“So, you’ll be the concubine, and I’ll be the wife.”

Shen Miao looked at Lu Wan’er with surprise. Lu Wan’er’s tone sounded as if she were bestowing a favor, though Shen Miao couldn’t understand where this confidence came from. Earlier, when hearing Lu Wan’er speak, she had thought the Lu family’s reputation for cleverness was well-deserved. But now these words made Shen Miao uncertain about Lu Wan’er’s true nature—was she genuinely foolish or just pretending to be so, speaking such brazen words?

“If Miss Lu is interested, you should speak directly with His Highness,” Shen Miao smiled slightly. “Telling me these things serves no purpose.”

“I certainly know that,” Lu Wan’er glanced at her contemptuously. “I’ve come to speak with you today, merely hoping you’ll know your place and voluntarily discuss with the Prince the matter of willingly becoming a concubine.”

Shen Miao almost laughed out loud. She slightly curved her lips and said, “That I cannot do.”

“What did you say?” Lu Wan’er’s eyes widened, seemingly surprised that Shen Miao would refuse.

Their voices had grown louder, and the surrounding ladies turned their gazes toward them. Shen Miao did not attempt to hide the conversation and smiled as she said, “Willingly becoming a concubine is something I will not do. Nor will I encourage my husband to take concubines or expand his family tree. When the Rui Prince came to my Shen family to propose, he stated that the Prince’s household would not accept other women. If not for that, I wouldn’t have traveled thousands of miles to marry in Longyi.”

The surrounding ladies listened with astonishment.

Such was the way of the world—men and women were inherently unequal. Most men had multiple wives and concubines, whether in Da Liang or Ming Qi. A couple without others was not unheard of, but certainly rare. Ordinary men could hardly resist temptation, let alone those from wealthy families, official households, or royal lineage.

The Rui Prince was handsome and influential, holding great power despite his young age. The world he faced was filled with beauty and temptation. How could someone like him have only one woman in his life?

This young lady from the Ming Qi Shen family truly had an impressive face and was ignorant of her place!

Lu Wan’er’s face turned ashen with anger. She spoke one word at a time: “Rui Princess, this is considered jealousy. When a woman is jealous, her virtue is compromised.”

Shen Miao smiled. “Perhaps so. I’ve always been prone to jealousy. If the Rui Prince hadn’t proposed this condition, I probably wouldn’t have been interested.”

Lu Wan’er was so enraged she couldn’t speak.

Shen Miao’s attitude made her seem like a troublemaker, leaving people at a loss for how to deal with her. The surrounding ladies were surprised that Shen Miao, newly arrived in Longyi, instead of keeping a low profile and being humble, displayed such arrogance, even daring to offend the Lu family, whom even Emperor Yongle treated with caution. They wondered where she found such courage. Was she truly so foolish?

But Shen Miao was not afraid.

Even if Emperor Yongle was displeased with her and wanted to arrange another marriage for Xie Jingxing, he wouldn’t choose Lu Wan’er for him. Though Lu Wan’er claimed marrying Xie Jingxing would boost his career, Xie Jingxing wasn’t the type to climb the ranks through women. Even Emperor Yongle wouldn’t rashly allow Xie Jingxing to marry into the Lu family.

The matter with Consort Jing was likely a forced compromise. But if Lu Wan’er also entered the Rui Prince’s household, both imperial brothers would be connected to the Lu family. The power of imperial in-laws could become problematic. Fu Xiuyi could bind the Shen family to him through Shen Miao because the Shen family was fundamentally loyal, but the Lu family already harbored ambitious intentions.

For both emotional and rational reasons, Lu Wan’er wasn’t Emperor Yongle’s choice. Shen Miao’s forceful rejection of Lu Wan’er’s proposal, if it reached Emperor Yongle’s ears, might please him.

