Chapter 112: Request for Commander
"What did that mean?" Shen Miao questioned.
Xie Jing Xing would not say such words for no reason so there was another meaning behind those words.
Xie Jing Xing's eyebrows raised as he looked at her, "Shen Yuan was Prince Ding's people."
Shen Miao's heart was slightly surprised but she did not speak.
"Not possible!" Shen Miao cried out involuntarily.
Xie Jing Xing's gaze was fixed on her as if it was looking through Shen Miao as he asked, "Why?"
Shen Miao's palm got slightly wet and her heart was in a moment of chaos. The real start of the Shen family's misfortune was not within these two years. The Imperial family would also delay in dealing with the Shen family as there was no one to take over at the moment. Shen Yuan worked for Prince Ding and both of them were people who were very cautious, and would not take action if they were not very confident. Just like in the last lifetime, it was only at the end she then knew that the Second and Third households had a part in it, and Shen Yuan definitely brought out the evidence of rebellion at the end.
But what with the timing now? It was far too early from when the Imperial family would want to deal with Shen Xin, so why did Shen Yuan choose to take action at this timing? Currently the evidence would not be complete so why Fu Xiu Yi choose to take action now?
How could it have changed to this?
Her expressions kept changing and when she looked up, she met with Xie Jing Xing's thoughtful gaze. Shen Miao's heart quivered, Xie Jing Xing has a nimble mind and one fear that he was able to sense something out from her expressions. Thinking of this, she masked a laugh, "Shen Yuan was my Second Older Brother, why would he harm my Father?"
Hearing that, Xie Jing Xing actually laughed in a profound way and said, "Shen Miao, are you treating me as a fool?"
"Since Little Marquis tell me these things," Shen Miao said seriously, "Then how would His Highness Prince Ding deal with my Father?"
Xie Jing Xing shook his head.
Shen Miao originally did not hold too much hope as even if Xie Jing Xing knew, there was no reason for him to tell her the truth. The Xie family was wading in the game of Ming Qi and if they were to anyhow help other, one fear that trouble would come knocking. Even if she and Xie Jing Xing's positions were to be exchanged, she would not even give a reminder.
It is just that... Shen Miao looked at Xie Jing Xing's official robes and asked puzzled, "What are you doing in the Palace?"
She asked casually but did not know that this made the confident Xie Jing Xing pause. But it was only for a short moment before Xie Jing Xing said lazily, "Enter to Palace to request for commander."
"Request for commander?" Shen Miao froze for a moment before asking unconsciously, "Request for commander for whom?"
Xie Jing Xing smiled but did not respond. Shen Miao suddenly looked at him, "You... request for commander yourself? Northern Jiang... Xiong Nu?"
This time Xie Jing Xing was surprised, "How did you know?" The matter of the Northern Jiang was a secret matter and it was a top secret that before the Imperial edict was issued, Shen Xin would not even know of it, much less Shen Miao. Xie Jing Xing all the while was curious about how Shen Miao gets her information, and felt even more surprise that she knew about the matters in the Palace.
Shen Miao looked at him blanking but there was a storm surging in her heart.
The Northern Jiang territory was a place where the Xiong Nu has never retreated. Even though the terrain was complicated at the Northern Jiang, these years Emperor Wen Hui had been making a little noise and fighting little battles, unwilling to oppose headstrong. Afterwards the Xiong Nu got worst so Emperor Wen Hui sent Xie Ding into battle. The Xie family's army was brave but that entire army perished in the battlefield. On that year's end, Xie Ding's horse brought his corpse back which made the entire country mourn. On the second year when spring started, Xie Jing Xing set off on an expedition on behalf of his father, and the troops were defeated like a landslide and he had a tragic ending of having thousands of arrows piercing his heart, and he was skinned and hang up on the city tower.
Xie Jing Xing died when he was twenty-two and now he only just turned nineteen.
In a swift moment Shen Miao's heart felt suffocated. It was not possible for the the Emperor to deal with the Xiong Nu at this point of time, and it was Xie Jing Xing who volunteered to the commander position. Xie Ding most probably did not know of this matter and from the looks of Xie Jing Xing, he should have gotten the news.
Changed again! Changed again!
It was obviously matters that would happen in a few years' time but they were pulled in ahead of schedule. For Xie Jing Xing to go into battle now, could his ending be the same as the last lifetime?
As for the Xie family, Shen Miao wanted to leave them be till later to confirm the Imperial power. However no matter how much she changed things, would there be people who will still follow the original fated path? Would the handsome youth with red lips and white teeth in front still walk to the most terrible step? (Ed: *rollseyes)
Xie Jing Xing saw the different expressions on Shen Miao and did not felt strange. His eyes flashed slightly as he said, "You seem to be very worried?"
Shen Miao at the moment did not analyse the meaning behind these slightly ridiculous words, as her heart was somewhat in a chaos. She looked at him, "You... Will be leading the Xie family army?"
"Pay more attention to the Xie family army internally, and also pay attention to the people by your side." Shen Miao paused every other word when she spoke. In the beginning she spoke heavily but at the end, her expression gradually looked serious, "The sandy winds of the Northern Jiang are large and the armours are heavy but no matter what, one must not take off the heart protector." In the previous lifetime Xie Jing Xing's heart was pierced by thousands of arrows, so perhaps it might be better that he always wear the heart protector. The most important thing was that Shen Miao felt that Xie Jing Xing's death was overly strange, as how would an outstanding Vice General who had unsurpassed military tactics be defeated so miserably. Moreover after gradually understanding the overall picture and knowing that the Imperial family attacked the old aristocratic vessel families, the presence of the Imperial family's people in the Xie family army. Moreover the tragedy of the Xie father and son might have some conspiracy to it.
Shen Miao wholeheartedly thought about the overall situation but did not realise that with the current relationship between Xie Jing Xing and her, since it had not reach to the level of friendship, this kind of concern words were somewhat surprising.
Xie Jing Xing was also surprised at her, and a smile suddenly formed on his lips as he approached Shen Miao and slightly lowered his head. He was very close to Shen Miao as his pair of peach shaped eyes was filled with laughter as he said jokingly, "So, concern of me?"
Shen Miao was absorbed with her own thoughts and did not realise that he had gotten so close. Before she even recovered back to her senses upon realization, she was dazed for a while. Every time when she was at a loss she would look pitiful.
