“I see.”

Ye Ke cautiously glanced at Ye Mei, seeing that she didn’t have any particular reaction, he breathed a sigh of relief. Then he tentatively asked, “Sister, do you think it’s not good?”

“Not good?” Ye Mei looked at him in surprise, then smiled, “What’s not good about it? After entering the palace, one would enjoy a lifetime of wealth and honor, second only to one person but above ten thousand others. Do you think I’m so foolish that I would give up such readily available glory and wealth?” She continued, “I have always wanted to marry someone of high position, and the Emperor is the most noble person in the world. Being the Emperor’s woman is naturally not a bad thing.”

As she spoke, Ye Mei had once again resumed her former enchanting demeanor, looking as if she completely agreed with what Ye Ke had said. Seeing this, Ye Ke became excited and clapped his hands, laughing, “I told you! Father was worried you wouldn’t agree and specifically asked me to persuade you. I knew he was being redundant. For such a good opportunity, Sister would naturally accept. You’re not a fool—why would you refuse?”

In his relaxed state, he inadvertently revealed that he had been sent by Ye Mao Cai to convince Ye Mei. Ye Mei’s eyes flickered, and she smiled, “Father probably doesn’t understand me, but you’re my brother—don’t you understand me?”

“Sister, if you enter the palace and gain the Emperor’s favor, please don’t forget your brother,” Ye Ke said. “Father has already introduced me to official circles. With your help as my sister in the future, my path will only become smoother. Who knows, perhaps one day everyone in Longyi will have to obey us, brother and sister. We’ll have everything we want—how splendid! As for that so-called Empress, she’s just a decoration. Now, even the Jing Consort, who was carrying the imperial heir, is gone. If you enter the palace, who could be your match? You’ll surely have smooth sailing.”

Ye Mei also smiled, “Of course.”

Having received Ye Mei’s assurance, Ye Ke seemed very satisfied, as if he had finally resolved a lingering concern. After chatting a while longer, enthusiastically discussing with Ye Mei how his official career should progress, he left. Once Ye Ke had gone, Ye Mei’s face turned cold.

It wasn’t surprising that Ye Mao Cai had bought Ye Ke’s loyalty so quickly. Throughout his life, what Ye Ke had yearned for most was to wield power and command respect. Ye Mao Cai had painted an enticing picture, and Ye Ke was tempted enough to sacrifice his sister. Moreover, in Ye Ke’s eyes, entering the palace to become the Emperor’s woman was probably a blessing one couldn’t even pray for, yet he didn’t understand the step-by-step dangers involved. Emperor Yongle was too difficult to control, and a clear-headed Rui Prince was watching vigilantly on the side.

Ye Ke, like Ye Mei, was an extremely selfish person. When faced with his interests, brotherly affection meant little. Even if Ye Ke learned that becoming the Emperor’s woman wasn’t as wonderful as he thought, he wouldn’t change his mind, because his official career was more important.

But how could Ye Mei be willing to pave the way for Ye Ke?

After Ye Ke left, Ye Mei stood up and paced around the room for a few circles, showing her anxiety.

But she also understood that Ye Ke had now become her enemy in certain respects.

She thought for a long time, and finally, as if she had made a firm decision, she stood up and opened the chest in her room. Madam Ye had made several dozen sets of clothes for her when she returned, all in the latest fashions and of the finest materials. Ye Mei crouched down in front of the chest and began to carefully select among them.

Meanwhile, Shen Miao also learned the information that Mo Qing had gathered.

“Jin Xingming?” Shen Miao frowned and asked.

“Besides being a merchant’s son, there’s nothing particularly special about him,” Mo Qing said. “But he suddenly came from Qinzhou to Longyi, seemingly to handle several business matters, all long-term Jin family businesses. The way he’s handling them suggests the Jin family doesn’t plan to accept any business in the coming years.”

“Doesn’t plan to accept business?” Jingzhe couldn’t help but interject, “Then what will they eat?”

