“Though your phoenix destiny is good, you’ll be imprisoned for life. What a pity.”

Shen Miao suddenly halted her steps, frowning as she looked at the Taoist. “What did you say?”

The Taoist turned his head away smugly and began singing a little tune.

Jingzhe said, “Miss, don’t take it to heart. He’s probably just some con artist talking nonsense.” Although she didn’t understand how a Taoist could be in a Buddhist sacred place, this Taoist didn’t look very proper, let alone possess the transcendent air typical of Taoist masters. He was likely just saying things at random, no different from those street swindlers.

Shen Miao glanced ahead where Luo Xueyan and Luo Tan had already gone inside, while behind her, several guards followed without approaching. After a brief moment of thought, she sat down on the small wooden stool in front of the Taoist and said, “I want my fortune told.”

“This poor Taoist’s divinations are quite precious.”

Before he finished speaking, Shen Miao took out a golden peanut from her pouch—one of the items from the pouch Madam Su had given her earlier. Perhaps fearing that sending something too valuable would be presumptuous, she had filled the entire pouch with golden peanuts, convenient for making purchases.

Jingzhe and Guyu watched anxiously. Even the most expensive street fortune-telling would cost at most a few taels of silver, so why use a golden peanut? But once Shen Miao had made up her mind, there was no room for negotiation. Though the maids were anxious, they could do nothing about it.

Shen Miao said, “If your prediction is accurate, this golden peanut is yours. If not, I’ll have people overturn your stall and report you to the authorities for fraud.”

The Taoist smiled and accepted the golden peanut. From behind him, he produced a divination cylinder, shook it, and handed it to Shen Miao with a smile. “Young lady, draw two divination sticks.”

“Why draw two?” Guyu couldn’t help asking. “Usually one is enough, unless…” She suddenly realized, “One for safety and one for marriage prospects?”

Luo Xueyan had begun worrying about Shen Miao’s future marriage, so she had also given a hint to Shen Miao’s senior maids. Jingzhe and Guyu knew that Shen Miao’s most important task at Putuo Temple was to throw red strings at the matchmaking tree. Now, seeing the Taoist ask Shen Miao to draw two sticks, they naturally thought of this.

The Taoist shook his head and said, “For your destiny path.”

“Why are two sticks needed for a destiny reading?” Jingzhe was confused.

The Taoist looked at Shen Miao, stroked his beard, and smiled mysteriously. “Young lady’s destiny path cannot be fully read with just one stick.”

Shen Miao felt something stir within her. Seeing the Taoist’s confident demeanor, she silently took the cylinder, shook it, and two divination sticks fell to the ground with a “plop.”

The Taoist picked up the sticks to examine them. Jingzhe and Guyu grew somewhat tense. The Taoist shook his head and intoned: “Imprisoned phoenix in a cage, life in danger, affection ceased, bringing calamity. Before the guillotine, all diligent efforts amount to nothing.” He declared, “This is extremely inauspicious.”

At these words, both Jingzhe and Guyu paled. What did he mean by “extremely inauspicious”? What guillotine? Jingzhe said, “You fake Taoist, speaking such nonsense! Who are you trying to deceive? I think you’re just a swindler, and I should report you to the authorities!”

“Hey, hey, hey,” the Taoist said, “What’s the hurry? Young lady, why so impatient? There’s still another stick, isn’t there?”

Shen Miao’s heart began to race.

“Imprisoned phoenix in a cage” described her being trapped in the cold palace within the nine-layered imperial quarters, struggling in vain. The calamities she brought affected others, with the Shen family’s destruction—indeed, like a guillotine. And her diligent efforts to secure Fu Xiuyi’s position on the throne had all been for nothing in the end. All Fu Xiuyi gave her was a white silk rope. Even Princess Wanyu and Fu Ming didn’t survive. She had preserved nothing—wasn’t that all for nothing?

Shen Miao said, “Master, please read the other stick for me.”

Jingzhe and Guyu grew anxious, not understanding why Shen Miao would give this Taoist special consideration and even allow him to read the second stick.

