The third day of the seventh month was Xie Jingxing’s birthday. The entire Rui Prince’s mansion should have been bustling with activity. People said that although Xie Jingxing himself didn’t particularly enjoy it, Emperor Yongle would host a banquet for him every year at Bixiao Tower. The more importance the Emperor showed toward Xie Jingxing, the more respect the court officials accorded him. Of course, Xie Jingxing’s performance in the past two years had been worthy of contemplation. Birthday banquets were naturally occasions for currying favor, and from early morning, birthday gifts had been flowing continuously into the courtyard.

Tang Uncle was busy recording these items in a register, which he then presented to Shen Miao. As the Princess Consort of the Rui Prince’s mansion, even though she had been in a cold war with Xie Jingxing these days, she still needed to review the accounts. Shen Miao glanced at them—the names on the list were dizzying. Whether high officials or minor clerks, all were eagerly coming to curry favor. Both the Lu and Ye families had also sent gifts.

Shen Miao sighed inwardly. It was only because Emperor Yongle and Xie Jingxing had an intimate relationship that this was possible. If this were Ming Qi, any official holding such a large birthday celebration with so many well-wishers would immediately arouse the emperor’s suspicion. Yet here in Longyi, it was conducted so openly and grandly, which was rather surprising.

Tang Uncle pointed out which gifts should be stored in the treasury and which could be put to immediate use, while also reminding Shen Miao: “Today, my lady, don’t forget to dress up early. Tie Yi will send someone to escort you to Bixiao Tower.”

Shen Miao asked, puzzled: “Me?”

Tang Uncle smiled and said: “You are the Princess Consort of the mansion and His Highness’s wife. For His Highness’s birthday, you naturally must attend.” After hesitating, he added haltingly: “Couples fight at the head of the bed but reconcile at the foot. His Highness may seem angry, but if you don’t go today, he’ll just brood in silence for who knows how long, so…”

“I understand. I will go,” Shen Miao replied.

Tang Uncle breathed a sigh of relief, gave Shen Miao a few more detailed instructions, and then left.

After he departed, Shen Miao finished reviewing the accounts, put the register away, and prepared to return to her room. Jingzhe approached her, sheepishly asking: “My lady, you will go to Bixiao Tower tonight, won’t you?”

“The Rui Prince’s mansion is watched by outsiders. Having just arrived in Da Liang, there are certainly people waiting to see a spectacle. If I don’t go, I’ll only give them an opportunity for gossip. Better to face it directly—meet the troops with generals and the floods with dams. Isn’t that better?”

Jingzhe nodded repeatedly: “Exactly. They want to see what our Princess Consort from Ming Qi looks like. Let them see clearly. A lady from the General’s mansion isn’t just anyone who can become a Princess Consort!”

Guyu pulled Jingzhe back, glaring at her and whispering: “You’re exaggerating more and more.”

Jingzhe pursed her lips. Seeing Shen Miao already walking toward her room, she whispered to Guyu: “My lady is still being stubborn, finding so many excuses. If she wants to make up with the master, she should just say so. No one would laugh at her.” She then added with a sigh: “At least my lady is willing to yield now. The master has a way with her.”

Guyu said: “Just stop talking.”

Shen Miao returned to her room, followed by Jingzhe and Guyu. Guyu asked: “Would my lady like to choose what to wear tonight? I need to think about what hairstyle would be appropriate.”

Shen Miao replied: “We’ll do that later. Grind some ink for me now.”

Jingzhe and Guyu exchanged puzzled glances, not understanding why Shen Miao suddenly wanted to write. Shen Miao had never been particularly fond of writing or painting, but they naturally followed their mistress’s instructions. Shen Miao laid out letter paper, and Jingzhe and Guyu finally realized she intended to write a letter.

Shen Miao asked Guyu: “Cousin Tan will be back soon, right?”

Guyu replied: “Young Master Gao sent word that they will make it to tonight’s birthday celebration at Bixiao Tower.”