“It seems they’re preparing to leave,” Shen Miao pondered. “Is there any news that Jin Xingming has shown signs of departure recently?”

Mo Qing was taken aback and said, “Madam’s guess is correct. He has sold some items and converted them into silver notes, apparently preparing for a journey, with a large amount of silver.”

Shen Miao nodded in understanding, “Go investigate further. See if this Jin Xingming has been associated with anyone recently. Also, look at the clothes he’s prepared—where he’s going can usually be determined by his travel preparations. Short journey or long journey, northern lands or southern countries. If there’s anyone he’s been in close contact with, pay special attention. And don’t relax surveillance on the Ye siblings. If Jin Xingming and Ye Mei have private interactions, make sure to follow them.”

Mo Qing accepted the orders and left.

Jingzhe and Guyu were sewing clothes by the lamplight. Guyu asked, “Madam, what relationship could that Ye family miss have with a merchant’s son? Could it be that she favors that young master Jin so much that she doesn’t mind his merchant status and wants to be with him?”

Shen Miao smiled slightly and shook her head, “Do you know about vines?”

“I know about those!” Jingzhe quickly replied upon hearing this. “When I lived in the countryside, vines were all over the courtyard. Every spring, we had to pull them out one by one. If we didn’t, they would strangle the nearby trees to death.”

Shen Miao said, “Ye Mei is very much like those vines.” Ye Mei was like a vine with extreme vitality, ubiquitous, and most importantly, any man could become her “tree.” She relied on these trees to climb higher, absorbing sunshine and rain, growing continuously stronger, until she reached the highest one.

And in her growing process, those trees were entangled by her until they were drained of nutrients and eventually died.

Jingzhe and Guyu looked at each other in confusion. After a while, Jingzhe asked softly, “Is she really that formidable?”

“These vines may seem strong at first glance, but they have one fatal characteristic,” Shen Miao said. “Once her last ‘tree’ dies, with nothing else to provide her nourishment, she will also perish.”

“Whatever one relies on, when it’s finally taken away, that’s when one suffers the most,” she said.

Without a doubt, Ye Mei must want to get something from Jin Xingming. A merchant’s son who was settling his businesses and seemingly preparing to leave—evidently, Ye Mei wanted to use Jin Xingming as a vessel to escape the abyss of the Ye family.

However, how could Shen Miao let her have her way?

Ye Mei’s fate—this time, let Shen Miao decide it for her.

…

For several consecutive days, Xie Jingxing had not returned to the residence. Even Iron Robe was absent. When asked, Cong Yang knew nothing, but it seemed the guards in the residence were busier than usual.

Not long after, a sudden piece of news spread through the capital. Lu Zhengchun, the former Southern Commander, had rebelled with his troops, occupying Ruyang City and establishing it as his base. He was now officially opposing the imperial family.

This news shocked the citizens of Longyi. It was known that Lu Zhengchun already commanded a significant number of troops, and over the years, he had been secretly recruiting more soldiers and expanding his forces. Ruyang City was vast in terrain, and his occupation of it was somewhat unexpected. The Lu family indeed dared to challenge the imperial family.

The Shen family guards that Shen Miao had brought with her were somewhat surprised by this, but Shen Miao remained composed. As the ancients said, “first suppress, then elevate”—this was likely what Xie Jingxing and Emperor Yongle intended to do. First, give the Lu family a little taste of sweetness; Lu Zhengchun, being a military man, would naturally think the imperial court feared him, let down his guard, and become increasingly arrogant. This would allow the imperial family to better arrange their plans and catch the Lu family in one fell swoop.

