Chapter 196: Emperor Yong Le
In the morning of the second day, Shen Miao would be following with Xie Jing Xing to the Palace to see Emperor Yong Le. Because this was the first meeting, she had to wear the official clothes of the grade of what a WangFei of First Grade should wear. When Xie Jing Xing came out, SHen Miao could not help but be startled.
Great Liang's and Ming Qi's court attires were definitely different. Ming Qi's style geared towards delicate and beauty while Great Liang geared towards noble bearing. Xie Jing Xing wore a purple gold robe with embroidered Qilin and the official hat and green agate belt, it looked extremely imposing. The usual frivolous appearance was shed off and now he appeared to be somewhat unapproachable.
Shen Miao had a meal with him before boarding the carriage to the palace. Because of yesterday's matters, Shen Miao had felt somewhat uncomfortable but Xie Jing Xing seemed to be very satisfied with her appearance and when they were in the carriage, he mentioned it in a vile manner.
Shen Miao thought that this person really had no scruples because he was in Great Liang but because it was the first time meeting Emperor Yong Le, her heart was somewhat heavy but because of Xie Jing Xing's teasing, it became much more relaxed.
The residence of Prince Rui of First Rank was not far from the Palace and one did not know if this was done deliberately by Xie Jing Xing. When the guards of the Palace saw Xie Jing Xing, they released their carriage immediately. As Jing Zhe and Gu Yu were Shen Miao first ranking maids, they followed behind Shen Miao but dared not even breath loudly and walked carefully, fearing that any discourteous action would bring trouble for Shen Miao.
The palace maids and eunuchs of Great Liang's Imperial Palace were all doing their work with their heads lowered but when Shen Miao walked passed, she could feel some inquiring gazes on her. Since it was her first time in the Imperial Palace of Great Liang, perhaps everyone was talking about what kind of wife did Xie Jing Xing marry. The commoners were tolerant of her but people with official positions were different. In addition, Xie Jing Xing had a sensitive identity and if Shen Miao did not guess incorrectly, the position of the Consort of Prince Rui was one that a lot of people would fight for.
Her every move and action were not only representing that she was Rui WangFei but also represent the demeanor of the Shen family of Ming Qi.
Thinking as so, Shen Miao could not help but straighten her back even more and look more dignified. Unconsciously she had brought out the bearing of her past lifetime as an Empress.
Xie Jing Xing noticed her action and smiled meaningfully before whispering to her ears, "No need to be this nervous. You are almost as comparable as the Empress."
Shen Miao glared at him. What kind of time this was? Xie Jing Xing was still this cheeky. There were many eyes and ears in the Palace and most likely there were Emperor Yong Le's people. If Xie Jing Xing's words were carried into the ears of Emperor Yong Le, would she be given a name of a beauty who brings disaster? Thinking of the being a virtuous and respectable Empress in the past lifetime, she had not been an troublesome and disastrous beauty before.
Just as she was thinking about it, Xie Jing Xing took her hand and Shen Miao quickly struggled to break free, "Someone will see..."
"What would be the matter if someone sees?" Xie Jing Xing was not happy, "Do one need others agreement for this Prince to hold WangFei's hand?"
Shen Miao wanted to say something when she saw that she had walked to a side hall with Xie Jing Xing and there was a fat eunuch who stood outside the door. When he saw both of them, he said, "Greetings to Your Highness Prince of First Rank, His Majesty and Her Ladyship have been waiting for a long time."
One did not know if it was intentional or not but he did not greet Shen Miao.
"Deng GongGong, this is this Prince's beloved wife." Xie Jing Xing did not let this matter pass and push Shen Miao forward, "Why are you not greeting?"
Shen Miao rolled her eyes at Xie Jing Xing in her heart. This Deng GongGong apparently got an order from his master to treat her as such. Other than Emperor Yong Le which other master could there be? Even if this was Emperor Yong Le's thoughts, not only Xie Jing Xing not go along with others, he deliberately brought it out. Was he here today for a quarrel?
Deng GongGong's smile remained unchanged and immediately changed his tune and said to Shen Miao, "So it is Your Ladyship WangFei. This servant did not have eyes. May Your Ladyship WangFei forgive oneself."
Shen Miao was different with Xie Jing Xing. She smiled gently, "It is of no problems."
Xie Jing Xing swept a look at Deng GongGong, "Fine. Imperial Older Brother is not satisfied with me like this then why call me to come over?" He then smiled, "If it was not WangFei that persuaded me today, who want to come over to see him?"
Deng GongGong and Shen Miao, "..."
Shen Miao pulled his sleeves and Xie Jing Xing said, "What is there to be afraid? Being the matriarch of my residence of Prince Rui of First Rank, one do not need to be afraid of others. Don't worry, whoever bullies you, this husband will take it out for you."
His voice was not concealed or lowered, making the responsive and smart Deng GongGong unable to hide the awkwardness. Suddenly a cough was heard from the main hall and Deng GongGong was sharp and said, "May Your Highness Prince of First Rank and Your Ladyship Wang Fei follow this one in."
Shen Miao was pulled by Xie Jing Xing and followed in.
She lowered her head all the way and did not raise her head. It was the first encounter and one would follow all propriety. Shen Miao knew that Emperor Yong Le did not like her much and thus was not willing to make any mistakes in these details and could only be perfect. She was only able to see the smooth marble on the flow that was engraved with cloud patterns and the top was covered with a soft wool blanket.
"ChenDi greets Imperial Older Brother." Xie Jing Xing said lazily and even his gestures were barely passable.
Xie Jing Xing could be that impudent but Shen Miao could not. However she did not go down on her knees and bend her back to greet, "ChenFu greets Your Majesty."
"You are Shen Miao?" After a while, a majestic low voice rang out, "Lift up the head."
Shen Miao lifted her head up.
The age of the male that was sitting on the highest seat was not considered too old and looked like he was in his thirties. His brows and eyes were sharp, his nose was high and lips thin. He looked seven to eight tenths similar to Xie Jing Xing. However Xie Jing Xing's features were soft while his expression was sharp thus the beauty and handsomeness ratio was extremely well blended. The middle age male in front, most likely due to the high position that he was sitting for a long time, did not have any gentle bearing and compared to Xie Jing Xing's stubbornness, he was even more upright. His had a deep gaze that when looking at another, it would be somewhat cold as if one could see through to the bottom on one's heart.
