Chapter 170: Wrath
Early on the next day, Shen Miao entered the Palace.
Luo Xue Yan and Shen Xin were worried about her and let her bring a number of guards. But the guards of the Shen residence could not follow Shen Miao constantly and once they reached the Palace gates, they had to wait outside.
Before Shen Miao's departure, she had put on all the different jewellery that Xie Jing Xing gave. Everything that could be worn were worn. Towards the Imperial Palace of Ming Qi, she could not guarantee that it as the most malicious place and only feared that accidents would happen thus she made preparations.
Once she reached the Palace Gates, Gu Yu and the rest waiting outside with the guards while Shen Miao was led into Kun Ning Palace by the palace maid. Along the journey, the palace maid felt somewhat strange. The journey from the Palace Gates to Kun Ning Palace was not considered easy as one had to walk through a number of long corridors and a few gardens but Shen Miao walked familiarly. Even along those old and loose steps the palace maids need not need to warn her and she would skip the steps accordingly. The palace maid was suspicious in her heart. Could it be that Shen Miao came to Kun Ning Palace once and remembered it so well that not one mistake was made?
One would not expect that this Kun Ning Palace was the place that Shen Miao stayed in her past lifetime that every single grass and wood were all remembered. Thus facing all the Imperial furnishing and delicate displays, she would turn a blind eye to it and if one looked carefully, there was a flash of aversion in Shen Miao's eyes.
These people did not know.
Upon reaching Kun Ning Palace, the servant was styling the Empress's hair and Shen Miao had to wait for quite a while before the Empress invite her in.
Today Consort Dong Shu did not come over and the Empress was the only mistress. She wore a somewhat formal robes with the nine Phoenixes hairpins and put a heavy makeup, to display a oppressive feeling.
Shen Miao took a glance and understood in her heart.
This was treating her as a little girl who had not seen the world and wanted to use the Imperial family's prestige to scare her? Force her to relent voluntarily? No wonder Luo Xue Yan was purposely dispensed. If Shen Miao was truly a sixteen year old young lady and with the Empress formal appearance and some threatening words, one would find one isolated and helpless that in a state of confusion, she would relent accordingly.
But how was Shen Miao a little girl? The person in front was an Empress and in her previous lifetime she was an Empress and was more knowledgeable that this one, had a even bigger airs and suffered more so this little act of a fox exploiting the tiger's might really did not enter her eyes at all. Shen Miao's eyes hang down and a humble smile floated on her face.
The Empress slowly frowned. Shen Miao's reaction was somewhat different than from what she had thought. She did not know if Shen Miao was deliberately acting confused or was originally stupid. Her gaze landed on the bracelet on Shen Miao's wrist and her eyes slightly congealed before she smiled, "That bracelet is classified as high grade, come up and let BenGong take a look."
Shen Miao went up accordingly and the Empress held Shen Miao's hand. One did not know where one had found such a rare jade material, so transparent and exceptionally smooth. Just as she was about to praise a few sentence, she heard Shen Miao speaking with a smile, "Replying to Your Ladyship, this official's daughter's necklace and earrings also looks good."
The Empress was dazed before seriously looking at it and the corner of her mouth could not help but jerk after looking at it. Cat eye hairpin matching with pearl earrings, pearl earrings with amber necklace, and needless to say all the other small jewelry. Each of them were pervious jewellery with exquisite craftsmanship but why did one brainlessly wear all of them? The Empress suddenly did not want to praise Shen Miao's jewelry and even lost interest in that bracelet. There was some despise in her heart as in the beginning everyone said that the Young Lady of the Shen family was a idiot that loves gold but afterwards there was a change. From today appearance, there was no difference from previous. Thinking of marrying Shen Miao to the Crown Prince, the Empress's heart was not happy. If it was for the sake of giving the Shen family's military power to the Crown Prince, the Empress was not willing to let such a coarse female marry into the Eastern Palace.
The Empress released Shen Miao's hand, "Today BenGong only wanted to talk to you." She sighed, "That day one had mentioned it with your Mother that you do not have any engagement and at the right age. BenGong really like you and wanted to be a matchmaker for you. Naturally BenGong would not make things difficult for others, you have to like it too."
Shen Miao lowered her head without speaking.
The Empress patted her hands, "Do you think BenGong live well? Is it impressive or not?"
Shen Miao sneered in her heart but she had a smile on as she replied, "Your Ladyship live well and it is impressive."
"Marrying into the Imperial family would allow the powerful one protect and dote. Every female would be able to live well and impressively. BenGong life is indeed good. If you have this kind of good luck, do you want to live impressively?"
These words had the intention to tempt. Shen Miao's lips slightly rose but her words were instead humble and fearful as she knelt down, "This official's daughter is currently living very well and dare not to look at other things and don't even dare to compare with Your Ladyship. May Your Ladyship spare this official's daughter a life."
The Empress was stunned. She did not expect that Shen Miao would have such a reaction. There were numerous of people under Heavens that wanted to climb to higher branches thus the Empress knew that as long as it was normal females, there would be a little vanity and by using herself as a lure, it would be easy to convince Shen Miao due to her young age and one did not fear she would not be tempted. As long as Shen Miao loosen a bit and follow her words, then the Imperial family would be justified to push the marriage to the Shen family. Since one wanted to be a bandit, one had to conceal some parts of it.
Who knew that Shen Miao would have this kind of reaction? Not tempted, no hesitation and instead fearful?
The Empress did not feel good. Could it be that being an Empress was such a scary thing? Or is it that the Di born Young Lady of the Shen family had a courage of a mouse or was as stupid as a cow and could not understand her subtle hint and thought that calamity was approaching?
One could not make mud rise up and climb the wall (aka useless as mud).
In the remaining of the time, no matter how tactful the Empress spoke or how hash or gentle, Shen Miao still had a humble and fearful appearance on. It was because of this appearance, her mouth was very tight and one was unable to get a single word out of her. At the end the Empress was somewhat angry and let Shen Miao go back in annoyance. She only thought that since this matter could not be targeted from Shen Miao then one had to discuss new approaches with Emperor Wen Hui.
