Two days after Madam Mei and her brother escaped, Emperor Yongle executed the entire Ye family on charges of colluding with Lu Zhengchun and participating in treason. Dealing with the Ye family was easier than handling the Lu family; the Lu family had been the Ye family’s support, and with the Lu family gone, the Ye family couldn’t stir up much trouble. Even though Ye Maocai had many connections and followers during his lifetime, under Emperor Yongle’s iron-handed approach, everyone could see clearly and developed fear, no longer daring to be as unrestrained as before.

Ye Maocai’s crimes were personally determined by Emperor Yongle, and he was beheaded at Wumen Gate. To be fair, Ye Maocai was not wronged. Shen Miao had sorted through the items exchanged from Madam Mei and handed over those related to the royal family to Empress Xianhe. To restrain the royal family, Ye Maocai had secretly maneuvered quite a bit behind the scenes. These materials instead became important evidence for condemning the Ye family.

The beheading at Wumen Gate was a significant show of authority by the royal family.

Meanwhile, the Moyu Army soldiers following Madam Mei and Jin Xingming regularly sent back information. Their escape had been quite successful. Most people believed that the newly recognized siblings of the Ye family had died at the cliff, having unclear vision during their nighttime escape and falling off the precipice in panic, leaving no intact bodies. Although Da Liang officials continued searching, they indeed found no trace of the two.

Outsiders said that none of the Ye family survived, except for one person—Ye Hongguang. Shen Miao had Mo Qing handle the matter, but Ye Hongguang still hadn’t awakened. Gao Yang said whether he could wake up depended entirely on Ye Hongguang himself; he might remain asleep for his entire life.

As for Xie Jingxing, he returned on a rainy night.

Autumn rain brings coolness. Shen Miao was reading by lamplight as raindrops made soft sounds against the windows. The weather had gradually turned cool. The tea on the table quickly grew cold.

The door creaked open, and the cold wind and rain from outside entered. Shen Miao turned around as Xie Jingxing closed the door and walked in. His clothes were somewhat dampened by the light rain. After removing his outer garment, seeing Shen Miao staring at him blankly, he couldn’t help but curl his lips and walk to her side, pinching her face. “Not good, my wife has become foolish.”

Shen Miao pushed his hand away. “Why have you only returned now? Without even sending a word?”

Xie Jingxing had been gone for many days without sending any message. Even Shen Miao, with her good temperament, was somewhat irritated. He should at least have reported that he was safe. No one in the household knew his whereabouts, which was truly troublesome.

Xie Jingxing coaxed her: “I was afraid that if I talked to you, I wouldn’t be able to resist coming back, but I couldn’t delay the matters my Imperial Brother assigned. I had no choice.” He put his arm around Shen Miao’s shoulders with a half-smile. “Had I known my wife missed me so much, I should have returned earlier.”

“You might as well not come back at all,” Shen Miao said, her anger not yet subsided.

Xie Jingxing thought for a moment, then put on a righteously solemn appearance and said, “How about this—to make it up to you, today I’ll be at your disposal, without resistance.”

Shen Miao couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re sick.”

Seeing her laugh, Xie Jingxing said, “You’re appeased. But since I’ve returned, I’ve heard something—you let Madam Mei escape?”

“I didn’t let her escape,” Shen Miao said. “She was heading to Ming Qi and stole secrets about Da Liang that Ye Maocai had collected. She probably intended to use them to seek patronage from Ming Qi’s nobles. I replaced her materials and even sent some military defense maps and the like, which should be more useful. Who knows, with these, she might even become an empress.”

Xie Jingxing was slightly startled, then understood her meaning. His eyes blinked. “My wife’s move is so venomous!”

Madam Mei would happily take these “precious” items to find Ming Qi’s nobles. With important things like military defense maps, the nobles, if not fools, would use their connections to present these to Fu Xiuyi in exchange for merit under heaven. But who would know that these defense maps were drawn by Shen Miao? If Fu Xiuyi followed them, he might not even know how he died.