Although she had extreme confidence in Xie Jingxing and didn’t believe the Lu family truly could contend with the Xie family, Shen Miao was concerned about something else. Although the Lu family was arrogant, they were only targeting the imperial court. In the eyes of the common people, the Lu family, like the Xie family before them, had made meritorious contributions to establishing the empire. Although they were now rebelling, the Lu family had their voice. With their red lips and white teeth, they could claim they were forced to rebel by the imperial family. They could even say that Emperor Xiaowu’s death was connected to Emperor Yongle, that Empress Dowager Jingxian had abused her power as an imperial relative, and that she had conspired with her son Emperor Yongle to kill Emperor Xiaowu and the other princes, making the imperial throne illegitimately obtained.

The world was in an uproar!

Certainly, when Emperor Xiaowu passed away, Empress Xiao had dealt with the remaining princes one by one with thunderous methods, naturally leaving no evidence. But in the eyes of those with ulterior motives, it still seemed strange. The common people felt the same way—although they had suspicions, they didn’t dare speak out. Later, when Empress Dowager Jingxian passed away and Emperor Yongle ascended the throne, under his governance, Da Liang became prosperous and flourishing, so the past matters were no longer mentioned.

But this didn’t mean that the common people had completely forgotten about it.

On the contrary, when the Lu family’s statement came out, after the initial shock, the people of Da Liang began to hesitate. A small portion of the populace truly believed the Lu family’s words, while the majority had doubts. However, if an emperor couldn’t win the hearts of his people, it would always plant seeds of future trouble. Just like Empress Xiao before, although she had indeed done a clean and decisive job, she had also created problems for Emperor Yongle now.

Even if Emperor Yongle used thunderous methods to silence the people and cut off rumors in the marketplace, there would still be silent criticisms. Would he have to use such suppressive measures for his entire life?

“The Lu family is truly shameless,” Jingzhe said. “They dare to smear His Majesty.”

Guyu sighed, “They’ve already rebelled—it’s either you die or I live. What’s a basin of dirty water compared to that?” She continued, “The Lu family is vicious, wanting mutual destruction by dragging the imperial family down with them. Even if they win, they might not win the hearts of the people afterward.”

Shen Miao frowned in thought for a moment, then said, “Bring paper and brush.” She walked directly to the table.

Jingzhe was surprised and asked, “Madam, are you writing a letter back to Ming Qi?”

Shen Miao shook her head, “I need a very large piece of paper, larger than the notices for prisoners at the city gate.”

Her brush moved like a flying dragon, demonstrating remarkable talent. Jingzhe and Guyu had seen Shen Miao write before, when sending family letters to Ming Qi or when exchanging messages with Pei Lang in the past. But at those times, Shen Miao had been calm, with nothing particularly notable about her writing. Today’s Shen Miao seemed different—she was solemn, as if writing something of tremendous weight, and also indignant, reminiscent of an old scholar debating against many in the Hanlin Academy. Towards the end, she wrote faster and faster, almost without thinking, fluently and with great vigor, completing it in one breath.

When she finished, she put down the brush and picked up the huge white paper with both hands, shaking it as if to dry it.

Jingzhe and Guyu both came over to look, and saw that the large white paper was covered with black characters. Shen Miao’s handwriting was typically soft and rounded, but the characters here had a hidden sharpness, like a sharp sword about to leap off the paper and pierce straight into one’s heart.

“What… is this?” The two maids couldn’t read, but they instinctively felt this was something very important.

“No one cares about the truth,” Shen Miao said, “but results matter.” She let the paper dry thoroughly, waiting until the ink was completely dry before telling Jingzhe, “Take this to the book shop, make three thousand copies, and have the guards from the residence post them everywhere under the cover of night.” Shen Miao said, “Quickly!”

Guyu and Jingzhe dared not delay. They acknowledged the order and carefully carried the paper filled with writing out the door.

Shen Miao watched their retreating figures and gently exhaled.

In worldly affairs, military power determines the universe, while literary power pacifies the realm. The universe had been determined, but the realm was not yet at peace. Since the Lu family wanted to cause trouble, it was better to turn defense into offense and boost their morale. The ways of literature and military are connected; if the Lu family could create chaos with words, they also had their cunning military strategies. The outcome was still undetermined—not only must the Lu family lose, but they must lose bitterly, gaining no advantage whatsoever.