As Madam Lu and Lu Wan’er were frozen in place, a soft laugh came from across the room: “The Princess truly has an honest temperament. The Rui Prince, though young, values loyalty and love—a rare man indeed.”

Shen Miao looked toward the speaker. The woman sat beside Season Yuhu’s mother, a somewhat thin lady wearing a tea-colored embroidered dress. Her complexion was slightly dark, her features proper but deeply set due to age, giving her an unapproachable appearance. Her eyes were rather long, and when she looked at people, she seemed to be studying them intensely, as if trying to see through them, which was somewhat uncomfortable. She appeared to be a shrewd and serious person.

Ba Jiao, while pretending to refill Shen Miao’s tea, whispered in her ear: “That is Madam Ye from the Prime Minister’s household.”

With just one sentence, Shen Miao understood. The literary Ye family and the military Lu family. This Madam Ye must be from the Prime Minister Ye’s family, one of the two great families in Longyi. Unlike the ostentatious Lu family, this Madam Ye seemed more restrained than Madam Lu, yet Shen Miao felt she would be even more difficult to deal with.

Madam Ye looked at Shen Miao and suddenly smiled, saying: “The Rui Prince and his wife have a deep affection for each other. It seems in a few days during the royal hunt, the Princess will accompany him?”

Shen Miao smiled and replied: “That is something I will need to discuss with His Highness.” She was cautious, unwilling to casually engage. Today’s Colorful Summer Banquet was filled with people who likely harbored ill intentions, and she couldn’t afford to be careless.

“The Princess is new to the imperial city and doesn’t yet know the wonders of the royal hunt. There are many interesting things, and perhaps the Princess could join in the excitement,” Madam Ye continued.

Madam Lu and Lu Wan’er remained silent, having been offended by Shen Miao earlier and feeling quite displeased. Now that Madam Ye was speaking, they showed no intention of supporting her.

Shen Miao observed that Madam Ye seemed intent on forcing her to commit to the hunt.

Season Madam, sitting beside Madam Ye, intervened with a smile: “Let’s not pressure the Rui Princess. She is still young and, as Madam Ye said, new to the city. She’s probably feeling shy. The hunting grounds are filled with familiar faces, so naturally, she needs time to consider.”

She had actively come to Shen Miao’s defense.

Shen Miao looked at her with surprise, and Season Madam smiled and nodded at her.

Season Madam’s husband was the current Left Imperial Chancellor, holding a significant position. The other ladies naturally wouldn’t contradict her words. Madam Ye, hearing this, couldn’t continue to press the matter, though she still looked at Shen Miao with a probing gaze that made Shen Miao slightly furrow her brow.

The Colorful Summer Banquet proceeded uneventfully. Lu Wan’er, apparently angered by Shen Miao, promptly departed. The remaining Madam Lu treated Shen Miao with indifference. As Madam Lu was the host, the other ladies naturally followed her lead, deliberately neglecting Shen Miao.

However, Shen Miao had experienced plenty of cold treatment during her younger years in Ming Qi, so she didn’t take it to heart. She sipped her tea while listening to Ba Jiao secretly explaining the relationships between the various ladies, silently committing them to memory. The cold treatment didn’t affect her; instead, it allowed her to more thoroughly remember these relationships.

When it was time to leave, naturally, no one came to see her off. Just as she was about to board her carriage, she was unexpectedly called back.

Looking back, she saw it was Season Madam.

Season Yuhu’s mother had a dignified and gentle disposition, somewhat resembling her son. Looking at Shen Miao, she smiled and said, “Yuhu told me that during his time in Dingjing of Ming Qi, he received much care from the Princess. Today, I’ve come to thank you on Yuhu’s behalf.”

Shen Miao felt embarrassed and repeatedly said it was nothing. After all, she had used Season Yuhu’s Fengxian Pawn Shop to accomplish many things.