Shen Miao raised an eyebrow. “I am indeed a poisonous woman with a viper’s heart. So what?”

“Very good,” Xie Jingxing said leisurely. “I like poisonous women.”

“Those things I gave to Madam Mei, I later made an identical copy for myself,” Shen Miao said. “I’ll give them to you later. Ming Qi and Da Liang will inevitably go to war. When that happens, with these things, you’ll at least know what Ming Qi is planning, making your work more efficient.” After thinking, she added, “It’s best to give Fu Xiuyi some sweet success at the beginning, letting him believe those things are real. After testing their authenticity, he will surely increase manpower according to the arrangements therein. By then, using his tactics against him will be even more cost-effective.”

Xie Jingxing smiled and said, “You’ve calculated quite formidably.”

“When will you leave?” Shen Miao asked.

After a moment of silence, Xie Jingxing said, “You know?”

“Did you think you could hide it for long?” Shen Miao sighed. Seeing Xie Jingxing say nothing, she instead smiled and said, “Here.” She poured a cup of tea and handed it to him. “Let this tea substitute for wine, wishing you success in advance.”

Xie Jingxing paused momentarily, then accepted the tea, looking at Shen Miao.

“If you win, remember to grant me a wish when you return,” she said.

“What wish do you want?” Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow, his eyes also full of deep laughter.

Shen Miao thought for a moment. “I’ll keep it pending. I haven’t decided yet. I’ll tell you when I do.”

“Alright,” Xie Jingxing snapped his fingers. “I also have a wish that you must fulfill now.”

“What is it?”

He lifted Shen Miao onto his shoulder and walked toward the back. “Accompany me for a bath.”

Shen Miao: “…”

……

Many flowers in Weiyang Palace had withered.

The flowers that were dense in spring and lush in summer had withered petal by petal in autumn, looking particularly desolate. However, the palace maids had brought in some chrysanthemums—large purple, white, and yellow blooms that showed early signs of blossoming, seeming to melt away some of the coldness.

But autumn is inherently a season of desolation; how could a few pots of flowers change that?

The autumn rain sprinkled in finely, some drifting into the room. Madam Tao closed the windows, stirred the small brazier a couple of times, then quietly withdrew.

Emperor Yongle was half-reclining on the couch.

He was quite handsome, but he usually wore a cold expression without much emotion, so his handsomeness was often overlooked. People saw the emperor’s cold detachment from humanity, his deep scheming abilities. Without the identity of Emperor Yongle, who Xie Chi truly was, nobody knew.

Perhaps there were two exceptions. One was Prince Rui, Xie Yuan; Empress Xianhe also counted as one. The former Empress Dowager Jingxian might have been included, but she had passed away, so mentioning her now was useless.

Empress Xiande was brewing flower tea.

Collected flower petals, last year’s first snow buried under trees, a spoonful of honey, slowly simmering over a small fire—the sweet fragrance gradually emanated from the small pot. Paired with a stack of freshly baked osmanthus pastries from the imperial kitchen, hot and sweet, warming the heart.

Empress Xianhe selected a cup of tea and handed it to Emperor Yongle.

“Last year, this concubine picked the first snow with Qiushui,” Empress Xianhe took a sip herself and smiled. “It’s very sweet. This year, when winter comes and it snows, this concubine will collect more. If Your Majesty likes it, you can come along to see.”

Emperor Yongle looked at her, was silent for a moment, and then said, “If I’m still here this winter, I’ll accompany you.”

Empress Xianhe’s hand trembled, and a large drop of tea spilled onto the back of her hand, causing her to hiss in pain.

Seeing this, Emperor Yongle reached for a handkerchief, took her hand, and, while wiping, reproached her: “How can you be so careless?”

The water had not been wiped dry; instead, it seemed to increase.

Empress Xianhe was crying.

Her tears also fell on the back of her hand, warm, almost seeming hotter than the scalding tea. She said, “Why must Your Majesty say such heart-piercing words to make this concubine sad?”