Xie Jing Xing slightly paused and a kind of helpless feeling appeared in his heart. He was originally ruthless and only felt that the Shen family was a chess piece on the board. He knew clearly that Shen Miao had deep thoughts and her actions were mysterious, and was definitely not a harmless unmarried female like she appeared on the surface. But there were times when he felt that she was just a little girl who knew nothing, and felt that it was a blushing matter to bully a little girl.
This sudden thought was quickly thrown to the back of his head as Xie Jing Xing stepped back a little, "The influence of the Shen family army is too strong and it is not a good thing."
Shen Miao replied, "Today it is my Mother who entered the Palace, and the ones who summoned for her are Consort Xu Xian and Consort Dong Shu." When she spoke of Consort Xue Xian and Consort Dong Shu, her expression was not respectful, as if she was speaking about two ordinary people. Xie Jing Xing was also used to it.
He said, "Retreat."
"Retreat?" Shen Miao asked.
Xie Jing Xing no longer speak. At the end he still gave Shen Miao a little prompt. If Shen Miao was intelligent, she would understand what he meant.
Shen Miao's eyes drooped and she thought for a moment before speaking, "Many thanks."
Xie Jing Xing waved his hands lazily as he thought of something. Shen Miao asked again, "The request for commander... When is the set off date?"
"Ten days later."
"So fast?" Shen Miao exclaimed.
"Why?" Xie Jing Xing looked at her from the side and said with laugh, "Can not bear?"
"Not so..." Shen Miao said deadpan, "As such... Then one will wish Little Marquis to win a victory on raising the flag and return triumphant."
"When one return and get bestowed with rewards," Xie Jing Xing said without a care, "One will gift you with some small toy, for a good omen."
Just as Shen Miao was about to speak, she however saw Xie Jing Xing press her waist down and said, "Someone is coming." After which he smiled at Shen Miao, "Hope to see you again, Shen... Jiao Jiao." With a turn he flew away from the window of the dwelling area.
This person used the windows like it was walking through his own residence door. Shen Miao was still startled when the doors were pushed open and Tong Yao entered. Seeing that Shen Miao was standing in the middle of the room, she asked curiously, "Why is Young Lady Shen not sitting?"
Shen Miao recovered to her senses and smiled before walking to the side to sit. But in her heart, she was thinking of what Xie Jing Xing had said.
Xie Jing Xing did request for commander and was to set off in ten days' time. In ten days... Was not it exactly the same as three years later? In three years, it was also at this time that Xie Jing Xing set off for the expedition, and afterwards the Xie father and son were forever recorded in the Ming Qi history books.
The Xie family has headed towards the inevitable ending like the last lifetime... How about the Shen family? How would the Shen family be? Xie Jing Xing gave her a prompt before leaving but that was not the outcome she wanted to see. To retreat like this, although lives would be saved but this was just a lifesaving method. Without power to protect, days of peace will become a luxury. The road of the previous lifetime made Shen Miao understand this point. Only by standing in a position higher than the enemy, can one really control fate.
However Xie Jing Xing method strongly defends one's position but did not have enough offence.
What methods can be used to break out of this difficult situation?
In the next Shichens (1 Shichen = 2 hours), Shen Miao kept on thinking about this problem. She did not touch any of the snacks on the table and did not take even a sip of tea, much less look at any of the novels. That provoked the Female Official Tong Yao to look at her frequently, and wonder how was it possible for her to sit the entire afternoon with such maturity, that even all the good tempered concubines would not have such patience.
One did not know how long one had waited till an eunuch came to invite them out. The Female Official Tong Yao then brought Shen Miao out as Luo Xue Yan was at the doors waiting for her. Upon seeing Shen Miao, she forced a smile out and pulled her out of the Palace and headed back to the residence.
Even though Luo Xue Yang did her best to show as if nothing had happened, what kind of person Shen Miao was? She could already observe others' words and gestures long in the Inner Palace and saw the worries in Luo Xue Yan's heart. She said, "Mother, what did they spoke to you about?"
Luo Xue Yan smiled, "Nothing really, just some matters about Xiao Chun city lifestyle. Most likely because one had not been to the Northwestern region and wanted to know about it."
Shen Miao asked, "Really, only this? If so, then it is really too strange to deliberately call Mother to the Palace to talk for that long."
Luo Xue Yan stroked Shen Miao's head, "What is so strange about it. The ladies in the Palace cannot move around and most likely the days are passed boringly. Mother talked to them about outside matters to chase boredom away so they will be a little happy." Even after saying that, Luo Xue Yan could not help but be somewhat worried. Even though she was not involved in matters of the court, but it did not mean that she knew nothing about the dangers in there. Today she was meticulous and cautious, and it was precisely because the two Consorts talked about the lifestyle which made her puzzled.
There were no fools in the Palace and everyone was very smart. But today's conversation did not touch on military matters, and even the Shen family army was not mentioned. Instead the conversation was about the commoners in Xiao Chun city which made Luo Xue Yan puzzled.
People who were in battle had an intuitive sense of danger. She obviously felt danger approaching but did not know where the problem was, and that made Luo Xue Yan fretful.
But she was afraid of scaring Shen Miao and did not intend to tell Shen Miao these things. Shen Miao did not ask her again and when they returned to the residence, the skies were nearing evening. Shen Qiu and Shen Xin had been waiting at the residence's doors, and only sighed in relief upon seeing both of their return.
After finishing dinner, Luo Xue Yan instructed Shen Miao to rest early and pulled Shen Qiu and Shen Xin back to the room to discuss about the matter of entering the Palace. Shen Miao did not follow as she had learned a lot of things from Luo Xue Yan, but the thing that she did not understand was what was it that Shen Yuan gave to Fu Xiu Yi.
The oil lamp brightly shone into one's eyes, as Shen Miao sat in front of the table pondering while Jing Zhe and Gu Yu were careful not to disturb. A light drizzle started falling outside the window. This was the first drizzle since the end of the year and it signified that Spring was coming.
The beginning of Spring will be here and everything would recover. It was clearly the beginning of a new how, but how to create a route among the heavy snow that allows the willow trees to provide shade and flowers to show the light?
Shen Miao closed her eyes.
At that night, there was someone walking with Tie Yi.
When Xie Jing Xing walked pass the courtyard, he happened to meet with Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao. Both of them saw him and immediately stopped and saluted him respectfully, "Eldest Brother."
