The Shen Xin household packed their luggage overnight. The most astonishing thing was that before leaving, they forced Old Madam Shen to divide the family property in front of the entire Shen clan.

The day Shen Xin and his wife were summoned to the palace, the argument between Shen Miao and Old Madam Shen at the gate eventually reached Shen Xin’s ears. Naturally, he was furious. They had seized the perfect opportunity to kick him while he was down, not even bothering to maintain appearances. Luo Xuayan was even more angered at her blindness, having treated such despicable people with genuine sincerity.

Although Shen Xin had been stripped of his military power, he was still a man of resolve. When he was determined, not even nine oxen could pull him back. The clan patriarch couldn’t arrive in time, but other clan members did. The old General Shen had hoped this family would remain harmonious, but in the end, they still fell apart.

Old Madam Shen displayed the skills she had developed as a singer in the marketplace, brazenly claiming the majority of Old General Shen’s mansion and land. Shen Miao did not try to stop her. After years of mismanagement, those shops and lands no longer yielded the profits they once did and would be more of a burden to keep. Besides, they were headed to Xiaochun City, where such properties would be useless.

Shen Xin did not lack money; the Emperor’s annual rewards had accumulated substantially. Old Madam Shen had originally thought that all records of Shen Xin’s contributions to the family coffers had been thoroughly erased, but at the last moment, Shen Miao somehow produced another account book. It documented the money Shen Xin had contributed to the family over the years.

In front of the clan members, these facts couldn’t be denied. No matter what, Old Madam Shen was forced to return some of what she had taken. Shen Miao’s thinking was simple: regardless of how much they could recover, even if Shen Xin and Luo Xuayan didn’t care about these material possessions, it was still satisfying to aggravate Old Madam Shen.

Old Madam Shen was indeed “aggravated” to the point of illness, and Chen Ruoqiu was also furious. Now that Ren Wanyun had washed her hands of these matters, she was in charge of the household, but they didn’t have enough money. With Shen Xin taking back a portion, if anything went wrong in the future, Old Madam Shen would certainly take it out on her.

Shen Yue was also upset. These days, she had witnessed Chen Ruoqiu becoming frazzled over financial matters. Shen Yue’s previously “aloof and proud” nature had transformed; once disdainful of monetary concerns, she now felt the need to fight for them. Unable to speak freely in front of the clan members, she looked at Shen Miao with feigned concern and said, “Fifth Sister is leaving without knowing when she’ll return. I’ve heard resources are scarce in Xiaochun City. It would be terrible if you don’t have good food and necessities in the future. Perhaps you should take more money with you.”

Her words carried an implicit mockery about Shen Miao going to a harsh place. Luo Xuayan was about to flare up when Shen Miao smiled lightly and said, “Indeed, but the cost of living in the Imperial Capital is also very high. In the future, without His Majesty’s rewards, Second Sister should not spend money as lavishly as before.” Her gaze fell on Shen Yue’s wrist, and she smiled. “After all, Father won’t be sending you bracelets anymore.”

Shen Yue was stunned, looking at the bracelet on her wrist, her face flushing red. The bracelet was none other than one from Shen Xin’s rewards. Previously, Shen Xin’s annual rewards went into the family coffers, and Shen Yue would select some nice jewelry from among them. Now Shen Miao had directly pointed out that the bracelet belonged to Shen Xin, essentially slapping her face in public.

But the bracelet was extremely valuable, and Shen Yue was very reluctant to take it off and return it.

Shen Miao seemed to see through her thoughts and smiled. “Sister need not return the bracelet. There’s no principle in taking back what has been given. I just wonder if there will be such fine bracelets in the future.”

With this, even Shen Wan, who had been standing silently to the side, turned grim-faced. Shen Miao’s words implied that Shen Wan would never achieve the same level of success as Shen Xin through his abilities. Shen Wan would never reach the position Shen Xin once held in his official career.