That night, Xie Jingxing still did not return.

Shen Miao dressed and ate alone, keeping the Rui Prince’s residence in perfect order, occasionally gathering with noble ladies from Jingjing to subtly stabilize their emotions. Only when sleeping at night would she feel somewhat cold. After thinking about Xie Jingxing for a while, she covered herself with the quilt, closed her eyes, and fell asleep.

Early the next morning, as the sunlight of Longyi spread to every corner of the city, some sharp-eyed people discovered something like a white paper posted on their doors, densely covered with a long passage of text. One homeowner, a butcher who couldn’t read, happened to see Scholar Ma from next door passing by and said, “Scholar Ma, you’re a learned man. Please come and see what this is.”

Scholar Ma walked to the butcher’s door, saw the writing, and first exclaimed, “Such fine calligraphy!” Then he moved closer and read word by word: “A Declaration to Fellow Countrymen…”

In just a few short days, “A Declaration to Fellow Countrymen” became known throughout every street and alley, spreading even to other parts of Da Liang. The white papers were everywhere. Scholars mostly kept them close to their hearts, while many more people wanted to meet the person who had written it.

Young scholars in the Hanlin Academy were reading it together:

“In times past, when the dynasty was weak, there was still peace. Now in prosperity, shall there be chaos? With His Majesty present, granaries full, and weather favorable, today’s traitors doubt their ruler, rebel against their sovereign, betray reason, and overturn the way. Are they not ashamed? Are they not embarrassed? Are they not disloyal, unrighteous, and inhumane!”

Those reading and the crowd of students surrounding them all showed expressions of shame, and some were indignant. The document first mentioned the recent rebellion of the Lu family, strongly condemning them as traitors for committing such a treasonous act. Then it stated that the traitors had spread rumors which many people had believed, which was truly disheartening. During Emperor Yongle’s reign, the people of Da Liang had lived in peace and prosperity, with the nation wealthy and the people content, even surpassing Emperor Xiaowu’s reign. Yet the people did not consider the Emperor’s kindness and achievements, instead choosing to listen one-sidedly to a traitor’s absurd claims. Weren’t they ashamed? Weren’t they embarrassed? It also spoke of the current ways of literature and military in Da Liang, with talented people emerging in both fields. Those in the military should find ways to fight against treacherous officials and serve the monarch, while the literati should even more so clarify what is right rather than adding fuel to the fire.

This “Declaration to Fellow Countrymen” was brilliantly written with sharp language. Even setting aside its political views, it was a superior piece of writing. Moreover, everything it said was extremely reasonable, making people not only ashamed but also reflective. As for the Lu family’s rumors, weren’t they self-defeating?

Emperor Yongle was such a good emperor, so kind to his subjects, let alone his officials. Since the Lu family had rebelled, they surely were not loyal. How pitiful that they had almost been deceived by their provocation. It was truly shameful.

The scholars felt so ashamed that they wanted to meet the talented person who wrote this document, but unfortunately, they couldn’t find the author. As for those young military candidates, they were so inspired by the document that their hearts burned with patriotism, wishing only to join the forces suppressing the Lu family and personally cut off the traitors’ heads.

Thus, the once-rampant rumors about Emperor Yongle killing his father and usurping the throne were no longer mentioned.

Cong Yang, who had spent the night posting the notices, hadn’t expected so many people to respond, nor that the rumors would be resolved so easily. He admired Shen Miao immensely, saying, “Madam, your skill rivals those top scholars in the palace. I’ve never seen these scholars so enthusiastic about someone before. If they knew Madam’s identity, they would be utterly astonished.”

Shen Miao smiled and said, “The Lu family is now in Ruyang and can’t control matters in Longyi. At most, they can arrange some people to spread rumors among the common folk. But the people of Da Liang aren’t fools. Between two falsehoods—one baseless and one well-reasoned—which would you believe?”

