“He cannot marry her.”

Gao Yang followed Xie Jingxing’s gaze and saw Shen Miao’s maid giving instructions to a young eunuch in the flower garden. The young eunuch nodded in agreement. Perhaps because it was his first time receiving such a generous amount of silver, his joy was visible on his face. He respectfully said something to the maid before leaving.

After the young eunuch left, Jingzhe remained standing there, a trace of doubt appearing on her face. Shen Miao had specifically instructed her to deliver the items to this young eunuch, but this eunuch was new to the palace and had no previous connection with Shen Miao. Why would she specifically instruct this?

Unable to figure out the reason, Jingzhe shook her head. The objective had been achieved, so she turned and left.

“This young lady from the Shen family is quite bold,” Gao Yang commented. “She dares to play schemes even within the palace, and it seems Shen Xin does not know of it.”

Xie Jingxing neither confirmed nor denied. He never thought a person who dared to burn her family’s ancestral hall to the ground would be timid. As for what actions were appropriate in which locations, in Shen Miao’s eyes, there was likely no distinction.

“Let’s go,” he said, a strange smile appearing at the corner of his lips. “We should also go watch the show.”

“I won’t go,” Gao Yang blinked. “We should still be cautious in our actions right now. Moreover, with changes to the plan, we must be even more careful.”

“Suit yourself,” Xie Jingxing replied lazily. Suddenly remembering something, he added casually, “If you have time, go inquire with those old fellows at the Imperial Medical Academy if they have anything.”

“As you command,” Gao Yang cupped his hands in salute before unhurriedly walking in the other direction.

…

Time passed steadily, and finally, it was time for the court banquet to begin.

The women sat at the lower end of the great hall, while the men sat at the upper end. The princes sat on the left side, closest to the central high seat. Prince Zhou, Prince Jing, and Prince Ding had already arrived. Following them were Prince Li, Prince Xiang, and Prince Cheng.

Prince Zhou and Prince Jing were brothers and naturally formed one faction. Prince Xiang and Prince Cheng followed Prince Li, forming another faction. As for the Crown Prince who had not yet arrived, he had the support of Prince Xuan and Prince Chu. The Ninth Prince, Prince Ding Fu Xiuyi, did not belong to any faction, appearing to be the weakest and most neutral party.

With the arrival of the three princes, the previous clamor in the hall gradually quieted down.

Emperor Wen Hui was peculiar—he had nine sons, each exceedingly outstanding. In an ordinary family, having so many excellent sons would be a cause for joy, but in noble households, the more outstanding the sons, the more intense the competition. Even more unfortunate was that these nine outstanding sons were born into the most ruthless of royal families. This meant that their excellence would become thorns in each other’s eyes, each wanting to eliminate the others.

Now that all nine sons had grown up, although the Crown Prince had been established, the various factions had not retracted their ambitions. While Emperor Wen Hui was still alive, he maintained the balance among them, but one day this imposing dragon would grow old. When that time came, the Ming Qi royal family, long eager to make their move, would likely face a bloody storm.

Among the factions—Prince Zhou and his brother, Prince Li’s faction, and the Crown Prince’s faction—the Crown Prince appeared to have the strongest position on the surface. However, the Crown Prince’s health was frail, and Emperor Wen Hui would not allow a weak son to sit on the dragon throne. Thus, the Crown Prince’s influence, rather than being a following under legitimacy, was more illusory. If his health were to deteriorate even slightly, it would only benefit Prince Xuan and Prince Chu under him. Prince Li’s faction, with its greater numbers, also wielded significant power, with many officials secretly pledging allegiance to him. Although the Zhou-Jing brothers could not match the Crown Prince in legitimacy or Prince Li in power, they had a mother, Consort Xu, who was deeply favored by the Emperor, with the Xu family providing strong support.

The remaining Prince Ding was not considered by others. In terms of power, his solo efforts seemed like a joke. In terms of background, his birth mother, Consort Dong, maintained a very low profile. If not for giving birth to Fu Xiuyi, she wouldn’t have earned her position as one of the four concubines. Although Fu Xiuyi was undoubtedly excellent and modest, the power of one person was ultimately limited, so people did not have high hopes for him. Even though Fu Xiuyi appeared neutral and uninterested in the succession struggle, in the deep palace where one could never be too cautious, his brothers still regarded him with hostility.