Luo Tan and Gao Yang had disappeared somewhere these past few days. Luo Tan had a fiery temper, and Gao Yang had deceived her earlier. It would take some time for Luo Tan to cool down, so Gao Yang had simply taken her away. Shen Miao wasn’t worried, knowing Gao Yang’s character wasn’t so poor as to harm Luo Tan—if anything, Gao Yang was in more danger. Today was Xie Jingxing’s birthday, and as Xie Jingxing’s right-hand man and friend, Gao Yang would naturally hurry back.

After some thought, Shen Miao began writing. She wrote hesitantly, penning two or three sentences, then seemingly finding them unsatisfactory, quickly crumpling the paper into a ball and tossing it into the waste basket. She started again, wrote for a while, then discarded it just as before. In the end, after wasting countless sheets of decorated paper, she finally put down her brush. She placed the letter in an envelope and handed it to Jingzhe, saying: “When you see Tie Yi later, give this to him and tell him to pass it to Xie Jingxing during the birthday banquet tonight.”

Jingzhe’s eyes widened, surprised that it was for Xie Jingxing. She had thought Shen Miao was writing a letter home to Lord and Lady Shen, and had been wondering why she was writing again when she’d already sent one a few days ago.

Shen Miao said, “Guyu, go out for me.” She casually tore off another piece of paper, wrote a few notes, and handed it to Guyu, saying: “Help me buy all these items.”

Guyu promptly agreed.

The two of them hurriedly left. Shen Miao sat in the room and let out a sigh of relief.

Yielding was something she rarely did. Especially in this life, her inherent pride would not allow her to bow her head to anyone. However, this time she acknowledged she was in the wrong. Besides, Xie Jingxing was also a proud person. Between the two of them, someone had to be the first to yield, and Shen Miao thought, since Xie Jingxing knew nothing of her circumstances, there was no reason for him to bow first.

Among so many birthday gifts, she needed to offer something meaningful. Yet the Rui Prince’s mansion lacked neither gold nor jewels, and her needlework could hardly be considered exquisite. After much consideration, she settled on some simple gestures. Hopefully, as Ba Jiao had said, though Xie Jingxing might seem fastidious, he was easy to please.

However, what concerned her most was that among the guests at Bixiao Tower, the Ye family would be present, which meant the Ye siblings would be there too. Whenever the Ye siblings were present, she always had to keep a close watch to prevent them from executing any schemes. She could not allow Xie Jingxing to have any interaction with them when she wasn’t around.

Time passed quickly, and soon it was evening. People sent by Tie Yi had arrived to escort her. Jingzhe inserted the final pearl hairpin into Shen Miao’s hair and smiled: “Perfect! My lady will certainly outshine everyone today.”

“I’m not competing in a beauty contest. What use is that?” Shen Miao laughed, looking at herself in the mirror. She removed the pearl hairpin and replaced it with a purple-red jade camellia.

Jingzhe blinked: “This does match better than the pin just now.”

Before Shen Miao’s eyes flashed the memory of Xie Jingxing giving her this jade camellia for the first time. Back then, they were suspicious and wary of each other, filled with mutual distrust. At that time, Shen Miao didn’t know Xie Jingxing’s background, only feeling that he seemed different from the mischievous youth described in rumors from her previous life.

Life truly had many coincidences and wondrous aspects. Now she and Xie Jingxing were husband and wife, and had even come to Da Liang together. This was something she could never have imagined then. Wearing this jade camellia might help Xie Jingxing cool his anger, perhaps reminding him that they had come from being strangers to spouses. Other unnecessary suspicions or estrangements shouldn’t be needed.

Shen Miao stood up, a faint smile appearing on her face, and said: “Ba Jiao and the others are still waiting outside. Let’s go.”

They all left together and saw that the carriage was indeed ready at the door, with Ba Jiao and Hui Xiang waiting outside. Jingzhe asked curiously: “His Highness won’t be going with my lady?”