Season Madam, seeing no one around, moved closer and said in a low voice: “As the Princess saw today, Madam Lu’s fourth daughter is determined to marry into the Rui Prince’s household. But you needn’t take her words to heart. If it were possible, the fourth daughter would have become the Rui Princess long ago—it’s just empty talk. As for Madam Ye’s mention of the royal hunt, the Princess should discuss it with the Prince. The situation is complicated; don’t be manipulated.” Noticing other ladies beginning to exit from the Lu residence, Season Madam said, “I can’t say more now. If the Princess has free time, you’re welcome to visit my residence. You’re likely unfamiliar with Longyi, and I can tell you more about it.” With that, she bid farewell to Shen Miao and quickly left.

On the way back, Shen Miao kept thinking about the day’s events. She didn’t dwell much on Lu Wan’er’s words, but for some reason, she was particularly concerned about Madam Ye.

Shen Miao asked Ba Jiao, “Today at the banquet, I didn’t see Madam Ye’s daughter. Why didn’t the Ye family bring out any of their young ladies?”

Ba Jiao was startled, then shook her head and replied, “The Ye family has no daughters.”

“How can they have no daughters?” Shen Miao frowned.

“This is common knowledge in Longyi,” Ba Jiao explained. “Prime Minister Ye and Madam Ye were childhood sweethearts. When they first married, they had a daughter, but she died young. Madam Ye was overwhelmed with grief, and her relationship with Prime Minister Ye cooled. Prime Minister Ye later took a concubine who bore him a son—the current young master of the Prime Minister’s household.”

Shen Miao frowned. “Does the Prime Minister’s household have no other offspring?”

Ba Jiao shook her head. “After Prime Minister Ye had his son, he was once ambushed while traveling. He was wounded in his reproductive organs and can no longer have children.”

Shen Miao was surprised. How could a high-ranking family like the Ye’s have only one son? She asked, “So the Ye family only has one son born of a concubine?”

“That’s not quite right. The concubine was weak after giving birth and passed away—though some say the Ye family strangled her. The young master was raised under Madam Ye’s name, with the status of a legitimate son. However,” Ba Jiao paused, “even with the status of a legitimate son, this young master isn’t valued by Madam Ye.”

“Why is that?” Shen Miao wondered. Even if he wasn’t her biological child, with no other offspring in the Ye family, raising him under her name would benefit Madam Ye greatly in the future.

“The young master was born with a congenital condition affecting his legs. Such a person cannot enter official service in the future, so some say the Ye family will decline with this generation,” Ba Jiao explained.

Shen Miao finally understood. So he was a cripple, no wonder Madam Ye looked down on him. With this realization, a light suddenly dawned in her mind. The literary Ye family and the military Lu family—the Lu family had sent Consort Jing into the palace, but why hadn’t the Ye family? It wasn’t that the Ye family lacked ambition, but that they simply had no daughters to spare. If they sent a relative’s daughter, they might not be able to control her effectively.

Now Shen Miao could vaguely guess Emperor Yongle’s plan in the current situation.

The Ye family couldn’t compete with the Lu family in terms of offspring. If they allied with the Lu family and one day fulfilled their ambitions, only the Lu family would benefit. Human nature has its weaknesses—why should both great families end with one dominant and the other declining? Better to turn against them.

Emperor Yongle probably intended to provoke internal strife between the Lu and Ye families, win over the Ye family, and then deal with the militarily powerful Lu family. This would be much easier.

However, the Ye and Lu families had been on good terms for many years, with deeply intertwined interests. The Ye family knew the Lu family’s weaknesses, and the Lu family similarly held leverage over the Ye family. Creating division between them wouldn’t be easy.

Lost in these thoughts, Shen Miao didn’t notice that the carriage had returned to the Rui Prince’s residence. Only when Ba Jiao called out “Master” and someone flicked her forehead, saying, “What are you thinking about so intently?” did she snap out of it.

Shen Miao then saw Xie Jingxing. He had returned early today, still wearing his dark red official robes, looking dignified and imposing. She quickly grabbed his sleeve and hurried toward the study, saying, “Perfect timing, I have something to ask you.”

