital, when people mention the young master of the Xie family, everyone knows he was a mischievous and daring person.”

“That’s right, but don’t forget one thing,” Fu Xiuyi replied. “From beginning to end, he never entered government service.”

“People all say Xie Jingxing didn’t enter government service because of Xie Ding, deliberately being mischievous and wasting his life, but I don’t think so. During the Chrysanthemum Banquet, Xie Jingxing single-handedly dealt with his two half-brothers, displaying military tactics that impressed everyone. He had extraordinary talent, yet was unwilling to show it—what is that called? It’s called hiding one’s abilities.”

“How many years did Xie Ding live, and how many years did Xie Jingxing live? Xie Ding, having lived so many years, was still blinded by the Lin’an Marquis household’s wealth and status. Yet Xie Jingxing, at such a young age, could soberly assess the situation. Xie Jingxing was the most fearsome person in the Lin’an Marquis household. Therefore, the person who warned the Su family wasn’t Xie Ding, but Xie Jingxing, only Xie Jingxing.”

The strategist looked at Fu Xiuyi, “Isn’t Your Highness overestimating Xie Jingxing? Even if he warned the Su family, it doesn’t prove anything.”

“It doesn’t prove anything?” Fu Xiuyi looked at him and asked, “What about if we add the Xie family army to the equation?”

“The Xie family army?” The strategist was confused, then suddenly realized something and looked at Fu Xiuyi in shock. “Your Highness means…”

“In any case, the most fearsome person in the Lin’an Marquis household wasn’t Xie Ding, but Xie Jingxing,” Fu Xiuyi said. “This person, at such a young age, already had enough ambition and intelligence. If he had been given a certain amount of power, the capital might have changed hands. With him there, the Lin’an Marquis household would always remain a bone that couldn’t be gnawed off.”

“Fortunately, Xie Jingxing is already dead,” the strategist, having heard Fu Xiuyi’s speech, breathed a sigh of relief. “The Lin’an Marquis household today can no longer create any waves.”

“Correct,” Fu Xiuyi said. “For dangerous enemies, they must be eliminated before they grow. However,” he changed the subject. “What I’m curious about now is why Su Mingfeng would get involved with Prince Rui.”

“Not only that,” the strategist continued his words, “but Princess Rongxin also seems to be investigating Prince Rui. Su Mingfeng’s people were even stationed outside the Shen residence, seemingly monitoring Miss Shen’s every move. Princess Rongxin is doing the same.”

“Su Mingfeng, Prince Rui, Princess Rongxin, Shen Miao,” Fu Xiuyi said. “These people must have some special relationship. Especially Shen Miao and Prince Rui, who have now been granted marriage by my father. I know my father’s temperament very well—once he decides on something, he won’t hand it over to others. The Shen family is already my father’s possession. He would never give Shen Miao’s marriage to an outsider, so how could he inexplicably grant her to Prince Rui as a consort? No matter how you look at it, for Ming Qi, it’s a losing deal.”

“What does Your Highness mean?” the strategist pondered.

“This marriage must have been initiated by Prince Rui’s side. Not only that, Prince Rui must have used some method to force my father to make this decision.” Fu Xiuyi suddenly smiled strangely. “Don’t you find it odd? I had previously suspected that there seemed to be an unusual relationship between Prince Rui and Shen Miao, but I also thought Prince Rui wasn’t someone who would change the greater scheme of things for a woman. But now it seems I was wrong—Prince Rui indeed harbors different thoughts for Shen Miao. That’s why he went to great lengths to obtain an imperial decree.”

“In this world, nothing happens without a reason. Su Mingfeng and Princess Rongxin have never left the capital in their entire lives, so they couldn’t possibly know Prince Rui. But their attitude towards Prince Rui seems somewhat familiar. Also, Prince Rui and Shen Miao have only met a few times—how could he go to such lengths for her? Could it be that Prince Rui had previously visited Ming Qi?”

The strategist looked alarmed, “Your Highness means that Prince Rui had previously come to the capital, met these people, and even had relationships with them?”

“Coming openly would naturally be impossible,” Fu Xiuyi smiled. “Perhaps we were all deceived from the beginning, or rather, Prince Rui initially lived in the capital as a Ming Qi native. Otherwise, why would he wear a mask this time? I’ve heard that the members of the Da Liang royal family are all astonishingly beautiful—why wouldn’t Prince Rui dare to show his true face?”

“I think his face must be one that we recognize.”

The strategist fell silent, seemingly too shocked by this news to speak.