Hui Xiang replied somewhat awkwardly: “His Highness has already gone ahead. He instructed us to come and escort my lady.”

This seemed somewhat inappropriate—a Prince and his Princess Consort not leaving together, but one after the other. Anyone with eyes could see there must be some problem between them. Jingzhe and Guyu felt indignant on Shen Miao’s behalf, but Shen Miao simply said calmly: “All right, let’s go.”

She knew Xie Jingxing’s temperament—proud at heart, yet sometimes as stubborn as a child. These things she wouldn’t quibble over, but thinking about her “apology” tonight gave her an uneasy feeling.

Bixiao Tower was the largest and most expensive restaurant in Longyi. Not just ordinary citizens, but even high officials would consider it a great honor to host a banquet there. Therefore, to hold a birthday celebration there, not just one or two tables but renting almost the entire restaurant, was extremely prestigious. Such prestige naturally came with a hefty price, and the Rui Prince’s mansion had held banquets here for three consecutive years, clearly demonstrating the wealth of the household.

In the main seat of honor, a young man sat obliquely, casually curling his lips as he listened to the congratulatory words of those present. His purple-gold robe almost completely covered the seat, looking from afar like the flowing night sky with stars, possessing a gorgeous elegance. Having received many toasts, he naturally had a slight flush, and his peach-blossom eyes seemed to smile yet not smile, appearing somewhat intoxicated yet clear, making it difficult to discern whether he was drunk or sober.

Among the guests were ladies who, upon seeing the young man, couldn’t help but cast admiring glances. This Rui Prince, so young yet so extraordinarily handsome, radiated both elegance and a hint of rakishness—precisely the type that women found most captivating. Add to that his high status and immense wealth, and he was someone women would do anything to get close to.

Unfortunately, this young man was already married, and to a properly wedded Princess Consort at that. However, even with a Princess Consort, the position of secondary wife remained vacant. Even if one couldn’t become a secondary wife, becoming a concubine would still be something many would fight for.

Lu Wan’er sat beside Madam Lu, her gaze involuntarily drawn toward Xie Jingxing. She had fallen for him at first sight two years ago. In a time when most men were mediocre and vulgar, only he could capture her heart. It was particularly galling that the position beside him, which should have been hers, was occupied by that foolish woman Shen Miao. Just thinking about it made Lu Wan’er furious, wanting to tear Shen Miao to pieces. She was eager to go speak with Xie Jingxing, but currently, all those officials were flattering him. Even though she was the daughter of an official family, no matter how bold she might be, she couldn’t go forward and ingratiate herself in front of so many people. This left her feeling somewhat dejected.

At a glance, she spotted Ye Mei talking with Ye Ke, and Lu Wan’er’s face darkened.

As women, they were always particularly sensitive to other women’s appearances. Lu Wan’er considered herself pampered and privileged, eating and wearing only the best, so she always viewed other women with a somewhat condescending gaze. In all of Longyi, she believed herself to be as precious as a princess, and didn’t even place the Ye family, which was on par with the Lu family, in her eyes, because the Ye family had few offspring and no young ladies at all.

But now she had heard that the Ye family had recognized two long-lost children, a son and a daughter. Lu Wan’er had initially approached this with a spectator’s mentality, curious to see what Ye Mei looked like. After seeing her, however, she couldn’t feel any happiness at all.

Ye Mei was too beautiful—not just beautiful, but possessing a special charm that constantly drew people’s gaze. It wasn’t mere allure; there was also a touch of innocence, and while innocent, she also exhibited a mature sensuality. Most importantly, Ye Mei was intelligent. For instance, though she and her brother had only just been recognized by their family and were meeting many ladies for the first time today, she was already engaged in pleasant conversation with them.

A beautiful, intelligent woman who knew propriety, now bearing the title of the Ye family’s daughter. Seeing how Madam Ye doted on her out of guilt, and given that the other aspects of status and power were roughly equal, she far surpassed Lu Wan’er, causing her to feel a strong sense of crisis.