Xie Jingxing was momentarily startled, then resigned himself to being pulled along by her. Ba Jiao and Guyu stood dumbfounded. Ba Jiao smiled and said, “The Madam is truly taking initiative.”

Guyu replied, “As she should.”

Master Tang appeared from behind and said cryptically, “What are you looking at? Get back to work.”

Ba Jiao and Guyu stuck out their tongues and quickly left. Master Tang looked at the tightly closed door, shook his head, and sighed, “Without fallen red petals, what kind of initiative is that?”

Inside the room, Shen Miao recounted the day’s events to Xie Jingxing. He asked, “The royal hunt?”

Shen Miao nodded. “It seems somewhat unusual.”

“The royal hunt on the second day of the sixth month is a tradition passed down from the late emperor,” Xie Jingxing said lazily. “But my brother and I only stay on the outskirts; we don’t venture deep inside.”

“Why?” Shen Miao asked.

“Danger,” Xie Jingxing lowered his voice.

Shen Miao was startled.

Seeing her expression, Xie Jingxing smiled and raised an eyebrow. “Are you scared?”

“What do I have to fear?” Shen Miao looked at him. “Are you saying someone might make a move against the Emperor and you? The royal hunt is filled with imperial guards—who would dare?”

“You’ve seen the Black Feather Army,” Xie Jingxing suddenly changed the subject. “They are my men, unrelated to the Da Liang military, and my brother knows this. Do you know why I maintain a private army?”

“Because the imperial troops can’t be trusted?” Shen Miao quickly asked, though inwardly she could hardly believe it.

Xie Jingxing snapped his fingers.

Shen Miao was speechless.

People believed Emperor Yongle to be Da Liang’s wise ruler, revered by all subjects. It seemed the common people might feel this way, but the officials and soldiers underneath appeared less loyal than rumored. The imperial troops had been passed down through generations, meaning that forces inherited from the late emperor weren’t fully loyal to the current Emperor Yongle. Recalling Xie Jingxing’s indifferent tone when speaking of the late emperor, Shen Miao’s curiosity was piqued. She hesitated, then looked at Xie Jingxing and asked, “Speaking of which, what happened when you were stranded in Dingjing of Ming Qi?”

Hearing this, Xie Jingxing’s expression changed subtly. Sitting beside him, Shen Miao could feel the coldness in his emotions.

After a moment, Xie Jingxing smiled and patted Shen Miao’s head, saying, “Why so many questions? Eager to learn my secrets again? If you want to know, you’ll have to exchange something.” He smiled suggestively. “Your body would suffice.”

Shen Miao rolled her eyes at him.

Xie Jingxing continued, “But you don’t seem angry at all about Lu Wan’er’s words.” He sounded somewhat dissatisfied. “Someone covets your husband, and you aren’t furious. Shen Jiaojiao, you truly have no conscience.”

Shen Miao replied, “You wouldn’t agree anyway, would you? The Lu family is ambitious, and you’re not foolish enough to keep a poisonous snake by your side.”

Xie Jingxing laughed loudly, staring at her as he said, “Aren’t I keeping a poisonous snake by my side right now? A beautiful snake at that.”

This man couldn’t be serious for more than three sentences. Shen Miao didn’t want to engage and simply asked, “What’s your take on the Ye family?”

Xie Jingxing pondered, “The Ye family is smarter than the Lu family, knowing when to endure. Perhaps due to their offspring situation, they’re not as flamboyant as the Lu family. My brother and I plan to start with the Ye family to drive a wedge between the Ye and Lu families.”

Shen Miao’s fingers contracted slightly. For some inexplicable reason, when facing Madam Ye today, she had felt an indescribable sensation—a feeling that the Ye family wouldn’t be as easy to deal with as imagined. But this thought came so randomly that she didn’t understand why.

