Li Mei’s waist was supple, her movements enchanting, and her eyes rippled with allure. Her gaze seemed to both look at others and yet not look at them, like a butterfly that teased one’s heart. Just when you thought the butterfly would land in your palm, in a moment of carelessness, you would see the colorful creature fluttering its wings and flying away.

If even the women were watching her with unblinking eyes, how much more so the men? Men always favored beautiful things; their eyeballs were practically glued to Li Mei. Madam Ye and Ye Maocai gradually revealed expressions of pride. Having given birth to such a daughter who excelled in both beauty and talent, attracting men from all over Da Liang, was indeed an accomplishment—not everyone possessed such capability.

Lu Wan’er watched with intense jealousy, grinding her teeth in anger.

Shen Miao, however, observed Li Mei’s graceful dance with cold eyes, her thoughts drifting back to her previous life.

The first time she saw Madam Mei was when she returned to the capital from Qin. She had only heard that there was a new imperial consort in the palace whom everyone respectfully addressed as “Madam Mei” rather than by her consort title, which was quite unusual. It was said that Fu Xiuyi adored Madam Mei greatly. Though Shen Miao felt a twinge of sourness in her heart, she thought little of it, believing that someone with Fu Xiuyi’s cold temperament could not possibly show excessive favor to anyone.

Then, the first time she went to the Imperial Study to find Fu Xiuyi to discuss an important matter, she saw Madam Mei throwing Fu Xiuyi’s paperweight in the Imperial Study. Madam Mei had claimed illness on the day Shen Miao returned to the palace, so this was their first meeting. Shen Miao saw that the woman was breathtakingly beautiful, every smile and frown like a painting. Yet she was arrogant and savage, actually throwing a tantrum in the Imperial Study. Shen Miao thought Fu Xiuyi would become angry—and indeed, his face showed rage—but Madam Mei simply turned and left.

Shen Miao thought at the time: what a strong-willed woman, daring to speak to Fu Xiuyi like that! With such a temperament, how long could she survive in the harem?

At that time, she was busy inquiring about Princess Wanyu and Fu Ming’s situation, so she didn’t pay much attention, only feeling that the woman was extremely beautiful and incredibly arrogant.

But even though Fu Xiuyi was angry then, the next morning, Shen Miao saw him accompanying Madam Mei for a walk in the Imperial Garden, speaking to her with considerable affection, which left onlookers stunned.

She had never seen Fu Xiuyi like this before; he wasn’t naturally good-tempered. His gentleness was only shown to his “talented officials.” For women, he typically had little patience. Yet Madam Mei had angered him just the day before, and the next day she could make Fu Xiuyi smile constantly. It was then that Shen Miao suddenly realized this woman wasn’t merely beautiful and arrogant—she was utterly dangerous because she could manipulate hearts in the palm of her hand. Whether it was toward men or not, she had successfully captured Fu Xiuyi’s heart.

Indeed, as Shen Miao spent more time back in the palace, she gradually discovered that this Madam Mei was truly frightening. She appeared arrogant and impolite, making no effort to conceal her temperament, yet skillfully maintained her impoliteness within a safe “degree.” Fu Xiuyi would only think she was genuine, untamable, and become increasingly fascinated. When facing Shen Miao, Madam Mei was disrespectful, sarcastic, and confrontational. She also repeatedly used Fu Sheng to drive a wedge between Fu Ming and Fu Xiuyi. Unfortunately, Fu Xiuyi’s heart had always been biased.

What was Madam Mei’s true face? Shen Miao watched the charming woman before her eyes. In this life, she had become the daughter of the Ye family—cautious, clever, and knowing when to advance or retreat—no longer showing her arrogant side. But was this truly her face?

Having dealt with Madam Mei for a lifetime, Shen Miao knew her frightfulness. She was as cunning as a fox. When she wanted something, she never sought it directly. Instead, she took a circuitous route, and after getting what she wanted, she would still play innocent and even blame those she had harmed.