Towards these two people, Xie Jing Xing always turned a blind eye to them and it was the same today. Just as he was about to leave, he was stopped by Xie Chang Chao which spoke with some complacent, "Have not seen Eldest Brother for a long time and do not know what Eldest Brother is busy with. During the hunt a few days ago, one wanted to go with Eldest Brother but it was Father that let us follow the Liu Fu Daren's banquet, thus one regret for not going."
These days Xie Ding had been bringing Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao to many banquets of fellow official colleagues, and everyone knew that Xie Ding wanted to bring his two sons into officialdom.
Speaking of which Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao were Shu sons thus their qualifications were not as good as Xie Jing Xing. If it was not that Xie Jing Xing remained frivolous and refused to enter officialdom, everyone knew that it would not be their turn. But because of Princess Yu Qing, Xie Jing Xing has been in disagreement with Xie Ding for many years. If the father and son relationship was like ice, how could it be repaired?
Xie Chang Wu was more modest than Xie Chang Chao but even so, his eyes could not conceal the contentment, "Eldest Brother can also come along. With Eldest Brother's virtues with both the pen and the sword, it would open the eyes of all the Darens and it would be much easier to enter officialdom."
Xie Chang Chao and Xie Chang Wu had long understood Xie Jing Xing's temperament and knew how haughty he was. The more they said such things, the more it was not possible for him to enter officialdom. It was not possible to exceed Xie Jing Xing in terms of winning Xie Ding's favour, but civil officials cared more about appearance thus even if one was far from Xie Jing Xing, one can easily push Xie Jing Xing down and naturally could not help but wag one's tail up high.
Xie Jing Xing heard him and smirked as he looked at them before suddenly questioned, "Very pleased with oneself?"
Xie Chang Chao and Xie Chang Wu were surprised for a moment but Xie Jing Xing had already left. The glare of contempt however landed in both of their eyes.
Watching Xie Jing Xing far away figure, Xie Chang Chao hatefully said, "What kind of thing this is! Who does he think he is!"
Xie Chang Wu expression was sinister, "There will be a day where I will step on him!"
When Xie Jing Xing returned to the room, there were two people waiting in it. One was a middle-aged man with a bearded face, and the other was a young one with straight eyebrows.
That middle aged bearded man asked, "Master, you really want..."
Xie Jing Xing sat down in front of the table and waved his hands."
"Xie Chang Chao and Xie Chang Wu..." The slightly younger one said, "Why not..." Speaking till the end, there was a murderous look.
"No need. It would only complicate things if actions are taken now." Xie Jing Xing interrupted his words, "Without me, Xie Chang Chao and Xie Chang Wu would not do anything to Xie Ding. As for Madam Fang..." He sneered, "Leave it be."
Both of them bowed and complied. Xie Jing Xing brought a memorandum from his sleeves and that was the copy with the request for commander from today's morning from His Majesty.
At the end he still have to take this step.
*****
The first ray of sunlight shone through the carved window and onto the table. Shen Miao was sitting at the table without moving.
Jing Zhe carried a silver basin in and jumped in shock as she entered, "Why is Young Lady up this early today?"
Shen Miao did not speak as Jing Zhe walked over. The oil lamp on the desk was exhausted and on Shen Miao's fair and clean face, there was a slight darkness under her eyes. Jing Zhe was stunned for a moment and exclaimed, "Could it be that Young Lady did not sleep the entire night?"
Shen Miao shook her head and pressed her forehead tiredly.
She had been sitting here the entire night.
Xie Jing Xing's prompt made her feel more puzzled. She did not know what Shen Yuan had given to Fu Xiu Yi, but knew that it was something that was disadvantages to the Shen family. And that 'retreat' word was the route that she did not want the Shen family to embark. Thus how to be rid of this dilemma?
Jing Zhe said, "No matter how worried Young Lady is, one must not torture one's body like this. Master and Furen will be in anguish if they saw this, so Young Lady better eat something before resting. Young Lady's features looked not good, if Young Lady is the first one to collapse then what can be done?"
At this time Shen Miao felt somewhat empty in her tummy. She had been thinking for the entire night and was a little dizzy so she said, "Pour some porridge. I will sleep for a while after eating. Do not mention this matter to others."
Jing Zhe complied and walked briskly out to the kitchens to bring Shen Miao's meal over. Shen Miao stood up as she wanted to wash her face with the warm water. She was only done halfway when she heard footsteps outside as Jing Zhe ran back in.
"How come so fast?" Shen Miao was somewhat surprised. There was a distance between the little kitchen to here that even if Jing Zhe ran there, one would still have to wait for a few more moments.
"Young Lady, it is not good." Jing Zhe was in some panic as she spoke, "Someone from the Palace came and summoned Master, Furen and Young Master to enter the Palace immediately!"
The handkerchief in Shen Miao hands fell into the basin. She settled her state of mind and said, "I will go and look."
In the courtyard the eunuch who came from the Palace had repeated Emperor Wen Hui's words, and was currently speaking to Shen Xin. These people would often be polite when meeting the Formidable Great General but today their attitude was not clear. Sometimes one was able to tell the master's attitude through the messenger, and obviously this trip to the Palace was not a good thing at all.
When Shen Miao came out, there was not only Shen Xin, Luo Xue Yan and Shen Qiu in the courtyard but the other households were also present. Even Old Shen Furen brought Shen Yuan Bo out. Seeing such a scene, Old Shen Furen did not show any concern but looked on coldly, fearing that it would invite trouble for herself so she gave an appearance of avoidance.
It was Shen Wan who said to the eunuch, "One dare to ask what the matter is for His Majesty to summon Eldest Brother to the Palace?"
That eunuch gaze was up in the skies, "This one is acting accordingly to His Majesty's words, and this one do not know what is His Majesty's intention. Daren, it is better to quickly follow this one into the Palace." He urged Shen Xin to quickly leave.
When Shen Qiu saw Shen Miao walking over, he was somewhat anxious and quickly pulled Shen Miao over and said, "Younger Sister, why did you come over?" Seeing Shen Miao looking over, he quickly comforted her, "Younger Sister rest assured, His Majesty is only summoning us to the Palace to discuss about military matters, and we will return quickly. Upon returning, Eldest Brother will bring you to eat candied fruit."