Fu Xiuyi smiled again, “But these are just my conjectures, which can’t be confirmed right now. Never mind, I’ve already sent people to continue watching, but now, I’m even more looking forward to Prince Rui’s secrets.” He paused for a moment, then suddenly remembered something and asked, “How is Pei Lang doing?”

The strategist started, thought for a moment, and said, “He still won’t talk.”

Fu Xiuyi smiled, “Continue, just don’t let him die.” He added, “These people, the Shen family found, one by one, have such true resilience—it’s admirable.”

The strategist felt a chill run down his spine, but didn’t dare say anything more, respectfully withdrawing.

Several more days passed.

The Shen family finally accepted the fact that “Shen Miao would soon marry Prince Rui.” Since the marriage had been decided, the betrothal letter had been sent, and the list of betrothal gifts had been delivered, the bride’s family needed to show some importance to this marriage. Although Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan didn’t approve of Shen Miao marrying Prince Rui, if they didn’t prepare properly, others would think they didn’t value Shen Miao.

With pride at stake, Shen Xin didn’t want people to look down on his daughter. However, the list of betrothal gifts that Prince Rui had sent was truly shocking, so how much dowry to prepare became a difficult question.

Originally, Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan were both military officials who had achieved great military merits in their early years and received many rewards. The two of them were rarely in the capital, and apart from giving a portion to Old Madam Shen for the household, they had barely touched these rewards. The household had only two children, and Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan didn’t favor either one—each got half. This was quite generous.

But during those two years in Xiaochun City, they had invested a lot of silver into the Luo family army, so the Shen family’s fortune wasn’t as substantial as before. What was strange was that the list of betrothal gifts from Prince Rui was beyond comparison, even for the Shen family in its prime.

Previously, Shen Qiu thought Prince Rui was just boasting, because this list of betrothal gifts was enough for the Emperor to marry ten brides from noble families. Prince Rui might have been joking with the Shen family, but the next day, Tie Yi, on Prince Rui’s orders, delivered two golden geese, nearly making Shen Qiu stumble in shock.

That was something even the Empress Dowager would treasure. Yet Prince Rui casually placed it in a box and sent it over as a “token” of his betrothal gifts.

From then on, everyone believed that Da Liang was truly wealthy, and Prince Rui truly spent money like water. This list of betrothal gifts was no joke, and Shen Miao’s dowry—this was a big deal.

Shen Qiu voluntarily offered to give his portion of money saved for taking a wife to Shen Miao, saying, “Being poor shouldn’t diminish one’s ambition. How can we let our sister’s dowry be less than half of Prince Rui’s betrothal gifts? If she went to Da Liang like that, wouldn’t she be looked down upon? The daughters of our Shen family should always be the best. With Prince Rui sending such betrothal gifts, if our dowry is too small, won’t he look down on us? The matter of dowry cannot be confused. At worst, I still have some antique decorations in my room, which can all be sold. We may be poor, but we cannot lose face!”

Shen Xin strongly agreed.

Shen Miao: “…”

The Shen family was considered one of the top households in the capital, yet in Shen Qiu’s words, they now seemed impoverished, even needing to sell household decorations to gather a dowry.

It was laughable.

Because it was around the New Year, all matters in the capital, big and small, had become more relaxed. Shen Miao’s marriage was also granted by Emperor Wenhui himself. Perhaps knowing that the Shen family was also dissatisfied with this marriage, Emperor Wenhui specially granted Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan a period of leave, allowing him to accompany Shen Miao, and return after her wedding.

Even without the Emperor’s permission, Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan’s hearts were entirely on Shen Miao, naturally happy to relax. Shen Qiu and Luo Ling were in the military department, and by the end of the year, their work was done. These days, they were all at home accompanying Luo Xueyan while shopping for the New Year, or helping Shen Miao.

The whole family was chatting in the hall. The cook had just made some pastries, and the charcoal fire in the room was burning warmly. Luo Tan smiled at Shen Miao, “Little cousin, after the New Year, you’ll be getting married. Although it’s too late to embroider a dowry now, you should still prepare for yourself. Tomorrow, let’s have the embroiderers from the shop measure your figure, match the size quickly, and rush to make your clothes.”

In Ming Qi, when a daughter got married, she was supposed to embroider her wedding dress herself. Generally speaking, those who got engaged early would start embroidering for themselves years in advance. Those who got engaged later would have tailors make the wedding dress, and they would symbolically embroider a few patterns on it themselves. This was considered as having been made with their own hands and would have an auspicious meaning of harmony and beauty.