Xie Jingxing noticed her unusual expression and asked, “You seem to have something to say?”

Shen Miao shook her head, thinking perhaps she was overthinking. She asked, “Will you participate in the city hunt this time? Season Madam told me not to be manipulated, which I found strange.”

Xie Jingxing’s expression turned cold. “This time, even if you don’t want to go, you must accompany me.”

“Why?”

“This year marks the sixtieth anniversary ceremony prescribed by the late emperor. During the city hunt, my brother must catch a male lion from the hunting grounds to signify a prosperous year ahead and his status as Da Liang’s wise ruler.”

“A male lion?” Shen Miao said. “That’s a fierce beast.” Normally, hunting grounds prioritized safety, as the participants were high officials and nobles whose lives couldn’t be risked. Lions were far more dangerous than rabbits or foxes—one mistake could be fatal.

“Wild beasts aren’t the concern,” Xie Jingxing raised his lips in a cold smile. “Wild beasts don’t shoot arrows from hiding—they’re much safer than humans.”

“Only imperial city guards can enter—a rule established by the late emperor. Whether these guards are loyal is difficult to say.” Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow. “So you should understand, this is a trap left by the late emperor for us brothers. A trap for all to see, and even knowing what it is, neither my brother nor I has any choice.”

He glanced at Shen Miao’s worried expression and pinched her cheek. “But don’t worry, you’ll be safe. Though you’ll attend as a royal family member, you won’t need to enter the inner area.”

Shen Miao asked, “You’re confident, right?” In her heart flashed an ominous premonition, so strong that she couldn’t relax despite Xie Jingxing’s joking manner.

Xie Jingxing stared at her and slowly shook his head. “No.”

Shen Miao’s heart tightened.

Xie Jingxing smiled. “I’m just teasing you.”

Shen Miao glared at him. Xie Jingxing stretched lazily and said casually, “After the hunt is over, I’ll tell you about the palace affairs, so you won’t have to speculate all day.” He smiled ambiguously. “You’re part of my Xie family now; you should shoulder some responsibilities.”

Shen Miao’s heart stirred. Was Xie Jingxing planning to reveal his secrets to her? His background, how he ended up stranded in Dingjing of Ming Qi, and Emperor Yongle and Xie Jingxing’s attitude toward the late emperor—there seemed to be something significant behind it all. She could vaguely sense the heaviness involved. Xie Jingxing’s casual manner when speaking of the past wasn’t something an ordinary experience could produce.

Although she was pleased to learn these secrets, why did she feel so uneasy about this royal hunt? It felt as if something terrible was about to happen. Her heart pounded rapidly, and despite her efforts to calm herself, she remained restless.

She sat in silence, secretly clenching her fists.

In the Da Liang Imperial Palace, Empress Xiande listened to court ladies reporting on the day’s events at the Colorful Summer Banquet. When she heard Shen Miao’s words: “Willingly becoming a concubine is something I will not do. Nor will I encourage my husband to take concubines or expand his family tree. When the Rui Prince came to my Shen family to propose, he stated that the Prince’s household would not accept other women. If not for that, I wouldn’t have traveled thousands of miles to marry in Longyi,” Empress Xiande couldn’t help but laugh. She was naturally gentle and dignified, usually maintaining a calm demeanor. When she laughed like this, she displayed some of the charm from her younger days.

“What amuses the Empress so?” Emperor Yongle’s voice came from outside. His expression was somewhat stern as he entered Weiyang Palace. Seeing Empress Xiande’s manner, something unusual flashed in his eyes.

Empress Xiande laughed heartily and said, “Cailian, repeat the Princess’s words to His Majesty.”

The court lady named Cailian, keeping her head lowered, repeated Shen Miao’s words exactly. After listening, Emperor Yongle angrily swung his sleeve and said, “Nonsensical and completely without propriety! Utterly presumptuous!”