He pulled a long face, giving Shen Miao a cold glance before saying to Chen Ruoqiu and Shen Yue, “Let’s go back.” He left without another look at Shen Miao.

Since Shen Xin was leaving the capital and had lost his military power, there was no need to maintain the pretense of brotherly affection that had always been superficial. Shen Wan never spared a glance for people of no value to him.

Shen Gui also made a somewhat smug bow to Shen Xin, saying, “Big Brother, your little brother will take his leave first.” The arrogance in his departing figure was evident. Seeing this, Wan Yiniang quickly pulled Shen Donglin to follow, maintaining her subservient demeanor as she had for decades, unchanged despite the upheaval in Caiyun Courtyard.

Shen Gui was an impatient man who had climbed the official ladder through flattery. In terms of scholarship, he couldn’t match his son Shen Yuanbai; in temperament, he lacked Shen Wan’s tenacity. Without loyalty or principles, he would forget past hardships as soon as he tasted a bit of sweetness. He was not worth fearing.

This prompted Shen Qiu to angrily exclaim, “What kind of people are these?”

Shen Miao smiled slightly but offered no answer. Setting aside Shen Wan and Chen Ruoqiu for now, within two years, Shen Yuanbai would die of smallpox, and Shen Gui had already been given infertility medicine by Ren Wanyun, ensuring he would never have another child. What good were money, power, and beautiful women if there was no one to inherit the family legacy? “Among the three forms of unfilial behavior, having no heir is the worst.” When that time came, Old Madam Shen would only urge her two sons to quickly produce offspring. Did Chen Ruoqiu think she could rest easy?

Let evil people deal with each other; leaving this mess for the Shen family to sort out was just fine.

By the time news of Shen Xin’s retreat to Xiaochun City reached Prince Ding Fu Xiuyi’s ears, Emperor Wenhui had already approved it.

At this juncture, Fu Xiuyi naturally couldn’t say anything more; speaking too much would only arouse suspicion. However, Shen Xin’s sudden move puzzled him. He understood clearly that over the years, although Shen Xin appeared to be a rough military man on the surface, he was far from impulsive. Even if disgruntled about losing the tiger tally, he would never hastily submit a memorial to leave the capital the very next day.

Involuntarily, Fu Xiuyi recalled what Shen Yuanbai had once warned him about.

“My family’s Fifth Sister—Your Highness should not underestimate her.”

It was just one sentence, which Fu Xiuyi hadn’t taken seriously at the time. But now, for some reason, it resurfaced in his mind. Could Shen Xin’s sudden decision have been influenced by Shen Miao? But how would a pampered young lady from the Imperial Capital voluntarily go to such a cold and distant place as the northwest?

Fu Xiuyi sensed something wasn’t right, but couldn’t pinpoint exactly what. He only felt that events shouldn’t have unfolded this way.

An advisor beside him asked, “Is Your Highness worried about the Grand General’s matter? Although there have been unexpected developments, the Shen Army has been disbanded, the tiger tally recovered, and the Grand General’s influence diminished. Your Highness can confidently proceed with your plans.”

Fu Xiuyi pulled back his wandering thoughts and responded with a calm acknowledgment. Although Shen Xin’s actions deviated somewhat from his plans, he was not a crucial piece on Fu Xiuyi’s chessboard. If there was an important piece, it could have been Shen Miao when she had feelings for him, which would have provided an opportunity to bring the Shen family onto his side. But something happened that caused those feelings to dissipate, causing him to lose the chance to secure the Shen family’s allegiance.

It was also somewhat of a relief. If he had truly married Shen Miao, even with the Shen family’s military power, it would have been a source of ridicule. Fu Xiuyi was inherently proud and would never allow himself to have such a blemish. Now, all those hypotheticals vanished with the imminent departure of Shen Xin’s family. He said, “In these days, continue to recruit more people.”

The advisor was momentarily surprised before bowing in acknowledgment.

Fu Xiuyi shifted his gaze. Since the game had begun and the pursuit of the throne was imminent, recruiting more talented individuals in the shortest possible time was the most pressing matter.

