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The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage
(重生之将门毒后)
by
Qian Shan Cha Ke
(千山茶客)
Synopsis
* * *
Shen Miao,
the Di daughter of a military lineage,
pure,
amiable,
quiet and yielding,
foolishly in love with Prince Ding,
threw herself into the role of a wife.
After assisting her husband for six years,
she finally became the mother of the world (Empress).
She accompanied him to fight for the country,
flourished the country’s territory,
took risks to become a hostage in another country.
When she returned five years later,
there was no place for her in the Inner Palace.
The beauty in his arms smiled brightly,
“Older sister,
the country is stabilized,
so you should retire”
Her daughter met with a violent death and her son the Crown Prince was deposed.
Her Shen family who sacrificed themselves for the country and the Emperor,
not a single one of them were lucky enough to escape.
With the change of one dynasty,
everything was overturned.
Her clan perished and she had to mourn for her children.
Shen Miao never thought that being a married couple who have gone through trials and tribulations and mutually assisted each other was just a stage joke to him!
He said,
“Seeing that you have followed Zhen for twenty years,
Zhen will grant you an intact corpse.
You should thank this kindness”
Under the three Chi (1 chi = 1/3 meter) of white silk,
Shen Miao made a malicious vow: In the time to come,
she will take part in each and everyone’s end!
Upon rebirth,
she returned to the time when she was fourteen,
when the tragedy had yet to occur,
her family was still alive and she was still the pure,
amiable,
quiet and yielding Di daughter of a military lineage.
Relatives hiding a black heart,
Elder and younger (female) cousins are ruthless and malicious,
the new Yiniang is like a tiger watching its prey and the disreputable man who wants to repeat the events?
Her family must be protected,
the huge enmity must be avenged,
the Imperial seat of the country must also be a part of the trophy.
In this lifetime,
let’s see who can beat the others!
But that little marquis from the Xie family,
the arrogant and obstinate spear carrying youth,
stood biasedly at her side and proudly said,
“Just the fall of the Imperial power.
Remember this,
the world belongs to you.
You– Belong to me!”
Table of Contents
The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage Synopsis
Chapter 1: Disposing the Empress
Chapter 2: Rebirth
Chapter 3: Provocation
Chapter 4: Old Shen Furen
Chapter 5: Tit for Tat
Chapter 6: Undercurrent
Chapter 7: Guang Wen Tang
Chapter 8: Debate
Chapter 9: Pei Xiu Cai
Chapter 10: Little Xie Marquis
Chapter 11: Xie Family’s Ending
Chapter 12: Gui Momo
Chapter 13: Secretly Ganging Up
Chapter 14: Mother and Daughter
Chapter 15: Su Ming Feng
Chapter 16: Boil The Hound Once The Rabbit Is Caught
Chapter 17: Who Taught you
Chapter 18: So It Was You
Chapter 19: Young Gentleman
Chapter 20: The Residence of Marquis of Lin An
Chapter 21: Dressmaking
Chapter 22: Gold and Silver
Chapter 23: Preparations Before the Banquet
Chapter 24: Feeling of Suffocation
Chapter 25: Sneering
Chapter 26: Mesmerising
Chapter 27: Prince Yu of First Rank
Chapter 28: Bengong Has Returned
Chapter 29: Confusion
Chapter 30: Drawing Lots
Chapter 31: Don’t Endure
Chapter 32: Same Group
Chapter 33: To Paint
Chapter 34: Winning
Chapter 35: Understanding
Chapter 36: Purple Clad Youth
Chapter 37: His Questioning
Chapter 38: Gifting Flowers
Chapter 39: Provoking
Chapter 40: An Era’s Law Essay
Chapter 41: Servant
Chapter 42: Challenge Her!