Because the Empress's attitude was not of satisfaction when she let Shen Miao leave, the palace maids that was bringing her also did not care much of Shen Miao and just give Shen Miao to a young eunuch who was passing by to bring Shen Miao out of the Palace.
The young eunuch naturally complied.
The young eunuch brought Shen Miao towards the outer Palace and took a few turns. There are a lot of palaces in the Palace and other than the few palace that was used by the consorts, most of it were the eunuch and palace maids rooms. This young eunuch brought Shen Miao to a walk on the secluded area and after turning into a garden, one was facing an neglected garden, Shen Miao stopped and said, "This is not the direction to leave the Palace. Where are you bringing me to?" Her hands moved towards her bracelet. No one was more familiar than her on Ming Qi's palace and halls as she knew which direction to escape was the most advantages to her.
That young eunuch was startled and quickly whispered, "Gentleman Pei wants to see Young Lady."
Pei Lang? Shen Miao frowned slightly.
After thinking for a moment, Shen Miao still followed the young eunuch. Pei Lang had not written a letter to her for a long time and Shen Miao still thought that Pei Lang was discovered by Fu Xiu Yi. However when she send Mo Qing to inquire, he seemed to see Pei Lang in the residence of Prince Ding and he seemed to be safe and sound. If Fu Xiu Yi were to be suspicious of Pei Lang, he would definitely not let Pei Lang be that unrestrained.
If Pei Lang look for her then there must be something important.
There were many coincidences in the world. What Shen Miao did not know was that the Imperial family had the intention to bestow a marriage, implicating a group of people. Shen Xin, Luo Xue Yan and Shen Qiu were family and would run nonstop with regards to the matter but a few other people also came forward afterwards. For example, Luo Ling expressing his sincere heart, Su Ming Feng mistaken marriage and Feng Zi Xian's reaching out to help.
There were thousands of strands of connection in the world and those connections were as thin as the sparkling and translucent thread that spiders spit out in each respective position. When it criss-cross, it would form a thin and dense network of knots that would become a strange and unexplainable coincidence.
Princess Rong Xin entered the Palace.
Her health had alway not been good and had became thinner in the recent years. She would only enter the Palace in a handful of days in a year and seemed to be somewhat eager today. The palace maid wanted to report it but Princess Rong Xing waved her hands, "BenGong did not have and invitation and just wanted to discuss about some matters with Imperial Older Brother so there is no need to report it."
How would the guards at the Palace Gates dare to stop? Even though Princess Rong Xing did not show up often, she was after all the daughter that the late Emperor doted the most and had a strong temperament. If one made her anger, there would not be good days ahead thus she was immediately let go.
The palace maid wanted to look for a sedan for Princess Rong Xin but was rejected by Princess Rong Xin, "It is not convenient for the sedan when using small routes. Just follow BenGong to walk slowly."
Princess Rong Xin's heart was anxious. She did not ask about matters of the cost and would be in her Princess residence all day. If she did not passed by the courtyard and heard that the servants speaking about Shen Miao's matter, she would not know that the Imperial family had the intention to marry Shen Miao to the Crown Princess. Not to mention about Xie Jing Xing, Princess Rong Xing would still want to protect Shen Miao. Princess Rong Xin herself appreciated Shen Miao and as a person of the Imperial family, Princess Rong Xin knew that for the female who married in, it looks glamorous on the outside but it was not necessarily happy. Moreover Shen Miao was not a female who was keen in wealth and glory so there was no need for such things for her. If one were to married into the Eastern Palace, Shen Miao would not be happy for her entire life.
Princess Rong Xin was in a rush to look for Emperor Wen Hui, hoping that she was able to change her Imperial Older Brother's mind. Thus she headed towards a small route.
Shen Miao had reached a remote pavilion.
That pavilion was nestled in the middle of the words with a long corridor leaning against it. There were several rooms along the corridor which made it convenient to hid. Pei Lang walked out from that room.
The young eunuch stood outside to keep a lookout for both of them. Shen Miao nodded her head towards Pei Lang as a greeting and asked, "Gentleman Pei, is there any urgent matter to be discussed here?"
"Prince Ding had seal the residence, thus one is unable to send you a letter." Pei Lang said, "The idea of the Crown Prince marrying you was brought up by Prince Ding."
Shen Miao's brow raised and when Pei Lang saw that she was not surprised, he asked, "You knew?"
"Guess that it was his handiwork." Shen Miao said blandly, "With the Crown Prince's brains, how would he think of me without any rhyme or reason."
Pei Lang had some doubts about Shen Miao's tone of voice as it seemed like she was very familiar with the Crown Prince and Fu Xiu Yi. But Shen Miao was an unmarried female who would not have any opportunities for interaction with the Princes so how would she be able to understand the Princes' personalities? One fear that even Shen Xin was necessarily as familiar as Shen Miao.
This neglected garden once had a ghostly encounter thus almost no one came here, thus Pei Lang did not worry about people passing by. He said frowningly, "What are you planning to do with the matter of marriage?"
Shen Miao was somewhat surprised. Pei Lang had always been a person who would only analyse the pros and cons about a matter without personal feelings thus it would be rare for him to ask about her marriage matter. After all how she view this marriage matter was irrelevant to the overall situation.
Shen Miao said, "Let nature take it's course."
"You cannot marry the Crown Prince." Pei Lang said.
"Marrying or not is not important." The most hated thing for Shen Miao was Pei Lang's seemingly confident appearance, as if everything was within the control of his hands thus he would not be able to see others' struggles and only did what he thought was 'right'. She coldly said, "Even if one married over, I might not have a bad life as I will use my own ways to achieve my goals. Roads are walked out by oneself and every road would have different ways of walking. Gentleman Pei does not think that there are only one road in this world right?"
"I do not meant what you are thinking about." Pei Lang sighed, "By marrying into the Eastern Palace, perhaps it would let you walk your road but it would be at the expense of your marriage. This is just too cruel to you and it is not worth it."