He was afraid of scaring Shen Miao but did not know that in Shen Miao's eyes, this kind of scenario was even more suspicious. To summon Shen Xin, Luo Xue Yan and even Shen Qiu into the Palace and even though she was not brought along, people would know that the people going were leading figures of the Shen family army, so the matter was related to the Shen family army. Now that the Shen family's military power was a hot potato, everything must be done very carefully when military power was involved.
At this time, if Shen Miao were to show fear then it would only not help, but would let Luo Xue Yan and the rest feel more burden. Thus Shen Miao smiled, "Really? Eldest Brother must be true to one's word."
Seeing Shen Miao as such, Shen Qiu was then relieved. Shen Qiu knew that Shen Miao was smart, but did not want Shen Miao to be involved in matters of the court. Moreover the matter of the courts were never worth one person, and would often involve numerous casualties, thus how could it be that clear.
Luo Xue Yan and Shen Xin also comforted Shen Miao, "Jiao Jiao stay in the residence and do not go anywhere. When Father and Mother return, we will bring Jiao Jiao out to make new clothes for Spring."
Shen Miao also complied and watched as that eunuch left with Shen Xin and entourage.
Chen Rou Qiu pulled Shen Wan's hands and said worriedly, "Why suddenly summon Eldest Brother and Eldest Sao into the Palace? Is it that something happened?"
Shen Wan shook his head and Shen Gui said, "Eldest Brother's limelight is too bright and unable to conduct himself with others in court. One fear that if a mishap happens, there would not be anyone who will speak for him." This words were loaded with meanings. Shen Gui meant that if Shen Xin really got into trouble, Shen Gui and Shen Wan would not be sending charcoal in the snowy weather.
Shen Miao laughed coldly in her heard. One could only hear Shen Yue speaking timidly, "Then if Eldest Bo got into a mishap, it should be a big thing to take them all away. Will it implicate us all?"
"How would it implicate Yue-er?" Shen Gui smiled, "If this implicate Yue-er then the one who will bear the brunt of it is Little Five."
Shen Gui's words were malicious. After his son's funeral, Shen Gui's career was not smooth and he originally envied that Shen Xin's rank was higher than him, and had more prestige than him. Now seeing Shen Xin in misfortune, naturally he was overjoyed and even hoped that Shen Xin would be overturned with this case, and would not appear in front of him.
A flash of rejoice in others misfortune appeared in Shen Yue's eyes as she looked sympathetically at Shen Miao, "Would not Fifth Younger Sister be very pitiful?"
Shen Miao did not get angry but smiled instead as she spoke lightly, "The servants in the Palace do not know the intention of His Majesty, but it seems that both ShuShus are able to completely see through His Majesty's mind." She looked at Shen Gui, "Second Shu have such incredible foresight that if the matter is spread to His Majesty's ears, His Majesty would appreciate Second Shu's ability to understand other's views. There are not many officials that have such connected thoughts, it can be comparable to Wei Daren of the previous dynasty."
When the words were spoken, Shen Wan's and Shen Gui's face slightly discoloured. What was the most taboo thing of an Emperor? It was the nonsense speculation from the officials of the Emperor's intention. Shen Miao's words would be pushing that Shen Gui and Shen Wan could see clearly Emperor Wen Hui's mind, and what kind of intention was this? She even insinuated the previous dynasty's Wei Daren. Wei Daren of the previous dynasty was the confidant of the Emperor and with just a look from the Emperor, he was able to know what the Emperor wanted to do. When that Emperor's position was not stable, he would jointly control many objecting ministers with Wei Daren, but at the end when the Emperor had a strong grip on power, Wei Daren was bestowed a death sentence.
Not one monarch would like to have their thoughts be understood clearly by officials. If one were to understand clearly, then there would not be any revering and without that, perhaps there would be a day when the knife would be on their throat.
This is the Imperial family and they are the most suspicious. Just one sentence could determine life and death.
Shen Miao's sentence made Shen Gui's and Shen Wan's faces change colour, and they dared not even refute with an excuse, for fear that if these words were spread and heard by Emperor Wen Hui, they would not know how big a trouble they would be bringing to themselves. Both of them were secretly scared, as they did not know where did Shen Miao learn such a skill to be able to hang such a big hat onto someone, with just a sentence.
In the past such exaggerated words were usually Mei Furen's means. At this moment Shen Miao was overtly anxious by Shen Gui's words, and did not want to verbally spare with them here. The most urgent task on hand was to think of a solution to solve the matter.
Old Shen Furen had watched enough show, and was not willing to see her son be at a disadvantage and coldly scoffed, "Only give the Shen family trouble!" She kept thinking about the matter of Shen Xin wanting to separate from the family but now with this matter, the separation would be postponed. Old Shen Furen was thinking that even if Shen Xin fell into misfortune and only the First household was implicated, did it meant that the assets of the First household will fall into her hands? Thinking of them, a look of greed appeared on her face.
Shen Miao's heart was extremely disgusted. This entire house of people were putting on a performance of 'throwing stones at one who fell down a well'. In all the despicable people in the world, the Shen family would definitely be in the top ranks.
Wan YiNiang was pulling Shen Dong Ling's hand and hiding at the back, not daring to say anything at such a situation. Even though Ren Wan Yun was awake, she did not come out of Cai Yun Yuan thus did not appear today. Shen Dong Ling said softly, "But how would Eldest Bo fall into any mishap? Eldest Bo is not in the Ding capital all year, so could it be because he had won the war previously, and there are additional rewards?" Shen Dong Ling's words were to ease the situation, thus Shen Yue was not happy with her words. Old Shen Furen also displayed some unhappiness, and only Shen Miao was slightly surprised.
Not in the Ding capital all year round?
Yes, Shen Xin and wife and also Shen Qiu were fighting in the bitter winter in the Northwestern region all year round, and just returned to the Ding capital. So it was not possible that the criminal charge would be at the Ding capital. Moreover yesterday Consort Xu Xian and Consort Dong Shu were all asking about living in Xiao Chun City. Why would one ask about Xiao Chun City lifestyle without a good cause? Shen Miao would not believe that those delicate females in the Palace were interested in the remote Northwestern region.
There must be some relation. If it was not in the Ding capital then what were the charges?