Shen Xin left the capital early the next morning.

It was before dawn when they departed; Shen Xin left quietly. Firstly, he didn’t want to put his colleagues with whom he had good relationships in a difficult position. If they came to see him off, it would almost be openly defying Emperor Wenhui. The emperor’s moods were unpredictable, and if this angered him, it would be problematic. Secondly, Xiaochun City was thousands of miles from the Imperial Capital, and setting out early meant they could arrive sooner.

Even with fast horses, it would still take about half a year to reach their destination.

Although Shen Xin had lost the Shen Army and retained only his advance troops, he still had a batch of loyal followers, along with Shen Qiu’s subordinates, plus Mo Qing and Azhi, so they didn’t fear encountering any dangers. The journey was quite pleasant. Luo Xuayan and Shen Xin were initially worried that Shen Miao’s constitution wouldn’t withstand such a long journey and feared she might become unwell midway. But to their surprise, Shen Miao didn’t complain of fatigue even once. Shen Xin repeatedly praised her: “Jiao’er is truly my daughter. What girl in the Imperial Capital has such resilience and spirit?”

Luo Xuayan gave him a sidelong glance but felt increasingly guilty toward Shen Miao. A properly pampered young lady now had to endure the hardships of mountain and river travel.

Jingzhe peeked through the carriage curtain. Being on a long journey for the first time, she was quite curious, pointing excitedly at birds in the sky and rabbits in the forest. Seeing Shen Miao’s calm demeanor, she asked curiously, “How is Miss not finding any of this novel? These things cannot be seen in the city.”

At these words, Guyu also observed Shen Miao’s expression and tentatively asked, “Miss seems to have no regrets at all.”

Sitting in the carriage, Luo Xuayan was startled.

Leaving one’s homeland of over a decade to go to an unfamiliar place—Xiaochun City was certainly not as prosperous as the Imperial Capital, and they knew no one there. Any young lady would show some attachment and reluctance to leave her hometown at this time. But Shen Miao had remained calm throughout, even appearing somewhat lighthearted at times.

What was there to be lighthearted about when leaving one’s homeland?

Sensing Luo Xuayan’s gaze, Shen Miao was slightly startled, then smiled and looked at the scenery passing outside the carriage. “With Father, Mother, and Brother by my side, what is there to miss? Even staying in the Imperial Capital without family wouldn’t feel like home, would it?”

With these words, Luo Xuayan felt a pang in her heart. Thinking about how they had now seen the ugly faces of the Shen family clearly, and how they had left Shen Miao with those people for so many years, believing she was well taken care of—it now seemed like a huge joke. Shen Miao probably never considered those people family, or she wouldn’t have said such things.

Reflecting on this, Luo Xuayan drew Shen Miao into her embrace and said with remorse, “That’s right. From now on, Jiao’er will always be with Father, Mother, and Brother. No one will dare to bully you again.”

Shen Miao nestled in Luo Xuayan’s embrace, lowering her eyes to conceal the coldness within them.

Leaving home, setting out alone—this wasn’t the first time. In her previous life, when she went to Qin as a hostage, over mountains and across waters, wasn’t she all alone? She had brought her trusted maids, but how many had perished in that foreign land? The scenery then was like it was now; though it had become blurry, she still clearly remembered the feeling of that moment. From the Imperial Capital to Qin, and from Qin back to the Imperial Capital—both journeys were filled with desolation. Pitifully, she thought she was fulfilling a greater duty, for the sake of the common people, unaware of how ridiculous and clumsy she appeared in others’ eyes.

Now she was not leaving alone, and when she returned, she would certainly not be alone either.

The mountain road stretched far, and before they knew it, night had fallen. Since they were traveling on mountain paths without inns or taverns, they had to seek lodging at a farmhouse. Fortunately, the farmer’s family was warm-hearted and hospitable, enthusiastically receiving the group and preparing plenty of food and wine.