She had heard that this Ye Mei had also saved the Rui Prince’s life, which naturally created a closer relationship with the Rui Prince’s mansion. Lu Wan’er was seething with hatred.

All along, Lu Wan’er had considered Xie Jingxing “hers.” Even after Shen Miao’s arrival, she had never for a moment abandoned her intentions. A foreign official’s daughter, alone in Longyi without relatives or support, with the Lu family’s capabilities, finding an opportunity to make her disappear wouldn’t be difficult. Therefore, Lu Wan’er had never taken Shen Miao seriously. But Ye Mei was different. The Ye family had always had a complex relationship with the Lu family—not friends, but not enemies either. If the Ye family were to seek a marriage alliance with the Rui Prince’s mansion… Lu Wan’er shuddered and bit her lip hard, saying nothing.

As she was thinking this, Madam Ye exclaimed with some surprise: “Come to think of it, I haven’t seen the Princess Consort at all. How is it that she hasn’t come today?”

The ladies began to whisper among themselves. Of course, they weren’t blind—they had all noticed Shen Miao’s absence but hadn’t mentioned it because no one had brought it up. Now that Madam Ye had raised the topic, they naturally began discussing it.

Madam Ye continued: “I hope she isn’t ill. When I went to pick up Mei and Ke a few days ago, the Princess Consort looked quite haggard. I suppose it’s understandable—with His Highness ill, she as his wife would naturally be anxious. Her health seemed poor then; she hadn’t even been able to care for His Highness.”

This statement caused a commotion. Madam Ye had subtly mentioned her visit to the Prince’s mansion, highlighting the close relationship between the Ye family and the Prince’s mansion because of the Ye siblings. She had also severely disparaged Shen Miao. When the Rui Prince’s life hung in the balance, Shen Miao hadn’t even cared for him. Even if she truly was ill, it showed a remarkable lack of conscience.

Meanwhile, Xie Jingxing was drinking wine offered by a colleague, and it wasn’t clear if he had heard Madam Ye’s words. He maintained a faint smile, not even glancing in their direction.

Someone suggested: “Perhaps the couple quarreled?”

“How could that be?” Madam Lu replied with a cordial smile. “Didn’t the Princess Consort herself say that the Rui Prince’s mansion would not take in any more women? This shows their relationship must be excellent, otherwise she wouldn’t have made such a statement. With such a good relationship, they certainly wouldn’t quarrel. Let’s not over-speculate.” Madam Lu still resented Shen Miao’s earlier words in front of Lu Wan’er. The more she spoke this way, the more it made Shen Miao appear to be slapping her face. After all that bravado, she was now estranged from her husband, which just goes to show, one shouldn’t be so arrogant.

Hearing this, Lu Wan’er’s mood improved slightly from her distress over Ye Mei. Though she also disliked Ye Mei, if Shen Miao and Xie Jingxing weren’t on good terms, she was happy to see it.

Ye Mei glanced at Madam Ye and asked: “The Prince’s mansion won’t take in more people?”

Madam Ye shook her head and whispered: “That’s what the Princess Consort herself said.”

Luo Tan was filled with anger listening to this. She had rushed back, only to find Shen Miao absent. She didn’t know any of the ladies here and couldn’t speak rashly and cause trouble for Shen Miao. Now, hearing these people become increasingly offensive, she could barely contain herself.

“Perhaps she won’t come at all?” a lady inquired.

Just as Luo Tan was about to protest, a gentle, smiling voice came from the entrance: “My apologies to everyone, I’m late.”

Everyone instinctively looked toward the door.

A young woman parted the pearl curtain and entered with a smile.