Shen Miao's heart moved slightly as she looked at Pei Lang.
Pei Lang could actually say 'It would be at the expense of your marriage. This is just too cruel to you and it is not worth it'. One had to know that when Wan Yu had to marry to the XiongNu, Shen Miao had begged Pei Lang before because Pei Lang was Fu Xiu Yi's trusted aide, Fu Xiu Yi would consider Pei Lang's words. At that time Pei Lang said to Shen Miao, "Your Ladyship, with the Princess's marriage to exchange for Ming Qi's safety and the well-being of the people, isn't it a good thing?"
Pei Lang who excelled in observing the facts in the big picture would actually put the overall situation in second place.
Pei Lang did not notice Shen Miao's thoughtful look. He continued, "The Imperial family had spread the news out. No one in Ding capital dared to have marriage relations with the Shen residence."
Shen Miao said, "So what about that?"
"If it does not work out, then you marry me." Pei Lang said.
The air seemed to have stiffen within a moment. Unexpected to Pei Lang, Shen Miao stared at him without any surprise in her eyes, without any slightest of being moved emotionally. On serious observation, it even seemed to be a bit cold. She asked, "What did you say?"
A bucket of cold water seemed to have been poured down on Pei Lang's heart as it was surprisingly cold. It was evident that he only did it due to pros and cons of the matter but under Shen Miao's clear gaze, it was like some of his heart's hidden wishes seemed to be glimpsed. Suddenly he was in tough straits.
Pei Lang evaded Shen Miao's eyes and collected himself before continue speaking, "You still have to marry others if you do not marry into the Eastern Palace. This is the only living route out. By marrying me, perhaps one can withstand this."
"Why does Gentleman Pei help me?" Shen Miao said it lightly but in her words, there seemed to be containing some other tone that make one unable to pinpoint. She said, "We only have a transactional relationship due to Liu Ying and it can be said of a master-servant relationship. I am the master and you are the servant. From the beginning to the end it is me who is threatening you and if I am being confined, isn't this to your advantage? Following Fu Xiu Yi is a thousand times better than following me so for Gentleman Pei to help me like this, those who don't know would think that you are sincere."
There was some sarcasm in it that made Pei Lang's ears did not like to hear. He did not know why Shen Miao was polite with him at some times and at other times would seemed to be hostile with him. Perhaps females were all so fickle?
But he could not answer Shen Miao's question. It was because he himself did not know why he was doing it.
Shen Miao smiled gently, "Even if I marry Gentleman Pei, it would be the most inferior plan. What kind of identity Gentleman Pei will be using to marry me? How does one explain to Prince Ding's side? You will not reveal yourself because of me. Gentleman Pei is a good chess piece thus I am not willing to casually use it like this."
"Moreover." She lifted her chin slightly, "Marriage and husband is not as important as you all think to me. It is only a person sharing the same bed and pillow, eat together and sleep together. Other than that, there is no difference with that of a stranger. I do not care who one marries to. I also do not care if one was to be forced to marry. My fortune and happiness would not depend on these."
Pei Lang kept shaking his head as he heard it. He wanted to negate Shen Miao words as he felt that Shen Miao was still young and did not know how important the lifelong event was to a female. This was only just a pique and in the future when one understood the rationale and suffered, then it would be too late to regret. But when he looked up and saw Shen Miao's expression, he could not speak.
Shen Miao had a serious expression and her cold indifference was like she was tired of the matters of the outside world, as if there was an unconscious disgust. She really did not care.
But how could a female not care about the person that would be accompanying them for a lifetime?
Pei Lang looked at Shen Miao blankly.
As the atmosphere was in a deadlock, one heard a malicious ridicule coming from the back, "One did not expect that there would be such a romantic affair."
Shen Miao suddenly turn back and did not know when did two masked men clad in black appeared. These two people were carrying long swords and headed towards Shen Miao.
Pei Lang quickly pulled Shen Miao over to dodge as Shen Miao shouted out sternly, "Who are you?"
"Young Lady Shen must not blame us. If one has to blame then blame that you are blocking other's road." The two persons laughed and one of them sweep towards Pei Lang while the other headed towards Shen Miao.
It was killing technique without leaving any room of survival.
Shen Miao cursed in her heart as she did not expect that this place that Pei Lang found would actually be convenient for others to silence them. She held the bracelet on her wrist but this bracelet was only useful in short distance. When the needles were about to be released, one however saw two stones hurling in the air and hit exactly at the knees of the two black clad persons. The two of them shouted out in pain and fell onto the ground.
Two swords light flashed and two people swept pass and the black clad persons' sword were now taken and pointed at their chest.
Everything happened too quickly that there was no opportunity for anyone to breath. The two person that appeared later were dressed as Palace guards and Shen Miao saw them clearly.
Pei Lang was about to talk when he saw that a person flip over from the roof. The person had a tall stature, wearing a purple gold robe with a silver mask and a pair of peach blossoms eyes that were as sharp as knives.
It was Prince Rui.
"Your Highness Prince Rui..." Pei Lang whispered. He was intelligent so after a moment of thinking, he knew that the two people dressed as guards should be Prince Rui's subordinate. Previously the black clad people who came to kill, one did not know who they belong to. Even though he did not know what kind of relationship Shen Miao and Prince Rui had, Pei Lang dare not neglect him. Even though he was extremely vigilant in his heart, there was still a polite smile on his face as he cupped his hands together, "Many thanks to Your Highness Prince Rui for lending a hand to help."
Prince Rui did not speak and glance coldly at him. Although there was half a silver mask that hid his face, making one unable to see what kind of expression he had on, Pei Lang however felt particularly cold that one would have chills on their backs.
Shen Miao frowned but Prince Rui had already grabbed her wrist and turned to walk out. Pei Lang was shocked and quickly call out, "Prince Rui cannot."
The two guards ferociously blocked in front of him.
Both guards were fierce and sinister, exuding an air of killing without battling an eye. Pei Lang was a scholar and was not skilled in martial arts thus there was no way even if he wanted to help. It was Shen Miao who's stumbling as she followed others still turned her head around and calmly said, "Gentleman Pei return first, I still have some matters with Prince Rui."
