Things were good between Shen Miao and Xie Jingxing, causing everyone in Prince Rui’s mansion to breathe a sigh of relief.

A blessing in disguise was that not only had the couple reconciled, but they had also begun sleeping in the same room. This was beyond everyone’s expectations, especially Steward Tang, who was delighted and brewed tiger, deer, and bull penis soup for Xie Jingxing daily, leaving Shen Miao speechless whenever she saw it.

Xie Jingxing began investigating the Ye family’s affairs, though strangely, Ye Mei and her brother were indeed native to Da Liang and had previously lived in Qin Prefecture—facts that couldn’t be mistaken. Shen Miao wasn’t clear on why this was the case, eventually concluding that her rebirth had inadvertently changed many things. For instance, Fu Xiuyi’s fate, or the identity of Madam Mei and her brother.

But regardless of what changes had occurred, one thing remained constant: Ye Mei was her enemy in her previous life, and now she had entered the “Ye” family. Their position as mortal enemies hadn’t changed at all.

Pei Lang’s injuries gradually improved. Shen Miao visited him once but didn’t enter his room, merely glancing from afar. Seeing that he could get up and take medicine by himself, she left. Her feelings toward Pei Lang were very complicated. Pei Lang likely knew nothing of her previous life, but since she remembered the past, she couldn’t face him with a peaceful mindset.

She could only maintain this distance.

Xie Jingxing was quite satisfied with this, saying she had become much more sensible than before. He took the opportunity to “reward” her properly, as if making up for all the unconsummated nights in their marriage. This left Shen Miao listless for several days, as if her essence had been drained by a male ghost.

The situation in Long Yi appeared stable, but the underlying conflicts were beyond what outsiders could imagine. After the royal hunt, Emperor Yongle began closing the net he had set for the Lu family. The Lu family was busy dealing with the royal family, and Xie Jingxing had become much busier as well.

Shen Miao naturally wasn’t relaxed either, as news had arrived from Ming Qi.

Family letters from Luo Xuenian had arrived.

There were two letters. One was from Luo Xuenian, saying they were all well and reminding Shen Miao not to swallow her grievances if she encountered any difficulties in Long Yi, but to write back and let them know. She also carefully instructed Shen Miao to treat Xie Jingxing with mutual respect, support, and understanding. Finally, she inquired about Shen Miao’s situation.

The other letter was from Shen Qiu.

Shen Qiu’s letter was quite different from Luo Xuenian’s. When Shen Miao was getting married, she had spoken to Shen Qiu about certain matters. Though not entirely clear, she had hinted that he should be wary of the Ming Qi royal family. The Ming Qi royal house was a cesspool of filth, and the Shen family needed to distance themselves from it by any means necessary, or else they would be dragged down into the mire together. If necessary, even at the cost of the Shen family’s reputation, preserving their lives should be the priority.

In this letter, Shen Qiu discussed the situation in Ming Qi.

By now, Shen Miao had been away from the capital of Jing for more than half a year. The situation in Jing had already been volatile, with changes occurring daily, let alone after half a year. Nevertheless, these changes had come somewhat unexpectedly.

Emperor Wenhui was gravely ill.

It started with a cough, then his condition worsened. Now he couldn’t even attend court. On the rare occasions when he did, he lacked energy and would dismiss the court after hearing just a few matters. Somehow, rumors had spread in the palace that Emperor Wenhui’s life was fading, and he wouldn’t survive the year.

Seeing these words, Shen Miao just laughed. Could Emperor Wenhui only live for another year? Shen Miao didn’t believe it. After all, in her previous life, Emperor Wenhui hadn’t died so early. Of course, whether there were suspicious circumstances surrounding Emperor Wenhui’s eventual death was hard to say. The Ming Qi royal family was inherently complex, and the princes weren’t as straightforward as those in Long Yi. For one person to ascend the throne, many would have to be sacrificed. The death of an emperor meant little in comparison.