Emperor Yongle’s movements paused as he looked at her. “Qingzhen…”

“Since entering the palace, this concubine has been quite sensible in the position of Empress. What I should know and shouldn’t know, I’ve been very clear about. Whatever Your Majesty does, this concubine has never had a word of complaint. But even at this stage, must Your Majesty treat me this way?” The words she spoke were accusatory, but her tone was very calm, as if, despite all her grievances, she couldn’t get angry with Emperor Yongle. She said, “Your Majesty disdains to comfort me, insisting that I remain clear-headed until the final moment, but doesn’t Your Majesty know how painful clarity is?”

Emperor Yongle was silent for a long time.

After a very long time, he picked up the handkerchief again and wiped the tears on the back of Empress Xianhe’s hand. “Qingzhen, apart from my mother, you are the only woman I’ve wronged in this life. You are the only one who can stand by my side.”

“The taste of clarity, I understand very well. I have no choice.”

Empress Xianhe stared at the flower tea in her cup and asked, “Has Your Majesty already decided?”

“I have decided. Mother once said that heroes emerge throughout the world. I couldn’t be a hero, but in my lifetime, being able to sustain Da Liang as it is now, finishing off the Lu and Ye families, I am content. The rest of the path must be walked by Xie Yuan. For what follows, I cannot manage, but” he paused before continuing, “I still hope, as Mother said, that Da Liang will flourish, have a good name throughout the world, and that the imperial throne will continue for a hundred generations.”

“Qingzhen,” Emperor Yongle sighed, “I don’t know when I will fall, nor when I will wake again. If that day comes, the matters I’ve entrusted to you, you must complete. After that, go live the life you want to live. Whether clear-headed or confused, as long as you’re happy.”

Empress Xianhe lowered her head, repeatedly tracing the edge of the teacup with her fingers. After a long while, she looked up at Emperor Yongle, a faint smile appearing on her face. “Does Your Majesty remember when we first met, when this concubine brewed flower tea for Your Majesty?”

At that time, Empress Xianhe’s mother had brought her to the palace to meet Empress Dowager Jingxian, who was selecting a wife for Emperor Yongle. That day, several daughters of other officials had also come, showcasing their talents in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, all vying for that lofty position.

Yet she alone sat in the corner, quietly smiling, calmly watching everything, seemingly unconcerned with it all. Neither the high position of Empress nor the handsome young emperor had caught her eye.

Empress Dowager Jingxian had asked her if she had any talents.

How had Empress Xianhe answered then? She had said, “This minister’s daughter is dull-witted and has no special skills, only occasionally brewing tea for my father and brothers at home, which they find quite good.”

At that time, the other young ladies had shown contempt. Brewing tea was something servants could do. A noble daughter, not knowing how to practice presentable skills but only knowing how to brew tea—was she thinking of becoming a servant?

But Empress Dowager Jingxian had been very satisfied.

Later, Empress Dowager Jingxian had told Emperor Yongle: “I find this child Qingzhen quite good. Brewing tea reveals character; she is very steady, with a peaceful nature. She can accompany you for life, whether through great storms or gentle flowing water, she will enjoy it all. This is good, very rare.”

Emperor Yongle recalled Empress Dowager Jingxian’s words and couldn’t help but look at Empress Xianhe again.

Empress Xianhe was gently blowing on the flower petals floating on the surface of her teacup.

Since Empress Xianhe entered the palace, over so many years, she had indeed been a person of peaceful disposition, just as Empress Dowager Jingxian had said. She never asked too much, never interfered too much, just sat silently. It seemed that no matter how time flowed, she remained as she was initially, sitting in the corner with a cup of tea, smiling slightly, unchanging through all vicissitudes.

Empress Xianhe noticed Emperor Yongle’s gaze and smiled slightly: “Your Majesty, let’s not think about other matters today. Since autumn has arrived, let’s relax for once, just like before—drink tea, play chess, play music, write calligraphy. Can we?”

“Yes,” Emperor Yongle nodded.

