The most supreme power was the imperial authority. But what was even more formidable than imperial authority was the mouths of common people.

Although iron-fisted methods could suppress them, when that day truly came and the commoners dared not speak freely, with jokes spreading through mere glances on the streets, wouldn’t that be the greatest absurdity under heaven?

The imperial family of Ming Qi was probably just like this—despite having committed countless filthy deeds behind closed doors, they still maintained a facade of caring for the country. They comfortably enjoyed the offerings and protection of the noble families, yet in the end still managed to shift the blame onto others.

Shen Miao’s speech caused everyone present to gradually fall silent.

The young ladies thought of their ancestors’ glory, especially those from military families who were deeply moved. The male students, being in the prime of their youth, naturally admired heroes, as battlefield warriors commanded respect wherever they went.

But some were not so pleased.

The three Ming Qi princes present all frowned simultaneously. Others might not know, but they were well aware of the imperial family’s intentions toward such noble families. The Shen family was like a tall tree attracting the wind—sooner or later, the Emperor would find an excuse to eliminate them. However, the Shen family had maintained a good reputation among the common people for many years, so bringing them down would not be a matter accomplished overnight. Shen Miao’s speech now, while seemingly mourning the soldiers, was praising their meritorious service and putting warriors in a position of public attention. If the imperial family showed even the slightest impropriety, they would be morally disadvantaged.

Was she doing this deliberately?

Everyone looked up to see the young lady who had fallen silent after speaking. Her robes were somewhat loose, fluttering noisily in the cold wind, making her slender frame appear even more delicate.

Perhaps they had misunderstood—she was just a girl from the inner chambers. The reason she had unexpectedly taken first place this time was probably because she was Shen Xin’s daughter, and Shen Xin had indeed told her about these battlefield matters, allowing her to gain an advantage.

Prince Yu’s gaze followed the purple-clad young lady intently. After a moment, he suddenly smiled meaningfully: “This Shen family young lady is quite interesting.”

For some unknown reason, as soon as Prince Yu spoke these words, both Pei Lang and Fu Xiuyi frowned simultaneously, feeling a sense of foreboding.

Hearing this, Prince Zhou asked with profound implications: “Does Uncle Prince favor that Shen family young lady? I’ve heard the Shen family’s young lady is ignorant and incompetent, but seeing her now, that doesn’t seem entirely true. She’s sharp-tongued and not bad-looking. If there were another aunt by marriage…” He laughed lewdly, “That would be quite interesting.”

Prince Yu was now over forty, and being brutal and vicious, countless women had died at his hands. If Shen Miao fell into his grasp, she would likely perish before long. Prince Zhou’s words were somewhat inappropriate, but given his typically arrogant nature, no one found it strange. However, it was truly immoral to casually push a young maiden into such a tiger’s den.

Prince Jing, however, thought further than his blood brother. Although the imperial family intended to suppress the Shen family, the Shen family held military power, like a man holding a precious jade—whichever prince privately gained the Shen family’s support would have a tremendous advantage in the struggle for succession. But if Shen Miao married Prince Yu, who no longer had the strength to compete for power, it would effectively place military authority within the imperial family without any prince coveting it, perhaps being the best approach.

Thinking of this, Prince Jing Fu Xiuxuan nodded and said: “The Shen family young lady is indeed quick-witted. If Uncle Prince finds her suitable, there’s no reason to object.”

Fu Xiuyi’s brow furrowed even deeper. He naturally considered what Prince Jing had thought of. He knew that Shen Miao marrying into Prince Yu’s household would bring him a hundred benefits without a single harm. Firstly, he could at least rid himself of Shen Miao’s entanglement and avoid one romantic scandal. Secondly, the Shen family’s military power was too hot to handle—even if he wanted to use it, he feared arousing the Emperor’s suspicion, resulting in losses outweighing gains. It would be better to place it in Prince Yu’s household and wait for an opportunity. But for some reason, he felt a sense of displeasure, as if this approach wasn’t right.

Pei Lang worriedly glanced at Shen Miao, who was walking down from the stage. Her steps were unhurried, her expression calm, likely unaware that her fate was already being decided by this group of imperial offspring. He sighed inwardly—after all, they had a teacher-student relationship, but he was just a humble tutor who couldn’t change anything, and could only feel sorry for Shen Miao’s fate in his heart.

Prince Yu impatiently waved his hand, not appearing particularly pleased, though his smile held some malevolence: “Nephews, this prince knows what you’re thinking. Prince Yu’s household cannot handle a great buddha like the Shen family.” His gaze fell on his crippled leg. “However, the Shen family’s young lady is interesting. Taking her to play with wouldn’t be bad.”

Su Mingfeng glanced at this side. He was sitting close to Fu Xiuyi and the others, pretending to earnestly observe the situation on stage, but feeling somewhat indignant inside. Even if Shen Miao was stupid, being targeted by Prince Yu would likely mean more bad luck than good. If Shen Xin were in the capital, it would be better, but unfortunately, Shen Xin would only return around the New Year. Without father or brothers to protect her, how could a young girl contend with these wolves?

As if foreseeing the tragic outcome, Su Mingfeng sighed, brought Su Minglang to Old Master Su, and quietly left his seat.

Shen Miao was unaware of the storm brewing in the men’s section. Jingzhe was quite happy for Shen Miao, but Shen Yue finally could not maintain her pleasant expression and left her seat somewhat stiffly.

After the women’s group validation, it was time for the men’s group. The young ladies who had already been validated began leaving their seats to rest. Feng Anning followed beside Shen Miao. This previously proud young lady finally showed genuine admiration for Shen Miao, saying, “You did so well just now, truly excellent.”

Shen Miao calmly replied: “You weren’t bad either.”

Perhaps thinking of how she had won first place in the “zither” category, Feng Anning smiled and said: “Hard work pays off. I’m going to fetch something from the carriage, wait for me here.”

After Feng Anning left, Shen Miao went to wait for her in the plum forest of Yan Bei Hall. In this season, the plum blossoms had not yet bloomed, but the trees were lush and verdant.

Guyu emerged from among them, looked around, and whispered: “Young lady, it has been delivered to Young Master Jing Dianshi’s hands. We bribed an outside servant to make the switch, absolutely safe.”

“Very good,” said Shen Miao.

Guyu was still somewhat puzzled, not understanding why her young lady would do such a thing. After all, her young lady had no way of knowing the young master of the Jing Dianshi family.

Just then, they heard a light laugh from above. All three looked up to see a flash of purple gracefully falling from a nearby treetop, instantly landing before them.

The purple-clad youth had a handsome appearance unlike ordinary mortals. With his arms crossed, he leaned lazily against a tree trunk, a half-smile playing on his lips, though his eyes were as deep as the winter night in the capital, carrying a biting coldness.

It was Xie Jingxing.