Shen Qiu mentioned in his letter that despite Emperor Wenhui’s illness, he had inexplicably turned against his once-favored Consort Xu. Consort Xu had been demoted to a mere talent, and the entire Xu family had suffered the emperor’s wrath, affecting both Prince Zhou and Prince Jing. These brothers could no longer manage court affairs. Shen Qiu didn’t know the specifics, but in short, Consort Xu, Prince Zhou, and Prince Jing had all fallen out of favor. Prince Zhou and Prince Jing seemed to be at a disadvantage in the succession struggle.

Meanwhile, Prince Li’s faction had unprecedentedly begun to ally with Prince Ding.

Prince Li’s faction was also a powerful contender for succession. Prince Ding Fu Xiuyi had never had any connection with them, yet now they were friendly. It seemed suspicious. Even more puzzling was that the original Prince Li now seemed to show deference to Prince Ding.

At this point in the letter, Shen Qiu’s handwriting became somewhat sloppy, indicating his unease.

In conclusion, he summarized that among the princes in the capital, the most prominent now was the once indifferent Ninth Prince, Fu Xiuyi. Fu Xiuyi’s mother, Consort Dong, had also become Emperor Wenhui’s closest companion.

When an emperor was gravely ill, his favored ones became his most intimate confidants. Some speculated that given these trends, the Crown Prince’s position was likely lost, and Emperor Wenhui might very well pass the throne to Prince Ding, Fu Xiuyi.

As a result, a wave of officials had shifted their allegiance to Fu Xiuyi. Whether due to inherent factors or external pressures, Fu Xiuyi seemed destined to become Ming Qi’s future sovereign.

And Fu Xiuyi had gradually begun targeting the Shen family.

The Shen family’s military authority had already been reclaimed by Emperor Wenhui, but Fu Xiuyi was offering Shen Xin new powers, allowing him and his son to lead a brand new army. It was a trap. Fu Xiuyi was openly digging a pit for the Shen family to fall into. If they didn’t perform well, they would be caught in Fu Xiuyi’s snare.

Shen Qiu wrote that the Shen family was temporarily declining military authority under the pretext of Shen Xin’s illness. However, they didn’t know how long this excuse would last, as Fu Xiuyi, having set his sights on the Shen family, would surely employ more than just this one tactic. Fortunately, the Shen family wasn’t entirely without help. Fu Xiuyi was also targeting the Feng family—Feng An’ning’s household. The Feng and Shen families were planning to join forces and unite with other officials in Ming Qi. This should be enough for self-preservation.

Nevertheless, the letter conveyed a sense of bewilderment, lamenting that the loyal Shen family, which had served for generations, now found itself in a position of confrontation and mutual suspicion with the royal family—a truly lamentable situation.

After reading the letter, Shen Miao folded it and put it away, feeling worried. Xie Jingxing, who had been reading it with her, noticed her concerned expression and asked, “Are you worried?”

“Fu Xiuyi has begun to target the Shen family,” Shen Miao said gravely. “His rise to power has been too swift. In less than a year, there’s temporarily no one in Jing who can rival him. Prince Zhou and Prince Jing, who were once so arrogant, have now fallen along with Consort Xu. Even Prince Li has been subdued by him.” Shen Miao added, “His methods are extraordinary.” Although she had known that Fu Xiuyi had become the emperor of Ming Qi in her previous life, in this life, even without the Shen family’s support and starting at a disadvantage, he had still managed to turn the tide. This made Shen Miao feel that her arrangements for the Shen family had been somewhat hasty; perhaps she had underestimated her enemy.

“It’s not surprising,” Xie Jingxing smiled. “For the succession battle, he began preparing many years ago. Although Prince Zhou and Prince Jing had advantages, they started later than him. As for Prince Li, without maternal family support, he can’t even be compared.”