What was she trying to do with this performance today? Did she want Xie Jingxing to be fascinated at first sight, captivated at second sight, just as Fu Xiuyi had been? Shen Miao inwardly sneered coldly but couldn’t help looking up toward Xie Jingxing.

This glance caught Xie Jingxing’s gaze directly, as his eyes were on Shen Miao. He probably hadn’t expected Shen Miao to suddenly look at him, so he paused momentarily, then averted his face, continuing to look outside as if nothing had happened, seemingly trying to hide something.

He hadn’t been watching the person dancing passionately in the center at all.

Shen Miao was momentarily stunned, a surge of indescribable feeling rising in her heart. While she certainly harbored intense hatred for Madam Mei, she also had a deeply hidden sense of inferiority about herself. In terms of appearance and charm, she admitted she wasn’t as good as Madam Mei, which was why Fu Xiuyi had sacrificed her without hesitation in her previous life. And Xie Jingxing was thousands, millions of times better than Fu Xiuyi. If Li Mei also set her sights on Xie Jingxing… Shen Miao thought it would be a disaster.

But Xie Jingxing’s gaze was on her, without even glancing at Li Mei once.

How different this was from Fu Xiuyi! If it were Fu Xiuyi, whenever Shen Miao and Madam Mei appeared together, he wouldn’t spare even a single glance at Shen Miao.

People were truly different from one another. Just as she differed from Li Mei, Xie Jingxing differed from Fu Xiuyi.

Lost in these thoughts, she didn’t even realize when Li Mei had finished dancing. Only when she heard the enthusiastic applause throughout the hall did she look up. She saw Li Mei standing in the center, smiling slightly, with glistening beads of sweat on her forehead, her cheeks tinged with pink, looking even more alluring, her beauty beyond description. Behind her, the ink painting was complete—a glorious scene of a qilin treading on auspicious clouds, a perfect birthday blessing painting, done with remarkable skill.

“Miss Ye is truly talented in both arts,” an official from the Academy said, “The painting captures the spirit perfectly, a superior work. The young ladies in our Academy don’t possess such skills.”

“Her dancing is also excellent,” a madam quickly followed, “Madam Ye, you are truly blessed. Miss Ye takes after you, not only with her beautiful appearance but also with her talents. Looking around our Longyi region, someone who dances so well and paints so well is truly outstanding.”

Madam Ye smiled and accepted the compliments, while Lu Wan’er jealously twisted her handkerchief, her eyes filled with unwillingness.

Someone else said, “I wonder what His Highness the Prince thinks of this birthday blessing painting?”

All eyes turned to Xie Jingxing. Li Mei also looked toward him, but saw Xie Jingxing holding a wine cup, gazing out the window, lost in thought, completely ignoring the conversation.

“Your Highness?” Gaoyang reminded him.

Xie Jingxing came back to himself and asked, “What is it?”

“They’re asking what you think of Miss Ye’s birthday blessing painting,” Gaoyang said.

Everyone felt awkward, realizing that despite all of Li Mei’s efforts to display her talents and create the painting, the Rui Prince was completely distracted and hadn’t paid any attention—a clear disrespect to Li Mei.

Xie Jingxing, hearing this, glanced at the painting and slightly curved his lips, saying, “Not bad.”

The perfunctory attitude was visible from three layers of people away.

Li Mei’s smile became somewhat stiff, while Shen Miao, seeing this, flashed a hint of amusement in her eyes. A man like Xie Jingxing wasn’t the type to be so “engrossed” in his distractions at such an occasion; it must have been deliberate. Though she didn’t know why he would intentionally embarrass Li Mei, Shen Miao was slightly cheered by his action.

This little smile of hers was caught by Li Mei, who stared at her and suddenly laughed softly, “Speaking of which, when I was staying at the Rui Prince’s Mansion, I heard that the Princess Consort was also accomplished in many talents.”