The Taoist chuckled, picked up the other stick, glanced at Shen Miao, and as before, stroked his beard before slowly saying: “After extreme misfortune comes great fortune, purple qi comes from the east, an auspicious sign. Most auspicious.”

Jingzhe and Guyu had been afraid the Taoist would say more unlucky words. With the New Year approaching, everyone feared unlucky words bringing bad fortune. Hearing this, they sighed in relief. Jingzhe, however, still mockingly challenged: “I knew he was a fraud. One stick is unlucky, one stick is lucky. So which one tells the truth?”

“Both sticks speak the truth,” the Taoist said. “If you don’t believe me, ask your young lady if I’m lying.”

Something stirred in Shen Miao’s heart. She said, “Jingzhe, Guyu, go to the guards first. I want to speak privately with the master.”

Jingzhe wanted to caution her, still believing the Taoist was a street swindler. However, Guyu shook her head at her and pulled her to one side, making room for Shen Miao and the Taoist to talk in private.

Shen Miao frowned at the Taoist: “Does the master know something?”

The Taoist gathered his divination cylinder, not looking back as he said: “Looking at the young lady’s facial features, you are a person of extreme nobility. As for your destiny, it is that of a phoenix. You should have enjoyed a life of glory, jade, and fine silk. But unfortunately… your destiny was exchanged.”

Shen Miao asked, “What do you mean by ‘destiny exchanged’?” Her voice was somewhat urgent.

The Taoist stopped what he was doing and looked at her. “Young lady’s destiny is quite peculiar. In your lifetime, you will face one great calamity. If you overcome it, your life will naturally be smooth. But according to the first stick you drew, you did not overcome this calamity.”

“What is my calamity?” Shen Miao asked.

“One true phoenix, one false phoenix. The false phoenix stole the true phoenix’s fate and blessings, while the true phoenix was imprisoned.”

Shen Miao felt her heart was about to jump out of her throat. True phoenix, false phoenix—could it be that she was the true phoenix? As for the false phoenix, could it be Madam Mei? Madam Mei gave birth to Fu Sheng, and Fu Xiuyi was extremely fond of Fu Sheng. In her previous life, after Fu Ming died and she died, Fu Xiuyi would likely make Madam Mei his empress. Given Fu Xiuyi’s affection for Fu Sheng, he might pass the throne to him.

Wasn’t this exactly what it meant to have her destiny stolen?

Shen Miao asked, “Master mentioned the first stick, but in the second stick, can I overcome my calamity?”

“With your abilities alone, you cannot,” the master shook his head. “But, young lady, your fortune is good, and there is a noble person who will assist you in your destiny.”

“A noble person?” Shen Miao asked. “Who is my noble person?”

“This noble person has a destiny connected to yours, with the fate of a fierce dragon. Fierce dragon subduing heaven, imprisoned phoenix entering the cage—he can save you, and you can dissolve his violent energy. If you encounter this person and borrow his power, your destiny will be restored. What is lost will be regained.”

Shen Miao asked, “Where is this noble person? How can I find him?”

The master smiled: “Far in the distance, yet right before your eyes.”

He didn’t wish to say more. Shen Miao’s eyes flickered, and she asked another question: “One more thing—ordinary people can only draw one stick, but why do I have two sticks? Is this heaven’s will?”

Having been reborn once, she often felt a sense of unreality, fearing that one day she would wake up and find herself still in that desolate cold palace, and all of this was just a dream. Since this strange Taoist from who-knows-where seemed somewhat accurate, perhaps he knew something.

“Heaven and earth are not benevolent; they treat all beings as straw dogs. Young lady’s two sticks were requested by someone for you.”

“Someone?” Shen Miao caught the key point in the Taoist’s words. “Who is this person?”

“Someone who owes you greatly.” The Taoist stood up from the ground, patting the dust off his clothes. “Heavenly secrets cannot be revealed. Today, this poor Taoist has already revealed too much to the young lady. Speaking more would diminish my blessings. Young lady, please ask no more, and remember: the past is like a dream, avoid entanglements, after extreme misfortune comes great fortune, purple qi comes from the east.”