Although these two brothers looked similar in appearance and were all elegant and noble, their temperament were as different as the North and South. Xie Jing Xing looked like a gentleman who went around to play and had a type of cynical laziness in dealing with everything but this person was extremely rigorous to oneself and would not let oneself off in any moment.
Shen Miao's heart felt very strange. She had not thought that the wise Emperor Yong Le throughout the ages would have such young appearance and also looked so handsome. It was very different from a head of white hair than she had imagined to be.
When she was sizing Emperor Yong Le, Emperor Yong Le was also sizing her up. Emperor Yong Le's gaze was very sharp and there was also a sense of pressure. He had a cold look on his face, as if he would burst in fury the next moment. If it was an ordinary female that he was sizing up, one feared that she would be so scared that one cried. However Shen Miao was different from ordinary young ladies. When she was facing Fu Xiu Yi before, Fu Xiu Yi's cold expression to her was much more colder.
Seeing that she still remained calm, a sharp gaze flashed in Emperor Yong Le's eyes but Xie Jing Xing lazy voice was heard in the main hall, "Has Imperial Older Brother seen enough? If one look longer, ChenDi will become uncomfortable."
Shen Miao was startled and was unable to hide it in her heart. She had always guessed what was the relationship between Xie Jing Xing and Emperor Yong Le would be like and was also faintly aware that these pair of brothers were more sincere than the brothers in Ming Qi's Imperial family but she had not expect that Xie Jing Xing would dare to say such things to Emperor Yong Le. Moreover Emperor Yong Le did not seemed to be angry at all.
In the Imperial family, there were many rules and regulation and each person's status was subtle thus it was just impossible to have a relation like ordinary brothers. It was already a luxury that bothers were not fighting and were on friendly terms. Moreover Xie Jing Xing was in Ming Qi for so many years but currently it looked like he was living with Emperor Yong Le since young.
"Jing Xing, BenGong will also be angry with your words." A laughing voice was heard and Shen Miao's gaze landed on the female by Emperor Yong Le's side.
One had thought that this person should be Emperor Yong Le's wife, Empress Xian De of Great Liang.
Empress Xian De looked younger than Emperor Yong Le and she was wearing a pomelo green embroidered robes with a wide belt. This dressing was considered very plain and simple but she had a dignified appearance and with one look one could tell she was a female who was well-educated by a large family and was intelligent and calm. She was sitting by Emperor Yong Le's side smiling towards Xie Jing Xing.
Shen Miao remembered that Xie Jing Xing once praised Empress Xian De. There were not many female that Xie Jing Xing would praise as he was so critical and for Empress Xian De to become of them, there naturally be something special. Even if Xie Jing Xing not mentioning it, Shen Miao would still have a good impression of Empress Xian De because she had a graceful and calm bearing that even Shen Miao, who was an Empress in her pass lifetime, would feel inferior and ashamed.
"Jing Xing's wife, the Young Lady of the Shen family in Ming Qi." Empress Xian De nodded her head and smiled warmly, "BenGong has always be curious what kind of Young Lady would make Jing Xing curb his heart. Now upon looking, one understood. Jing Xing has good eyes."
Shen Miao repeatedly reply that she didn't dare.
Empress Xian De's praises however made Emperor Yong Le dissatisfied. He glared at Empress Xian De and seemed to be somewhat unhappy but he only said solemnly, "Ming Qi's and Great Liang's rules and regulations are different. Since you have married and become Great Liang's people, rules and regulation of Great Liang must be kept."
"Imperial Older Brother." Xie Jing Xing interrupted his words, "This ChenDi will naturally teach the rules and regulation. If one is unable to teach, Imperial Older Brother need not have to worry, the people of the residence of Prince Rui of First Rank will be looked after by ChenDi. It is better for Imperial Older Brother to manage your own matters."
Xie Jing Xing protected Shen Miao to this level and did not even give Emperor Yong Le any face in front of Shen Miao at all. Emperor Yong Le was finally angered and said, "You protect your wife this much? And don't even allow Zhen to say a single word? Why not Zhen give you this position to sit?"
"Forget about it." Xie Jing Xing waved his hands without any care, "Keep this position for yourself as ChenDi is not interested. It is just that it was so difficult for ChenDi to marry a Young Lady and if you intervene again and one's wife run away, what should ChenDi do? Be lonely for the rest of one's life?"
Shen Miao, "..."
If Xie Jing Xing were brothers with Fu Xiu Yi and spoke to Fu Xiu Yi those words, one feared that he would be dead seven to eight times.
Emperor Yong Le stood up and looked at Shen Miao. That long was filled with threats before he turned around and left with a brush of his sleeves. After walking halfway and seeing that Xie Jing Xing was still standing by Shen Miao's side and had no intention to follow, he was suddenly angry again, "Roll over to Zhen here."
Xie Jing Jing was helpless about it and said to Empress Xian De, "Imperial Sao, will hand Jiao Jiao over to you." Then he said to Shen Miao, "After matters are settled, I will pick you up."
After Xie Jing Xing and Emperor Yong Le left, Empress Xian De then smiled gently and stood up to walk over to Shen Miao, "The room is rather stuffy. Since you have not come to the Imperial Palace of Great Liang, BenGong will bring you around."
Shen Miao quickly complied.
Empress Xian De was a good person and seemed not to put on any air of an Empress. Both of them went to the Imperial Gardens to stroll around and on the way there, Empress Xian De asked if she was used to Long Ye. The conversation was intimate like talking to one's Eldest Sister, which made one's heart feel smooth.
"Ever since Jing Xing returned to Long Ye, BenGong had never seen him being interested in any young ladies. One had thought that most likely it was not possible for him to like any young lady and did not think that he would marry a wife in Ming Qi. Even though it was somewhat surprising, but one's heart was very comforted. Otherwise BenGong would really worried that he would not find a young lady for his entire lifetime and be alone."
When Shen Miao heard those words, she smiled and said, "How could the Prince of First Rank be alone? When he was young in Ming Qi, there were many Young Ladies that liked him so no matter what he would not be alone."