Cailian was startled, her body trembling slightly. The emperor’s anger was not something a mere court lady could withstand.

Empress Xiande gave Emperor Yongle a reproachful look and said to Cailian, “You may withdraw.”

Cailian sighed with relief and quickly retreated. Empress Xiande then smiled and said, “Jingxing’s wife has a temperament perfectly matched with his—equally straightforward, truly a person of character.”

“Xie Yuan’s foolishness is one thing, but you’re joining in his folly?” Emperor Yongle looked at Empress Xiande with displeasure. “The Empress seems quite fond of Shen Miao.”

“Longyi hasn’t seen such an interesting person in a long time,” Empress Xiande smiled as Emperor Yongle sat beside her. Her voice remained gentle, but her tone carried undisguised admiration: “She appears intelligent yet maintains a sincere heart.”

“I don’t see her intelligence, nor her sincerity,” Emperor Yongle said coldly. “She’s just a calculating woman.”

“If that were true, how could someone as perceptive as Jingxing not see through it? Why would he be so enamored with her?”

Emperor Yongle dismissed this: “Xie Yuan is young and cannot distinguish right from wrong, so he’s been bewitched by a woman.”

Empress Xiande sighed, knowing Emperor Yongle’s stubborn nature and not wishing to argue with him. She simply said, “In any case, I think Jingxing’s wife is a thoroughly good person.”

“If she were truly good, she wouldn’t have brazenly spoken those jealous words in front of so many people,” Emperor Yongle was quite displeased. “Does the Empress also believe that refusing to let one’s husband take concubines and expand the family is correct?”

Empress Xiande smiled faintly: “That is indeed ideal, but few women can achieve it. The Rui Princess can do this—it’s her blessing.”

“Empress!” Hearing this, Emperor Yongle frowned, looking at Empress Xiande severely.

“I misspoke,” Empress Xiande said, though her expression showed little alarm. She simply continued, “It’s better to reconcile than divide. Your Majesty should worry less about the Rui Prince’s household. Jingxing is a man with his ideas—too much interference might only provoke his resentment.”

“I have my judgment,” Emperor Yongle said solemnly.

After a moment of silence, Empress Xiande asked, “Is Your Majesty prepared for next month’s royal hunt?”

“Just preparing one life,” Emperor Yongle’s expression revealed neither joy nor anger. “I have arranged everything.”

“May I accompany Your Majesty?” Empress Xiande asked. “I wish to be by Your Majesty’s side.”

“I will take Consort Jing along,” Emperor Yongle said. “If something happens to me, the palace will need your oversight.”

Empress Xiande lowered her head silently, then raised it again after a moment, smiling gently. “I understand.”

“The person I worry about most is Xie Yuan. When he was young, he infiltrated Ming Qi, and I failed him. Now that the realm is settled, I still cannot fulfill my earlier promise. Whether he hates me for it or understands my difficulties, this is all I can do.” Emperor Yongle looked outside dejectedly. “It’s a pity that Mother couldn’t see him one last time before she passed.”

“If Mother knows in the underworld and sees how outstanding Jingxing has become, she would be comforted,” Empress Xiande consoled.

“Empress,” Emperor Yongle suddenly said.

Empress Xiande looked at him, and Emperor Yongle continued, “All these years, you’ve endured much hardship.”

“Sharing Your Majesty’s burdens is my blessing,” Empress Xiande smiled. Her expression was completely serene, as if no hardship could diminish her elegance in the slightest. She said, “I have accompanied Your Majesty for decades. Your Majesty has treated me well, and I am content.”

Emperor Yongle looked at Empress Xiande, wanting to say more. His lips moved, but he said nothing, only giving Empress Xiande a complicated look before turning his gaze toward the wisps of smoke rising from a bronze crane’s beak in the hall.

Empress Xiande also quietly looked at her sleeve, as if the words just spoken were merely casual conversation. Yet her eyes were slightly moist.