“But why is he still targeting the Shen family?” Shen Miao frowned. “Logically, since the Shen family has lost its military power, they pose no threat to him, like the current Marquis of Lin’an’s household. He wouldn’t bother targeting the Marquis of Lin’an, yet he remains fixated on the Shen family…” Fu Xiuyi wouldn’t waste time on meaningless matters. His pressure on the Shen family now seemed superfluous. Why bother?

After pondering for a moment, Xie Jingxing said, “Perhaps it’s because of you?”

“Me?” Shen Miao looked at him.

“You married into Da Liang. Fu Xiuyi previously suspected our relationship and wondered if Da Liang was the Shen family’s backup. After returning to Long Yi, I had people monitor Fu Xiuyi’s movements and discovered he was investigating everything about me from the Marquis of Lin’an’s household. He may have learned my identity. He might misunderstand the relationship between the Shen family and me, thinking the Shen family has defected to Da Liang or has other plans.” He paused, then added, “Fu Xiuyi is ruthless and suspicious by nature. Once he senses something amiss, he will surely nip it in the bud. If the Shen family causes him even the slightest unease, he will spare no effort to eliminate them.”

“That I understand,” Shen Miao’s eyes grew cold. Even in her previous life, in the end, hadn’t Fu Xiuyi, for the sake of the Shen family’s military power, dealt with the main branch cleanly and thoroughly?

“But you needn’t worry,” Xie Jingxing pinched her face. “I’ve arranged people in Jing. Regardless, I can protect your family’s safety.”

“You already arranged people?” Shen Miao asked. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

Xie Jingxing replied, “Do I need to seek credit for such things? They’re my family too. How could I let them stay in Jing without proper arrangements?”

Hearing Xie Jingxing say “they’re my family too,” Shen Miao’s heart sweetened like honey, and her eyes reflected her smile. She said, “Come to think of it, I didn’t expect the Feng family to ally with my elder brother.” Previously, to help Feng An’ning avoid repeating her previous life’s tragedy, she had specifically instructed Shen Qiu to look after the Feng family, not knowing when they had developed such a relationship. But judging from this, Feng An’ning probably wouldn’t marry that cousin of hers who was all appearances and no substance, as she had in her previous life.

“However, there’s one matter I was about to tell you,” Xie Jingxing suddenly became serious. “Fu Xiuyi and the emperor of Qin have been secretly communicating.”

Shen Miao was startled and asked, “Is he seeking military assistance?” Mentioning this reminded her of her time as a hostage in Qin for five years. Fu Xiuyi was currently unmarried—could he be seeking another hostage?

“They might have reached some private agreement, most likely involving territorial concessions,” Xie Jingxing said.

Shen Miao frowned. “Is it to help him in the succession? But using a foreign country’s strength for succession would lead to many entanglements later. Fu Xiuyi shouldn’t resort to this.”

Xie Jingxing lowered his gaze and said, “It’s to deal with Da Liang.”

Shen Miao looked at him. “They want to target Da Liang? They must be mad.” Although Ming Qi and Qin combined had grown stronger than before, Da Liang’s national strength was evident to all. At best, it would be a mutually destructive situation. After coexisting peacefully for so many years, why would they actively provoke conflict?

“A personality that can’t tolerate a thorn in his eye,” Xie Jingxing laughed. “Moreover, Long Yi is currently somewhat chaotic due to the Lu and Ye families. They see an opportunity and won’t let it pass.”

Shen Miao thought carefully about Xie Jingxing’s words and said, “You’re right. Such a day was bound to come sooner or later.” However, going to war now might not be advantageous for Da Liang.

“Don’t worry,” Xie Jingxing rubbed her head. “Leave these matters to me.”

“I am the Princess of Prince Rui’s mansion, you know,” Shen Miao glared at him, quite dissatisfied with his words.

Xie Jingxing looked at her complacently. “Oh, from Empress to Princess, don’t you find that a downgrade?”

“What’s the point of discussing this now when the deed is already done?” Shen Miao snorted.