Empress Xian De shook his head with a smile, "Then have you seen him being particularly good to anyone?"
Shen Miao was startled.
Empress Xian De then carried on herself, "Jing Xing and the Emperor looked like different people but in fact both brothers are the same. The Emperor looked cold on the surface and his temperament is also cold. Jing Xing looked warm and easy to talk to but his temperament is also cold. Most likely they themselves are clear that their identities are special and should not think about things that one should not think of." She looked at Shen Miao with a smile, "One thinks that Jing Xing had told you about his secret so this is not a secret."
"That kind of child had to hide himself and live like this since young. Be it hiding one's identity or emotions, one's self control had been gradually developed but one's heart also harden. This is a good thing to the Imperial family but to himself, it was not a good thing. BenGong had always thought that if Jing Xing was the same as the Emperor then it would be too unfair. It was fortunate that he was luckier than the Emperor and met you."
Shen Miao listened to Empress Xian De's words and her heart was somewhat hesitant. In the short time of interacting with Empress Xian De, Empress Xian De had a personality that one would like on first look. Unlike the usual deliberate fawning, Empress Xian De was those quiet ones that would make others feel very comfortable. She seemed to live genuinely and not like a female in the Inner Palace.
But what was the meaning that she said that Xie Jing Xing was luckier than Emperor Yong Le's fortune?
This was too difficult to answer thus Shen Miao could only listen quietly without speaking.
"His Majesty deeply entrust Jing Xing." Empress Xian De said, "He hopes that Jing Xing can live comfortably and happy but does not hope that Jing Xing would change his original aspiration because of greed and comfort. His Majesty lived in hardship so if His Majesty hurt you because of this matter, you mustn't blame him."
Shen Miao smiled gently, "ChenFu is not qualified to place any blame to the decision of His Majesty." She looked at Empress Xian De, "Is it that Your Ladyship have something to say to ChenFu?
Empress Xian De smiled before sighing, "Just now when one first saw you, BenGong felt a familiar feeling in you. You are a smart young lady and BenGong know that it is easy for a smart person to see something fixated. If you cannot resolve it, then the knot in one's heart cannot be untied."
Shen Miao slightly frowned. She faintly felt that there was another meaning to Empress Xian De's words.
"His Majesty view Jing Xing very important and with regards to Jing Xing marrying, even though His Majesty agreed, one's heart is after all not happy. Jing Xing naturally have ways to resist His Majesty's decisions but you are different. You are a young lady of Ming Qi's and in Great Liang, there would be many places that are restricted." Empress Xian De said, "BenGong like you a lot but BenGong is His Majesty's wife and BenGong cannot change His Majesty decision and can only hope that you will feel comfortable."
Shen Miao said, "What is His Majesty going to do?"
Just as Empress Xian De was about to speak, a charming female voice came from behind, "Older Sister has such good spirits today and stroll in the Imperial Gardens."
Shen Miao and Empress Xian De turned their heads together and saw that from the other end of the small hallway, some palace people were supporting a female dress in palace clothes over. This female was wearing a silver red and purple robe with agate jade on her head. It was the beginning of spring but she dressed more beautiful that spring. As she walked nearer, one discover that this female had a beautiful face but one did not know if it was this dressing made her seemed slightly impetuous.
She came over enchanted and greeted Empress Xian De but there was a careless appearance, seeming not putting Empress Xian De in her eyes.
"Oh. So it is Younger Sister Consort Jing." Empress Xian De said blandly.
Shen Miao was thinking in her heart that this Consort Jing looked like she was in her early twenties and could be at the position of a Consort. It was either her family was extremely prominent or was extremely favoured. However Shen Miao felt that compared with Empress Xian De, other than being younger and beautiful, this Consort Jing seemed to be inferior to Empress Xian De and one was unable to see what other points were there that was worthy of Emperor Yong Le's favour.
That Consort Jing seemed to only notice Shen Miao then and asked, "This person is unfamiliar. Which Furen is this?"
Currently Shen Miao had already dressed as a married female and combed a married female's hairstyle. Thus even though her face was delicate, one would not consider her as an unmarried young lady of an official.
"This is the Furen of Prince Rui of First Rank, Rui Wang Fei." Empress Xian De did not seemed to want to introduce Shen Miao to Consort Jing and thus her words were simple.
When the words were spoken, Consort Jing's expression changed. When she heard those words, she called out in astonishment, "Rui WangFei?" Then she looked up and down of Shen Miao to size her up.
It was different from Emperor Yong Le's careful examination gaze, not to mention different from the kind hearted observation from Empress Xian De. This person's gaze was extremely rude, as if she was sizing some plaything. After finish looking, she snorted and spoke somewhat ill-intentioned, "One had initially thought that what kind of great national beauty would one be that it made Prince Rui of First Rank marry back to Great Liang despite the far distance. Now from this look..." She smiled harshly, "It is most likely my eyesight is not good and unable to see anything special."
Shen Miao did not know how was she embroiled with this one and so cautious that she was not willing to speak. Empress Xian De 's expression was however somewhat cold, "The people that Consort Jing sees as special are even lesser than less."
Shen Miao was somewhat surprised that Empress Xian De would be furious at Consort Jing for her and felt that this kind of Empress Xian De was similar to Emperor Yong Le.
It was just that the sarcastic words that Empress Xian De spoke was not effective and one did not know if Consort Jing understood it or not. Consort Jing looked at Shen Miao and suddenly smiled, "It seem that Older Sister has good relations with Rui WangFei and would stroll around the gardens together. One do not know what kind of private words did one have with Rui WangFei? After all things have to be said since it is Rui WangFei of First Rank's first time here and there must be many things that one do not know."
Shen Miao looked at Consort Jing.
Consort Jing smirked, "One think it is so. His Highness Prince Rui is busy very day so where would there be time to speak to Rui WangFei about matters of Great Liang? Speaking of which, some days ago, my Fourth Younger Sister was still asking when His Highness Prince Rui would be returning. She said that she had learned a song and wanted His Highness Prince Rui to give her some pointers."
Empress Xian De said angrily, "Consort Jing."