Chapter 113: Indirect Kiss
Shen Miao's heart was uneasy and she could no longer stand here and get entangled with the Shen family, so she did not turn her head at all as she quickly head back to her room. Outside, Shen Gui and entourage had watched enough commotion, and wanted to enquire more about the matter so the crowd quickly dispersed. Shen Yue followed Chen Rou Qiu and there was a trace of joy on her face. Yesterday when she heard that Consort Dong Shu saw Shen Miao and Luo Xue Yan, Shen Yue's heart was very restless. Consort Dong Shu was Prince Ding's Consort Mother and if one won Consort Dong Shu's favour, what if strings were anyhow pulled together? Fortunately from today's event, it was the First household that encountered a mishap.
Thinking of that, Shen Yue's footsteps were more lighter and relaxed.
It was Shen Dong Ling whose hands Wan YiNiang was holding, who looked thoughtfully at the courtyard and followed back in.
The huge Western courtyard, was emptied in the flash of a moment that even Ah Zhi also followed Shen Xin's guards back to the Shen family army. Emperor Wen Hui suddenly summoned them to the Palace and naturally confined the Shen family army. Fortunately Mo Qing was still present, mainly because Mo Qing was still not in the name list of the Shen family army's register.
In the room, Jing Zhe, Gu Yu, Bai Lu and Shuang Jiang all stood behind Shen Miao while Mo Qing stood at attention by the door with a serious expression. Even though Shen Dong Ling said that perhaps Emperor Wen Hui was continue rewarding Shen Xin, everyone knew that it was not possible.
Shen Miao sat in front of the table with a tight frown but this made Mo Qing heart a little comforted. He was initially worried that Shen Miao would be nervous and helpless after knowing of the matter, and would be confused as to what to do, but now he was seeing that even though Shen Miao had a dark look on, she was not nervous at all.
Shen Miao looked at the personal letter in front of her. The Shen family was eliminated by Fu Xiu Yi in one swoop, and at that time she also tried to block, but Fu Xiu Yi stated the individual count of the Shen family's offences in front of entire court of officials and made her speechless. Even though she knew that everything was false, with the evidence of these falsifications, it rendered those refusals powerless.
On that day in the golden throne hall, every single moment was like a chisel that cut deep into her heart. That condemnation report of the Shen family was in accordance to the time period and said on a daily basis. Now that it is the sixty ninth year of Ming Qi, and she was reborn on the sixty eighth year of Ming Qi, in the thing that Shen Yuan gave Fu Xiu Yi, the offence must definitely be something that happened before the sixty eighth year of Ming Qi.
What were the charges of the Shen family before the sixty eighth year of Ming Qi?
Shen Miao closed her eyes and some footage appeared in her mind.
She was wearing the Imperial robes of the Empress, and even the entire head of Phoenix hairpins could not cover her sad condition. The entire court of officials was aroused, Pei Lang was indifferent and Fu Xiu Yi furiously threw the report at her face.
There was a civil official reading, "In the sixty eighth year of Ming Qi, the Shen family's officers defied the Emperor's command, secretly released the traitorous bandits and lied to the monarch..."
Secretly released the traitorous bandits, lied to the monarch!
Shen Miao suddenly opened her eyes!
She suddenly remembered that in the sixty eighth year of Ming Qi, there was indeed a matter that happened. Shen Xin resisted the Xi Rongs and won three city moats, and Emperor Wen Hui commanded that everyone in the city was to be killed without pardon.
To a General, massacring a city was the most brutal form of contribution. And in the city of Xi Rong, other than the soldiers, most of the people were elderly, womenfolk and children. These elderly and weak womenfolk and children were as innocent as the commoners of Ming Qi, and the ones at fault were only the soldiers of Xi Rong. Shen Xin was not one who loved to kill so secretly he kept the lives of those womenfolk and children.
Other than the Shen family's army, no one else knew of the matter and moreover everyone in the Shen family army was brought up by Shen Xin, so there was no reason to betray Shen Xin. Among them, there must be some spies from Shen Yuan. Perhaps very early on, Shen Yuan had buried a few chess pieces in the Shen family's army.
It was because after the Crown Prince was disposed that all the offences of the Shen family were laid bare, so this 'lying to the monarch' offense was not that important. However to Fu Xiu Yi who was always composed, to bring this up before the time was ripe, could only mean that Fu Xiu Yi had already felt the danger in the current situation, and the Shen family had become a variable. In this lifetime because she and Fu Xiu Yi were not entangled, he did not hold Emperor Wen Hui back and kept the Shen family for a few years, thus the Imperial family eyes finally landed on the Shen family, this piece of fat meat.
Therefore the evidence that Shen Yuan gave to Fu Xiu Yi, should be that Shen Xin's offence of not acting according to Emperor Wen Hui's command of 'massacre'.
The matter could be said to be big or small. It was just that in this current situation the Imperial family was bent on recalling the Shen family's military power, so how would they let go of this opportunity?
This matter became much trickier.
Shen Miao clenched her fists and slowly calmed down her emotions. Currently it was not the worst situation. Even though the Imperial family had the intention to deal with the Shen family, they only wanted to reclaim the military power. The Fu family was very cunning and would not touch the Shen family, as it would inevitably cause dissatisfaction with other aristocratic families.
What did one have to do at this time?
The few people in the room all saw the uncertain look in Shen Miao's expression and were puzzled in their heart. But then they saw that Shen Miao suddenly stood up and said, "I want to take a trip out of the residence."
"Ah?" Gu Yu was surprised, "Young Lady, it will be unavoidable for others to talk about it if one were to leave the residence at such a time."
"How about the family have met with misfortune and one is frustrated, thus one head out to a friend's house for some relief?" Shen Miao's gaze turned cold, "Leave."
Mo Qing naturally had no objection with Shen Miao's decision. Moreover he was committed in heart and soul to Shen Miao, and knew that she had her own reasoning. Thus upon seeing Shen Miao ask such, his heart was much more settled and only said, "This subordinate will go and arrange."
Seeing Mo Qing like this, Jing Zhe and Gu Yu no longer spoke, and let Bai Lu and Shuang Jiang remain in the residence to wait for news as they went out with Shen Miao.
Naturally Shen Miao's actions attracted the discussion of the residence's people and when one came to enquire, it was only said that she went out to look for Feng An Ning. Feng An Ning was considered Shen Miao's friend and since the Shen family's First household had a mishap, it was naturally for Shen Miao to go to Feng An Ning's to complain. Thus no one obstructed.