The conversation suddenly turned to Shen Miao.

“I’ve only heard that the Princess Consort is excellent at mounted archery, but never about her other talents. Since today is the Prince’s birthday, perhaps the Princess Consort could also entertain us and broaden our horizons. I have admired the Princess Consort for a long time.” She said somewhat uncomfortably. Anyone watching would think Li Mei had heard of Shen Miao’s reputation and admired her, wanting to witness her talents firsthand.

But Shen Miao was the daughter of a military family. Being good at mounted archery was one thing, but no one had ever seen her dance or anything similar. If she performed, she might embarrass herself, but if she refused, it would seem to confirm her reputation for crudeness.

Everyone looked at Shen Miao.

Shen Miao smiled slightly, “I am the Princess Consort of the Rui Prince’s Mansion. How could I perform like a singing girl or dancing woman for people’s entertainment?”

In an instant, the hall fell silent, and Li Mei’s face turned scarlet.

Naturally, singing and dancing in front of officials damaged one’s dignity. It was only because Li Mei was the daughter of the Ye family and possessed both beauty and talent that everyone overlooked this point. But when Shen Miao bluntly stated it, the situation became awkward.

Madam Ye and Ye Maocai’s expressions soured. Madam Ye wanted to speak, but if she opened her mouth, wouldn’t she be following Shen Miao’s lead, implying that Li Mei behaved like a singing girl or dancing woman?

Madam Lu and Lu Wan’er seemed somewhat gleeful at the misfortune. Shen Miao and Li Mei quarreling was exactly what they most wanted to see.

Xie Jingxing watched everything with a smile, apparently not finding anything improper in Shen Miao’s words, making no move to mediate, simply standing by as a spectator.

Luo Tan sensed that Shen Miao seemed to be targeting Li Mei, but felt a vague sense of satisfaction. It was Xie Jingxing’s birthday, yet Li Mei was dancing here, stealing the spotlight. Moreover, she had asked Shen Miao to sing and dance—why should others have to do the same as her?

Madam Ji looked anxiously at Shen Miao. Xie Jingxing’s birthday banquet was attended by court officials; if Shen Miao made the atmosphere so tense, others would blame the Rui Prince’s Mansion for being undisciplined, tarnishing the reputation of the entire Prince’s Mansion. They would also say that Shen Miao was jealous, making a fuss over a Ye family daughter.

Li Mei hesitated where she stood. She slightly furrowed her brow, which only made her more pitiable—such a beautiful woman, forced into such a situation, making people feel very sympathetic. The men in the hall, self-proclaimed righteous champions, were ready to play the hero and speak up for Li Mei.

Shen Miao swept her gaze across the crowd, taking in everyone’s expressions. Li Mei had this ability: she never had to ask for what she wanted. A frown here, a sigh there, and she could drive those around her to risk life and limb for her. Today, Shen Miao had rejected Li Mei, and likely by tomorrow, everyone in Longyi would be on Li Mei’s side.

How could she let Li Mei have her way?

She stood up, and under the astonished gazes of the crowd, she smiled and said, “However, given Miss Ye’s sincere request, I’ll reluctantly oblige. I happened to learn a piece recently, so I’ll play it for Miss Ye.”

“Why play it for Miss Ye?” Madam Lu laughed, “Shouldn’t it be to congratulate His Highness on his birthday?”

“This piece is quite sorrowful,” Shen Miao said calmly, “Unlike festive tunes, it’s not suitable for birthday congratulations. I just found it appealing recently and learned it. Since Miss Ye admires me, good things should naturally be shared, shouldn’t they?” She smiled at Li Mei.

Li Mei also smiled gently, “Of course.”

The exchanges between these two women came and went, as if there were invisible swords clashing. Li Mei was coquettish, Shen Miao dignified, each with her beauty, making it hard to determine who was superior. Shen Miao walked to the center with her sleeves held up, while Li Mei stepped back. Jingzhe quickly found a chair for Shen Miao, who raised her eyes and asked, “Please bring a zither.”