Because they needed to continue their journey, Shen Xin and his group dared not drink alcohol, fearing it would impair them and delay their departure the next day. But Shen Miao, whether from high spirits or because the farmer’s plum blossom wine was sweet and intoxicating, had a few cups, causing her cheeks to flush like peach blossoms.

“How did Jiao’er drink so much?” Luo Xuayan hadn’t noticed at first, but when she did, she was alarmed. Seeing Shen Miao resting her cheek on her hand, looking drowsy, she quickly reached out to feel her forehead.

“The young lady probably didn’t know how potent this wine is,” the farmer’s wife said with a smile. “Our homemade plum blossom wine tastes sweet, but it has a strong after-effect. Our daughters often indulge and end up quite drunk. But after a good sleep, she’ll be fine, with no headache the next day. Madam need not worry.”

Luo Xuayan relaxed at this. Shen Qiu, seeing Shen Miao’s slightly intoxicated state, found it amusing. “I never thought there would be a day when Sister got drunk. How interesting.”

Since Shen Qiu’s return, he had seen a composed and gentle Shen Miao, so mature and steady that sometimes Shen Qiu had the illusion that Shen Miao was the elder sister. Sometimes he missed the old Shen Miao, who, though willful and ignorant of propriety, at least had the temperament a young girl should have. Seeing her like this now reminded him of the old Shen Miao, making him feel a sense of familiarity.

“You rascal,” Shen Xin kicked Shen Qiu. “Your sister is already so drunk, and you’re still making a fuss?”

Shen Qiu quickly stuck out his tongue, pretending to be afraid and begging for mercy. The whole family, along with the farmer’s household, was lively and happy. Where was the desolation and helplessness of “leaving one’s homeland”?

Shen Miao, resting her chin on her hands, squinted at the scene before her. Although the plum blossom wine was intoxicating, she still had some clarity. Today she was indeed very happy. Everything was going according to plan. Actually, besides keeping Shen Xin away from the vortex of the Imperial Capital, there was another reason: a year later, smallpox would break out in the Imperial Capital. Although nothing had happened in her previous life, she didn’t want her family to take any risks now. Moving away from the Imperial Capital meant moving away from danger. Even if she sought revenge, the premise was to keep her family safe.

The lively dinner continued until late into the night before everyone dispersed. The hospitable farmer allocated enough rooms for everyone. Originally, Luo Xuayan was to share a room with Shen Miao, but Shen Miao insisted on staying in a room adjacent to the courtyard wall, and she wanted to sleep alone. That room was separate, quite distant from the others. If she stayed there, she would be separated from Luo Xuayan and the others.

Shen Xin initially felt uneasy about this, concerned that they might not reach her in time if there was danger. But Shen Miao, seemingly possessed by some whim, insisted on staying in that room despite her drowsy intoxication. The farmer’s wife, seeing this, smiled and said, “Perhaps the young lady wants to see the flowers outside the courtyard wall? Those flowers look especially beautiful in the snow’s reflection. Young ladies all like such things. Madam need not worry. Though our place is small, we have no bandits or robbers. If you’re concerned about the young lady, you can set up a tent outside and have a few guards stay there.”

Only then did everyone notice that the room by the courtyard wall, when its window was opened, overlooked a large expanse of snow-white garden. In the garden, winter plum blossoms were still in bloom, and with the moonlight casting its glow, the flower shadows swayed on the snowy ground, creating a truly beautiful scene.

Shen Qiu, both annoyed and amused, pinched Shen Miao’s nose. “Pampered little thing, no wonder they call you Jiao’er. Even when drunk, you seek out a place with good scenery.”

Luo Xuayan slapped away Shen Qiu’s hand, saying angrily, “Don’t touch her.” Then, looking at the somewhat confused Shen Miao, she shook her head. “You won’t sleep with me and insist on sleeping in such a distant place. Fine, let Mo Qing and Azhi set up a tent outside the courtyard. Jingzhe and Guyu, help your Miss change clothes and then come out.”