Cong Yang seemed thoughtful.

“However, that’s also because the people’s hearts were already inclined toward the Emperor somewhat, so they could be easily won over. If the Lu family had won the hearts of the people and had an unshakable position among them, plus these rumors, even if I wrote ten such documents, it would be futile.”

Cong Yang scratched his head, “Regardless, Madam has made an excellent move. When the master returns, he will surely be pleased. And who would have thought that Madam, coming from a general’s household, would have such talent?”

Shen Miao neither confirmed nor denied.

Talent? “A Declaration to Fellow Countrymen” was merely a letter deceiving the world. People’s hearts need cultivation—if the Lu family wanted to, they could achieve the same. When Fu Xiuyi ascended the throne, there were naturally voices of doubt. But didn’t Pei Lang use a “Declaration to Fellow Countrymen” to turn black into white, washing Fu Xiuyi clean as a lotus emerging from water, making him the unparalleled wise ruler of Ming Qi?

Now she had used this same tactic against the Lu family—an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. The Lu family wanted to ruin the imperial family’s reputation through this, but that was now impossible.

At the same time, in a small town in Yongzhou in Da Liang, a man in blue robes was walking through the street with his hands behind his back. He passed by a school where the teacher, an old man over sixty, was nodding his head while reading: “In times past when the dynasty was weak, there was still peace. Now in prosperity, shall there be chaos? With His Majesty present, granaries full, and weather favorable, today’s traitors doubt their ruler, rebel against their sovereign, betray reason, and overturn the way. Are they not ashamed? Are they not embarrassed? Are they not disloyal, unrighteous, and inhumane!”

The blue-robed man paused and involuntarily looked in that direction. He saw the old man finish reading a section and then say, “This is the widely circulated ‘Declaration to Fellow Countrymen’ from Longyi. Old Master only has one copy of the print, so all of you must copy it once and submit it tomorrow.”

Pei Lang was stunned, then seemed to think of something and couldn’t help but laugh softly. After laughing for a while, his eyes dimmed again. He took another look at the nodding teacher in the school and then left.

In the Weiyang Palace, Xiande Empress was also holding a copy of the document, smiling as she read it word by word to Emperor Yongle. Emperor Yongle sat in a chair, his complexion somewhat pale, but his expression was unprecedentedly gentle.

“Jingxing has truly married a treasure,” Xiande Empress smiled. “We thought she was a female general from a military family, but she turns out to be a female scholar who can stir people’s hearts. Now all the academies in Longyi are secretly investigating who wrote this document, not knowing it was a woman.”

Emperor Yongle gently snorted and said, “Cunning as a fox.”

“She’s helping you,” Xiande Empress said dismissively. “Thanks to her, all those messy rumors outside have subsided. Isn’t that good?”

“I don’t care,” Emperor Yongle said.

Xiande Empress said, “You may not care, but you should consider Jingxing and the others.”

Emperor Yongle fell silent.

After a moment, Emperor Yongle called out, “Qingzhen.”

Xiande Empress responded with an “Mm,” then suddenly froze and turned to look at Emperor Yongle. Qingzhen was her maiden name, but she hadn’t heard anyone call her by that name for a very long time.

Emperor Yongle didn’t look at her but instead focused intently on the half-burned incense in the crane-beak holder on the table. He asked, “Do you regret it?”

Empress Qingzhen smiled, “Your subject has never regretted it.”

“After I die, follow Jingxing. If you meet a good person, remarry,” Emperor Yongle said. “Change your name, change your identity. You are good, and you will live well.”

Upon hearing this, tears welled up in Xiande Empress’s eyes. She forcibly held back those tears and looked at Emperor Yongle, “In Your Majesty’s eyes, am I so worthless?” She seemed to think of something and laughed self-mockingly, “Indeed, in Your Majesty’s eyes, I have never been important.” Having said this, she stood up and addressed Emperor Yongle, “Your subject understands. Your subject will do as Your Majesty wishes.” She then left first.