With that, he raised his whisk and strode away, singing loudly.

Shen Miao stood stunned on the spot until Jingzhe and Guyu approached her. Jingzhe said, “How bizarre. Who knows where he came from? Doesn’t Putuo Temple have anyone managing these things?”

But Shen Miao felt she had glimpsed certain secrets, creating an indescribable feeling within her.

Just then, Luo Xueyan and Luo Tan emerged from inside.

Luo Tan held a small basket filled with red strings attached to pouches, smiling as she said, “Little cousin, come on, let’s go hang the red strings. Why did you fall behind?”

Luo Xueyan also said, “I heard a master was giving a sermon in the meditation room inside. I wanted you to come listen, but when I looked back, you were behind us. I don’t know what kept you so long. Do you still want to go listen?”

Having just heard the Taoist’s words, Shen Miao’s mind was in extraordinary confusion. She had no interest in listening to any monk’s sermon, so she shook her head and said, “No, I won’t go.”

“Then let’s go hang the red strings first,” Luo Tan was very excited and pulled Shen Miao forward.

In the meditation room that Luo Xueyan had passed by earlier, the old monk’s wooden fish-tapping paused. The young monk asked, “Master, it’s already past noon. You said she would come, but will she come?”

Master Guanzhen rose from his meditation cushion and shook his head. “She won’t come.”

“Won’t come?” The young monk was startled. “Why not?”

“She has met someone else.”

The young monk didn’t understand. “Why wouldn’t she come just because she met someone else? Master, didn’t you specifically wait here for her? If she doesn’t come, wouldn’t all these days of waiting be wasted?”

“It doesn’t matter,” Master Guanzhen pressed his palms together. “The person she met is also a destined connection.”

“This is karma.”

Shen Miao and Luo Tan went outside and arrived at the matchmaking tree.

The matchmaking tree was a huge osmanthus tree, extremely thick and sturdy. Now, however, one could barely see the branches and twigs as they were almost completely covered by the pouches hanging from red strings.

Luo Ling and Shen Qiu ultimately didn’t come, as this was meant for women. Luo Tan handed Shen Miao a bunch of red strings and said, “Little cousin, write your name on the pouch, then throw it onto the tree. If it hangs, it means the old man under the moon has heard your prayer and will arrange a good marriage for you.” She then stuffed more red strings into Shen Miao’s hands. “Little cousin, take more. The more you take and throw up together, the greater the chance of one hanging.”

Shen Miao watched silently as Luo Tan enthusiastically wrote her name on all the remaining pouches. But young women generally believed in such things—why not seek a good omen? Luo Xueyan also said, “Jiaojiao, write on some and throw them up. Don’t be afraid.”

Shen Miao looked critically at the basket of red strings. Finally, unable to resist Luo Tan and Luo Xueyan’s insistence, she reluctantly selected one string and wrote her name on a pouch.

Seeing this, Luo Tan said, “Little cousin, you’re taking too few! One string can’t possibly hang. Take a few more, these should be enough.”

Luo Xueyan also said, “Jiaojiao, one is not enough.”

Shen Miao felt she didn’t want to throw even one, especially as she was still thinking about the Taoist’s words. How could she focus on this? So she just casually threw it.

“One string definitely won’t hang, you should…” Luo Tan exclaimed in surprise. “Wait, how did it hang?”

Luo Xueyan was also extremely surprised. Generally, the more red strings thrown, the greater the chance of catching onto a branch. A single string lacked weight and couldn’t be thrown up successfully. Yet somehow Shen Miao’s casual toss had succeeded. Moreover, it hung on a high branch, securely in place, likely to withstand wind and rain without falling.

“Little cousin, you’re so fortunate!” Luo Tan grabbed Shen Miao’s arm excitedly. “Look, look, that branch is so high! It means the one you’ll marry must be an outstanding man among men. The branch holds so firmly, indicating this marriage is almost certain. How wonderful!”