The farmer’s house wasn’t like their mansion in the Imperial Capital with separate chambers; there was no outer room where Jingzhe and Guyu could sleep on small couches. Luo Xuayan and Shen Xin weren’t harsh masters; they wouldn’t have Jingzhe and Guyu sleep on the floor to attend to Shen Miao. Considering the small size of the farmhouse, with Azhi and Mo Qing guarding outside, there shouldn’t be any problems.

After helping Shen Miao change her clothes and washing her face, Jingzhe and Guyu left the room. Outside, Mo Qing, Azhi, and the others had set up tents and were prepared to take turns keeping watch. Jingzhe and Guyu gave them additional instructions before leaving.

The “scenically beautiful” small side room was now left with only Shen Miao.

But Shen Miao, who had been supported by Jingzhe onto the bed, suddenly climbed up.

The after-effect of the plum blossom wine had finally surfaced. Shen Miao’s clear eyes were now clouded. She stood up unsteadily and tried to walk toward the window, but stumbled and nearly hit the corner of the table, falling sharply.

In the darkness, a pair of strong hands supported her arm. She could faintly smell the faint fragrance on the other person, and a familiar voice sounded by her ear, carrying a slight teasing tone: “Tsk, falling onto someone.”

Shen Miao instinctively wrapped her arms around his waist to steady herself, not realizing that this action caused the other person’s body to stiffen.

A moment later, with a “chik” sound, a flame leaped up. The person had somehow found a fire stick and lit the oil lamp in the room.

The farmer’s windows were all wooden carvings, solid without even a layer of white paper pasted over them. With the lamp lit inside, those outside couldn’t see in. Thus, the few people in the courtyard didn’t notice anything unusual inside the room.

In the dim lamplight, she could see the other person’s features. Snow-white fox fur, deep red brocade, red lips and white teeth, a pair of jet-black eyes bright as peach blossoms. Even in secret night travels, he maintained an elegant bearing. Who else could it be but Xie Jingxing?

Shen Miao was startled and said, “Xie Jingxing?” As she spoke, her body was heavy and she inadvertently leaned closer to Xie Jingxing, almost embracing him.

Xie Jingxing frowned. “Such a strong smell of alcohol. How much did you drink?” He examined Shen Miao with some disdain and said, “I kindly came to see you off, only to find a drunk.”

“You’re the drunk,” Shen Miao immediately retorted.

“Alright, you recognize me and can talk back, so I see you’re not drunk,” Xie Jingxing said while helping Shen Miao to the bed. He brought the oil lamp closer.

In the flickering light, Shen Miao wore a plain white inner garment, her hair loose, looking at him with a dazed expression, completely different from her usual shrewd and steady demeanor. She truly looked like a pitiful young girl. Xie Jingxing thought for a moment, then couldn’t resist giving her cheek a hard pinch.

Shen Miao glared at him indignantly.

Rarely seeing her so childish, Xie Jingxing found it interesting. Thinking that Shen Miao was now drunk, and recalling the saying that “in wine there is truth,” he thought he might learn something. “Who am I?” he asked.

“Xie Jingxing,” Shen Miao answered quickly.

“Do you know who Xie Jingxing is?”

Shen Miao stared at him, slowly furrowing her brows, not speaking for a long time. Xie Jingxing found her stare somewhat strange, thinking she might be cursing him in her mind. To his surprise, Shen Miao suddenly smiled and said, “A brilliant and splendid figure!”

Xie Jingxing: “…”

He looked at Shen Miao thoughtfully and asked, “Are you pretending to be drunk?”

“Young Marquis Xie, youthful talent, historic figure, in the prime…” Her voice gradually lowered, as if she couldn’t remember the rest.

Xie Jingxing was initially suspicious, but seeing that Shen Miao didn’t seem to be pretending, he found it somewhat strange. Raising an eyebrow, he said, “I didn’t expect you thought so highly of me.” He leaned closer and teased, “Could it be that you have feelings for me?”