After a long while, Guyu came out and said, “Madam, Bijiao Tower only has one burnt-tail zither…”

A burnt-tail zither had a special tone. Guyu knew clearly that in all her years with Shen Miao, she had never seen her play the zither. On one hand, she silently cursed this Ye family daughter for her ill intentions, deliberately asking Shen Miao to perform such a refined activity; on the other hand, she worried for Shen Miao, who was putting on a brave face. The face she would lose would be her own, especially in this strange foreign land where no one would show respect for the Shen family’s sake. Most people here harbored ulterior motives and would be eager to add insult to injury.

Especially after Li Mei’s outstanding ink dance, whatever Shen Miao did would seem inferior in comparison.

“It’s fine, just bring it,” Shen Miao said.

The ladies around whispered among themselves upon hearing this.

“Wasn’t she said to be crude? Yet she presumes to play the zither?”

“She must want to compete with the Ye family’s daughter. How competitive?”

“Alas, poor Rui Prince’s Mansion, it’s bound to lose face today.”

“People from Ming Qi really can’t behave properly in public. She should know her limitations.”

Their voices were low, but they couldn’t hide their mocking gazes. Luo Tan, however, had full confidence; although she had never heard Shen Miao play the zither, she somehow felt that Shen Miao was capable of anything—if she said she could do it, she certainly could.

Ji Yushu whispered to Gaoyang, “Does sister-in-law know how to play the zither? According to the information gathered by Fenxian Pawnshop, she never even had a zither teacher. Self-taught? That’s too impressive.”

Gaoyang shrugged, “I’m not sure either. Let’s just watch.”

Pei Lang was also among the guests. While Guangwen Hall offered zither instruction, Shen Miao had not chosen to study it. Pei Lang had heard the teachers there complain that Shen Miao couldn’t even distinguish between the strings. Seeing her now readily accept the challenge, he couldn’t hide his surprise. He couldn’t help glancing at Xie Jingxing, thinking that Shen Miao’s competitiveness was all for Xie Jingxing’s sake.

Xie Jingxing was slightly frowning, but the hand holding his wine cup had tightened.

Shen Miao burned incense and washed her hands, then said softly, “This piece is called ‘Blood Chant.’ It was composed by a young princess who was forced to marry for peace with an enemy country, stooping to wed a crude enemy leader over fifty years old. Uncertain and anxious about her future, yet helpless, she hoped to change her imperial father’s mind. It was composed in her grief and despair.” Her voice was soft, like the faint moonlight, quickly calming the audience after Li Mei’s passionate dance, as if her words transported them into the story.

She plucked the strings.

The burnt-tail zither’s sound was rich and heavy, unlike the clear, resonant tone of ordinary zithers, and difficult to play movingly. She played slowly, note by note.

Though the zither notes seemed unremarkable, each note struck at the heart. From the first pluck, the hall fell silent.

She began to sing slowly:

“The Yangtze River flows mightily from the west, water reflecting mountains, mountains topped with pavilions. Mountains and waters connect, pavilions face each other, arranged by heaven.”

“Walking with the moon, traveling under the stars, lonely inn, cold meal, autumn in the homeland. Worrying on the pillow, anxious on horseback, only in death will there be rest.”

Her voice, usually gentle and clear as water, now carried a profound sorrow that reddened eyes and soured hearts. With her singing and zither playing, people seemed to envision that young princess, beautiful as snow, forced to wear wedding attire, sitting bitterly in a corner of the palace. Those palace halls, towering and deep, marked an age that should have been innocent and carefree, yet she faced a fate that was far from easy.

She mounted her carriage, bidding farewell to her mother, the Empress. An emperor without mercy, sacrificing his daughter for the dynasty’s grand legacy. Being a royal princess meant facing a marriage she could not choose.