Xie Jingxing was about to speak when Hui Xiang knocked on the door, indicating she wished to enter. Hui Xiang looked at Shen Miao, then at Xie Jingxing, her eyes revealing hesitation.

“Do you have something to tell me?” Shen Miao looked at her with puzzlement. “If you do, just say it.” She didn’t mind Xie Jingxing’s presence.

Hui Xiang said, “Master Pei said he wanted to go out for a walk at noon today. We thought, since Master Gao mentioned that walking outside would help his recovery as long as he didn’t go far, it would be fine. Master Pei wanted to be alone, so we didn’t think much of it. Usually, he just walks around the entrance for a while and then returns. Today, however, it’s dark, and he still hasn’t come back.”

Shen Miao frowned. “Has something happened?” Pei Lang had no martial arts skills. If he encountered any danger on the road, he would have no means of self-defense.

“We thought so too,” Hui Xiang said. “But Ba Jiao found this on the table in Master Pei’s room.” She pulled out what looked like a letter from her sleeve and handed it to Shen Miao, adding, “Some of Master Pei’s clothes and valuables are missing from the room. If we’re not mistaken, Master Pei has probably left.”

Shen Miao paused just as she was about to open the letter.

Xie Jingxing’s expression also changed slightly.

“Did he say anything before leaving?” Shen Miao asked Hui Xiang.

“Nothing at all. He was just like usual, even commenting on the good weather today,” Hui Xiang replied.

Shen Miao seemed stunned. Xie Jingxing said, “Let’s see what the letter says.” He was about to get up and leave, but Shen Miao grabbed his sleeve.

Xie Jingxing turned back, and Shen Miao said, “Let’s read it together.”

He paused, thought for a moment, then sat down again, though a smile rose at the corner of his lips.

Opening the letter, the first thing they saw was Pei Lang’s handwriting. His writing was as elegant as the man himself, with a sense of scholarly charm. It was hard to imagine that such a refined and unworldly person had, in his previous life, been entangled in power struggles.

The letter began by saying that during his long stay at Prince Rui’s mansion, he had caused much trouble and thanked the couple for their hospitality. He also hoped that Shen Miao would keep her promise to take care of Liu Ying for the rest of her life.

Pei Lang wrote that although he had followed Shen Miao to Long Yi, it was a temporary measure, a necessity due to Fu Xiuyi. But staying at Prince Rui’s mansion had many inconveniences. He had his plans and intended to travel and broaden his horizons while he still could, which was why he had left without saying goodbye.

Given their previous teacher-student relationship and subsequent friendship, and his time at Prince Ding’s mansion, where he had learned some of Prince Ding’s affairs, he knew Shen Miao had always been wary of Prince Ding. Therefore, he had compiled some information for Shen Miao, hoping it would be useful to her in the future.

After delivering this letter to Shen Miao, their relationship would be considered settled. Neither would owe the other anything. Pei Lang wrote that he didn’t know if they would have the chance to meet again in this life, so he could only wish her well.

Pei Lang’s letter was extremely simple, with nothing particularly special about it. Whether intentional or not, to distance himself from Shen Miao, his words conveyed detachment and politeness, as if returning to the initial relationship between a teacher at Guangwen Hall and his student.

The other sheet of paper in the letter detailed Fu Xiuyi’s affairs densely. It included information about his confidants, some of his schemes, future steps, people he planned to recruit, and people he intended to bring down.

Xie Jingxing had been casually scanning the paper alongside Shen Miao, but as he read further, his expression grew somber.

The letter meticulously documented everything about Fu Xiuyi, making him seem as if he had no secrets left, everything exposed. With this information, dealing with Fu Xiuyi would be like grabbing a snake by its vital spot—every step would be crucial.

Xie Jingxing said, “How could he know so much?”