After leaving the doors of the residence, Mo Qing lead the carriage towards the direction of the Feng residence. When going through a small alley and confirming that there was no one following, Shen Miao then said, "Go to Su residence."
"Su residence?" Gu Yu was surprised for a moment, "Which Su residence?"
"The Count of Ping Nan family, Su Yu residence."
Mo Qing, who was outside, was very familiar with the roads of the Ding capital, and knew clearly which nobles' residence were located where. There was no need to ask for directions as he turned the horse around and headed to another direction.
Jing Zhe and Gu Yu wanted to ask but dared not, as they knew that Shen Miao naturally had her own idea. But even them servants knew that in the court, the Shen family surmised to have an enemy, the Marquis of Lin An's Xie family and the Count of Ping Nan's Su family were ants on the same boat. Thus naturally the Su family and the Shen family were incompatible like fire and water. The Shen family suffered a misfortune so why would that side come to help?
But... Most likely it was not asking the other for help. Jing Zhe and Gu Yu had uneasy thoughts.
In the residence of the Count of Ping Nan, Su Ming Feng was in the room and there was someone else sitting down at the moment. The person was clad in a purple gold glamorous robe and had a lazy and casual smile on the face. It was instead Su Ming Feng who had a look of anxiousness, "What is going on? Why did you request for commander?"
"It is too boring in the Ding capital, so one will go to the Northern Qing to play." Xie Jing Xing said.
"Play?" Su Ming Feng Looked at him and anger surfaced on his usually elegant and calm face, "Do you know what kind of place the Northern Jiang is? Others do not even dare to confront the Xiong Nu, and you want to go there to play?" Seeing that Xie Jing Xing did not even put his words to heart, Su Ming Feng tone slowed down, "I know your Father brought Xie Chang Chao and Xie Chang Wu into officialdom and you are upset, but one do not need to use such an approach to vent it out. This is not a trifling matter, even though your martial arts skills are exceptionally strong, but the Northern Jiang terrain is complex and you have never been there... Jing Xing, do not go."
"Su Ming Feng." Xie Jing Xing found it funny, "His Majesty had already given me the approval, do you think I can still not go?"
Su Ming Feng was surprised for a moment and a desperate look suddenly appeared on his face. Once the Emperor opened his golden mouth and spoke those jaded words, there was no reason to go back on them. With the approval of the request for commander in one's hands, there was no room for any change. Even if Xie Jing Xing later changed his mind, he could not not go.
Seeing Su Ming Feng like this, Xie Jing Xing said, "You are cursing for an accident to befall me?"
"Scoundrel!" Su Ming Feng cursed and was enraged, "Why did you not discuss the matter with me?"
"Discussing it with you would have been of any use?" Xie Jing Xing did not even care as he took a cup at the side and poured tea to drink, "To me there is no difference."
"You!" Su Ming Feng was fuming at one end, and was also helpless at the other. He knew that Xie Jing Xing had the temperament of a maverick and when he decided on something, even nine bulls would not pull him back. Even though they were close childhood friends, now it seems that he was the only one who was fired up. Xie Jing Xin did not tell him anything, and it could be said that this was just 'notifying' only.
For this instance, this was only a 'notification' and the request for commander was approved and once the time came, one would need to set off.
"For what reason must you go to that nuisance Northern Jiang?" Su Ming Feng walked back and forth in the room, "Do you not want to live? Do you know that if you win, it is naturally good but if you lose... Those two Shu Younger Brothers of yours will be the first to clap their hands in joy!" Su Ming Feng furiously slammed his hands in front of Xie Jing Xing and said, "Are you rest assured to let them stay in the capital? Not scared that your Father will say anything?" Speaking of that, he suddenly paused and looked at Xie Jing Xing, "Does your Father know of this matter?"
Xie Jing Xing shook his head.
"See!" Su Ming Feng said, "You are so headstrong. Marquis Xie would definitely be furious when he knows about the matter, and at that time those two Shu Younger Brothers of yours will say more things, and there is still that YiNiang that is hidden so deeply in the residence... When you return from the Northern Jiang, who knows in what kind of situation the residence will be. Xie Jing Xing, you really feel at ease?" Su Ming Feng treated Xie Jing Xing as a real friend and all this words were of concern for him.
Xie Jing Jing smiled but looked as though he did not want to mention those matters, "When I leave the capital, you need to help me watch over the Princess' residence."
In the Ding capital, other than the Su family, Xie Jing Xing had the most contact with Princess Rong Xin of the Princess' residence. This trip to Northern Jiang would at least take a year and a half, and no one would know how long it would take to return at worst. When Princess Rong Xin know of this, she would definitely be upset for a period of time.
Su Ming Feng wanted to enumerate Xie Jing Xin a few more sentences but seeing Xie Jing Xing's serious expression, he could not say anything more. One only heard Xie Jing Xing speaking again, "Within two years, it is best for the Su family to avoid the tip of the spearhead. Do not enter officialdom and just claim illness."
"Oh?" Su Ming Feng felt strange, "What does this got to do with me? Is not it said that it is alright even though one enter officialdom, but deal less with the military horses?"
"Just do what one tell you to do." Xie Jing Xing swept a glance at him and stood up, "I'm leaving."
"Hey." Su Ming Feng said, "You, you just leave like this? Why exactly did you come today?"
"Farewell." Xie Jing Xing shrugged but suddenly heard a 'pu tong' at the door. Su Ming Feng was shocked and opened the door, and a rounded dumpling rolled in.
That dumpling was born rounded and chubby. When Su Ming Feng raised him up, he patted the dust off his clothes before speaking, "Ming Lang, what are you doing here?"
That chubby round dumpling was not other but the Second Young Master of the Su family, Su Ming Lang. When he saw that there was someone else in the room and that person was Xie Jing Xing, he first shrank in fear and hid behind Su Ming Feng, "Eldest Brother, Older Sister Shen is here."
"What?" Su Ming Feng did not understand what was going on, when he saw his personal servant ran from the door and said panting, "Young Master, there is a Young Lady at the residence door looking for you."
When those words were spoken Su Ming Feng froze for a moment. He then looked towards Xie Jing Xing and he gave him a smile but yet not a smile. Su Ming Feng lightly coughed, "Nonsense! Where did I know a Young Lady?"