Who doesn’t like to hear words of good fortune? Luo Xueyan’s face blossomed with smiles. “Jiaojiao threw that well. I was thinking if you couldn’t hang it, I’d find a way to help you hang it.”

“But there are many branches around,” Luo Tan rubbed her chin, seriously explaining. “These branches all extend toward little cousin’s pouch. What does this mean? It means little cousin has more than one marriage prospect. Auntie, this is good news! A family with a daughter is sought by a hundred families! Your future son-in-law will have his work cut out for him.” Luo Tan giggled.

Shen Miao said, “Nonsense.” But in her heart, she remembered the Taoist’s earlier strange words: “blueness under your eyes, indicating romantic troubles.” She couldn’t help feeling uneasy. Could he have been right? Then she inwardly mocked herself—not even a petal of a peach blossom was in sight, so what romantic troubles could there be? It was just Luo Tan talking nonsense, and she had taken it seriously.

The day passed exceptionally quickly. Later, Luo Tan also hung many of her red strings, then they worshipped Buddha, offered incense, donated some money for incense, ate a vegetarian meal at the temple, and returned home. By the time they reached the Shen residence, it was evening. Everyone was tired from the day’s activities and retired early.

But Shen Miao kept thinking about what the Taoist had said earlier.

A calamity in her destiny, a noble person to assist her… who was this noble person? And who had requested the two divination sticks for her, or in other words, who had requested the opportunity for her to be reborn?

Her family from her previous life had almost all perished before her death. Shen Miao thought that after she died, there probably wouldn’t even be anyone to claim her body. Who could have such supernatural powers? Who would have such ability and such a relationship with her to request her rebirth?

She couldn’t think of anyone.

Suddenly, Shen Miao remembered something and called out, “Cong Yang.”

A black-clothed man instantly appeared in the room.

Shen Miao held her forehead, feeling that Xie Jingxing’s shadow guards appeared so abruptly that even their master might be startled. She said, “Today’s events and what the Taoist said to me, do not tell Xie Jingxing.” Then she added, “If you tell Xie Jingxing, I will accuse you of improper conduct.”

Cong Yang: “…”

“Remember that,” Shen Miao threatened.

…

Every day in the capital, countless people worry about various trivial matters. Young women worried about marriage, young men about achieving scholarly success, the elderly about decline, the young about naivety—all bustling about for personal gain.

Some sought small profits, some played for vast fortunes, and some staked their lives and families, yet looked toward the entire realm.

Within the Ming Qi royal family, as the Emperor Wenhui’s health deteriorated day by day, the princes below him grew increasingly restless. Prince Zhou’s faction was arrogant, and Prince Li’s faction was also making significant moves. It was thought that the Ninth Prince was docile, but then the incident with the Shen family and Qin country occurred. When all was considered, it seemed the Crown Prince’s position was the weakest.

Emperor Wenhui sighed, his brow covered with a layer of weariness. Perhaps due to prolonged illness, his complexion had become extremely poor. His anger in the golden hall daily was merely a facade, as many had their eyes on his position. If he were to fall, the court would be thrown into chaos, likely exploited by those with ambitions.

When the princes were young, he hadn’t thought much of it, but as they grew older, he realized he hadn’t raised sons but a pack of wolves. Now that the young wolves had grown, some things became uncontrollable.

“How is the Crown Prince’s health recently?” Emperor Wenhui asked the eunuch Su beside him.

Eunuch Su hurriedly responded, “Yesterday, the Empress met with the Crown Prince’s consort, who said the Crown Prince’s condition has improved somewhat. The Imperial Physician also said that with some recuperation, he would get better.”

Emperor Wenhui shook his head. “The Crown Prince’s health is indeed a problem.” As the most legitimate heir to the throne, the Crown Prince was unfortunately frail. Although he had many supporters and could maintain control in earlier years, with the gradual strengthening of Prince Zhou’s and Prince Li’s factions, the Crown Prince’s influence had been suppressed. The recent addition of Prince Ding made Emperor Wenhui feel even more headaches. Fortunately, though the Crown Prince was frail, he had early on sired a grandson, the Crown Prince’s son. This way, even if Emperor Wenhui passed away and the Crown Prince was weak, as long as he could hold on until the young prince was a bit older, the grandson could succeed to the throne.