Even if Pei Lang had been Fu Xiuyi’s spy, even if Fu Xiuyi had trusted him, he couldn’t have trusted him to this extent. Yet here, Pei Lang had written out each of Fu Xiuyi’s deepest hidden chess pieces planted in various places. It was as if he were a trusted confidant who had followed his master for many years, knowing his affairs inside out, to be so detailed.

Shen Miao’s fingertips trembled slightly.

Some of these matters would only happen years later. Even now, Fu Xiuyi didn’t know some of these people. How could Pei Lang know them?

Unless Pei Lang also had memories of his previous life, he already knew Fu Xiuyi’s “future” confidants and chess pieces, his “future” schemes.

When had Pei Lang realized this? Before, he clearly hadn’t understood anything.

Could it be… Shen Miao’s heart stirred. She had dreamed of her previous life after being attacked on Xie Jingxing’s birthday. Could it be the same for Pei Lang?

She looked at Hui Xiang. “Has Master Pei behaved differently these days?”

“Differently?” Hui Xiang thought carefully. “There doesn’t seem to be anything different, except he often sits lost in thought, thinking about who knows what. But Master Pei has always been quiet, so it’s probably just how he is during his recovery period.”

Shen Miao couldn’t decide, wanting very much to ask Pei Lang if he knew about his previous life. Pei Lang had been by Fu Xiuyi’s side the longest and naturally understood him the deepest. But just as she was about to speak, she stopped.

So what if he did? If Pei Lang truly remembered his previous life, just as Shen Miao couldn’t face Pei Lang, Pei Lang certainly couldn’t face her either.

The two of them weren’t destined enemies, nor were they heart-to-heart companions. There had been blood debts, which had been repaid in person. In the deep palace, they had both been pawns of circumstance, but they had indeed committed wrongs. It couldn’t be treated as if nothing had happened, nor could it be clearly explained.

Seeing her indecisive expression, Xie Jingxing asked, “Do you need me to have him brought back?”

Shen Miao came to her senses and said, “No need. If he wants to live his own life, let him go.” Perhaps it was better not to meet than to meet awkwardly. Pei Lang leaving like this was actually for the best. She gripped the paper, her eyes flashing with coldness.

Seeing this, Xie Jingxing said, “What’s written here…”

“It’s true,” Shen Miao said. “We should give this to my elder brother. Since we’re not in Jing, it’s not convenient for us to act on it. Give it to my brother and father; they’ll know what to do. With this, the Shen family at least has another trump card.” But then she hesitated. “However, this information is valuable. If it’s intercepted on the way to Ming Qi…”

“Let the Black Feather Army deliver it,” Xie Jingxing said casually. “The Black Feather Army has been delivering messages for years without ever being intercepted.”

Shen Miao felt somewhat relieved, but before she could speak, Xie Jingxing took Pei Lang’s letter from her hand. He carelessly tossed the letter aside and said, “It’s late, let’s rest.”

“How is it late?” Shen Miao asked with surprise. “It’s just gotten dark.” She added, “Although we don’t need to find Master Pei, we should at least ensure his safety. He was inexplicably stabbed that day. If he’s targeted again…”

Before she could finish, she was swept up by Xie Jingxing, who threw her onto the bed and pressed close, ominously saying, “Try caring about Pei Lang again, I dare you.”

Shen Miao: “…”

…

In the palace.

In the Imperial Garden, the summer lotus flowers were blooming beautifully. The green lotus leaves almost covered the entire pond.

Empress Xian De sat in a pavilion. Today, although there was no moon, there were stars. A cool breeze blew, rippling the water—a pleasant scene. She had also ordered flower tea to be brewed. A small cup in summer was most soothing.

Maid Tao stood behind her and smiled. “The lotus flowers are blooming well this year.”

Empress Xian De glanced at them and smiled. “Last year, I had the seeds changed. Indeed, they are much more abundant this year.” She added, “It’s also cool in the summer.”