Prince Rui's pace had gotten even faster.
Pei Lang looked at the two figures' disappearing back and the two guards inexplicably looked at him before leaving.
However there were still two bodies on the floor so Pei Lang could not say any longer. He did not know what was the relationship between Shen Miao and Prince Rui but... His heart suddenly felt somewhat empty.
*****
Shen Miao was feeling pain from where Xie Jing Xing was holding her. Xie Jing Xing did not say a single word as he walked quickly while she tried her best to kept up with Xie Jing Xing's pace. However the other party was tall and had long legs that she couldn't keep up with and almost stumbled several times.
At the end, the anger in Shen Miao's heart came up and she angrily said, "Let go of me!"
Xie Jing Xing walked to a corridor where there was no one before violently letting go of his hand. Shen Miao was grasped by him for most of the journey and when he suddenly released his hand, she almost fell over. After stabilising herself, her anger started bubbling up, "You are crazy."
This garden was somewhat more outside that the previous neglected garden. Shen Miao was somewhat afraid that others would see and wanted to head out but Xie Jing Xing pulled her back by the shoulders and pushed her against the wall before pressing her hands and looked coldly at her.
He was wearing a silver mask and the outline of his face were revealed with a beautiful chin but his lips were tight. There was no longer the usual frivolous smile on them but instead fury were gushing out. He said one word at a time, "Shen Miao, you only have such capabilities?"
Shen Miao frowned at him.
Xie Jing Xing reached his hand out to hold her chin to force her to look straight at him. He looked down at Shen Miao from a higher position, just like a hunter looking at its prey. Shen Miao did not like to be looked from the top down and struggled to get out.
But she was after all a female, so how could she compete with Xie Jing Xing's strength? That little strength that she had could only tickle Xie Jing Xing if used on him. Xie Jing Xing easily dispelled the struggling and slightly flexed his knees against her legs, making her unable to move.
However this gesture was even more ambiguous.
Shen Miao asked, "What exactly do you want to do?"
One was unable to distinguish Xie Jing Xing's tone of voice, "Luo Ling, Su Ming Feng, Feng Zi Xian and now there is a Pei Lang. So many people want to be the hero to save the beauty. I have underestimated you."
Shen Miao did not speak.
The strength in his hands suddenly increase and her chin started to hurt, making her brow frown slightly.
But that young man gritted his teeth and said, "Don't care who one marry to and don't care if one was force to married. You want to marry into the Crown Prince residence?"
Shen Miao's heart moved. Xie Jing Xing had heard the conversation between Pei Lang and her. This man favourite thing to do was to see everything from the dark and if it was on normal days, Shen Miao would not think too much about it but at this moment there was a little bit of indignant in her heart. It was like someone had seen some secrets that one was unwilling to be made public or that the awful side of herself had be seen and she was ashamed that anger came out.
She said coldly with a smile, "What does it matter if one marries to the Crown Prince? Anyways you also know that I want to be an Empress. At the end the Crown Prince will need to sit on the Imperial throne. Maybe when I enter the the Eastern Palace, fought the Crown Prince Consort to death and raise myself up, which then I will be Ming Qi's future Empress Shen. What is wrong with it?"
The words were said a bit too viciously that Xie Jing Xing's face became even more livid.
He also laughed but it was so cold, "Unfortunately the Crown Prince will not be able to sit on the Imperial throne."
Shen Miao did not know where did Xie Jing Xing's unfathomable anger came from but at this moment she was already taken hostage and interrogated in such an embarrassing position, thus she felt very upset and wronged. Perhaps others would be impulsive and unable to grasp one emotions during such situation, just like she did not know where was that grievance feelings came from but all the unhappiness that she felt during these days all poured out.
Xie Jing Xing continued to pinch her chin, press against her legs and locked her hands. He was unbelievably handsome that even when in anger there was a different amorous feeling. That evil air hovered around him, making Shen Miao believe for a moment that this frivolous and indifferent appearance Xie Jing Xing was only one side of him and the other side would make one's heart chill when he was cold, inflexible and furious.
No matter how good the scenery was, Shen Miao unfortunately did not have the mood to appreciate.
She said, "Even if he cannot sit on the Imperial throne, it has nothing to do with you." Shen Miao raised her head and looked at him as she tired down speak calmly, "Why does Your Highness Prince Rui interrogate me? One's relation with you is not that good to such a level. Whether I marry or don't marry to who, what does it have to do with you?"
When this was said, Xie Jing Xing instead smiled slowly.
His lips hooked up in a smile but not a smile as he pinched Shen Miao's chin towards him, "When you were thinking of ways to haggle over every ounce with me, when you are calculating on how to do business with me, when you borrow my hands to kill others, you were very capable. Why is it that now you only have this little capability? En?"
Shen Miao's eyes felt somewhat sourish. She really hated Xie Jing Xing's current way of doing things. She could not break free at all and hated that she was this reactive. She felt her view becoming misty and very uncomfortable.
Xie Jing Xing's brows furrowed, "Not allowed to cry."
Shen Miao's tears were welling up but not falling and she only felt extremely shameful in her heart. She was one who had lived for two lifetimes but with just a few sentences from Xie Jing Xing, she already wanted to cry. What nonsense was this? However the grievances in her heart could not be alleviated. It was like internally she was entirely in chaos.
She was also unwilling to lose face and had no way to break free of the situation thus in a rush, Shen Miao glared at Xie Jing Xing and said angrily, "Xie Jing Xing, don't be too much."
"Xie Jing Xing?" At the other end of the underbrush, an exclamation was heard.
Chapter 171: Confronting On The Bed
Shen Miao and Xie Jing Xing turned around quickly and saw someone staggering out from the underbrush. When the person came nearer, Shen Miao''s entire body stiffen and unconsciously looked over at Xie Jing Xing's expression. However due to Xie Jing Xing's mask, one was unable to see anything.
That person was Princess Rong Xin.