Maid Tao witnessed this and wanted to advise against it, but ultimately couldn’t bring herself to speak. Xiande Empress had a good temperament and seemed to have nothing worth getting angry about. In all the years of getting along with Emperor Yongle, she had never once been angry with him. Today was the first time she had shown anger toward Emperor Yongle.

Emperor Yongle watched the burning incense—half of it had turned to ash. The fragrance permeating the air would also dissipate one day.

Just like people’s memories and affections.

…

Ye Mei had been dressing up in her room for a long time.

She was already very beautiful. Since coming to the Ye family, with Madam Ye nourishing her with various tonics and soups, she should have become even more radiant. But for some reason, she didn’t seem as dazzling as when she first arrived. Perhaps there was already fatigue in her eyebrows and eyes.

Today, after selecting for a long time in her room, she finally chose a peach-pink thin silk dress with scattered peach blossom embroidery. She carefully dressed and made herself up, creating an appearance of flowing charm—a rare beauty.

As she walked out the door, she happened to meet Ye Ke, who looked at her in surprise and asked, “Sister, where are you going?”

“Going to Miss Sun’s residence for tea,” Ye Mei smiled.

Ye Ke didn’t suspect anything, especially since Ye family guards were accompanying her. Ye Mei left with the guards, put on her veil, and indeed went to Miss Sun’s residence. The Sun family didn’t hold a high position in Longyi, but they weren’t commoners either.

Ye Mei entered the Sun residence and was led to a small room. Upon entering, she immediately saw Jin Xingming, who had been waiting for a long time. Seeing Ye Mei, Jin Xingming’s eyes lit up with admiration, somewhat infatuated as he said, “Mei’er, you are becoming more and more beautiful.”

The more disgusted Ye Mei felt inside, the sweeter her smile became on the surface. She said pitifully, “Even leaving the house today was very difficult. I almost thought I wouldn’t be able to see Elder Brother Jin.”

“If not for my old acquaintance with Elder Brother Sun, who invited in his sister’s name, it would probably have been difficult to meet you,” Jin Xingming sighed.

Ye Mei smiled, “It’s all thanks to Elder Brother Jin’s abilities.”

Her sweet words and pretty face delighted Jin Xingming, making him ecstatic. Just as he was feeling happy, he suddenly heard Ye Mei say, “But when will Elder Brother Jin take me away from the Ye residence? I don’t want to stay there for a moment longer.”

Jin Xingming said, “Although that’s the case, we must plan carefully. After all, the Ye family is not an ordinary household; we must come up with a foolproof plan.”

Ye Mei laughed coldly in her heart. How could there be a foolproof plan in this world? This was just Jin Xingming’s excuse. It seemed he had probably investigated the Ye family privately, learned about Ye Mao Cai’s power, and had second thoughts.

She raised her face, looking pitiful, and said, “How long will this dragging on continue? I don’t ask for anything—I don’t want the Ye family’s glory and wealth. I just want to live happily with Elder Brother Jin…”

Few men could resist such sweet talk, especially when spoken by such a rare beauty. Her eyes were captivating, her words tender, every move seductive, like a silent invitation. Jin Xingming felt his throat go dry and watched as Ye Mei helplessly licked her lips.

He could no longer hold back and didn’t try to. He suddenly grabbed Ye Mei’s hand and impulsively said, “For Mei’er, I naturally fear nothing. But Mei’er is so beautiful—how can my heart be held in your palm?” He exerted more strength and pulled Ye Mei tightly into his arms, saying, “Mei’er, if you become mine, I will rescue you as soon as possible.”

Ye Mei almost felt like vomiting, but her hesitation lasted only a brief moment. Her mind rapidly calculated various matters, and in the next moment, her hands snaked around Jin Xingming’s neck like serpents. She breathed warmly into his ear, saying, “Alright.”