Chapter 43: Life and Death Agreement
Chapter 44: Dare to Kill
Chapter 45: My Turn
Chapter 46: Betting with Life
Chapter 47: Seeing Red
Chapter 48: The Third Arrow
Chapter 49
Chapter 50: Goading Into Action
Chapter 51: One Person Troop
Chapter 52: Sneak Attack
Chapter 53: Playing the Same Old Tricks
Chapter 54: Scheme
Chapter 55: Nauseating
Chapter 56: Secret Discussion
Chapter 57: Officer Mo Qing
Chapter 58: Bodyguard
Chapter 59: Wu Long Temple
Chapter 60: Room
Chapter 61: The Night Beneath The Raven Moon
Chapter 62: Uninvited Guest
Chapter 63: Night Encounter with Little Xie Marquis (Part 1)
Chapter 63: Night Encounter with Little Xie Marquis (Part 2)
Chapter 63: Night Encounter with Little Xie Marquis (Part 3)
Chapter 64: Returning to the Residence (Part 1)
Chapter 64: Returning to the Residence (Part 2)
Chapter 64: Returning to the Residence (Part 3)
Chapter 65: No Loss (Part 1)
Chapter 65: No Loss (Part 2)
Chapter 65: No Loss (Part 3)
Chapter 66: Gui Momo’s Death (Part 1)
Chapter 66: Gui Momo’s Death (Part 2)
Chapter 67: Pregnant (Part 1)
Chapter 67: Pregnant (Part 2)
Chapter 68: Changing Marriage (Part 1)
Chapter 68: Changing Marriage (Part 2)
Chapter 69: In Captivity (Part 1)
Chapter 69: In Captivity (Part 2)
Chapter 69: In Captivity (Part 3)
Chapter 70: Birthday Celebration
Chapter 71: Setting Fire to the Ancestral Hall (Part 1)
Chapter 71: Setting Fire to the Ancestral Hall (Part 2)
Chapter 71: Setting Fire to the Ancestral Hall (Part 3)
Chapter 72: Getting Even (Part 1)
Chapter 72: Getting Even (Part 2)
Chapter 73: Shen Qiu (Part 1)
Chapter 73: Shen Qiu (Part 2)
Chapter 74: Variations (Part 1)
Chapter 74: Variations (Part 2)
Chapter 75: Intended Plan (Part 1)
Chapter 75: Intended Plan (Part 2)
Chapter 75: Intended Plan (Part 3)
Chapter 76: Returning Banquet (Part 1)
Chapter 76: Returning Banquet (Part 2)
Chapter 76: Returning Banquet (Part 3)
Chapter 77: Reciprocate (Part 1)
Chapter 77: Reciprocate (Part 2)
Chapter 78: Bustling With Activity (Part 1)
Chapter 78: Bustling With Activity (Part 2)
Chapter 78: Bustling With Activity (Part 3)
Chapter 79: Pregnant (Part 1)
Chapter 79: Pregnant (Part 2)
Chapter 79: Pregnant (Part 3)
Chapter 80: Taking The Dark Path (Part 1)
Chapter 80: Taking The Dark Path (Part 2)
Chapter 81: Bargaining (Part 1)
Chapter 81: Bargaining (Part 2)
Chapter 81: Bargaining (Part 3)
Chapter 82: Buying and Selling (Part 1)
Chapter 82: Buying and Selling (Part 2)
Chapter 82: Buying and Selling (Part 3)
Chapter 83: Extermination of the Entire Household (Part 1)
Chapter 83: Extermination of the Entire Household (Part 2)
Chapter 84: Distrust (Part 1)
Chapter 84: Distrust (Part 2)
Chapter 85: The Day of Marriage (Part 1)
Chapter 85: The Day of Marriage (Part 2)
Chapter 85: The Day of Marriage (Part 3)
Chapter 86: Bloodbath (Part 1)
Chapter 86: Bloodbath (Part 2)
Chapter 87: Unable to Bear (Part 1)
Chapter 87: Unable to Bear (Part 2)
Chapter 88: Soft-hearted (Part 1)
Chapter 88: Soft-hearted (Part 2)
Chapter 89: No Route (Part 1)
Chapter 89: No Route (Part 2)
Chapter 89: No Route (Part 3)
Chapter 90: Family (Part 1)
Chapter 90: Family (Part 2)
Chapter 91: The Death of Shen Qing (Part 1)
Chapter 91: The Death of Shen Qing (Part 2)
Chapter 92: Jade Rabbit Festival (Part 1)