Princess Rong Xin originally wanted to take a shortcut through the smaller routes but just at this time she saw Shen Miao being pulled by a unfamiliar man. Princess Rong Xing quickly instructed the palace maid to wait outside as she followed up. If others saw that Shen Miao was together with another unfamiliar man, it would only invite rumours.
Princess Rong Xin trusted Shen Miao's character. But just now she saw that Shen Miao seemed to have some unwillingness and feared that Shen Miao was entangled with one of the Prince in the Palace and if there was any trouble, she wanted to help Shen Miao out of it. However it was not ideal to rush up and cause a misunderstanding.
She was rather far apart and could not hear clearly what both of them were talking about. Afterwards she saw that Shen Miao seemed to be almost crying and became anxious and walked up and heard Shen Miao saying 'Xie Jing Xing, don't be too much'.
Princess Rong Xin cried out involuntarily.
But upon seeing the tall figure turning around was an unfamiliar young man, wearing a silver mask that covered half his face smiling gently at him and nodded his head.
Princess Rong Xing quickly step forward and it was only then she saw that this male was Prince Rui.
When the Prince Rui from Great Liang first came to Ming Qi, Princess Rong Xin saw him before. But she did not care about matters of the court and did not deliberately inquire about him. Now at this moment when she saw that this person was Prince Rui, she could not describe the feelings she had.
However Shen Miao's 'Xie Jing Xing' was indeed Xie Jing Xing. She did not hear it incorrectly.
Princess Rong Xin looked at Shen Miao questioningly, "Young Lady Shen, just now you called His Highness Prince Rui as Xie Jing Xing?"
SHen Miao was not in time to speak when Prince Rui spoke out first, "This Prince name is Xie Yuan and one's small name is Jing Xing. Just now Young Lady Shen called this Prince small name."
Shen Miao sighed in relief in her heart as she thought that Xie Jing Xing reaction was very fast and he could always find a reason to turn it around. Upon seeing Princess Rong Xin's strange look, she then reacted to it and cursed Xie Jing Xing in her heart viciously.
Other than family, only one's wift of lover would call another person's small name. Who knew what kind of feeling would there be for Princess Rong Xin when she called Xie Jing Xing's little name.
Xie Jing Xing did it deliberately.
Princess Rong Xin swept a glance between Prince Rui and Shen Miao before her gaze finally settled on Prince Rui.
There were some similarities, just like this purple attire. Only that youth who ride through the red-light district on horseback would be able to have that air of nobility when wearing such purple robes. However there were also differences. That was unfamiliarity, some coldness and the air of savageness and decisiveness that was different from the youth in her memory.
Xie Jing Xing was long death and he died on the battlefield under tens of thousands of Northern Jiang's horces and thousands of arrows piercing through one's heart.
In a moment, there was a piercing pain in one's heart, making Princess Rong Xin clutch her heart and bend down. She was unable to feel relived no matter how many times she thought of Xie Jing Xing's death. After Princess Yu Qing's death, she had taken Xie Jing Xing as her son and to lose a son at one's middle age and for a white hair person sending off a black hair person, her grief was no less than Xie Ding.
Shen Miao quickly went up to support her while that purple clad youth stood with his hands down and swept his eyes towards her without moving his body.
A trace of bitter smile could not help but appear on Princess Rong Xin's lips.
Yes. How could Prince Rui be Xie Jing Xing? If he was Xie Jing Xing, how could he be this cold and look at her like a stranger when she was struggling like this? If Xie Jing Xing was still alive, how could he bear to see her in such pain?
Princess Rong Xin waved her hands, "Why are you here?"
Shen Miao replied, "Her Ladyship, the Empress, request me to enter the Palace."
Princess Rong Xin frowned and then looked at Xie Jing Xing before asking, "Why is Prince Rui here?"
Shen Miao glanced at Xie Jing Xing before speaking, "When I was heading out from the Palace, the young eunuch that was leading the way had a matter to attend to in the middle. After waiting for a long time, one left but later realized that one was lost. One happened to encounter His Highness Prince Rui and requested His Highness Prince Rui to point the right direction."
These words were almost an blatant lie. Just now Princess Rong Xin clearly saw that Prince Rui pulled Shen Miao over here. Moreover Shen Miao also called Prince Rui's little name, thus the relationship between the two was not normal.
Princess Rong Xin was unfathomably somewhat angry. At the beginning Xie Jing Xing brought Shen Miao to the Princess residence and Princess Rong Xin had thought that Xie Jing Xing treated Shen Miao special. With the many interactions with Shen Miao, she also liked Shen Miao and Princess Rong Xin had the heart to match Shen Miao and Xie Jing Xing. However Xie Jing Xing died afterwards, else this marriage would have been settled.
Today Shen Miao was in a very close relationship with another male and that male's little name was also 'Jing Xing'. Princess Rong Xing's heart was feeling uncomfortable as it was like one's thing was overtaken by others. She knew that it was not possible for Shen Miao not to marry for her entire life but Prince Rui was after all not from Ming Xi and Princess Rong Xin had lived for a lifetime and could see people clearly. This Prince Rui's actions were bizarre and there was an air of danger around him. He was not a simple man so if Shen Miao was related to this male, one fear that it would be too complicated.
"Like this, BenGong will thank Your Highness Prince Rui on Young Lady Shen's behalf. Princess Rong Xng said that but she was doing her best to distinguish Shen Miao's and Prince Rui's relationship clearly.
Prince Rui nodded his head.
"Since the eunuch who lead the way had disappeared and BenGong has many palace maids so BenGong will let them bring her out. Prince Rui would not need to worry about it." Princess Rong Xin then said. This was clearly an attitude of guarding against Prince Rui.
Prince Rui did not say anything more and faintly responded before leaving first.
After Prince Rui had left, Princess Rong Xin then loosen her mouth to ask Shen Miao, "How do you get acquainted with him?"