She was young, with exceptionally elegant features—eyebrows like the new moon, eyes like autumn waters, gentle and refined, with the corners of her lips slightly upturned. She wore an evening glow purple dress with embossed lily patterns, a purple lavender embroidered gauze robe, her hair in a “returning clouds” style, and dark purple double-gourd jeweled earrings. It wasn’t an extravagant outfit, even relatively simple, yet with her arrival, the already luxurious hall seemed to brighten. The somewhat solemn purple didn’t overwhelm but instead accentuated her snow-white skin and beautiful features. With each step she took, her dress flowed gracefully, her beauty commanding.

It was a beauty entirely different from Li Mei’s. True beauty resides in the bones, not the skin. Li Mei was beautiful, but this woman’s beauty was like spring streams, summer ice, autumn moon, and winter snow—beauty in bearing, beauty in expression. She seemed perfectly balanced, neither too much nor too little, compelling others to stare while feeling a sense of awe, unable to indulge in fantasies, only admiration.

Shen Miao slightly raised her chin and walked to the seat below the main position, taking the central place among the ladies. Her demeanor was dignified, making all the other ladies and young women, even from noble families, appear lackluster in comparison.

She accepted a cup of wine handed by Luo Tan and smiled: “For my lateness, I’ll penalize myself with a drink.” She drank it elegantly in one go.

Neither humble nor arrogant, neither partial nor biased. Spirited yet elegant. Among those present were followers of Xie Jingxing who, though seeking to curry favor, found Shen Miao’s gesture appealing. They immediately raised their cups in response, smiling: “The Princess Consort has such grace. Let us all drink together!”

Luo Tan blinked, feeling that Shen Miao looked particularly beautiful today, with an especially distinctive bearing. Regardless, it made her proud by association, feeling honored and unconsciously straightening her back even more.

Shen Miao smiled faintly, sweeping her gaze across everyone present, recalling how Jingzhe and Guyu had been busy on her behalf for most of the afternoon. She needed to acquaint herself with the court officials of Longyi in her capacity as the Rui Princess Consort. More importantly, Madam Mei was present.

She would not allow herself to show any sign of defeat before Madam Mei—this was her dignity, carried for the sake of her two children. No matter how badly she had lost in her previous life, this life would not repeat the past. She would not retreat, not even slightly.

Li Mei also stared at Shen Miao, her gaze seemingly surprised.

Shen Miao gave her a faint smile, but her heart was cold as ice. These siblings truly dared to appear so brazenly before her, time and again. Did they think having the Ye family behind them made them untouchable?

Luo Tan gently pulled Shen Miao and whispered so only the two of them could hear: “Little cousin, did you quarrel with your husband? Things don’t seem right.”

Shen Miao turned to look at Xie Jingxing, who was listening casually to an official toasting him, not even glancing in their direction—truly the epitome of coldness. Shen Miao felt somewhat discouraged, wondering whether Tie Yi had given her the letter. If he was still acting this way after receiving it, she wasn’t sure she could explain herself tonight.

Just then, an official said: “Now that everyone is here, let’s all congratulate His Highness on his birthday!”

Everyone raised their cups in congratulation. Xie Jingxing curled his lips in acknowledgment and drank. Then a lady said: “Speaking of which, Madam Ye has just found Miss Ye and Young Master Ye. Miss Ye is so beautiful, surely she must be talented as well. Given her close connection with the Rui Prince’s mansion, perhaps she could perform a piece to congratulate His Highness on his birthday?”

This suggestion carried a somewhat demeaning tone. For a young lady to perform her talents in front of everyone, unless in a formal competition, seemed rather frivolous. Moreover, Ye Mei had been raised in a merchant’s household—who could know what talents she possessed? This lady was trying to embarrass her, as the Ye family had many political opponents in Longyi.

Ye Ke looked displeased, and Madam Ye was about to retort when Ye Mei smiled and said: “I certainly could, but I fear I might spoil everyone’s enjoyment. I dare not make a spectacle of myself.”

The lady who had made the suggestion was eager to see her “make a spectacle,” and immediately replied with a smile: “How could that be? I’m sure it won’t. Don’t you agree, Your Highness?”

Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow, glancing in their direction for the first time. With a curl of his lips, he said with an ambiguous smile: “Dance, then.”

His tone was somewhat casual, as if commanding some entertainer for amusement.

A flash crossed Ye Mei’s eyes, but she still stood up. First, she curtsied to Shen Miao and said: “Since everyone is in such good spirits today, and I’ve just arrived in Longyi, I’m unaware if I’m breaking any customs—I’m ignorant. But I’m willing to make a fool of myself to entertain everyone. It’s all in good fun.”

Her words were proper and considerate, yet tinged with a hint of innocent ignorance mixed with alluring provocation.

Shen Miao, however, saw the challenge in Ye Mei’s eyes.

“I learned a water sleeve dance from my adoptive mother in Qinzhou. I’ll perform it for everyone today,” she said.

Shen Miao lowered her head slightly, a cold smile flashing across her lips.

Ye Mei quickly changed and returned. Though her beauty tended toward the coquettish, she wore a snow-white dress, its tight waist accentuating her slim figure. To be beautiful in mourning clothes—she was indeed made more beautiful by the snow-white dress, her lovely face elegant, her figure graceful. Four folding screens were set up with paper, and brush and ink were ready. A maid sat prepared to play music. At the first note, Ye Mei shook her long, floor-length water sleeves and began to dance gracefully.

Shen Miao’s nails nearly dug into her palms.

The ink-wash dance was Ye Mei’s specialty. Ye Mei excelled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—each skill making her stand out. In the imperial harem, her sole favor naturally had its charm. The ink-wash dance was just one of her talents. As she danced, her sleeves dipped in ink created paintings on the paper. When the dance ended, the painting was complete. It was both elegant and unique—a beautiful woman creating a beautiful scene and beautiful painting, truly refined.

But this water sleeve dance was like a thorn in Shen Miao’s heart, a dagger in her eye. Each time she saw it, the pain was unbearable.

Once, when the Xiongnu came requesting a marriage alliance, Fu Xiuyi wanted to marry Wanyu to them. Shen Miao had tried everything, even threatening to use the Shen family, but Fu Xiuyi remained unmoved like a stone. After much thought, Wanyu had come up with an idea: she would learn a song and play it personally for Fu Xiuyi.

Wanyu had searched long for that song, and Shen Miao had revised it repeatedly. Everything Wanyu wanted to say was in that melody—she hoped Fu Xiuyi would remember their father-daughter bond and not be so ruthless, giving Wanyu a chance to live by abandoning this plan.

On that day, Shen Miao had invited Fu Xiuyi to Kunning Palace for Wanyu to play for him. Just as she finished, just as they saw a hint of emotion in Fu Xiuyi’s eyes, Madam Mei had arrived uninvited. Smiling as if no one else were present, she said: “So Your Majesty is here. I’ve learned a new dance today and wanted to perform it for Your Majesty. Since the Empress is also here, she can enjoy it too.”

She danced with alluring charm, and he watched with deep affection, completely forgetting the waiting Wanyu and Shen Miao. The disappointment in Wanyu’s eyes, Shen Miao would never forget—a girl of just over ten, the vitality in her eyes gradually fading, almost to stillness.

The next day, Wanyu had come to kowtow to her, saying: “Mother, please don’t waste your efforts on me. I am willing to accept the marriage alliance.”

How could anyone be willing to accept such a fate? It was just that Wanyu had seen Fu Xiuyi’s heartlessness and Madam Mei’s tactics more clearly and earlier than Shen Miao had. Perhaps Wanyu felt that rushing toward an uncertain future was more comfortable than remaining in the palace surrounded by plots and intrigues.

In the end, Wanyu had found release.

But Shen Miao could never let go.

Before her eyes, the snow-white sleeves floated and danced, but to Shen Miao, the ink staining those sleeves was not mere ink. Drop by drop, it was the blood from Wanyu’s heart.

And it was the thorn in her eye, the nail in her bone.