"It is true!" That servant said quickly, "It is said that she is the Fifth Lady, Di born of the Formidable General's residence and she is here to have an important discussion with you."
"Fifth Lady, Di born of the Formidable General's residence..." Su Ming Feng was repeating the words to sort the name out, when Su Ming Lang at the side jumped out, "It is Older Sister Shen Miao! Eldest Brother, it is Older Sister Shen Miao who is here to look for you!"
Shen Miao? Su Ming Feng was stunned silly but Xie Jing Xing frowned.
Not to mention the Xie family, the Shen family and the Su family did not have any dealings. As for privately, Su Ming Feng did not have any friendship with Shen Miao. Shen Miao suddenly came over making Su Ming Feng confused. He asked Xie Jing Xing, "Could it be... To look for you?"
"Older Sister Shen Miao is definitely here to look for me!" Su Ming Lang held his face joyously, "Eldest Brother, let us go and see Older Sister Shen Miao!"
"This..." Su Ming Feng hesitated.
"Go." Xie Jing Xing suddenly spoke and his gaze seemed profound, "Make it in your room."
When Shen Miao brought Mo Qing into Su Ming Feng's room, she happened to see Su Ming Lang being brought out by a servant. The snow fair glutinous rice dumpling was struggling to get out of the servant's hands, but at the end his efforts were futile. Since he saw her, his eyes brightened and waved his small short hands excitedly, "Shen Older Sister!"
Shen Miao stopped beside him and a rare smile appeared on her face as she stroke his head, "Why are you here?"
"Eldest Brother did not let me enter..." Su Ming Lang was in tears, "Shen Older Sister, are you here to see me?"
The servant at the side coughed lightly and smiled apologetically at Shen Miao, "Apologies to Young Lady Shen, Young Master is waiting for you inside." And that covered up Su Ming Lang's words.
Su Ming Lang was clearly dissatisfied and looked at Shen Miao with full cheeks. Shen Miao laughed, "I am here to speak to your Eldest Brother on some matters. The next time, I will look for you and bring some sweet cakes for you to eat."
Hearing that, Su Ming Lang immediately became happy and no longer struggled. He carefully told Shen Miao not to forget the promise before leaving happily with the servant.
Mo Qing who was following at the back was somewhat surprised. Shen Miao had all along been one who was not patient or kind to strangers, but has a very good temperament with Su Ming Lang. If one did not know, one would think that Su Ming Lang was her son. Mo Qing immediately pushed down such absurd thoughts. Not to mention that there was not much difference between Shen Miao's and Su Ming Lang's age, Shen Miao was still a little girl so how could she be a mother.
When Shen Miao pushed open the doors and entered, there was only Su Ming Feng alone sitting in front of a small table. Seeing Shen Miao entering and bringing Mo Qing, he first paused but did not obstruct and let Shen Miao enter the room. The servant at the door quickly closed the door.
Mo Qing stood in front of the door without moving, in case anything happen.
Shen Miao walked straight to Su Ming Feng and sat down in front of him. Her entire actions looked very natural as if this was her own residence and there was no issue. But this was her first time in this residence and before this, she did not have anything to do with Su Ming Feng. To be so undaunted to a stranger made Su Ming Feng not help but cast a sidelong glance.
Shen Miao was also sizing Su Ming Feng up.
In all fairness, Su Ming Feng was a clean cut handsome youth. It was just that due to standing by the side of Xie Jing Xing, a person who lit up others' eyes, most of the radiance was covered up. In fact Shen Miao know that Su Ming Feng was not an ordinary child of an official, and really had abilities.
Unfortunately at the end the entire Su family was destroyed due to the matter of sale of the military horses. Su Ming Feng also lost his life in that disaster and at the end, the corpses of the Su father and son were personally collected by Xie Jing Xing. The close relationship between the Su and Xie families was evident in that.
Precisely because of that, the Su family had no contact with the Shen family at all.
Su Ming Feng was somewhat uncomfortable with how Shen Miao was looking and lightly coughed, "Young Lady Shen, one do not know for what reason does one come to one's residence?"
"My parents and Eldest Brother were summoned into the Palace by His Majesty. Does Young Master Su know why?" Shen Miao asked.
Su Ming Feng was somewhat baffled. The matter of the Shen family had spread to the entire Ding capital early in the morning, and every official family knew of the danger and since they were officials in court, once there were any changes of wind and grass movement, it could be a big event. But how did the Shen family's mishaps got to do with his Su family?
"I do not know." Su Ming Feng replied. He really did not know the purpose of why Shen Xin was summoned to the Palace, and everyone guessed that it was Emperor Wen Hui that wanted to fix the Shen family, but no one knew what were the charges.
"When my Father was at the Northwestern region, His Majesty ordered the massacre of the city, but my father did not obey and withdrew instead." Shen Miao said, "So one think that His Majesty would use the offence of deceiving the monarch and disobey military orders to punish my Father."
Su Ming Feng jumped in shock. It was not because of the charges that Shen Miao said, but it was how easy Shen Miao told the matter to him. This matter could be considered a leverage in anyone's hands and it was not too late to cover it up, but Shen Miao actually told him so straightforwardly. Even if Su Ming Feng was intelligent since childhood, he did not know how to continue the conversation, and could only laugh dryly twice and said half-heartedly, "Oh, then what can be done?"
"So I wish for the Su Heir to help." Shen Miao said.
Su Ming Feng was once again stunned. He thought it through and could not think of any relations with Shen Miao, or what kind of relations the Shen family and the Su family had for the Su family to lend a helping hand. At the situation where he was baffled, Su Ming Feng secretly glanced towards the folding screen.
"Young Lady Shen is joking." He quickly recovered his gaze and looked at Shen Miao before smiling gently and politely, "Just what can this one do to help? Young Lady Shen most likely overestimated this one... Actually, forgive this one for speaking rudely, this matter is complicated and if one were to casually help, one fear that one will invite trouble for oneself. I... Cannot find any reasons to act dangerously and be a good hearted person."
Su Ming Feng said those words very skilfully. It was very polite but mercilessly rejected Shen Miao's request. Su Ming Feng himself also saw clearly that Shen Miao standing in front of him had a straightforward character, and he abandoned his usual roundabout and tactful words and straightforward stated: No way.