However, the women didn’t view people as deeply as the men did. The young ladies in attendance secretly observed Fu Xiuyi’s handsome features, their faces slightly reddened as they whispered among themselves.

To be fair, all members of the Fu family had good looks, and Fu Xiuyi was the most outstanding among the nine princes. The royal family bestowed upon him extraordinary bearing, and he always maintained a calm demeanor, neither putting on airs nor holding his chin high. For the young ladies, such a “friendly” yet “transcendent” man was truly full of grace.

“Prince Ding is indeed too handsome,” a young lady’s soft murmur reached Shen Miao’s ears. She turned to see Feng Anning, who had somehow moved next to her. Feng Anning grinned and then put on a serious face, saying, “Since you’ve arrived, why didn’t you come find me? Are you putting on your young lady airs, making me come to you instead?”

Shen Miao was baffled by her words. She felt somewhat helpless about how this young lady seemed to stick to her like glue. Not knowing when Feng Anning had changed her attitude toward her, Shen Miao, after all, was not truly a young maiden at the budding age. She couldn’t achieve the intimacy that peers might share with Feng Anning. Moreover, she could not accept others’ goodwill without reservation. So she did not know how to treat Feng Anning. In the end, she could only shake her head and make an excuse, “I didn’t see you.”

Shen Miao naturally didn’t know that if it were the previous her, Feng Anning would not have given her a second glance. But the current Shen Miao had bathed in the bloody storms of Ming Qi’s imperial harem as the Empress. People often have a sense of following and admiration for those stronger than themselves. Feng Anning could vaguely sense the inner strength of Shen Miao and naturally followed her unconsciously.

“Hmph,” Feng Anning pouted, then suddenly whispered teasingly, “But Prince Ding has also arrived. After all, he was once the object of your affection. How come you haven’t even looked at him once?”

As if to confirm her words, just as Feng Anning finished speaking, Jiang Xiaoxuan was heard laughing loudly, “Fifth Miss Shen, Prince Ding has arrived!”

She had deliberately wanted to embarrass Shen Miao, knowing that under everyone’s gaze, in front of the royal family, Shen Miao wouldn’t dare show anger, and even Luo Xuean would have to endure it. Such words could be passed off as a joke, but Shen Miao’s infatuation with Prince Ding was known throughout the Ming Qi court. When Jiang Xiaoxuan’s words came out, not only the women but also the men turned their gaze toward them.

Luo Xuean gritted her teeth, knowing this person was deliberately provoking Shen Miao. Although Shen Miao had said she no longer loved Prince Ding, Luo Xuean knew that liking someone wasn’t something one could easily give up. Shen Miao might appear indifferent on the surface, but who knew if she was suffering greatly inside? Luo Xuean was annoyed that Shen Xin wasn’t present at this moment. She turned to look at Shen Miao, fearing she might be hurt and distressed, and softly called, “Jiaojiao…”

In the men’s area, the gazes were quite colorful. Cai Lin’s lips twisted slightly, seemingly gloating. When Shen Miao had made him lose face at the archery ground, and now Shen Miao herself was about to suffer the same fate, the thought made him happy. Su Mingfeng and Su Minglang sat together. Su Minglang tugged at Su Mingfeng’s sleeve, excitedly asking, “Big brother, has Sister Shen arrived too?”

He was too short, with the table blocking his line of sight, making it impossible for him to see Shen Miao. Su Mingfeng shook his head, not understanding why his younger brother was so fond of the Shen family’s fifth daughter. If Su Minglang weren’t so young, Su Mingfeng would have almost suspected his brother had other feelings for Shen Miao.

However… he also turned to look at Shen Miao. In such a close encounter, how would Shen Miao face Prince Ding?