The journey from the capital was long. She desolately lifted the curtain to see eagles flying overhead, fish swimming in the waters below. She watched the wind, the rain, the clouds—each freer than she was.

“Heaven and earth so close yet so far, in an instant the moon wanes and flowers fall. Holding the parting cup, eyes filled with farewell tears. Just as I say ‘take care,’ the pain of parting becomes unbearable.”

Shen Miao’s tears slowly streamed down.

She was naturally dignified and pretty, with skin white as jade. Under the lamplight, her fair hands plucking the strings, tears streaming down her expressionless face, she seemed to bear endless suffering that could neither be spoken nor sung. Her clear black and white eyes grew increasingly transparent, their hidden pain infinite, making her appear like a flower in the rain, trembling, making people want to protect her.

She sang until everyone in the hall was speechless with emotion, eyes reddened, hearts constricted, the joy from Li Mei’s dance completely gone.

Suddenly, the zither strings changed tone, the music becoming urgent, and her lyrics turned sharp.

“Corrupt ruler, treacherous officials in power, river alteration caused disaster, laws abused, punishments severe, common people suffer. Man eating man, when has this been seen? Thieves become officials, officials become thieves, confusing the worthy, alas, how pitiful.”

“Better to witness these towers collapse, becoming rubble, fifty years of rise and fall, coldly observing the broken stele.”

Her brows and eyes were cold, her voice blood-drenched, lamenting as if telling a past tale. Then her eyes concealed murderous intent, her full hatred condensed but unresolved, all flying toward the seated Li Mei siblings.

Princess Wanyu had never played this piece in full for Fu Xiuyi. The remaining music was completed by Shen Miao, played on a broken zither with snapped strings in the Cold Palace. The first half was Princess Wanyu’s plea, the second half Shen Miao’s accusation. The melody echoed ceaselessly at night, but those people never heard.

Now here, you listen, listen to this tune—is there any hint of familiarity? Any trace of fear?

Xie Jingxing put down his cup, his gaze sharp as a blade.

Li Mei felt a chill. What did those lyrics have to do with her? Yet why did they seem directed at her, bringing a sense of unease to her heart?

As the song concluded, the lingering zither notes finally faded. Shen Miao abruptly stopped playing and looked up.

The hall remained silent for a long time.

Who now dared say the Rui Prince’s Consort was crude and ignorant of zither and chess? To play and sing until the entire hall fell silent was indeed a skill.

But why did it make everyone’s heart sink heavily, as if having heard a sad story, unable to feel joy anymore?

Shen Miao spoke gently, “This piece is not festive and shouldn’t have been played at a birthday celebration. But since Miss Ye wanted to hear it, I played it especially for her.” She looked at Li Mei, “Is Miss Ye satisfied?”

Everyone’s gaze suddenly fell on Li Mei.

Li Mei seemed uncomfortable. These words made it sound as if she had forced Shen Miao to play the zither and embarrass herself. However, she had to admit that Shen Miao was not crude. Playing the zither wasn’t difficult, but moving people’s hearts was. Her zither playing had moved everyone in the hall, and it would be dishonest to say it wasn’t good.

“The Princess Consort is truly as talented as rumored,” Li Mei smiled, “This ‘Blood Chant’ is admirable. However…” she seemed puzzled, “Why do the first and second halves of ‘Blood Chant’ have such different styles? The second half seems like a completely different composition.”

The second half was intense, resentful, desperate, like the final cry of a trapped beast, making one shudder.

Shen Miao moved her fingers slightly. Of course, the front and back were different—the front was Wanyu’s plaintive composition intended to move Fu Xiuyi, while the back was her accusation against this poisonous couple after losing her daughter and being imprisoned in the Cold Palace.

Shen Miao smiled, “The first half represents the young princess’s feelings about being forced into marriage, while the second half expresses the despair and anger of her mother, the Empress, at losing her daughter.”