Shen Miao suddenly came onto realization in her heart. She was wondering why Consort Jing would target her for no rhyme or reason. So this was like that. Thinking of when Xie Jing Xing was in Ming Qi, he was well like by young ladies and now in Great Liang, with the identity of Prince Rui, there would be even more oriole and swallows flying around. She only reach here for a moment and was already hated by others.
Consort Jing was smiling as she looked at Shen Miao, "If Rui WangFei is bored, one can invite my Fourth Younger Sister over to the residence. My Fourth Younger Sister has always like to make friends and if Rui WangFei has nothing to do, it is good to have more sisters."
More sisters? Shen Miao heart laughed coldly. More like having more sisters in the inner courtyard.
One had thought of dealing with it lightly but her eyes landed on the white jade thumb ring that Xie Jing Xing gave it to her and suddenly Shen Miao changed her mind. She smiled, "One fear that this would not work."
Consort Jing was startled and Empress Xian De was also stunned, seemingly did not think that Shen Miao would say so.
"His Highness has handed over everything of the residence of Prince Rui over to me to managed, from the big matters of the common funds to small matters like revenue from shops, servants and guards, the invitations from those who come over, one is too busy with matters inside and outside that one fear that there is no time to entertain guests." Shen Miao smiled warmly and seemed to be a little apologetic, "Since one come over for the first time and His Highness trust this ChenFu, ChenFu dared not let His Highness down. If Fourth Young Lady likes, one can look for His Highness for a meet. ChenFu will not have time."
These words made Consort Jing dumb and speechless but a fire was burning in her heart.
Shen Miao's words looked warm and mile and spoke that she did not have time to accompany guest but in fact it was just a bringt show. Look at how Prince Rui of First Rank dote on her that he handed all matters of the residence of Prince Rui of First Rank to Shen Miao to manage. This was naturally because there was only Shen Miao, the only mistress in the Prince residence so one would dote on one person but there was no need to even pass all the management of shops, maids and guards over to her right? It was better to say that Rui WangFei of First Rank also manage Prince Rui.
Rui WangFei of First Rank had changed the way of showing how high her position was in the Prince residence.
Shen Miao was busy with official matters and also secretly trampled on Consort Jing's Fourth Younger Sister, indicated that she had nothing to do all day and ran around to other family's residence to cause trouble. This was not considered a good thing.
The corner of Empress Xian De's lips slightly rose.
Consort Jing was so angry that the colour of her face turned green.
Originally Shen Miao was not one who would be enemies of others, especially when she was unfamiliar with the people and matters here. It was just that Consort Jing had provoked the anger in her heart. If she did not pushed back viciously, in the future everyone would be stepping on her head.
With the correct conditions of Heavens, timing, interest and people, and with Xie Jing Xing supporting her, if she were to let it go, she would be a fool.
Shen Miao smiled gently, "One heard that a kindhearted person would always feel the same. For Your Ladyship Consort Jing to be so worried of ChenFu's loneliness and want to look for some sisters to accompany ChenFu, one think that one felt the same. Most likely Your Ladyship Consort Jing has also times when one is lonely. Why not in the future look for a few more sisters to come to the Palace to sit? Like that Your Ladyship Consort Jing would be joyous."
Consort Jing was so angry that she almost could not breath.
Shen Miao's words was saying that Consort Jing let Shen Miao invite her Fourth Younger Sister to the residence for a sit and wanted to increase the number of 'sisters' in the inner courtyard. Shen Miao was also a smart person and immediately return it back to let Consort Jing add a few more 'sisters' in the Palace.
Consort Jing gritted her teeth with hate. Sue was currently at her prime but it has been for a number of years. There were so many female candidates that entered the Palace every year and the favour of a Monarch was the most precious. If there were a few 'sisters' that could cause cities and countries to fall, then where could she stand?
This Rui WangFei's mouth was really sharp.
Empress Xian De however laughed, "Since Younger Sister Consort Jing is lonely, then it is easy to handle. Tomorrow I will mention this to His Majesty that these days the Palace is somewhat deserted and it is time to add a few more new sisters."
Consort Jing was quickly anxious, "Not lonely. I am not lonely." Empress Xian De's position of the Empress was very stable and naturally it would not matter to her to add in a few sisters but Consort Jing was at the period where she was most favoured thus she feared that the favour would be shared.
Shen Miao was grateful to Empress Xian De for pushing the boat along. Even though Empress Xian De only spoke about it, she said seriously, "Your Ladyship Consort Jing must not deny it. Since one cares for ChenFu, ChenFu should also return a peach with a plum." She said it like Consort Jing should instead thank her.
"Chi." From not far away, a chuckle was heard. A few people turned back to look and saw Emperor Yong Le and Xie Jing Xing standing at the back of the garden from don't know when. Because they were concealed by the trees, no one discovered their figures and one did not know how much they have heard.
Emperor Yong Le looked indifferent and one was unable to see any anger or joy as he said, "Prince Rui of First Rank, this wife of yours really have s set of fangs." It was at the end somewhat unpleasant so one thought that the deliberate teasing of Consort Jing by Shen Miao and Empress Xian De were all heard.
Consort Jing ran towards Emperor Yong Le in grievance, "Your Majesty..."
Xie Jing Xing walked over and pat Shen Miao's head, as if to praising that white tiger in his inner courtyard and said with great please, "Jiao Jiao is really sensible and know how to be actively compassionate towards others." He then swept a glance at Emperor Yong Le, "Since Consort Jing wants to have sisters then Imperial Older Brother should go along with it. It is not that the Palace cannot afford to raise an idler."
When Consort Jing heard it, her heart was anxious and panicking. She bit her lips and looked towards Emperor Yong Le with a pitiful appearance.
Shen Miao wanted to laugh. Consort Jing came over to bare her fangs and brandish her claws but she did not have brains. Now it seemed that it was them that joined hands to bully Consort Jing. One did not know why did Emperor Yong Le support this kind of female.
Emperor Yong Le said, "Since when do you want to manage Zhen's matter?"
"Isn't Imperial Older Brother's consort is also managing this ChenDi's consort?" Xie Jing Xing raised his eyebrows and looked at Consort Jing. He had a beautiful and handsome appearance and would often smile idly, the females in the Palace liked this appearance of his but they all knew deep in their hearts that this Prince Rui of First Rank could not be provoked.