In a corner of the men’s seating area, there was also a young man in blue garments. Compared to the other richly dressed nobles, his attire was extremely plain. Yet this did not make him appear shabby by comparison. On the contrary, due to his simple clothing, he had a sort of ancient scholar’s free-spirited elegance. At this moment, he was also quietly watching the purple-clad young lady who was lowering her head in silence, with waves of emotion subtly visible in his gaze.

This person was Pei Lang. Normally, Pei Lang would not have been qualified to attend such an event, but today the Director of the Guangwen Hall had a death in the family, so the Director had asked Pei Lang to represent the Guangwen Hall. Though Pei Lang was a teacher at the Guangwen Hall, he was also considered half a director, so he did not decline.

Little did he know that upon arrival, he would witness this scene.

Prince Zhou and Prince Jing stood beside Fu Xiuyi, and Jiang Xiaoxuan’s deliberately provocative words were heard. Prince Zhou laughed and patted Fu Xiuyi’s shoulder, saying meaningfully, “Our Ninth Brother is truly remarkable…”

Fu Xiuyi’s brows furrowed slightly, but a faint smile appeared on his face. “Fourth Brother is joking.” Despite his words, his gaze unconsciously drifted toward the young lady in the seating area.

“Heh,” a light laugh escaped from the young lady’s lips, and the surroundings immediately fell silent.

This laugh seemed devoid of any emotion. To call it mockery would make it sound too gentle; to call it joyous would make it too calm. Like a potent wine that had been settling for ages, the complex flavors lingered in the heart, ultimately transforming into a light, floating laugh.

The men fared better, but the women were astonished. Despite being immersed in the inner courtyards for so many years, they simply couldn’t discern the meaning behind Shen Miao’s laugh. How old was she anyway?

Shen Miao raised her head, her gaze moving without hesitation, like an arrow shot at Cai Lin on the archery field, directly toward the standing figure of Fu Xiuyi.

Fu Xiuyi was slightly startled.

There was no infatuation, love, admiration, or delight in the young lady’s gaze, only a deep, unfathomable calmness. Like an old soul who had gone through hundreds of years, looking at him across the vast period, without joy or sorrow, yet making one’s heart uneasy.

Those clear eyes had a beautifully shaped form. If they were to curve slightly, they would surely remind one of the sweetness of honey. But she just gazed silently, and a sudden unease surged in Fu Xiuyi’s heart, like walking alone in a forest and being watched by the eyes of a giant beast hidden in the dense undergrowth. The unease grew stronger, and the faint smile on his face had disappeared at some point, as he stared fixedly at Shen Miao.

“Heh,” Shen Miao laughed lightly again. This time, everyone could see clearly: her red lips curved slightly, but her eyes remained unmoved—clearly a cold smile.

It was probably a cold smile born from a slight resentment toward a beloved who could not return her love, everyone thought. Yet they were amazed that Shen Miao dared to express her displeasure so directly, giving a cold laugh to a prince in the palace. Who had such courage?

Fu Xiuyi remained motionless.

In that cold laugh, he distinctly saw a layer of killing intent, although deliberately concealed, it seemed unable to suppress the surging aura within. That cold determination to succeed made his heart skip a beat.

Just because he didn’t accept her feelings, she harbored killing intent toward him? Fu Xiuyi was astonished, and what surprised him more was that he felt threatened by that killing intent.

Could this be his misconception?

When he focused his gaze on Shen Miao again, she had already turned her head and was saying something to Feng Anning.

A faint murderous intent flashed in Shen Miao’s eyes. All this time, even at the archery ground, she had only glimpsed Fu Xiuyi from afar. She didn’t want to meet Fu Xiuyi at such proximity because she feared that once she approached Fu Xiuyi, she wouldn’t be able to conceal her overwhelming hatred!

Jiang Xiaoxuan’s provocative words were overshadowed by Shen Miao’s two inexplicable laughs. Her first laugh was complex, her second was slightly cold, but even a fool could see that there was not a trace of affection for Fu Xiuyi in either! After laughing twice, she simply began chatting with the lady beside her, her disdain and disregard so apparent that it was hard to tell if it was intentional or not.

But the atmosphere had indeed cooled due to her actions.