Chapter 92: Jade Rabbit Festival (Part 2)
Chapter 93: Missing (Part 1)
Chapter 93: Missing (Part 2)
Chapter 94: Ambiguity (Part 1)
Chapter 94: Ambiguity (Part 2)
Chapter 95: Two persons in Solitude (Part 1)
Chapter 95: Two persons in Solitude (Part 2)
Chapter 96: Getting Closer (Part 1)
Chapter 96: Getting Closer (Part 2)
Chapter 97: Evil Sao Arrived Again (Part 1)
Chapter 97: Evil Sao Arrived Again (Part 2)
Chapter 98: Demonstration (Part 1)
Chapter 98: Demonstration (Part 2)
Chapter 99: Adulterer (Part 1)
Chapter 99: Adulterer (Part 2)
Chapter 100: Taking Action for Her (Part 1)
Chapter 100: Taking Action for Her (Part 2)
Chapter 101: Drunk (Part 1)
Chapter 101: Drunk (Part 2)
Chapter 102: Scandal (Part 1)
Chapter 102: Scandal (Part 2)
Chapter 103: Female Charms (Part 1)
Chapter 103: Female Charms (Part 2)
Chapter 104: Homicide (Part 1)
Chapter 104: Homicide (Part 2)
Chapter 105: Pay With One’s Life For Murder (Part 1)
Chapter 105: Pay With One’s Life For Murder (Part 2)
Chapter 106: Separation of Family (Part 1)
Chapter 106: Separation of Family (Part 2)
Chapter 107: Ending The Line Of Descendants (Part 1)
Chapter 107: Ending The Line Of Descendants (Part 2)
Chapter 108: Get Lost (Part 1)
Chapter 108: Get Lost (Part 2)
Chapter 109: Leaving One’s Trade (Part 1)
Chapter 109: Leaving One’s Trade (Part 2)
Chapter 110: Subduing Pei Lang (Part 1)
Chapter 110: Subduing Pei Lang (Part 2)
Chapter 111: Encountering In The Palace Again (Part 1)
Chapter 111: Encountering In The Palace Again (Part 2)
Chapter 112: Request for Commander (Part 1)
Chapter 112: Request for Commander (Part 2)
Chapter 113: Indirect Kiss (Part 1)
Chapter 113: Indirect Kiss (Part 2)
Chapter 114: No Trivial Hate (Part 1)
Chapter 114: No Trivial Hate (Part 2)
Chapter 115: Military Power Taken Away (Part 1)
Chapter 115: Military Power Taken Away (Part 2)
Chapter 116: No Future (Part 1)
Chapter 116: No Future (Part 2)
Chapter 117: Xie Older Brother (Part 1)
Chapter 117: Xie Older Brother (Part 2)
Chapter 118: Kiss (Part 1)
Chapter 118: Kiss (Part 2)
Chapter 119: Luo Family (Part 1)
Chapter 119: Luo Family (Part 2)
Chapter 120: The Tu Jue Strikes (Part 1)
Chapter 120: The Tu Jue Strikes (Part 2)
Chapter 121: He Died!
(Part 1)
Chapter 121: He Died!
(Part 2)
Chapter 122: Two Years Later (Part 1)
Chapter 122: Two Years Later (Part 2)
Chapter 123: Returning To The Capital (Part 1)
Chapter 123: Returning To The Capital (Part 2)
Chapter 124: Prince Rui (Part 1)
Chapter 124: Prince Rui (Part 2)
Chapter 125: Compelled to Compete (Part 1)
Chapter 125: Compelled to Compete (Part 2)
Chapter 126: Scare You to Death (Part 1)
Chapter 126: Scare You to Death (Part 2)
Chapter 127: Meeting With An Old Acquaintance (Part 1)
Chapter 127: Meeting With An Old Acquaintance (Part 2)
Chapter 128: Guess It Out (Part 1)
Chapter 128: Guess It Out (Part 2)
Chapter 129: Prince Rui’s Neighbour (Part 1)
Chapter 129: Prince Rui’s Neighbour (Part 2)
Chapter 130: My Jiao Jiao (Part 1)
Chapter 130: My Jiao Jiao (Part 2)
Chapter 131: Person Not As Good As A Tiger (Part 1)
Chapter 131: Person Not As Good As A Tiger (Part 2)
Chapter 132: This Prince Help You (Part 1)
Chapter 132: This Prince Help You (Part 2)
Chapter 133: Chang Zai Qing (Part 1)