Her eyes were sharp and his tone of voice was clam but one could not help but feel cold.
He said, "Consort Jing, are you sure you want this Prince to listen to your Fourth Younger Sister's song?"
Consort Jing shivered.
Chapter 197: Aristocratic Families
Consort Jing was used to tyrannise in the Palace. Even though she was arrogant and brainless, no one would dared to touch her that even Empress Xian De would not be bothered to care about her. One did not expect that she would have a bone with Shen Miao, or to say that she have a bone with Prince Rui.
No matter how clever and eloquent Shen Miao was, Consort Jing had the ability to punish her with a crime and it was alright to just find any charge. However she could not afford to offend Prince Rui.
When Prince Rui just came to Long Ye, the officials in court had all opposed to it and would hinder him openly or discretely. Everyone saw his stubborn and lazy appearance and thought that he was just a devil incarnate. No one knew that this person only use two years to make those officials avoid him, like a mouse seeing a cat, that they did not dare to provoke at all. Consort Jing's father also warned her not to be an enemy of Prince Rui.
No matter how wilful Consort Jing was, she dared not confront Prince Rui. Emperor Yong Le had no way to deal with Prince Rui, much less a Consort like her.
She smiled reluctantly, "Your Highness Prince Rui is so busy, how would there be time to listen to Fourth Younger Sister's music?" She then turned to Emperor Yong Le for help, "In the future, ChenQie will teach and guide Fourth Younger Sister so Your Highness Prince Rui must not be bothered with it."
"This Prince do not have the time to be bothered with it." Xie Jing Xing smiled and held Shen Miao's shoulder, "WangFei also do not have the energy. When Consort Jing is free, it is better to think of ways to share Imperial Older Brother's worries."
Consort Jing bit her lips and looked at Emperor Yong Le awkwardly.
Emperor Yong Le's face became heavier. No matter what, it made him unhappy that Xie Jing Xing kept on humiliating his consort. Perhaps previously he did not mind but now he did not wish Xie Jing Xing to stand up for Shen Miao. What kind of appearance of doting was this becoming to? He coldly asked Shen Miao, "Rui WangFei, is this what you mean?"
Shen Miao bowed docilely, "The wife follows the husband."
Empress Xian De looked at Shen Miao somewhat surprised. It seemed that she did not think that Shen Miao would be so stubborn in front of Emperor Yong Le and suddenly thought of something and smiled as she shook her head.
When Emperor Yong Le heard it, he stared silently at Shen Miao for a long time. His gaze could be described as somewhat fierce but Shen Miao's head was bowed. One did not know if it was playing dumb or one did not see it and always kept a gentle look and turn a blind eye to this gaze.
Xie Jing Xing pulled Shen Miao up and said, "If Imperial Older Brother have nothing else to say then ChenDi will leave first." He continued, "As newlyweds, us, husband and wife, have a lot of things to do."
Shen Miao, "..."
Emperor Yong Le said, "Remember what Zhen had said to you."
Xie Jing Xing said with a smile but not a smile, "Orh."
It was just that 'orh' word did not sound like one had placed Emperor Yong Le's words to heart.
After Shen Miao and Xie Jing Xing left, Emperor Yong Le seemed to be extremely unhappy and with a brush of his sleeves, he did not bother with Empress Xian De and Consort Jing and left on his own. When Empress Xian De and Consort Jing saw it, they knew that Emperor Yong Le was furious and did not follow him.
Consort Jing looked at Empress Xian De and said, "Older Sister and Rui WangFei's relationship is rather good and kept on speaking for her just now. If one do not know about it, one would think that both of you had already known one another."
"Rui WangFei is educated, rational, intelligent and wise. Naturally she is lovable." Empress Xian De gently smiled.
"Older Sister don't forget, she is a Ming Qi's people." Consort Jing said harshly, "For Ming Qi's people who come over to Great Liang, who would know what schemes she has in her heart. Since Older Sister want to help her then don't drag oneself into the water. When His Majesty start to blame, even Older Sister would also be blamed."
"Since one is married to Great Liang, then one is Great Liang's people. Could it be that Consort Jing is also going to be suspicious of the residence of Prince Rui? Prince Rui and Rui WangFei are husband and wife and are of one." Speaking of eloquence, how could Consort Jing be the Empress's opponent?
Consort Jing smiled coldly, "Older Sister as usual speak fluently and has great trust is placed on Rui WangFei. It seems that one is firm in standing on the side of Rui WangFei."
Empress Xian De did not say anything.
"But what to do?" Consort Jing suddenly smiled, "Older Sister is able to help her for this moment but will not be able to help her for a lifetime. There will not be only one female in the residence of Prince Rui. Even if there is no opportunity for my Fourth Younger Sister, there would be someone else who will have a chance." As she looked at Empress Xian De's face, Consort Jing continued, "Looking at His Majesty, he really do not like that Rui WangFei."
Empress Xian De said, "The matter of the residence of Prince Rui is not something that you and me can intervene. Prince Rui of First Rank have his own mind."
"Younger Sister also do not dare to volunteer." Consort Jing said with a smile, "One only wanted to advise a word with Older Sister. Older Sister is not Buddha, even if one had a kind heart and helps everyone, one have to see if one have the ability to do so. Older Sister's today is Rui WangFei's tomorrow." After finishing, she then put on the air as she said previously and walked away proudly with the maids.
The gentle smile on Empress Xian De gradually sank and a glimmer of grieve appeared in her eyes.
In the carriage, Shen Miao asked, "What did the Emperor said to you?"
"Some trivial matters of court." Xie Jing Xing said.
Shen Miao knew that if it were truly trivial matters then Emperor Yong Le would not have specifically called Xie Jing Xing over to talk. She need not require thinking to know that it must be related to her. Emperor Yong Le's attitude was clearly seen that he did not like Shen Miao and did not like that Xie Jing Xing valued Shen Miao greatly. Perhaps it was because of Shen Miao's identity that was too sensitive or perhaps... Emperor Yong Le had a better choice.
Seeing Shen Miao not speaking, Xie Jing Xing turned his head over and pinched her face, "But today you made me take a second look. One seemed to have not seen such a ferocious appearance like this for a long time."
"Ferocious?" Shen Miao retorted.