A glint flashed in Prince Zhou’s eyes, and he approached Fu Xiuyi with a smile, saying, “Ninth Brother, it seems you’re not as invincible as thought.”

Fu Xiuyi gave a bitter smile but gradually began to take Shen Miao more seriously.

“Hey, it seems that the fifth daughter of the Shen family has quite some spirit,” Su Mingfeng remarked with interest. His “serious illness” had improved considerably, but he still couldn’t overexert himself, so he had not yet resumed his official position.

“Sister Shen has always been good,” Su Minglang glared at him.

Pei Lang, seated, lowered his head and took a sip of tea, deep thoughts flashing in his eyes.

Just as silence settled, a hearty, resonant laugh was heard: “Haha, everyone, I’m late!”

That mountain-like figure was none other than Shen Xin, followed closely by Shen Qiu. Seeing these important figures arrive, the officials all greeted them, and Shen Xin exchanged formalities with Prince Zhou and the others before taking his seat. He and Shen Qiu had missed the earlier scene. Otherwise, even if Shen Xin hadn’t intervened, Shen Qiu, regardless of any inclination to show mercy to women, would have certainly made Jiang Xiaoxuan regret her actions.

After Shen Xin’s arrival, Prince Li’s trio and the Crown Prince’s trio also arrived in succession. The Crown Prince was frail, but the Crown Princess was dignified and proper. Shen Miao glanced at the Crown Princess, emotion stirring in her gaze.

The Crown Princess had the support of her family, the Chancellor’s household. Initially, the Crown Prince had used her family’s influence to stabilize his position. Later, when the Crown Princess became pregnant, Emperor Wen Hui, fearing the Crown Prince’s health would deteriorate and the Crown Princess’s family would gain too much power, deliberately used methods to make the Crown Princess miscarry. The Crown Princess had deep feelings for the Crown Prince, not knowing that her husband could be so ruthless toward their flesh and blood. Fearing that telling her family would bring them trouble, she later died of melancholy. Three years after the Crown Princess’s death, the Chancellor’s family learned the truth and wanted revenge for their daughter, but ended up pledging allegiance to Fu Xiuyi…

Shen Miao looked at the cup in front of her. The Fu family members were all ruthless, and Fu men were heartless and unfaithful. She and the Crown Princess were probably no different, both sacrifices in the game of power, innocent pawns.

Now, she wanted to be the one moving the pieces. Anyone who wanted to play the game had to be prepared to sacrifice!

After the Crown Princess was seated, her former friends before marriage came to chat and laugh with her. On the men’s side, the Prince of Yu had also arrived.

When the Prince of Yu arrived, the women all fell somewhat silent, especially the young ladies, who turned pale with fright.

In previous years, the Prince of Yu never attended the court banquet. For many years, he had shown no interest in court affairs, which was why the naturally suspicious Emperor Wen Hui was particularly lenient toward this younger brother. This was partly due to the Prince of Yu’s life-saving deed in his youth, but if the Prince of Yu hadn’t been so well-behaved and uninvolved in court affairs for so many years, even such a great life-saving favor couldn’t have overcome Emperor Wen Hui’s suspicions. After all, all of Emperor Wen Hui’s brothers had died by his hand.

The sudden appearance of the Prince of Yu, who never participated in court banquets, made the women uneasy and the men puzzled, while the princes smiled knowingly. A lady seated near the Crown Princess, who was on good terms with her, asked, “I wonder why the Prince has appeared?” Her words were full of probing intent.

The Crown Princess naturally knew the reason and smiled, saying, “Uncle has been a widower for so many years. It’s about time for someone to attend to his life.”

At these words, the women were all uncertain and apprehensive. Could it be that the Prince of Yu was going to select a consort? But becoming the Prince of Yu’s consort was no blessing. At least at this moment, the young ladies all shrank back a little.

“May I ask the Crown Princess,” the lady asked with a smile, “which young lady has such fortune?”

But the Crown Princess wouldn’t say more, only shaking her head with a smile, “You’ll know soon enough.”