He agreed readily, and his typically cold and almost rigid face bore a slight smile, which surprised Empress Xianhe. As if afraid he would change his mind, she quickly stood up and said, “Then this concubine will go get the jade chess set that Jingxing sent earlier. Since Jingxing sent it, Your Majesty has only played with this concubine once, wasting such good chess pieces.”

Emperor Yongle smiled with amusement: “Just have Madam Tao bring it.”

“She doesn’t know where it is,” Empress Xianhe said. “This concubine has hidden it. Your Majesty, please wait here for this concubine.” She lifted her skirt and ran toward the back with small steps.

Empress Xianhe had always been virtuous, gentle, and modest in manner, and it was rare to see her show the girlish charm she displayed now. Emperor Yongle watched her, and as he watched, his gaze turned sorrowful.

He suddenly frowned and coughed violently a couple of times, grabbing a handkerchief from his sleeve to cover his mouth. After a while, he removed the handkerchief from his mouth. It appeared clean; nothing could be seen.

The handkerchief was crumpled in his palm, but in one of its visible folds, a touch of crimson showed.

It was very conspicuous.

He paused, then tucked the handkerchief into his sleeve. Watching Empress Xianhe running back with the chess box, he smiled slightly.

As if nothing had happened.

……

The next period was extraordinarily peaceful.

It was so peaceful that it seemed as if no unpleasant events had ever occurred in the days of gentle flowing water. It was as if after experiencing a thousand sails, all dust had settled, and everywhere was stable and harmonious.

During these days, Xie Jingxing and Shen Miao were in Longyi. During the day, they would wander about or stay in the residence playing music and writing calligraphy. Occasionally, when Xie Jingxing was in the mood, he would spar with Gao Yang, while Shen Miao and Luo Tan would go research other things. At night, they would discuss those military defense maps. One skilled in attack, the other in defense, they had their strengths and weaknesses when calculating, and were quite compatible. Xie Jingxing was domineering and couldn’t stand drawn-out tactics that slowly strangled enemies, but direct approaches inevitably carried risks. Whenever he argued with Shen Miao, he would domineeringly make his own decisions and slam the table, while Shen Miao couldn’t be bothered to manage him. By midnight, he would quietly slip back to bed when no one was around.

When Shen Miao taunted him with words, Xie Jingxing would flip her over, pin her beneath him, and “punish” her in another way.

Days flowed by like gentle water, but everyone knew well that they were indulging in passion before the inevitable departure. Once the war began, separation was inevitable, and those days of separation would have to be filled with memories of these days of intimacy.

That day finally came.

On a night with rustling autumn rain, Ming Qi crossed the border between the two countries and launched an attack on the border guards. On another front, Qin approached by water, landing at a fishing village in northern Da Liang, massacring the villagers there. Using this as a foothold, they penetrated inland, launching their invasion.

War had broken out. Whether Ming Qi and Qin had secretly plotted or used deception, they had “lived up to expectations” by not restraining themselves for a gradual approach, but instead launching a high-profile attack, indicating their confidence.

Would Da Liang fight or not?

Of course, they would fight!

Prince Rui requested a commander’s order. Emperor Yongle personally appointed him, mustering 300,000 troops to lead the army on the expedition.

This was not merely a counterattack against the countries launching the invasion but, in the long history of the three countries’ existence, a determination to break the status quo and push the wheel of history forward.

Heroes contended for the world, the situation was tumultuous. Each hero stood firm, and talents emerged in succession. Since ancient times, heroes have emerged in chaotic times, and war is the same.

The people of Da Liang did not lose their morale. Although initially fearful, seeing the royal family as stable as a mountain and the prince campaigning at the forefront, they were filled with fervor and not afraid at all.

The departure date was set for tomorrow.

Luo Tan looked at Gao Yang. During her days in Da Liang following Shen Miao, she had experienced many things. There had been misunderstandings with Gao Yang before, but they had been resolved later. Although Gao Yang loved to tease people and was certainly not the gentleman he appeared to be on the surface, he was quite good to her and could be considered a good person.