"Otherwise what?" Xie Jing Xing sighed and seemed to be recalling, "At the beginning in Ming Qi, when one saw you in Wo Long Temple, I had thought that the Young Lady of the Shen family is truly ferocious and one do not know which family's Young Master would have the bad luck in the future and marry this tigress back."
Shen Miao looked at him calmly, "Do you want a quarrel?"
Xie Jing Xing's lips were raised and he said, "This is then right. This is then someone from my Xie family."
Shen Miao was being teased by him like this and all the dissatisfaction of Xie Jing Xing concealing Emperor Yong Le's works were all dispersed like clouds, "It is fine that you do not tell me what the conversation between the Emperor and you was but who is Consort Jing? The Emperor seemed to be favour her a lot, it just that..." She pondered on the words to use, "From my perspective, it is nothing special."
Xie Jing Xing almost laughed out. Previous Consort Jing said that Shen Miao 'did not look anything special' and now she use the exact phase back. She was spiteful. He said, "Consort Jing is the Di Eldest Daughter of General Lu. General Lu... Just take it as he is the equivalent to the position of your Shen family in Ming Qi."
Shen Miao's eyes rose. So it is a family with military power. No wonder Emperor Yong Le was particularly tolerant of her.
Great Liang is different from Ming Qi. There are very few military commanders in Ming Qi thus the Shen and Xie family could hold half of the country. Great Liang's military and civil positions are equal and there is no deliberate biases. Thus there are many military commanders and it is difficult to centralise it. General Lu was one of those that have a number of soldiers under him and because of this... He is somewhat arrogant." When Xie Jing Xing spoke till there, there was a hit of coldness that flashed in his eyes.
"Seeing what kind of attitude Consort Jing have in the Inner Palace, one would know what kind of attitude the Lu family have in Long Ye." Shen Miao said. What the woman in the Inner Palace represent, was not often just a female as they still had the backing of the family clan's reputation and power. When the family clan was powerful then the more fearless one was. It was most likely not possible to just base on favour. Just like the her in the previous lifetime, if there was not the Shen family behind her, one feared that Fu Xiu Yi would not even give her a look. Fu Chen, who was born from Mei Furen, was able to threaten the Crown Prince, other than because Mei Furen has exceptional means, it was because of that brilliant and intelligent brother that earned his own merits.
Thinking of Mei Furen, Shen Miao was suddenly stunned. In the previous life, Mei Furen appeared years after Fu Xiu Yi ascended to the throne and when she headed to Qin country. This lifetime one did not know if Fu Xiu Yi was able to ascend but Shen Miao had already reached Great Liang, so will Mei Furen still appear?
Xie Jing Xing did not notice Shen Miao's distraction and praised, "Not bad. Consort Jing is arrogant, the Lu family is impudent and Imperial Older Brother have the intention to suppress but one have to slowly carry out the scheme."
"Can't there be checks and balances?" Shen Miao asked.
Xie Jing Xing shook his head, "The Lu family is the Late Emperor's people. Imperial Older Brother has already cleaned up the rest of the people that the Late Emperor left behind, other than the two families, the military Lu family and the civil Ye family. The Lu and Ye families' roots were deep and complicated as they have many followers so if one pull the roots up, one fear that it would only hurt the Imperial family. Imperial Older Brother cannot be impatient and they knew of this and thus dared to behave without fear."
Shen Miao frowned. Xie jing Xing and Emperor Yong Le were brothers and the Late Emperor was their birth father. Why did Xie Jing Xing call him 'Late Emperor' and not 'Imperial Father'? Moreover like what XIe Jing Xing said, the Lu and Ye families were the Late Emperor's people and even though there would be different officials during different Monarch rule, Emperor Yong Le was the rightfully succeeded the Imperial position and these old officials of two dynasties should do their best to work for him. Why does it seem that the Lu and Ye families have rebellious intentions and Emperor Yong Le had the heart to suppress their ambitions?
Could it be that the Late Emperor was not willing to see Emperor Yong Le governing the country? Or was it the Lu and Ye families had disloyal hearts after the Late Emperor passed on?
Shen Miao sense that she had discovered some secret matters.
Suddenly she felt it was somewhat ridiculous. In Ming Qi, the Shen and Xie families did one's duty and was sincere but the Imperial family was mistrustful that even if there were no daughters of the Shen and Xie families in the Palace, the Imperial family still tried to suppress them. In Great Liang, the entire thing was reversed. The treacherous officials were arrogant but the Imperial family could only accept a compromise and slowly scheme.
"Which family does the Empress belong to?" Shen Miao asked.
"The Ke family." Xie Jing Xing said, "The Ke family is a family of historians."
Shen Miao was startled, "Historians have little power and have no real power. For the Emperor to be willing to
marry a Young Lady of a Historian's family and establish as an Empress, it is enough to show that the Emperor loves the Empress."
Xie Jing Xing did not speak.
"But..." She then said, "Since the Empress is in one's heart then why would one let Consort Jing be disrespectful to the Empress? For Consort Jing to dare to be disrespectful to the Empress, it would be obviously been influenced by the Emperor." If Emperor Yong Le loved the Empress, because of the favour towards the Empress, no matter how arrogant Consort Jing is, she would not dare to be disrespectful. But Consort Jing dared to be this rude and argue with the Empress, she obviously knew that Emperor Yong Le would not blame her for it.
Since one was not marrying her for power then why did one unable to do the simplest of protecting her?
Xie Jing Xing smile blandly, "Imperial Older Brother is different from me." He then patted her head again, "Imperial Sao is different from you too."
Shen Miao waved his hands away, "So the Fourth Young Lady of the Lu family admires you?"
Xie Jing Xing was stunned and smiled immediately, "Why are you still jealous?"
"But there is still one strange thing." Shen Miao said to herself, "If the Lu family wanted to dominate the courts or have their ambitions revealed, they had already send a daughter into the Palace so the goal is accomplished. So why would they send over another young lady? Moreover." Shen Miao looked at him, "Even if it is given, why is she sent to you? You are only Prince Rui of First Rank and not the Emperor. It cannot be that the Lu family daughters want to control your Imperial family brothers in the palm of their hands."