Shen Miao pushed his head away with her hand.

Xie Jingxing was somewhat speechless. Normally, teasing Shen Miao would be quite entertaining. But now that she was so drunk, she had even revealed her evaluation of him as a “historic figure,” teasing her now felt quite pointless. He said, “I had intended to see you one last time, but with you so drunk, forget it. Farewell.” As he was about to leave, there was a “thud” sound as Shen Miao fell from the bed to the ground again.

Xie Jingxing initially wanted to help Shen Miao up but then stopped, folding his arms and standing comfortably to the side, watching Shen Miao struggle on the ground. After enjoying the sight for a while, he said, “You should see yourself now.”

Shen Miao, having drunk wine, was dizzy and her body felt soft. She couldn’t stand up at all and floundered on the ground for a long time without success. Xie Jingxing finally couldn’t bear to watch anymore and mercifully helped her up again, sitting her on the bed. Then he heard Shen Miao say, “Eunuch Li, This Palace wants to see the fireworks.”

In the quiet night, Shen Miao’s words were especially clear.

“Eunuch Li, this Palace wants to see the fireworks.”

Even the burning charcoal in the room seemed to freeze.

Xie Jingxing’s originally upturned lips slowly dropped, and his peach blossom eyes no longer brimmed with flirtatious charm. He slightly crouched down, his eyes level with Shen Miao’s as she sat on the bed. Though the gesture was gentle, coldness gradually filled his eyes. He asked, “What did you say?”

Shen Miao looked at him with open eyes. In the warm lamplight, her eyes were even clearer, and in those clear eyes, the touch of intoxication gave the youthful girl a sudden womanly charm that only mature women should possess. She extended a hand coquettishly and proudly, as if commanding a palace servant, and ordered, “Eunuch Li, This Palace wants to see fireworks. Go and call the Crown Prince and Princess here.”

Crown Prince and Princess?

Xie Jingxing stared intently at Shen Miao before him. His features were as handsome as a painting, enchanting as spring flowers and autumn moons when he smiled. When not smiling, however, he was as dangerous as a silent abyss, where even a glance felt like mockery. He looked at Shen Miao, and as he looked, he suddenly began to laugh lightly.

But despite the laughter, there wasn’t a trace of mirth in his eyes. He gently lifted Shen Miao’s chin—a thoroughly rakish action that, when performed by him, was elegantly refined, gentle enough to drown one in his dark eyes.

He asked, “Shen Miao, do you want to be the Empress?”

Shen Miao blinked at him and said, “That was originally mine.”

“Yours?”

“This Palace’s.”

Xie Jingxing slowly tightened his fingers. Shen Miao, whose chin was in his grip, felt pain and frowned in displeasure.

“Little girl, so young yet already ambitious to be the Empress,” he said, his tone unreadable but his gaze dangerous. “Ambitious women are the most beautiful, but you’re not yet a woman.”

Shen Miao looked back at him. The flowing moonlight, the clear glow of snow, the swaying plum blossoms—the two figures facing each other should have created a romantic, picturesque scene. Instead, dangerous and ambiguous atmospheres engulfed them, mixed with probing and crisis.

She was like a girl raised in luxury. For ordinary daughters, when they grew older, their only concern would be marrying a good husband. But she had been planning and enduring step by step, calculating behind the scenes. Although he had guessed she was ambitious, hearing it confirmed in her drunken state was still surprising.

That little girl, covered in thorns, from a fool to a chess player, from the prominent daughter of a general to a fallen noble—what had never changed was that seemingly docile yet beast-like fierce gaze, that innate nobility and pride. That natural air, as if she had been in high positions for years. The phrase “Eunuch Li, This Palace wants to see fireworks” was said with such lingering charm, like a bell in the quiet night, resonating in one’s heart.

Even in a dream, her demeanor was certainly worthy of an Empress. Now still a mere girl, in a few more years… in a few more years, with her full bloom of grace hard to conceal, she would truly possess the dignity to be the mother of the nation.