Shen Miao did not expect the sudden encounter of Princess Rong Xin and had never thought that Princess Rong Xin would hear the conversation between her and Xie Jing Xing. She could not help but secretly compliant about Xie Jing Xing's secret guards that usually had sharp ears and keen eyes that even a mouse running pass would be seized but now at such a critical moment they would allow such a thing happen. One did not know if they were blind that they did not even notice Princess Rong Xin.
She said, "Coincidentally encountered His Highness Prince Rui for a few times and got acquainted."
Princess Rong Xin gave her a profound look, "If you are not willing to speak about it, BenGong will not force it out of you. It is just that this person is not from Ming Qi and it is likely that there is an intention to place you in an conspiracy. You are an intelligent Young Lady and knows how to handle some things. Even if one do not think of oneself, one have to think for your Father, Mother and Eldest Brother." She was indeed afraid that Shen Miao would be swindled by men.
In Shen Miao's heart, she was between laughter and tears as the misunderstanding had reached to such a point that it could not be resolved. Princess Rong Xin stroked her chest and gasped a few breaths. When Shen Miao saw it, she asked, "Is Princess feeling uncomfortable?"
"It is a heart illness from the early years." Princess Rong Xin shook her head, "These few days it had worsen."
Shen Miao saw her being upset with the pain, she remembered in the past lifetime that Princess Rong Xin also had a heart illness and the Imperial Physician mentioned that she should not over worry herself else the pain of heart illness would worsen. She said, "Princess should look for an Imperial Physician to take a good look or inquire for a doctor who specialise in treating heart illnesses. It is upsetting to hurt this much."
"It is of no harm." Princess Rong Xin waved her hands, "BenGong lived till now and have enjoyed what one can enjoyed and experience what one should not experience, thus there is no lose in this lifetime. Most likely one cannot life any longer and BenGong also don't want to be tormented." Her voice gradually faded, "Afterall there is nothing much to be worried about."
Shen Miao knew that she was thinking about Xie Jing Xing again and did not know how to console her and could only say, "If Little Marquis see Princess's current condition, he would not be happy."
"If he really cares about me, this YiMu, he would not be so callous and brush his hands and leave for the Western region." Princess Rong Xin retracted the sorrow she had on her face and patted Shen Miao's hands before saying, "BenGong had heard about Imperial Older Brother's intention to bestow a marriage to you. BenGong entered the Palace today is to talk to Imperial Older Brother about the matter. Shen Miao, you are also not willing to marry to the Crown Prince right?"
Shen Miao did not expect that Princess Rong Xin would actually speak out for her and for a moment of time she was somewhat choked. In the previous lifetime, she had spared no effort to curry favour Princess Rong Xin and only gained Princess Rong Xin's scorn and despise. In this lifetime because of Xie Jing Xing's relations, Princess Rong Xin's perspective had changed that she would even be willing to fight for her to change Emperor Wen Hui's decision. Shen Miao said, "I am not willing to marry into the Eastern Palace but Princess need not need to be in a difficult situation. The matters of the world will go accordingly to the will of Heavens and nature will take its course. The Heavens would make arrangements accordingly."
Princess Rong Xin instead smiled, "You actually could look through the matter."
She said, "The time is no longer early. I will not continue talking with you and head towards there. I will let the palace maid send you out."
Shen Miao was send out of the Palace by Princess Rong Xin's palace maids and Jing Zhe and Gu Yu who were waiting outside quickly went forward. The first thing they did was to look up at down all over Shen Miao to ensure that SHen Miao was safe and sound before saying, "Scare this servant to death. One had thought that something happened after waiting for so long. If Young Lady do not come out any longer, these servants planned to think of some ways to enter and search."
Shen Miao laughed, "It is not a chasm for Dragons to hide or a tiger's lair. How scary can it be?" But her heart was secretly thinking about the two assassins that appeared mysteriously. She did not they belonged to who that even dared to kill her in the Palace. However when one look into it if she died, harm would only be brought onto the Crown Prince. The other party was not willing to see the Crown Prince be the only one getting bigger and if it did not go wrong, they were either Prince Zhou's or Prince Li's people. It was not possible to be Fu Xiu Yi as Shen Wan and the Crown Prince of Jin country matter was just over for not too long thus Fu Xiu Yi would not take the initiative to head towards where the wind and waves were the fiercest. With his ability to endure, he would lurk around for a period of time.
Thinking about it, she could not help but sneer in her heart. In short, there was not a single good thing in the Fu family. The Shen family was destined to be on the opposite sides with the Fu family. It was either you die or I would be destroyed and since the other party's was so vicious, then she would not be merciless with her methods.
Mo Qing stepped forward to lead Shen Miao up the horse carriage and set off for the Shen mansion.
There was a bustling road where people come and go at the Palace Gates and in a crowded restaurant, there was a person at the corner who was monitoring Mo Qing and entourage's movements. When that person saw Shen Miao coming out from the Palace Gates safely, there was a flash of surprise in one's eyes before he took the sword from the table and quietly left.
When Shen Miao returned to the Shen mansion, naturally Shen Qiu and the rest gathered to question Shen Miao what did the Empress spoke to her in the Palace. Shen Miao skipped the events with Xie Jing Xing and only spoke about the converstation with the Empress. The SHen family once again worries as the Imperial family side threatened Shen Miao and feared each day shortening and they must think of a solution as soon as possible.
Luo Xue Yan again thought about the few people who came over to the residence to proposed marriage and wanted to ask for Shen Miao's opinion. If among these few people, Shen Miao did feel a little better with either one of them, then they can settle that first. In anyways, Shen Xin had inquired about them and even though they were not perfect, there were no problems in terms of their conduct.
However Shen Miao had encountered the whole thing with Xie Jing Xing today and her mind was in chaos thus how would she still be in the mood to talk about these stuff. When Luo Xue Yan mentioned it, she displayed a rare displeased look. When Shen Xin and the few of them saw it, they all looked at one another and thought that Shen Miao was disturb by the Empress's words when she was in the Palace and did not continue their words. Shen Miao was then able to return to the room to rest early and the rest scattered.
When Shen Miao returned to the room, the skies were already dark and Gu Yu helped her to light the oil lamps. Jing Zhe saw that Shen Miao's mood was not good thus she dared not stay in the room and disturb her. She pulled Gu Yu out and closed the doors, leaving Shen Miao alone.