She looked up and paused. Xie Jing Xing was looking at her deeply and she was unable to understand the meaning of that gaze. Before she could ask, Xie Jing Xing hand pulled her in front and hugged her waist with both hands before burying his head onto Shen Miao's shoulder to half hug her.
He said lowly, and a grumbling laugher was heard by her ears, "If one goes on like this, I would not have any secrets in front of you."
Secrets? Shen Miao's heart moved. Did she said something right?
"You still have secrets from me?" She deliberately asked.
"Don't you also have secrets from me?" Xie Jing Xing said.
She paused. Xie Jing Xing loosen his hands and stared at her eyes with the corners of his lips hooked up but his eyes were firmly locked onto her and made her somewhat breathless.
He said, "How about exchanging? My secrets for your secrets?"
Shen Miao's heart violently trembled but she reacted very quickly and turned her head over, "I then do not want to know your secrets."
Xie Jing Xing gave an "oh" before laughing, "Anyways you have the ability to investigate it correct?"
Shen Miao turned her head back and did not speak while looking at him.
Xie Jing Xing said lazily, "You have the ability to investigate my secrets. For your secrets... Do you think I would know or not?"
In a sudden moment, Shen Miao was in a somewhat confused state.
The secret she had was the secret of her past life. But she had no courage to tell it to anyone that even to Shen Qiu, Shen Xin and Luo Xue Yan, she remained silent over it and dare not reveal a single trace of it.
Not to mention when one spoke of such strange matter, would one consider her as crazy? One feared that no one would believe her when she said it and was even more afraid that others would look at her differently.
Too stupid. Too weak. Killed her own children and family. Would they blame her? Shen Miao dare not try.
Then if Xie Jing Xing knew that she had married before and also became Fu Xiu Yi's wife and even put in effort for Fu Xiu Yi's empire, how would he view her?
Shen Miao had thought that she would not care about how others would look at her but at this moment she suddenly felt fearful. She did not want Xie Jing Xing to look at her like how he would to an enemy.
Her strange expressions were all seen by Xie Jing Xing. Xie Jing Xing's eyes were deepen but he sighed and held her in his embrace.
"I do not like to force. If you do not want others to know, I will not ask." He said.
"But don't let me wait for too long."
*****
Upon returning to the residence of Prince Rui of First Rank, Xie Jing Xing quickly went out again. He would always have many things and Shen Miao did not ask about it. Currently she was not even clear about the situation in Great Liang. The explanation that Xie Jing Xing gave her about the Lu and Ye families made her understand that Great Liang and Ming Qi was not that different. Even though it looked on the surface that the country was rich and the citizen was at peace, but one feared that there were many undercurrents that were moving under the peace. It seemed that because Great Liang was even bigger, there were more people who had more ambitions.
After all, from Emperor Yong Le's and Xie Jing Xing's attitude towards their father, it was very strange. It seemed that there were many origin to this too. Shen Miao thought of Ming Qi when she first met Xie Jing Xing, Xie Jing Xing seemed to be searching for something all around. It was also the same in the General residence and just nice encountered her setting up a fire in the ancestral hall. In the secret chambers of Prince Yu, Xie Jing Xing and Gao Yang seemed to have gotten something.
But what exactly was that thing?
Shen Miao had thought that it was a kind of map on military defence but thinking about it, the map of military defence would most likely not be placed in the secret chambers of Prince Yu of First Rank. As to what exactly it is, at the moment it was not known.
Thinking about it, she thought about another thing.
Pei Lang had followed Xie Jing Xing's entourage all the way to Great Liang. The main reason to let him come to Great Liang, was to avoid Fu Xiu Yi's pursuit. She also brought Liu Ying along and settled her down but Pei Lang... Pei Lang looked honest but he had a proud heart and initially it was because of Liu Ying, he then worked for her but after being suspected by Fu Xiu Yi, he protected her with the cost of his life and made Shen Miao unable to request Pei Lang to do anything for her in the future.
At the end, Shen Miao stood up and walked out of the room as she had decided to talk to Pei Lang.
Pei Lang's room was arranged at the very last room of the east side of the residence of Prince Rui. The environment was not bad and the residence of Prince Rui of First Rank was originally very big, so it was not a difficult thing to allocate a courtyard out and Pei Lang was well treated. It was just that one did not know it was done on purpose or deliberate, from where Shen Miao was staying, it was the furthest distance in the entire residence of Prince Rui.
When Shen Miao arrived at Pei Lang's courtyard, Pei lang was sitting in the middle of the courtyard playing chess. There were two green clad maid that was standing by his side and they had appearances like the flowers and moon. Both of them kept on drinking tea with Pei Lang and their gaze was on Pei Lang. Even though there was restraint, there were some inexplicable meaning behind.
When this scene fell into Shen Miao's eyes, she felt it was very weird. Her steps stopped as she looked from afar as she remembered some matters in the past lifetime.
In the last lifetime, Pei Lang's talent and learning was unbounded and thus when Fu Xiu Yi finally ascended to the throne, he promoted him to be the National Advisor. Pei Lang was good looking and when he wore the black robes, he had an appearance of being aloof from world affairs and indeed had some air like those immortals. The officials in court knew that he was deeply trusted by Fu Xiu Yi and would not dare to be his enemy. Pei Lang was considered well known throughout Ming Qi.
However he was very young and good looking. Fu Xiu Yi had schemed and tried to bestow some high ranking official's daughter to be his wife but it was rejected tactfully by Pei Lang. This kind of genius most likely had his own temperament. Fu Xiu Yi thought that Pei Lang did not like others to arrange for him and thus let him be. When Shen Miao had not yet went to the Qin country as a hostage, she had a good relationship with Pei Lang and had also asked if he had any young lady in his heart.
At that time, how did Pei lang responded?
Shen Miao had a dazed expression.
Pei Lang said, "Your Ladyship, this official's aspiration is not in this." The words 'aspiration is not in this' seemed to be a way that defeats one's purpose but in fact showed clearly Pei Lang's attitude. Pei Lang was very sound that when helping Fu Xiu Yi make a decision, he would be able to rule out any possibility of emotions and ensure that the result would not be unexpected.
Speaking of it, till Shen Miao died in the last lifetime, Pei Lang had always been single and one had never heard of any young lady that he was interested in.