As they were speaking, they saw someone approaching from a distance. Noticing Empress Xian De and her attendants, the person paused slightly, then turned and walked toward the pavilion.

As they came closer, it became clear that this person was none other than Consort Jing.

Compared to her usual arrogant, lavishly dressed self, today’s Consort Jing looked much more disheveled. Or rather, not just today, recently, Consort Jing’s condition hadn’t been good. She seemed to have no interest in attending to her appearance, and her once beautiful face showed signs of fatigue.

However, upon seeing Empress Xian De, this fatigue immediately transformed into hatred.

She said, “I saw someone here from afar and wondered who was in such good spirits. It turns out to be Her Majesty the Empress.”

Empress Xian De smiled noncommittally and said, “I’m here drinking tea. Would Consort Jing like a cup?”

Consort Jing looked at her with a cold smile and said, “Sister has the mood to drink tea, but this sister doesn’t.”

Emperor Yongle had begun suppressing the Lu family. Although the women in the harem might not understand court politics, they could observe the emperor’s attitude. When a previously favored consort reached the point where her tearful pleas couldn’t affect the emperor’s expression in the slightest, the implications were profound.

“Whether Consort Jing is in the mood or not is beyond my control,” Empress Xian De smiled, unhurriedly continuing to pour tea. “The tea is here regardless.”

Consort Jing trembled with anger.

Lady Lu had visited her in the palace, saying that Emperor Yongle had moved against the Lu family without showing any mercy. She had also said that since Consort Jing had won the emperor’s favor, why couldn’t she influence him or at least try to plead their case if necessary.

But Consort Jing had tried, to no avail. In fact, for many years, Emperor Yongle had indeed shown her great favor. Even in the harem, Empress Xian De had to show her some courtesy. No matter how arrogant she was, she always ended up safe and sound. But she had never been able to change Emperor Yongle’s mind.

Sometimes she felt that Emperor Yongle saw through everything, aware of her deliberate flattery. Sometimes Consort Jing even felt somewhat ashamed, but at other times, she believed that Emperor Yongle truly favored her. Now that the Lu family was in trouble and needed her help as their daughter, Consort Jing had approached Emperor Yongle, only to find his attitude cold.

Consort Jing had lived a smooth life, never experiencing hardship. When she entered the palace, she had easily risen to the position of consort thanks to the Lu family’s background. Now that the Lu family was in trouble and she was suffering along with them, she realized that over all these years, apart from making trouble and creating enemies in the palace, she had accomplished nothing.

Looking at Empress Xian De, whom she had always looked down upon, sitting leisurely in the pavilion drinking tea, Consort Jing was filled with resentment.

She thought, Emperor Yongle didn’t love Empress Xian De, yet Empress Xian De could still receive everyone’s respect because of her title as empress. It was so unfair. If Empress Xian De weren’t in the way, and she became empress, Emperor Yongle wouldn’t dare slight the Lu family, and she wouldn’t be so troubled now.

A venomous thought grew in Consort Jing’s heart.

She happened to see Empress Xian De sitting in the pavilion. The side of the pavilion facing the lake had steps for convenient fish feeding, which was quite elegant but somewhat dangerous.

Consort Jing casually moved a few steps closer to Empress Xian De and said, “Sister has been brewing tea for so many years, so naturally knows the principles of tea brewing. But this sister doesn’t like drinking tea. Tea is bitter and unpleasant to drink—what’s the point of brewing it?” As soon as she finished speaking, she cried out “Oh!” as if she had twisted her ankle, and moved to lean against Empress Xian De. The Empress was sitting on the side facing the water. With this push, she would naturally be knocked into the water!

Empress Xian De was no fool. Consort Jing might be dull-witted, but Empress Xian De wasn’t. These little tricks didn’t concern her; she had been on guard. Seeing Consort Jing approach, she immediately stepped back, avoiding her perfectly.

There was a “splash” as water sprayed up.

Consort Jing’s palace maid screamed “Ah!” in alarm.