Imperial Physician Su kept his eyes lowered, seemingly unaware of Emperor Wenhui’s intentions. But in his heart, he was very clear—Emperor Wenhui currently favored the Crown Prince the most. The reason was simple: firstly, the Crown Prince’s succession was legitimate; secondly, the Crown Prince’s poor health meant he posed the least threat to Emperor Wenhui. Unlike the other sons, Prince Zhou’s faction was arrogantly domineering, Prince Li’s faction appeared kind but privately maintained relationships with many ministers, and even Prince Ding, who seemed least interested in power, now appeared to Emperor Wenhui as a dog that bites without barking. Each was like a wolf or tiger, forcing Emperor Wenhui to remain vigilant.

A cold wind blew in from outside the window, causing the imperial paper on the desk to curl slightly. Seeing this, Imperial Physician Su hurriedly rose to close the window, saying, “It’s getting late into the night, Your Majesty should retire earlier.”

At the same time, the Crown Prince, who was being discussed by Emperor Wenhui, was conversing with someone. If anyone had seen this, they would have been greatly surprised. The person talking with the Crown Prince was none other than Prince Ding, Fu Xiuyi.

These two men—one being the “legitimate” heir in Emperor Wenhui’s eyes, the other being the “dog that bites without barking” in the minds of the princes—were now sitting at a table, warming plum wine over a small fire, engaged in a discussion.

The Crown Prince said, “Ninth Brother, don’t take this matter to heart. Father Emperor has merely misunderstood you due to believing slanderous words. Over time, once the misunderstanding is cleared, he will naturally treat you as before. Why should Ninth Brother be self-destructive?”

Fu Xiuyi shook his head. “Big Brother doesn’t know the bitterness in my heart. A disaster has struck from the blue, impossible to avoid. I am simply a leisurely person with no interest in power or wealth, just wanting to live freely. In the past, apart from my duties, when have I ever interfered in other matters? Yet with the Shen family incident, Father Emperor still suspected me. This father-son relationship is too cold.”

“Ninth Brother, be careful with your words.” The Crown Prince was startled and hurriedly stopped Fu Xiuyi’s unfinished speech. “There are no wrong parents in the world. You are Father Emperor’s son; he won’t do anything to harm you. If blame is to be assigned, blame those villains.”

The matter they were discussing was the recent confiscation of the Shen family’s property. Although Emperor Wenhui had kept it secret, all the princes had spies in the palace. Moreover, with Shen Wan providing information, the princes knew the true reason behind the Shen family case. Because of this, the princes now viewed Fu Xiuyi differently. Originally, in the princes’ struggle for succession, they fought fiercely amongst themselves, believing the Ninth Prince had no great ambitions and was content being a leisurely prince. Therefore, they hadn’t specifically targeted Fu Xiuyi. Who would have thought that after this incident, they would discover he had hidden pieces on the board? In power struggles, the most feared situation is when the enemy is hidden while you are exposed. Especially in the struggle for the realm, one misstep could cost one’s life and family. Prince Ding had been watching from the shadows for a long time, perhaps waiting for the opportunity when others fought to gain the advantage.

Previously, everyone had treated Prince Ding with courtesy, but now they looked at Fu Xiuyi with united hostility. Fu Xiuyi had suddenly made many enemies for himself.

And after becoming the target of his brothers’ animosity, Fu Xiuyi’s first move was to approach the Crown Prince.

Whether sincere or not, the Crown Prince was known to be soft-hearted and honest, easily deceived.

Just as now, he didn’t mock or attack Fu Xiuyi but instead turned to comfort him.

Fu Xiuyi smiled and said, “Enough about my matters, let’s talk about your situation, Big Brother.”

“Mine?” The Crown Prince was puzzled. “What about me?”