Shen Miao however lightly smiled upon hearing this. When she smiled, her eyes were especially clear and there seems to be some naivety. But it was only in the twinkling of an eye before that smile cooled down as she said, "Su Heir, even though you have yet to enter officialdom, but your Esteemed Father is still in command of the military horses."
Su Ming Feng slightly frowned, "Correct."
"Did your esteemed father spoke to Su Heir that there seems to be a problem in the army horses?" Shen Miao said.
This time Su Ming Feng's brow knitted even tighter as he stared closely at Shen Miao, "Why does Young Lady Shen say such words?"
Shen Miao smiled gently, "I heard that there are a few minor problems in the military horses recently, several horses were ill and there is no cure."
Su Ming Feng gripped his cup tighter.
Shen Miao words were not false. These days Su Yu was busy and having a headache on this matter, but other than speaking about it secretly to a few subordinates and him, no one knew about it. Moreover it was not possible for people outside of the military horse department to inform Shen Miao, as if the matter spreaded out and Emperor Wen Hui put the blame down, everyone would be fired and it would be even worse.
But, how did Shen Miao know about it?
Su Ming Feng heard his dry voice, "Young Lady Shen... Where did you hear these untrue words?"
"Untrue words?" Shen Miao sighed and there was a light smile in her eyes. She got nearer to Su Ming Feng and whispered, "Could it be that Su Heir is not afraid that this horse illness will eventually become a horse plague?"
Su Ming Feng's pupil enlarged!
Horse plague!
"With Count Ping Nan's cautious character and also a lifetime of experience with military horses, how could one not suspect that?" Shen Miao pretended to be surprised, "Could it be that it was not told to Su Heir?"
Su Ming Feng bit his teeth and did not speak.
Su Yu did not tell him? Naturally Su Yu told him that the medication was ineffective with the horse illness, and it was a foreshadow of a horse plague. A single military horse would require a lot of money to raise and once a horse plague erupts, there will be large casualties in the military horses and money was not only impacted. If there were not enough horses in the battlefield then it was not possible for the army to fight. And when the blame flows down, the punishment would range from light, losing the official hat, to heavy, one may not even protect the head on the shoulders.
Not only that, this horse illness came strangely, and even after consulting numerous veterinarians, there was no way out. Recently they have separated the sick horses away but there were still a number of horses that intermittently died. If at the end it was not controlled and really became a horse plague... One feared that it would be a catastrophe.
"Young Lady Shen, what opinion do you have?" Su Ming Feng spoke roughly and when he was speaking, he could not help but glance towards the folding screen.
Instead of being anxious, Shen Miao picked up an empty cup on the table and poured herself a cup of tea and took a sip.
When Su Ming Feng saw this, he originally wanted to say something but after thinking for a moment, he swallowed it down and open his ears to hear.
"I have a way to resolve your horse difficulties." Shen Miao said.
Su Ming Feng was surprised for a moment, "Is that remark real?"
"One is luckily acquainted with a veterinarian who has superior skills. One heard that he had treated the exact horse illness, and the army horses matter can be resolve if he is found."
Su Ming Feng did not speak.
Shen Miao picked up the cup again to take a sip before speaking lightly, "Mending the pen when the sheep is lost is not considered too late. Su Heir, when the horse illness spread out widely and could not be concealed, the ones who will be suffering are not only the horses."
Su Ming Feng bit his teeth and looked towards Shen Miao, "For Young Lady Shen to especially come over to deliver such a good strategy, one fear that there are still more words to be spoken."
His eyes flashed, "Perhaps one think that my Su family can provide a good strategy to help the Shen family? Please do speak."
"Very frank and straightforward." Shen Miao praised.
Su Ming Feng laughed bitterly. How was it that he was frank and straightforward, it was clearly because Shen Miao was cunning. Previously he had already said that the Su family had no obligation to get into the muddy water and help Shen Xin, but Shen Miao directly provided the conditions for a transaction. Since she brought out the Su family most worrisome and latest matter of the army horses, one had to say that Shen Miao really know how to catch others at their soft underbelly. The matter have not been spread out, and even Su Yu and he only spoke about it privately, so he did not know how did Shen Miao knew. No matter what, after the conditions for the transaction was thrown out, he simply cannot refuse.
No wonder Shen Miao did not even fawn and spoke directly. She simply had a card up her hands. Since it is a trade, no one took advantage of the other.
"I know that the Count of Ping Nan knows a number of people in court and as compared to my parents who are based in the Northwestern region all year, the Count of Ping Nan's influences are much bigger. I want to request the Count of Ping Nan's and all of his colleagues' help, to unite and submit reports on my Father."
"Submit reports?" Su Ming Feng frowned, "All to intercede for General Shen?"
Shen Miao shook her head, "No, all to fault my Father."
Su Ming Feng was shocked.
"One think that the Count of Ping Nan will not be willing to enter this muddy water." Shen Miao slightly smiled, "So how the Count of Ping Nan can be persuaded will be left to Su Heir. But Su Heir must not tell the Count of Ping Nan of the matter of the army horses or mention about me. Else, the entire deal will be dissolved."
Su Ming Feng could not understand. He looked up. The Young Lady in front of him still had the appearance of a little girl, with warm and clean brows and a naivety when she smiled, but when she did not smile, the coldness in her eyes was awe-inspiring. And that kind of pressure to another, was something that even Su Yu had not even give to Su Ming Feng before.
"I cannot stay for long and will have to trouble Su Heir to send someone to my residence upon the decision. When the matter is successful, I will naturally provide the location of the veterinarian." She stood up and slightly bowed to Su Ming Feng before saying, "Many thanks."
Su Ming Feng quickly got up and said, "Definitely."
Shen Miao took a glance at the folding screen and walked out of the house with Mo Qing. After Shen Miao had left, Su Ming Feng then released a sigh of relief and someone walked out from behind of the folding screen. Who was it other than Xie Jing Xing?
"You have heard it all." Su Ming Feng said, "One cannot make out this Young Lady of the Shen family more than anyone else."
Xie Jing Xing's raised his brows and did not speak. Su Ming Feng's gaze landed on the table and the teacup that Shen Miao drank from was still there. The rim of the cup was still slightly wet.
"Speaking of which, that was the cup you drank from..." Su Ming Feng said, "You..."
Xie Jing Xing impolitely and ruthlessly kicked him.