Luo Tan was originally supposed to return to Ming Qi with Gao Yang, as she had secretly followed Shen Miao to Da Liang. Now, after such a long time, with Fu Xiuyi beginning to deal with the Shen family, he naturally wouldn’t spare the Luo family either. Luo Tan wanted to stay with her family and face the situation together.

But Luo Sui’s letter told her to stay in Ming Qi. Firstly, Luo Tan’s return wouldn’t help much and might even bring trouble. Secondly, Shen Miao was staying in Longyi, and having Luo Tan with her would at least provide some companionship.

Unable to return to Ming Qi and unwilling to leave Shen Miao alone in Longyi, Luo Tan could only stay. She watched as Gao Yang began packing his things, putting medical books and medicines into boxes and having people carry them out one by one.

Luo Tan sat on a chair, silently watching his every move.

After Gao Yang finished packing, he looked up to find Luo Tan staring at him unblinkingly. Somewhat puzzled, he said, “Usually you’re always noisy; why so quiet today? Are you in a bad mood?”

“You’re leaving tomorrow,” Luo Tan said. “On the road, you must protect the Prince well.”

Gao Yang choked a bit and said, “I protect him? More like he protects me.”

“You are his subordinate,” Luo Tan said awkwardly. “Of course, you should also take care of yourself.”

Gao Yang was startled, and when he understood what she had said, he smiled slightly.

Luo Tan usually either bullied Gao Yang or continued to bully him, and indeed, Gao Yang also loved to tease her. When these two were together, they were always bickering, and it was rare for them to speak properly. Luo Tan’s nature was straightforward, and it was difficult for her to remind others of details. It was quite rare for her to say something nice to Gao Yang today.

Gao Yang approached her and deliberately asked, “Take care of myself, take care of what?”

He was handsome by nature, and usually maintained a cultured and gentle demeanor. As he drew near with a somewhat mischievous smile, Luo Tan inexplicably blushed, pushed him away, and said irritably, “What else could I mean? Of course, take care not to die.”

“Wouldn’t you find it good if I died?” Gao Yang shook his fan. “Then you could occupy the entire Gao residence. You could command the servants as you wish, use the gold, silver, and jewels freely, and there are also those shops and estates…”

“Wait, wait,” Luo Tan, hearing him speak more and more excessively and strangely, hurriedly interrupted him, saying, “Who craves these things of yours? Our Luo family doesn’t lack these, alright? Besides, do you take me for a fool? These are all belongings of your Gao family; what do they have to do with me? If you died, how would these things come to me? Have you gone mad?”

Gao Yang said, “What do they have to do with you? Don’t you know?”

“Know what?” Luo Tan was puzzled, then tentatively asked, “Could it be… that my father gave these to you? Are you my father’s man? Was he the one who sent you to monitor me?” She covered her mouth in horror and exclaimed, “Did my father send you to spy on me?”

Gao Yang: “…”

After a while, he resignedly sighed and tapped Luo Tan’s forehead, saying, “You usually seem quite clever, how have you become so foolish now?”

Luo Tan said, “Hey, explain yourself first.”

Gao Yang suddenly placed a finger on Luo Tan’s lips, making a “shh” gesture. Luo Tan was startled, feeling the place where Gao Yang’s finger touched gradually growing hot, spreading to her face…

“What relationship we have, you can think about slowly. Tell me when I return.” Gao Yang placed a medical book on Luo Tan’s head. “Now, help me organize this.” With that, he turned and continued packing.

Luo Tan looked at his back, and unexpectedly, she didn’t flare up as usual. She pouted and obediently began tidying up.

……

“Are you done yet?”

“Almost, almost.”

“Ouch, it hurts.”

“Just a little more. Don’t be afraid, I’ll be gentle.”

Outside the door, Cong Yang, Mo Qing, Jingzhe, and Guyu were all blushing. Jingzhe said, “Ah, I just remembered I haven’t hung the clothes out to dry. I’ll go hang them.”

Guyu quickly said, “I’ll help you.”

Cong Yang also said, “I might as well go sun the quilts.”

Mo Qing nodded vigorously.