Xie Jingxing slowly released his grip on Shen Miao’s chin, glancing at her with inscrutable meaning in his eyes. After a pause, he made as if to leave, but heard Shen Miao mutter, “Xiao Li Zi, bring This Palace’s cloak. This Palace is cold.”

She had suddenly changed from “Eunuch Li” to “Xiao Li Zi.”

Xie Jingxing’s complex emotions were disrupted by this, leaving him both amused and exasperated. He asked, “Are you ordering me around?”

“Cold,” Shen Miao looked at him with a pitiful expression.

Xie Jingxing took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to grab Shen Miao and give her a good thrashing. He took off his cloak and threw it over Shen Miao.

Shen Miao wrapped herself in his cloak and smiled at him. “Later, this Palace will reward you with a few bolts of satin.”

Truly boundless imperial favor.

Xie Jingxing looked at her expressionlessly. “Thank you for Your Majesty’s great kindness. This servant takes his leave.” As he was about to depart, he was grabbed by the sleeve by Shen Miao.

Tonight’s Shen Miao was truly too unusual. Xie Jingxing could never have imagined that a drunk Shen Miao would be like this. He had initially thought he could take advantage of her drunken state to tease her, but in the end, it seemed he was the one being teased. The dignified Young Marquis Xie was being ordered around like a eunuch. Eunuch Li? Xiao Li Zi?

Shen Miao tugged at Xie Jingxing’s sleeve, pulling him down until he crouched again, his eyes level with hers. Only then was she satisfied. She released his sleeve but grabbed his collar.

Xie Jingxing was bewildered by Shen Miao’s actions. He heard her murmur, “In the previous dynasty, when a Princess was widowed, she would take in male favorites. Since His Majesty is not good to me, I should consider myself widowed and find a male favorite as well.”

Xie Jingxing initially couldn’t understand the first part of what she said, but by the end, he was perplexed. He stared at Shen Miao. “In your dream, are you a neglected former Empress?”

“Not neglected—widowed,” Shen Miao glared at him angrily.

Xie Jingxing nodded, responding lazily, “From neglected to wishing for a dead husband—you must be a poisonous Empress.”

“But you are quite good-looking,” Shen Miao suddenly said. “Are you a new male favorite?”

Xie Jingxing: “…”

“That Princess from the previous dynasty had a handsome male favorite. I’ve seen the portrait, but I think he wasn’t as beautiful as you,” Shen Miao continued. “If you follow This Palace, This Palace will ensure you never want for food or clothing for the rest of your life.”

Xie Jingxing was initially stunned by Shen Miao’s mention of a “male favorite,” but after hearing the last sentence, he was utterly astonished. Was he… being treated as a male concubine?

While he was still in shock, the hand gripping his collar suddenly pulled hard, and something soft pressed against him. Cool, small lips licked his and then nibbled, bringing a rush of sweet plum blossom wine fragrance.

“From now on, you are This Palace’s person,” Shen Miao released her grip and smiled at him with dignity.

By the time Xie Jingxing regained his senses, he had only one thought: he wanted to strangle this woman.

Just then, a whistle suddenly sounded from outside—a signal from his people. Mo Qing and the others had noticed something. Xie Jingxing gritted his teeth, gave Shen Miao one last look, and darted out.

Azhi opened the door but saw nothing inside. He scratched his head and said, “No one’s here.”

“Must have been a mistake,” Mo Qing frowned.

In the snow-covered ground where plum blossoms swayed, a handsome youth in dark red brocade, usually composed, now appeared somewhat uncomfortable. The middle-aged man beside him couldn’t help but ask, “Master seems unsettled. What happened in there?”

He had only gone to say farewell to the Shen family’s young lady, so why did he come out looking so out of sorts?

The red-clad youth’s eyes held an unreadable expression as he said, “Iron Robe, do I look like… like…”

Iron Robe was puzzled. “Like what?”

“Never mind,” he answered through gritted teeth. “Let’s go.”