Because of the Crown Princess’s words, the women fell into an awkward silence, all somewhat fearful. The title of the Prince of Yu’s consort was like a death sentence. If one slept with him, it merely meant dying faster—how could that be considered fortunate?

Feng Anning leaned closer to Shen Miao and asked, “Who do you think will be the Prince of Yu’s consort?”

Shen Miao replied, “I can’t guess.”

“You’re no fun,” Feng Anning pouted.

On the other side, Shen Qing was gripping the corner of her garment tightly. The moment she saw the Prince of Yu, her mind was flooded with memories of the countless torments he had inflicted on her that night. If Ren Wanyun hadn’t been pinching her tightly, Shen Qing would have likely screamed out loud.

“Don’t be afraid, Qing’er,” Ren Wanyun whispered in Shen Qing’s ear, in a voice only the two of them could hear, “Today, the Prince of Yu has come to deal with that woman for you. Once she enters the Prince of Yu’s mansion, there will naturally be ways to make her wish for death, but unable to die…”

Meanwhile, Chen Ruoqiu observed Ren Wanyun and Shen Qing’s movements, took a sip of tea from in front of her, and smiled slightly.

After the Prince of Yu, everyone thought all the important figures had arrived except for the Emperor and Empress, when suddenly there were gasps of surprise. Feng Anning, who was chatting with Shen Miao, also looked up at the commotion.

From the depths of the palace, approaching the great hall doors, came a figure from afar. Purple gold robes, cyan silk boots, with features so handsome they seemed unreal, walking at a leisurely pace.

The Marquis of Lin’an, Xie Ding, first called out in surprise, “Jingxing!” Then, seemingly remembering something, his brows furrowed, and he couldn’t speak as he watched the approaching figure.

People were again astonished. What was the significance of today’s court banquet? Not only had the Prince of Yu, who never attended palace banquets, appeared, but now even the young Marquis of the Xie family, Xie Jingxing, had arrived.

The excited and infatuated expressions of the women were no less than when Fu Xiuyi had appeared earlier, perhaps even surpassing it.

The young man’s posture was upright. Although his steps seemed casual, each step carried its pressure. He was already exceptionally handsome, and now, dressed in purple gold robes, he had an intimidating presence that was hard to face directly. Skin like snow, eyes like lacquer, brows like swords, his slightly upturned lips were like plum blossoms blooming defiantly in the snow, with a beauty as brilliant as peach blossoms. Yet these exquisite features, more delicate than a woman’s, had not a trace of feminine softness. Instead, like the rising sun in the sky, they were dazzlingly bright. As he walked alone, all the civil and military officials seemed to become mere accompaniments, as if this golden palace of the Ming Qi royal family had finally brought out the nobility and arrogance etched in his bones.

He was truly so handsome that heaven and earth lost their color.

Yet this youth, as dazzling as the scorching sun, had sharp, cold eyes. That carefree smile, upon closer inspection, was full of coldness and cruelty.

“When did the young Marquis of the Xie family become so outstanding…” Feng Anning murmured.

Though Xie Jingxing had always been exceptionally handsome and flamboyant, compared to his present self, his former appearance paled in comparison. It was as if he had deliberately concealed his brilliance in the past. The current Xie Jingxing, having shed that layer of concealment, was truly radiant. Compared to him, Fu Xiuyi was indeed as if Xie Jingxing should be the one standing at the peak of the dynasty, looking down upon all living beings!

This thought startled even Shen Miao herself. She raised her eyes to look at Xie Jingxing. The purple-clad youth walked to the seating area and, facing everyone’s puzzled gazes, raised his eyebrows with a smile: “Today, I’ve also come to join the excitement.” With that, he sat down in the seating area, but not next to the Marquis of Lin’an, Xie Ding, but rather next to Su Mingfeng. Su Minglang pouted reluctantly and moved over a small space.

Seeing this, Xie Ding’s face immediately darkened. The people around, though they discussed it, did not interfere. Xie Jingxing had always been carefree and unrestrained; today, he was probably just acting on impulse.