She was somewhat irritated as she brush her hair and a nameless anger started to form in her chest that did not seemed to go away. Thinking about Xie Jing Xing's interrogation in the Palace today, she could not help but be more annoyed and feel grievance. What did her personal affairs got to do with Xie Jing Xing? Could it be that Xie Jing Xing wanted to intervene with her life?
However matters had come to such a point that with the different involved parties and not with an additional Xie Jing Xing, she was unable to control independently.
Thinking of what Pei Lang said, Shen Miao could not help but smile. However the smile was somewhat miserable. Which female did not want a male to love one another and lived till old age? It was just that in her past life she was used to seeing the rise and fall in the world and at the end the so called admiration between her and Fu Xiu Yi was nothing but her own wishful thinking. She also had not experience the feeling of having mutual love of a couple. However she understood that once something happened, one's thoughts were not of oneself. She was not willing to be like the last lifetime, foolishly give one's lifetime happiness to others. Currently it was good. From the beginning she had controlled her heart thus it was much easier than retrieving one's heart that was already given away.
It was just that she did not feel very comfortable at the bottom of her heart.
She sat under the lamp for a while but she was not thinking about anything. After a while, she blew out the light and climbed onto the bed to sleep.
The wind and snow in the residence of Prince Rui was exceptionally big.
One entire type of guards were trembling as they stood in the wind and even the somewhat strong white tiger was thrown outside the bed chambers as punishment. Today everyone was not pleasing to Prince Rui's eyes and everyone in the residence of Prince Rui was punished. Even Ji Yu Shu and Gao Yang were locked in the tower prison to face the wall.
What kind of place the tower prison was? The people who were locked up were the most evil and when dealing with these evil people, torture was necessary. As the cruelest place of the Mo Yu Army, there were so many kinds of torture there that if there was no eighty-one types, there would be at least forty-nine types. Many men with unswerving determination would guard the tower prison and wail like ghost and howl like wolves after a few days. The first time Tie Yi went in, he was bedridden for a long time and vomited whatever he ate for an entire month.
Ji Yu Shu and Gao Yang looked like attractive and tender young masters that the guards in the residence of Prince Rui were secretly pitying them as they entered the tower prison.
Ye Ying quietly tabbed Nan Qi's arm and asked, "What is with Master? Who had made him angry?"
Nan Qi made a hush sound and see that there was no moments in the room before whispering, "Gentleman Gao and Young Master Ji did not report that the Palace wanted to bestow marriage upon Fifth Shen Young Lady, thus Master got angry."
Ye Ying covered her mouth and her eyes widen, "Gentleman Gao and Young Master Ji are truly daring to even hide Fifth Shen Young Lady's matter. No wonder they are being locked in the tower prison." After finish speaking she then looked at the white tiger that was trembling in the cold wind and said in pity, "So pitiful. On normal days, it would eat, drink and live well. One had thought that it was different from us but did not expect that matters erupt, everyone are all punching bags."
Huo Long flipped her long hair and sighed, "It is the beauty that cause the fury."
In the room, Xie Jing Xing passed the letter that was written to Tie Yi and after Tie Yi took a glance at it, he hesitated, "Master, if His Majesty know that there is changes to the plan at this end..."
Xie Jing Xing looked at him and Tie Yi immediately shut up. It was not a good idea to object to Master's decision now when Master was not in a good mood.
Xie Jing Xing put the other letter inside the letter and said, "What is going on at Pei Lang's side? Go and inquire." After a pause, he then said, "And also Feng Zi Xian and Su Ming Feng." His brows slightly writteled and suddenly thought about something, "How about the matter about the medicine herbs?"
Tie Yi quickly said, "One had already send people to search and upon finding it, it would be sent to the medical hall." Princess Rong Xin's heart illness had frequently occurred in the past and in the medication there was one herbs that was in scarcity as it would only be available during spring. All the available herb in Ding capital's medical halls would be bought by the Princess residence and these days there were no new shipment for Princess Rong Xin, thus she could only endure. Xie Jing Xing instructed people to purchase it from outside with great value before 'smoothly' selling it to the medical hall.
"As quickly as possible." Xie Jing Xing pursed his lips. After thinking for a moment, he suddenly stood up and put on his coat before heading out.
Tie Yi was slightly startled, "Master still want to go out?"
"Have not yet finished calculating the accounts." Xie Jing Xing snorted coldly before walking away with a brush of his sleeves.
The outside of the Shen mansion was already quiet and Shen Miao's room was a cloak of darkness. It was obvious that one had slept for some time.
When Xie Jing Xing reached, Cong Yang was sleeping on the tree and when he saw him walking over, he almost fell off the tree in shock. He quickly got down and stood at attention to greet Xie Jing Xing.
Xie Jing Xing took a glance at the window and Cong Yang quickly said, "Young Madam has already gone to rest."
When Xie Jing Xing walked to the front of the window, he saw that there was a jade like ring and there was a pendant placed at the window still. Xie Jing Xing looked at Cong Yang with questioningly gaze and Cong Yang said, "After Young Madam went to rest, Luo Ling secretly place the safety pendant on the window still. Young Madam have yet to discover it."
When Xie Jing Xing heard it, his gaze moved slightly and he used his sharp dagger to pick up that safety pendant and threw it at Cong Yan, "Keep it well."
Cong Yang was startled and heard Xie Jing Xing continued speaking, "The pet at home is missing a pendant."
Cong Yang, "..."
At the time of Cong Yang's speechlessness, Xie Jing Xing had already lightly and quickly opened the window to enter.
On the bed, Shen Miao was sleeping soundly.
Xie Jing Xing walked to the side of the bed and crossed his arms for a while before raising his eyebrows, "To sleep this sounding, it seemed that one did not take my words to heart. Really have such nerves."
The young female did not have the usual dignified and calm look when sleeping and without all the different things to conceal her appearance, her original appearance was shown. Under the moonlight, her eyes were delicate, making one remember that she was just a sixteen year old young female and one could not ignore that because of her situation and the means that she had shown to be capable of.