Originally, the Shen family wasn’t in a hurry about Shen Miao’s marriage. After the New Year, they would start looking for suitable young talents, and then it would be just right for Shen Miao to begin embroidering her wedding dress. Who knew that Emperor Wenhui’s imperial decree would disrupt all plans? Now it was impossible for Shen Miao to personally embroider a wedding dress, so they had to settle these matters early.

Luo Xueyan slapped her forehead, feeling troubled, “I almost forgot about this in the past few days. Tan’er is right, we need to start preparing Jiaojiao’s wedding dress. I’m not very familiar with the embroiderers in the capital, but I’ll ask some ladies I know—they’ll know where to find good clothes and jewelry. Jiaojiao’s wedding dress can’t be sloppily done.” After saying this, she looked at Shen Miao and smiled, “Jiaojiao has a slender figure, she must look good in a wedding dress.”

Hearing this, Shen Miao’s mind flashed to the day when Xie Jingxing pulled her into his arms and said, “One hug and I’ll know.” She couldn’t help but feel her face getting hot.

Shen Qiu asked, “Sister, why is your face so red? Do you need a doctor to come and check?”

Luo Ling’s eyes dimmed, and he lowered his head without speaking.

Luo Tan was laughing and discussing with Luo Xueyan about what auspicious patterns to embroider on the wedding dress when she saw a young servant hurriedly running in from outside, saying, “Madam, Master, there’s someone at the gate asking to see you.”

“Didn’t I say that we’re not receiving guests these days and to close the main gate?” Shen Xin said, displeased. “Why wasn’t he stopped?” He wanted to enjoy his remaining family time, so all those who came to the Shen residence on business were not received.

The young servant was almost crying, “It’s… It’s His Highness Prince Rui of Da Liang.”

Luo Tan widened her eyes, and Shen Qiu stood up with a “whoosh,” asking menacingly, “What is he doing here?”

Young servant: “This lowly one didn’t ask.”

Before he could finish, a low, pleasing voice sounded from behind the young servant.

“Delivering the wedding dress.”

From behind the young servant emerged a tall, straight figure. The servants in the Shen residence, though not exactly handsome, were all upright and dignified. Having mingled with Shen Qiu for a long time, they even had a somewhat heroic air. But compared to the man behind them, they suddenly seemed rather lackluster.

His purple-gold robe was wide and flowing. His smile carried a hint of casualness that wasn’t offensive; he seemed somewhat cynical, but the silver mask that faintly reflected cold light gave him an unfathomable depth. Even without seeing his appearance, the outline was very good. Especially as he walked step by step at a leisurely pace, he exuded elegant nobility, lazy grandeur, yet with a forceful radiance that couldn’t be ignored.

He said, “Prince Rui.”

Even his self-introduction was so arrogant and unrestrained.

Shen Qiu nearly drew his sword. He slammed the table, causing the pastry plates to shake three times, and asked, “You are Prince Rui?”

Prince Rui nodded.

“Why do you want to marry my sister? What conspiracy are you planning?” Shen Qiu demanded.

Luo Tan’s jaw nearly dropped. Shen Qiu’s hostility toward Prince Rui was too great. Although everyone had this idea in mind, asking it to his face wasn’t that rude?

“Jiaojiao is gentle and sensible, dignified and graceful. I’ve admired her for a long time, anxiously seeking her hand in marriage. Fortunately, the imperial grace is vast, and I’m honored to have succeeded,” he spoke slowly, with a smile.

Shen Miao couldn’t help but shiver. She wasn’t used to Xie Jingxing speaking in such a gentle tone. When they first met and weren’t very familiar, whenever Xie Jingxing saw her, it was always with probing, cold looks, and mockery.

Shen Xin and Shen Qiu immediately became furious. Prince Rui’s words on the surface praised Shen Miao and expressed his admiration for her, but the more he spoke, the less tasteful it became. What did he mean by “imperial grace is vast”? What did he mean by “honored to have succeeded”? Others might not know, but they knew clearly—Prince Rui had forced Emperor Wenhui to issue the decree. The imperial grace was coerced, and as for being honored to succeed, whose mission was he succeeding?

Shen Qiu and Shen Xin were like two firecrackers, just a spark away from exploding. This Prince Rui had done all kinds of bad things, and now he came here pretending?

But Luo Xueyan’s gaze softened.