“The Xie family has produced a remarkable figure.” Luo Xuean expression was solemn. Whether a dragon or a worm, she was always accurate in judging people. This Xie Jingxing had a kind of grandeur in his movements, and for no apparent reason, he seemed somewhat dangerous. People who had been on the battlefield were more sensitive to such danger.

When Shen Qiu saw Xie Jingxing, his eyes brightened, and he almost stood up before scratching his head and grabbing the teacup in front of him to take a gulp, covering his reaction. This rude behavior made those around him look at him strangely, and Shen Qiu quickly grinned in response.

“The Xie family’s lad is quite good,” Shen Xin was very satisfied. He couldn’t help but admire Xie Jingxing, who could cause trouble for his old rival. If not for the fact that he was from the Xie family, Shen Xin might have even sworn brotherhood with him.

The Fu family princes, however, all had somewhat grim expressions.

The young Marquis of the Lin’an Marquis Manor seemed too outstanding. Although he had not entered the court, just from that lawless bearing, one could sense he was not a person who could submit to others. Such a figure, if he could not be subdued, it would be best to eliminate him early.

Seeing a marquis’s manor that controlled military power grow stronger and produce a great figure was not something the royal family wished to see.

Just then, a eunuch’s drawn-out voice announced: “His Majesty arrives—Her Majesty the Empress arrives—”

The imperial couple finally arrived amid everyone’s anticipation.

Emperor Wen Hui seemed to be in a good mood, but the Empress appeared somewhat stern. As a woman, she could be considered pretty, and one could glimpse her former beauty. However, with age, her cheeks had become hollow, giving her a somewhat harsh appearance.

Due to the Crown Prince’s illness, this Empress had always been particularly stern in her methods. In the past, Shen Miao had stood on Fu Xiuyi’s side and, after marrying him, had been repeatedly tormented by this Empress. She had suffered countless hardships at her hands. It was also this Empress who, using herself as an example, had taught Shen Miao to see the methods of survival in the palace.

All past experiences were illusory. She had come for revenge, but her ultimate goal was to completely overthrow the entire royal family. A mayfly shaking a great tree, a cup of water trying to save a burning cart—just like the distance between her and the Empress now.

But the position of Empress was originally hers. One day, she would reclaim that seat.

Shen Miao lowered her eyes and gently picked up the teacup in front of her to take a sip.

Not far from her, Shen Qing also revealed a faint smile, as if celebrating with her, simultaneously raising her teacup to take a sip.

Her smile seemed even more cheerful.

The blackness in Shen Miao’s eyes deepened, and the corner of her lips suddenly curved. Unlike a cold smile, this smile made her eyes curve sweetly, an extremely captivating appearance. Even on the men’s side, those who noticed her were momentarily dazed by Shen Miao’s smile.

Pei Lang had been staring intently at Shen Miao. He didn’t know why he was doing so; it was as if something about this young lady kept attracting him. Yet just a few months ago, Shen Miao had been nothing but a good-for-nothing at the Guangwen Hall. Pei Lang had treated her kindly out of courtesy, but in his heart, he had looked down on her.

The imperial couple took their seats, and the banquet began. This so-called celebration between the emperor and his subjects was merely for show. The emperor remained the emperor, the subjects remained subjects, exchanging harmless jokes as if the emperor and commoners were truly celebrating together.

Su Mingfeng nudged Xie Jingxing: “Why did you come?”

“To watch the excitement,” Xie Jingxing’s lips curved, and the women’s section immediately let out a series of soft gasps.

“How boring, what excitement is there to see?” Su Mingfeng had a headache.

Just as they were speaking, they saw the Prince of Yu open his mouth: “Royal Brother—”

His voice was neither high nor low, but the hall immediately fell silent, clearly showing everyone’s fear of this God of Death.

“The matter of selecting a consort that you promised me some days ago, I have thought it through,” the Prince of Yu smiled strangely. He said, “Since today is a joyous occasion, why not double the joy.”

“This humble brother has set his heart on the Shen family’s young lady.” He spoke very slowly, with snake-like light in his eyes, coiling and winding, like a bone-deep curse, tightly clinging to the purple-clad young lady seated upright before him.