“I see,” everyone nodded in understanding. Someone asked, “This piece truly moves the heart. Where did the Princess Consort get this story? It’s quite heartrending.”

“Just a tale from a passing storyteller,” Shen Miao smiled, “I just felt the story was too heavy and remembered it.”

“Oh?” A young lady couldn’t help asking, “Since it’s a story, what’s the ending? What happened to the princess who married for peace?”

Shen Miao said calmly, “In the end, the princess died on her journey to the marriage, and the Empress was banished to the Cold Palace. Soon after, she was given a white silk cord and perished.”

Others sighed, saying the story was too tragic.

Madam Ye, however, was displeased. Shen Miao’s performance had matched Li Mei’s. Li Mei was charming and danced passionately, but Shen Miao, simply sitting quietly and playing the zither, had captured everyone’s attention. She’d cleverly told a story, stealing Li Mei’s spotlight, making Li Mei’s ink dance seem less impressive.

People’s gazes toward Shen Miao subtly changed.

Women tend to be emotional. Shen Miao had told such a pitiful story, and her zither music had firmly gripped people’s hearts, making everyone feel closer to her.

Madam Ye said, “On such a joyous day, this has made everyone quite melancholy.”

Shen Miao also smiled, “I’ve spoiled everyone’s mood. That’s my fault.” She walked to the table, took a wine bowl used by the men, and poured herself a full bowl of the slightly yellow wine that reflected her young face.

“A bowl of wine to apologize,” she said, then drained it in one go.

Xie Jingxing’s gaze suddenly darkened, as if he wanted to stand up, but restrained himself.

Shen Miao lifted her chin. Having drunk the wine so quickly, some that hadn’t been swallowed flowed down her neck, dampening a small part of her collar—a rich, lovely, heartbreaking charm.

Her eyelashes were long, her gaze clear. Finished, she set the wine bowl on the table with both elegance and boldness, saying, “I drink to you all.”

This bowl of wine was well-drunk, igniting the spirit in the colleagues’ hearts. They all took their wine bowls and laughed, “The Princess Consort has a good capacity for wine. A toast to you—bottoms up!”

Shen Miao smiled slightly, a somewhat inscrutable smile. She glanced at the Li Mei siblings, who were staring at her, then looked outside.

This bowl of wine had ignited the entire Bijiao Tower. As the wine warmed their ears, Shen Miao stood up and said to the women, “I’m going out for some fresh air.”

She left directly.

Outside, Bajiao and Huixiang were waiting for her, walking toward a nearby pavilion. Shen Miao’s throat felt fiery; the fine wine was indeed potent, but she didn’t feel drunk, only that the corners of her eyes stung as if with hot tears.

That cup of wine was in honor of her little daughter, the princess who died tragically on her journey to marry for peace. Those who merely heard the story already felt it was extremely tragic—what about her? What about Wanyu? When alone on that journey with the peace-marriage entourage, wasn’t the despair like being trapped in a blazing fire with no escape?

She thought she could endure it, but in the end, she couldn’t. As a mother, she would rather die a thousand deaths than have Wanyu and Fu Ming suffer such pain.

She walked step by step, the moonlight thin as water, yet unable to dry the desolation in her heart.

Wine and food baskets had already been placed in the pavilion. Bajiao said, “Madam, the fireworks have also been purchased.”

Shen Miao acknowledged this.

She thought: say it all, say everything, and be free. No matter how Xie Jingxing would view her in the future, no matter what she would face, she could endure it. Nothing could be worse than her previous life. If she could endure all that—being misunderstood, estranged, looked at like a monster—what did it matter now?

As she was thinking, she heard a voice behind her: “Are you waiting for the Prince?”

Turning around, she saw it was Pei Lang.

Pei Lang glanced at the items on the pavilion table and smiled, “I didn’t expect you would do something like this.”

Shen Miao asked him, “Why did you come out?”