Women view men differently than men view men. Women look at details. Prince Rui didn’t use “this prince,” but used “I” instead. He didn’t call Shen Miao “Miss Shen the Fifth,” but used “Jiaojiao.” If he was simply using the Shen family’s power, he had already gotten what he wanted and didn’t need to go to such lengths. Whether he was sincere or just acting now, the fact that he was willing to make an effort was good. Take Fu Xiuyi, for instance—when Shen Miao was infatuated with him, Fu Xiuyi teased her, being neither here nor there, not directly rejecting her but also not accepting her, unwilling to make an effort or please her. So the reason the Shen family didn’t want Shen Miao to be with Fu Xiuyi, apart from Fu Xiuyi’s identity potentially dragging the Shen family down, was also because Fu Xiuyi simply didn’t love Shen Miao.

If you love someone, you’re willing to make an effort for them. If you’re not willing to make even a little effort now, how can you expect them to in the future?

Luo Xueyan surveyed Prince Rui. The fact that Prince Rui was willing to make an effort was much better than she had thought. Moreover, in terms of appearance and temperament, Prince Rui was truly hard to dislike.

Compared to Fu Xiuyi, who made people feel as if they were bathed in spring breeze, yet maintained the air of a prince, always smooth and polished, Prince Rui was casual and lazy in his actions, but showed a degree of genuine character. This genuineness coming from a royal family member was even more precious. Luo Xueyan hoped that the husband Shen Miao married wouldn’t face her with a false demeanor day after day.

She said, “Your Highness Prince Rui.”

“My name is Yuan, courtesy name Jingxing,” Prince Rui said. “Madam may call me Jingxing.”

Shen Miao almost choked on her tea.

Luo Xueyan was somewhat surprised. Royal family members were most particular about rules. Even between brothers, they had to pay attention to this and that. People from Da Liang in Ming Qi were considered very noble guests, especially Prince Rui, who was also the brother of Emperor Yongle. She hadn’t expected he would allow people to call him by his courtesy name.

Letting someone call you by your courtesy name was something done only when the relationship was extremely good.

Luo Xueyan’s gaze toward Prince Rui became even gentler. She said, “Jingxing, please sit down first.” Then she instructed Jingzhe, “Serve tea.”

Shen Qiu and Shen Xin looked at Luo Xueyan with great alarm, unable to understand why Luo Xueyan had become so favorable toward this Prince Rui in such a short time. Meanwhile, Luo Ling, seeing this, was somewhat observing him.

“Jingxing,” Luo Tan suddenly spoke up. “Isn’t that the name of the heir to the Marquis of Lin’an’s household in the capital?”

Shen Miao held her teacup, feeling somewhat helpless.

Xie Jingxing was truly audacious—he dared to reveal his name here. Did he think that since Su Mingfeng and Princess Ming’an already knew his true identity, he might as well let more people know? Anything related to his identity might arouse others’ suspicion, yet Xie Jingxing not only didn’t avoid it, he actively courted it.

Even though she was drinking tea, Shen Miao felt like she was about to get drunk.

Shen Qiu was inwardly furious. Seeing Luo Xueyan offering Prince Rui a seat and having servants serve tea made him very unhappy. Hearing Luo Tan’s words, he said, “Correct. Prince Rui must not know who the heir to the Marquis of Lin’an’s household is, right?”

Prince Rui turned to look at him, “Oh, who is that?”

“He’s also called Xie Jingxing, the legitimate eldest son of Marquis Lin’an of the Lin’an Marquis household. People say ‘Xie in the south, Shen in the north’—their Xie family is a military family that can rival our Shen family. Xie Jingxing is the young master of the Xie family, a rare young talent. Back then, with just one move, he could take down several people. His literary and military talents aren’t even worth mentioning, and he had an incomparably handsome face. He was a young talent admired by everyone in Ming Qi—no one who knew him didn’t praise him!” Shen Qiu gave a long sigh. “But heaven envies talent, and he fell early on the northern frontier battlefield.” He changed his tone and looked at Prince Rui provocatively, “I wonder how Prince Rui feels about sharing a name with such a person? That one had unparalleled literary and military talents, with world-class beauty. How many points out of ten would you score in comparison?”

Shen Miao: “…”

“From Young General Shen’s words, it seems you greatly admire that young master Xie,” Prince Rui asked leisurely.

“Of course!” Shen Qiu spoke with enthusiasm, completely disregarding Luo Xueyan’s frequent eye signals, instead noticing Shen Xin’s encouraging looks from the side, and continued, “He is the hero in my heart, irreplaceable by anyone!”

Shen Miao covered her face.

If she could, she truly wanted to pretend she didn’t know Shen Qiu.

Looking at Xie Jingxing, he must be feeling extremely pleased secretly.