Currently, everyone is fighting fiercely. Big Brother, though you are the most legitimate heir, your influence has been overshadowed, which is not a good sign.” Fu Xiuyi smiled. “Previously, I didn’t want to be involved in these matters and deliberately avoided them, but unexpectedly, I was still sought out. Since that’s the case, I might as well take the initiative to join. I plan to support you, Big Brother.”

The Crown Prince was startled, seemingly not expecting Fu Xiuyi to say this. He first smiled bitterly, then shook his head. “Ninth Brother’s good intentions need no thanks. But… Ninth Brother also knows about my health. If I were strong and healthy, I could certainly compete, but with my condition, how long I can last is a question. Let’s just let nature take its course.” By the end of his words, there was a subtle sense of despair.

“Big Brother, don’t underestimate yourself. You are the son of the Empress, Father Emperor’s eldest legitimate son, and also the Crown Prince. By all rights and reason, you are the future ruler of Ming Qi. If you step aside, people might mock Ming Qi for poor succession.”

“But I truly have no talent,” the Crown Prince seemed disheartened. “The ministers see my condition and are unwilling to follow me. Those who once supported me—few remain now. Ninth Brother asks me to compete, but apart from the title of Crown Prince, what abilities do I have to compete?”

Hearing this, Fu Xiuyi poured wine for himself and the Crown Prince, took a sip, and said, “That’s why at this time, Big Brother needs a powerful assistant even more.”

The Crown Prince shook his head. “Good birds choose trees to nest in. How would capable people choose me?”

“Big Brother need not think it so difficult,” Fu Xiuyi said. “Finding many influential people is indeed challenging. But thinking more simply, if you find just one powerful supporter, other followers become less necessary. Or rather, once you find this person, a large group of officials will naturally come to your side.”

“Ninth Brother is referring to…” the Crown Prince questioned suspiciously.

“The Mighty General Shen Xin,” Fu Xiuyi answered.

The Crown Prince paused.

“Shen Xin controls military power, with Shen’s army charging on the front lines and Luo’s army bravely covering the rear. After two years away from the capital, his reputation among the common people hasn’t diminished. Even Qin and Da Liang treat him with respect. With General Shen’s support, people would naturally view the Crown Prince’s strength more favorably. People climb high and water flows low—followers would naturally come flocking.”

After listening to Fu Xiuyi’s speech, the Crown Prince laughed. “Ninth Brother speaks well. But Ninth Brother should know that currently, General Shen is highly regarded and coveted by everyone. Our other brothers think the same, but why would Shen’s army choose me?”

“Because you are the Crown Prince,” Fu Xiuyi calmly stated. “If our other brothers chose General Shen, they would likely incur Father Emperor’s great taboo. But you, Big Brother, are different. You are the legitimate heir to the throne and Father Emperor’s most valued son. General Shen coming to your side would be something Father Emperor would be pleased to see. What is a disaster for others is a blessing for you. Such great military power cannot fall into outsiders’ hands.”

The Crown Prince stopped laughing, for Fu Xiuyi’s words made perfect sense. Emperor Wenhui was suspicious. For instance, if Prince Zhou, Prince Li, or even Prince Ding Fu Xiuyi gained Shen Xin’s support, it would be disastrous for them as Emperor Wenhui would view them with even more disfavor. But the Crown Prince was different—Emperor Wenhui already complained that the Crown Prince’s influence was too weak to balance other princes, and as the Crown Prince was Emperor Wenhui’s chosen future successor, he naturally hoped for strong support.

“But why would General Shen choose me?” The Crown Prince still shook his head, seemingly disagreeing with Fu Xiuyi’s words. “Participating in these matters is ultimately risky. General Shen has no reason to wade into these troubled waters; he can live very comfortably.”

Fu Xiuyi smiled and said, “General Shen may have no reason to choose you, Big Brother, but Miss Shen can.”

The Crown Prince was startled.

Fu Xiuyi casually remarked, “The legitimate Fifth Miss of the Shen family, General Shen’s precious daughter, is also of age for betrothal.”