In an instant, the four scattered like birds and beasts.

Only Tieyi, perched in the tree, remained massive and motionless as a mountain.

Inside the room, Xie Jingxing helplessly supported his forehead, while Shen Miao finally threaded the last string and patted his hand with satisfaction. “Done!”

Xie Jingxing looked at the strings of red cords on his wrist and was quite distressed. Why was he, perfectly fine, wearing so many cords that women typically wore? Yet Shen Miao propped her chin, smiling, and said, “With so many, they won’t all break.”

Before he could speak, Shen Miao had already stood up with a “clang” and sat on his lap with a “thud,” giving Xie Jingxing quite a start.

The wine jars in the room were all empty, and the room was filled with the heady scent of alcohol. Shen Miao’s face was flushed from drinking, as beautiful as a flower, with an unusually sweet smile. She cupped his face with both hands and planted a “smack” on his cheek.

Xie Jingxing was already calm. Since Shen Miao had gotten drunk, she had probably kissed him dozens of times. Whenever Shen Miao was drunk, well, basically, one could see a completely different woman. How to put it—like a lecher accosting a young lady.

The dignified Prince Rui, having lived for so many years, had intentionally or unintentionally teased countless women, but had only been teased by one woman, and she was a heartless woman who wouldn’t acknowledge her actions when sober.

“This male companion is indeed good-looking,” Shen Miao said. “He could be a top courtesan.”

Xie Jingxing stared at her expressionlessly for a long time before saying, “Thank you for the Madam’s appreciation.”

Shen Miao was satisfied again and said, “I’ll reward you with some silver to buy clothes.” She rummaged in her sleeve, fumbling around, and took out something, tossing it into Xie Jingxing’s hand.

It was the jade pendant that Xie Jingxing had given her in Ming Qi.

Before Xie Jingxing could look closely, Shen Miao waved her hands repeatedly and said, “No, no, no, I took out the wrong thing. This was given to me by my husband.” She quickly took it back.

“Husband?” He raised an eyebrow. “So you remember you have a husband.”

Shen Miao looked at him. “Yes, my husband is more handsome than you.”

Xie Jingxing: “…”

“But he’s going to war.” She buried her head on Xie Jingxing’s shoulder, found a comfortable position to curl up, yawned, seeming somewhat sleepy, and murmured, “So I got drunk, this way when he leaves, I’ll still be drunk and won’t wake up to see it.”

“Why don’t you want to see him?” Xie Jingxing frowned.

Her voice gradually weakened. “Because I don’t want him to be entangled in passion, but if I watch him leave, I’ll find it hard to part…” By the end, her breathing was even and long; she had fallen into deep sleep.

Xie Jingxing found it somewhat amusing, but gradually his smile faded. He looked down at the woman sleeping in his arms, paused, and then said softly, “Actually, you can be a bit more willful.”

Shen Miao didn’t answer him.

He picked Shen Miao up, laid her on the couch, tucked her in, but then reached out to hold her hand. Sitting by the bed, he did nothing, just looked at her sleeping face, as if this alone satisfied him.

In the latter half of the night, Tieyi knocked on the door outside: “Master, we can depart now.”

He paused for a moment, bent down to place a kiss on the woman’s forehead.

Then, he strode out the door.

After the door closed, Shen Miao slowly opened her eyes.

It was hard to part.

Hard to part with watching him leave while sober, yet also hard to part with missing it while intoxicated.

Parting is always a matter of sadness and reluctance.

Let him leave without burden, then return like a world-conquering hero.

Footsteps sounded outside the door, light and steady, with others present, but somehow she could distinguish the one she wanted to hear.

Those footsteps paused slightly as they passed by the room, then gradually faded away.

The long night was coming to an end; dawn was breaking, and a new day was about to begin.

She didn’t know how long she had been lying in bed before sitting up, waiting for a long time. Jingzhe entered with a basin of water, saw her sitting on the bed in thought, and exclaimed in surprise, “Madam, you’re awake?”

“Yes,” she answered. “I need to visit the palace.”