Chapter 133: Chang Zai Qing (Part 2)
Chapter 134: Invitation (Part 1)
Chapter 134: Invitation (Part 2)
Chapter 135: Nightmare (Part 1)
Chapter 135: Nightmare (Part 2)
Chapter 136: Marriage (Part 1)
Chapter 136: Marriage (Part 2)
Chapter 137: This Prince Wants (Part 1)
Chapter 137: This Prince Wants (Part 2)
Chapter 138: Snatch (Part 1)
Chapter 138: Snatch (Part 2)
Chapter 139: Heart Jumping (Part 1)
Chapter 139: Heart Jumping (Part 2)
Chapter 140: Soon Cannot Make It (Part 1)
Chapter 140: Soon Cannot Make It (Part 2)
Chapter 141: He Came (Part 1)
Chapter 141: He Came (Part 2)
Chapter 142: Forming An Alliance (Part 1)
Chapter 142: Forming An Alliance (Part 2)
Chapter 143: Requesting Help (Part 1)
Chapter 143: Requesting Help (Part 2)
Chapter 144: Right Hand (Part 1)
Chapter 144: Right Hand (Part 2)
Chapter 145: Pastries (Part 1)
Chapter 145: Pastries (Part 2)
Chapter 146: Angry (Part 1)
Chapter 146: Angry (Part 2)
Chapter 147: Person Who Break Flowers Off As Presents (Part 1)
Chapter 147: Person Who Break Flowers Off As Presents (Part 2)
Chapter 148: Demanding A Kiss (Part 1)
Chapter 148: Demanding A Kiss (Part 2)
Chapter 149 (Part 1)
Chapter 149 (Part 2)
Chapter 150: Forcing a Marriage (Part 1)
Chapter 150: Forcing a Marriage (Part 2)
Chapter 151: Changing the Marriage (Part 1)
Chapter 151: Changing the Marriage (Part 2)
Chapter 152: Farce (Part 1)
Chapter 152: Farce (Part 2)
Chapter 153: Pushing the Waves (Part 1)
Chapter 153: Pushing the Waves (Part 2)
Chapter 154: Overflowing help (Part 1)
Chapter 154: Overflowing help (Part 2)
Chapter 155: Returning Back (Part 1)
Chapter 155: Returning Back (Part 2)
Chapter 156: Marriage (Part 1)
Chapter 156: Marriage (Part 2)
Chapter 157: Internal Strife (Part 1)
Chapter 157: Internal Strife (Part 2)
Chapter 158: Holding Hands (Part 1)
Chapter 158: Holding Hands (Part 2)
Chapter 159: The Incident Happened (Part 1)
Chapter 159: The Incident Happened (Part 2)
Chapter 160: Imprisonment (Part 1)
Chapter 160: Imprisonment (Part 2)
Chapter 161: Troubled Waters (Part 1)
Chapter 161: Troubled Waters (Part 2)
Chapter 162: Execution (Part 1)
Chapter 162: Execution (Part 2)
Chapter 163: Suspicion (Part 1)
Chapter 163: Suspicion (Part 2)
Chapter 164: Taking A Good Look (Part 1)
Chapter 164: Taking A Good Look (Part 2)
Chapter 165: Phoenix Destiny (Part 1)
Chapter 165: Phoenix Destiny (Part 2)
Chapter 166: Divination (Part 1)
Chapter 166: Divination (Part 2)
Chapter 167: Bestowing a Marriage (Part 1)
Chapter 167: Bestowing a Marriage (Part 2)
Chapter 168: Peach Blossoms (Romances) (Part 1)
Chapter 168: Peach Blossoms (Romances) (Part 2)
Chapter 169: Adoration (Part 1)
Chapter 169: Adoration (Part 2)
Chapter 170: Wrath (Part 1)
Chapter 170: Wrath (Part 2)
Chapter 171: Confronting On The Bed (Part 1)
Chapter 171: Confronting On The Bed (Part 2)
Chapter 172: Trouble (Part 1)
Chapter 172: Trouble (Part 1)
Chapter 173: Exposed (Part 1)
Chapter 173: Exposed (Part 2)
Chapter 174: Feelings Moved (Part 1)
Chapter 174: Feelings Moved (Part 2)
Chapter 175: Great Waves (Part 1)
Chapter 175: Great Waves (Part 2)
Chapter 176: Black Hearted Husband and Wife (Part 1)
Chapter 176: Black Hearted Husband and Wife (Part 2)
Chapter 177: Marry You (Part 1)