At this moment Pei Lang was standing together with two females but Shen Miao felt somewhat awkward. Even in Guang Wen Tang, Pei Lang had attracted a lot of female students by the virtue of his one style. He was at the right age now which made others think more.
As Shen Miao thought about it, the maid who was fanning Pei Lang to chase away the butterflies and flying insects saw Shen Miao. She was first startled before quickly greeted, "This servant greets WangFei."
The other green clad maid also rushed over to greet.
Pei Lang looked up and saw Shen Miao. Shen Miao smiled gently and walked over before telling the two green clad maids, "You all can withdraw."
The maids looked at Pei Lang perplexedly. Pei Lang waved his hands and the two maids then withdraw. Shen Miao looked at the elegant and supple back view of both of them and a rare mischievousness appeared in her heart towards Pei Lang. She asked, "It is rare to see Teacher Pei being this romantic, to have red perfumed sleeves as companion."
The two maids looked at Pei Lang's gaze but were somewhat unable to conceal their admiration.
Pei Lang shook his head and smile bitterly but did not rebut. One had to bow one's head when staying under other's roof. These two maids was sent to him by the residence of Prince Rui and if one had encountered such servants, Pei Lang would have thought of ways to chase them away and not leave them by his side. However this was not Ming Qi, the other parties were not his servants and one did not know if it was Xie Jing Xing's idea, thus no matter how much he dislike it, Pei Lang could only endure.
Looking at Shen Miao who did not seemed to be affected by it at all, Pei Lang's heart could not help but be slightly sour.
"Teacher Pei followed me to Great Liang because one had no other choice." Shen Miao said, "Now it has become a situation where it is not ideal or worse off. What future plans does one have?" She paused for a while, "In the beginning with Liu Ying's matter, it is me who forced Teacher to do such things and Teacher had no other ways and now implicated Teacher to leave one's hometown. One is really conscience-stricken about it and if Teacher want to leave, it is possible."
Upon hearing those words, Pei Lang looked at Shen Miao somewhat surprised.
All the time when Shen Miao faced him, there would be a sense of righteousness and from the beginning when she used Liu Ying to threaten Pei Lang, Pei Lang was faintly aware from Shen Miao's subtle expressions and emotions that it was hostile but it was not on purpose. Pei Lang was also puzzled over the matter and investigated it carefully but at the end came out with nothing.
At this moment, when Shen Miao faced him, that hostility had disappeared. It was as if it was put down but the peace and calm made Pei Lang feel somewhat lost. It was as if something special has been place down by Shen Miao and disappeared like the clouds.
Shen Miao looked at Pei Lang but there some regret in her heart.
She had always define Pei Lang as 'someone that owe a lot to her' but that day when Xie Jing Xing said that Pei Lang was locked in Fu Xiu Yi's underground prison and was tortured so much but did not confess that she was the mastermind, many matters and thoughts were different. Shen Miao knew of the means that Fu Xiu Yi use to punish those who betrayed and under such a circumstances he did not offer her name, Shen Miao could not even say how touched she was.
Now thinking about it, the reason why she hated Pei Lang and had many grievances towards Pei Lang was because Pei Lang had always stood on Fu Xiu Yi's side from the beginning till end. When Fu Xiu Yi dealt with their Shen family, Pei Lang chose to watch with folded arms, when the Crown Prince was abolished, he did not say a single word for Fu Ming and when Wan Yu was to be in a marriage alliance, he did not try to stop it.
But in this world, some people would help you for due to friendship and some would not help you due to one's duty. The relationship between Pei Lang and her did not reach the level that one 'must help'.
As for this lifetime, Pei Lang was no longer Fu Xiu Yi's people and was even turned into enemies with Fu Xiu Yi and there was no reasons to seek shelter with him. Thus even if one was not willing with those matter, there was no need to carry on with it.
At the end, one could only rely on oneself. Bei it pure hate or resentment, there was no advantage at all.
Pei Lang suppressed the disappointment in his heart and asked, "What are your plans for the future?"
Shen Miao was startled, "Me?"
Pei Lang's eyes became clear again, as if he had returned to that unparalleled National Advisor. He said, "The position of the residence of Prince Rui of First Rank is not as indestructible as it seemed to be. One think that in the Imperial family of Great Liang, there are the existence of some variables."
He looked at Shen Miao, "Even if the Imperial family of Great Liang have nothing to do with me and the residence of Prince Rui have the ability to protect themselves, your road might not be always smooth."
Shen Miao slightly frowned, "Even it is so, Teacher mention all this..."
"I can give you a hand." Pei Lang said.
Shen Miao replied, "Why?"
"Even though I am not considered a talent of the world, one can do one's best. Currently Liu Ying and me are relying on you to stand in Great Liang and only when you live well and stable, we can also be better. Even if it is it planning for myself, I have to help you. I want to remain in the residence of Prince Rui of First Rank." He paused, "If I could participate in Great Liang's court matters or I could come out with plans on your matters, it would be even better.
After being silent for a while, Shen Miao then said, "Teacher Pei, you have thought about it? You do not owe me anything so there is no need to place one's life with me. No need to depend on me and with your abilities, you can live well. You do not need to speak of those excuses, you are not one who chase after fame or gains."
Pei Lang smiled bitterly in his heart. Shen Miao seemed to know him well, even better than himself. Even he himself did not know about when he had such an inexplicable obsession but he stubbornly did not want to draw a line to the relationship with her.
He said, "This is my choice."
Shen Miao took a deep breath. Just as she was about to speak, she saw Jing Zhe walking in from outside and did not know where did she had gotten an beautifully invitation in her hands, "Furen, the Bright Summer Banquet's invitation is sent over and it said that Rui WangFei of First Rank is invited. This servant accepted the invitation, may Furen take a look.
Shen Miao just arrived to Great Liang and someone came to send an invitation. This was her first time appearing in the gathering of the noblewomen in Long Ye and the other party obviously had ulterior motives.
She asked, "Who send that invitation?"
"It was sent from the boudoir of Long Ye General, Lu Furen."
Shen Miao paused in her actions.
The civil Ye family and the military Lu family. These two aristocratic families of Great Liang seemed to have a very delicate relationship with the Imperial family.
It was indeed that the oncoming person was coming with ill-intentions.