Thinking of how Shen Miao was enduring her tears when he was holding her chin, Xie Jing Xing was a little guilty in his heart.
He reached out to move the messy hair on Shen Miao forehead to the back of her ears but saw that Young Lady's eyelashes trembled. Xie Jing Xing's hands paused and his gaze went down and saw that the body that was wrapped in the quilt was slightly trembling.
She actually was fake sleeping.
Xie Jing Xing raise his brows and simply sat closer a little before placing both hands at either side of Shen Miao's and lean forward and whispered in a magnetic voice.
"After helping so many times, why not repay me once by devoting one's life?"
He stared at Shen Miao's eyes and slowly leaned over.
Shen Miao's body was so stiff and that breathing sound seemed to be just beside one's lips with the feeling of oppression coming from the top was nearing her, she ferociously pushed Xie Jing Xing and sat up before speaking in anger, "What do you want to do?"
Her voice was however somewhat frenetic.
Xie Jing Xing pressed her back down to the bed.
Shen Miao struggled in unease and Xie Jing Xing had to subdue here a few times before laughing out, "What do you think I will do to you?" Then he gave her a critical look, "In your dreams."
Shen Miao was so angry that she wanted to call Mo Qing over to beat Xie Jing Xing up.
Because she only wore the middle clothes when she sleep at night, after struggling with Xie Jing Xing just now, her middle clothes opened up, revealing a snowy white shoulder, seemingly one could see the plum blossoms on the tudou (aka olden undergarments). Xie Jing Xing was slightly stunned when he saw it and Shen Miao discovered where he was looking and became so upset. Just as she was about to scold, she saw Xie Jing Xing showing over the quilt and covering her up.
Shen Miao revealed her head from the quilt and said angrily, "You are sick."
Xie Jing Xing ignored her and quickly wrapped her tightly in the quilt like a silkworm cocoon before pressing her onto the bed. Shen Miao could not move at all and Xie Jing Xing looked at her as he supported his head with a head.
Shen Miao finally got frustrated with struggling and asked, "What are you here for?"
"Shen Miao, behave yourself a little." Xie Jing Xing frowned, "With this Prince here, who would dare to force you to marry?"
Shen Miao was so angry, she started laughing, "You will not stay in Ming Qi for thousands of years and there will be a day that I will need to marry. You can protect me today but not tomorrow. Even if you protect me tomorrow, there will be a day were you will not be able to protect."
"If one can protect?" Xie Jing Xing asked.
Shen Miao was startled and did not speak.
Xie Jing Xing, "You do not care about marrying others or just want to marry?"
"What does it got to do with you? You asked too much." Shen Miao had taken Xie Jing Xing's rudeness during the day to heart and did not plan to talk to him nicely. But upon thinking about it, how was she like a person who was an Empress? She instead looked like those embarrassed young females on the streets. Thinking of how she was pestered by this person in front now, Shen Miao was very dissatisfied with herself.
Her temperamental appearance was seen by Xie Jing Xing and he was unable to make head or tail of it. He flipped over and press Shen Miao down and propped Shen Miao's head before asking lowly, "Who do you want to marry?"
"Luo Ling, Su Ming Feng, Feng Zi Xian or Pei Lang?"
He was getting closer and that handsome facial features were magnified in front of Shen Miao and one could smell the fragrance of the bamboo scent on the other party. His eyes were exceptionally pretty but currently also had some overbearing manner, as if it could force out one true thought. When being looked at by this pair of eyes, it seemed that all of one's secret thoughts had nowhere to hide.
Shen Miao's heart suddenly felt panicked.
This distance was just too close. It was so close that she could hear the thumping of the heart, just like the sound of drums, but she could not differentiate if it was hers or Xie Jing Xing's.
Not wanting to lose control of her feelings and do expected things, Shen Miao suddenly shrank back. Her back was against the beam of the bed and Xie Jing Xing reached out to protect so that she would not hit her head.
"This has nothing to do with you." Shen Miao quickly said, "We only have the relations of allies and allies are of mutual cooperation. Prince Rui still wants to control my lifelong matter? Not to say marriage, even in the future when one give birth, separate, disposed, all of that does not have half a relation with you."
Xie Jing Xing was originally rather angry upon listening to the first half of the sentence but upon hearing the latter half, he was betwee laughter and tears, "What nonsense. You really want to be a disposed Empress?" He had already heard her mention about disposed Empress for an unknown times. Xie Jing Xing did not understand how Shen Miao not be confident with herself that she must imagine such a miserable ending for herself. She did not seem to be a person of low self-esteem.
Shen Miao was so mad that she was speaking incoherently, "It has nothing to do with you. We are only allies. On what basis do you manage my affairs."
Xie Jing Xing stared at her as the anger that she provoked slowly raised up. He was also a proud person and to be repeatedly dismissed like this, one could not mention how uncomfortable his heart would feel.
He asked, "Allies?"
Shen Miao nodded her head.
"Allies cannot manage your affairs?"
Shen Miao continued to nod her head.
Xie Jing Xing said balmily, "Good." He quickly leaned over and gave Shen Miao's lips a peck. Shen Miao was momentarily stunned and saw that purple clad youth using an extremely harsh tone, "Now we are no longer allies."
"You!" Shen Miao could not speak as there seemed to be a gentle feeling that remained on her lips.
He laughed frivolously, "Now one can manage your affairs." Finishing, he then got up from the bed and looked at Shen Miao condescending manner and threatened, "Remember, in the future marriage, giving birth, separate, disposed, all these would require this Prince's agreement."
After finishing, he looked coldly at the window still and disappeared.
Outside the room.
Cong Yang was forced to listen to everything from the tree till his face and ears turn scarlet but he dared not depart without orders. When Xie Jing Xing came out, Cong Yang greeted him and Xie Jing Xing said, "In the future when someone gift things, just throw it away." He took the safety pendant that Cong Yang gave him and walked away with annoyance on his face.