“I’m not used to such places,” Pei Lang said, “And I can’t drink alcohol, so I planned to leave early. Unexpectedly, I saw you preparing these things.” He asked, “Planning to reconcile with the Prince?”

Shen Miao nodded.

“I often wondered if there was anyone to whom you would yield. Now I know—it’s the Prince.” Pei Lang’s smile had a barely perceptible sadness, but when he looked at Shen Miao again, his expression was still light as clouds, “Though surprising, it’s also not unexpected.”

Shen Miao smiled slightly.

Meanwhile, in Bijiao Tower, Xie Jingxing glanced at Tieyi, about to leave his seat.

Ji Yushu tugged at his clothes, “Today you’re the birthday boy. What, planning to escape?”

“Let go,” Xie Jingxing glanced at him.

Ji Yushu obediently released him, “What are you going to do, being so mysterious?”

Gaoyang said, “Why do you care so much about his business?”

Xie Jingxing slightly turned his head, looking again at Li Mei, who was talking with Madam Ye, and darkened his gaze.

Shen Miao’s attitude toward these siblings was too strange, as if it had exceeded her rationality, becoming like another person. The Ye family siblings also didn’t seem simple. Although the Moyu Army couldn’t find anything suspicious, this very fact made him more doubtful.

He suddenly remembered the letter Tieyi had slipped into his sleeve.

The letter was from Shen Miao to him.

It didn’t mention an apology, but only said that during the birthday banquet, in a pavilion in a small alley not far from Bijiao Tower, she had something to tell him.

Sending everyone away—whether an apology or not—was a significant concession from Shen Miao. Xie Jingxing had been outwardly stern but inwardly soft toward Shen Miao, easily appeased, with his cold face merely an act. Now his heart was delighted.

He thought, three days without discipline, and they climb the roof—letting her cool down had indeed made her more sensible. But he couldn’t bear to see her upset; it was just that earlier in the hall, she had looked too alluring, and the admiring gazes from those men during her zither playing… it all made him rather uncomfortable.

In the pavilion, Pei Lang finished speaking with Shen Miao and was about to take his leave. Just as he stepped down from the pavilion, he collided with a child of about seven or eight. Caught off guard, Pei Lang fell. Bajiao and Huixiang were waiting for Xie Jingxing on the other side. Shen Miao thought this must be some official’s son from Bijiao Tower out playing at night. Seeing Pei Lang softly groaning, apparently having fallen hard, she decided to go check.

Just as she reached Pei Lang, she saw the child lying face down, his condition unknown, with Pei Lang calling to him. Shen Miao crouched down, about to speak, when the child suddenly raised his head, eyes flashing with murderous intent.

Shen Miao was caught unprepared as she saw a silvery blade thrust toward her face. It was too late to dodge, but Pei Lang suddenly embraced her and rolled over, shielding her beneath him.

Then came a pained grunt.

Yet he refused to let go, protecting Shen Miao tightly. The child didn’t care, kicking Pei Lang aside, turning the knife and stabbing toward Shen Miao.

A voice called from far away. The child’s hand wavered, and when he looked back at Shen Miao, she was like Pei Lang, with the blade in her abdomen.

Xie Jingxing was walking with Huixiang and Bajiao toward them.

Huixiang said, “Madam has been waiting for you for a while. She’s afraid you’re still angry, so she’s patiently waiting. When you see her, please be considerate.”

Xie Jingxing’s face was expressionless, but a hint of a smile flashed in his eyes.

Rounding the small alley, he saw the pavilion. Before even getting close, a heavy scent of blood assailed them.

Xie Jingxing’s footsteps halted.

Bajiao and Huixiang were also stunned.

The moonlight shone bright as a lantern, illuminating the ground. What should have been a scene of clear breeze and elegant interest, a boundless romantic landscape, now brought a chill from the depths of one’s heart.

Large patches of blood and familiar people.