Chapter 177: Marry You (Part 2)
Chapter 178: Kill (Part 1)
Chapter 178: Kill (Part 2)
Chapter 179: All Belong to You (Part 1)
Chapter 179: All Belong to You (Part 2)
Chapter 180: MeiFu (Younger Sister’s Husband) (Part 1)
Chapter 180: MeiFu (Younger Sister’s Husband) (Part 2)
Chapter 181: Convicting The Crime (Part 1)
Chapter 181: Convicting The Crime (Part 2)
Chapter 182: Bestowing Marriage (Part 1)
Chapter 182: Bestowing Marriage (Part 1)
Chapter 183: Identity (Part 1)
Chapter 183: Identity (Part 2)
Chapter 184: Betrothal Gifts (Part 1)
Chapter 184: Betrothal Gifts (Part 2)
Chapter 185: Shielding One’s Shortcoming (Part 1)
Chapter 185: Shielding One’s Shortcoming (Part 2)
Chapter 186: Dropping A Visit (Part 1)
Chapter 186: Dropping A Visit (Part 2)
Chapter 187: Wedding Dress (Part 1)
Chapter 187: Wedding Dress (Part 2)
Chapter 188: Rescuing (Part 1)
Chapter 188: Rescuing (Part 2)
Chapter 189: Sustaining Injuries (Part 1)
Chapter 189: Sustaining Injuries (Part 2)
Chapter 190: Face Off (Part 1)
Chapter 190: Face Off (Part 2)
Chapter 191: Secret (Part 1)
Chapter 191: Secret (Part 2)
Chapter 192: Marrying Off (Part 1)
Chapter 192: Marrying Off (Part 2)
Chapter 193: Parting (Part 1)
Chapter 193: Parting (Part 2)
Chapter 194: Concealing (Part 1)
Chapter 194: Concealing (Part 2)
Chapter 195: Bridal Chambers (Part 1)
Chapter 195: Bridal Chambers (Part 2)
Chapter 196: Emperor Yong Le (Part 1)
Chapter 196: Emperor Yong Le (Part 2)
Chapter 197: Aristocratic Families (Part 1)
Chapter 197: Aristocratic Families (Part 2)
Chapter 198: Wives and Concubines (Part 1)
Chapter 198: Wives and Concubines (Part 2)
Chapter 199: Secret (Part 1)
Chapter 199: Secret (Part 2)
Chapter 200: Hunting (Part 1)
Chapter 200: Hunting (Part 2)
Chapter 201: Descending (Part 1)
Chapter 201: Descending (Part 2)
Chapter 202: Injured (Part 1)
Chapter 202: Injured (Part 2)
Chapter 203: Superior One (Part 1)
Chapter 203: Superior One (Part 2)
Chapter 204: Shock (Part 1)
Chapter 204: Shock (Part 2)
Chapter 205: Conferring the Medicine (Part 1)
Chapter 205: Conferring the Medicine (Part 2)
Chapter 206: Mei Furen (Part 1)
Chapter 206: Mei Furen (Part 2)
Chapter 207: Meeting One Another (Part 1)
Chapter 207: Meeting One Another (Part 2)
Chapter 208: Interrogating (Part 1)
Chapter 208: Interrogating (Part 2)
Chapter 209: Intentions (Part 1)
Chapter 209: Intentions (Part 2)
Chapter 210: Birthday (Part 1)
Chapter 210: Birthday (Part 2)
Chapter 211: Cool Moon (Part 1)
Chapter 211: Cool Moon (Part 1)
Chapter 212: Fated Destiny (Part 1)
Chapter 212: Fated Destiny (Part 2)
Chapter 213: Previous Lifetime I (Part 1)
Chapter 213: Previous Lifetime I (Part 2)
Chapter 214: Previous Lifetime II (Part 1)
Chapter 214: Previous Lifetime II (Part 2)
Chapter 215: Waking Up (Part 1)
Chapter 215: Waking Up (Part 2)
Chapter 216: Being Forthcoming (Part 1)
Chapter 216: Being Forthcoming (Part 2)
Chapter 217: Conjugal (Part 1)
Chapter 217: Conjugal (Part 2)
Chapter 218: Leaving (Part 1)
Chapter 218: Leaving (Part 1)
Chapter 219: Dragon’s Seed (Part 1)
Chapter 219: Dragon’s Seed (Part 2)
Chapter 220: Family Background (Part 1)
Chapter 220: Family Background (Part 2)
Chapter 221: Exploratory Discussions (Part 1)
Chapter 221: Exploratory Discussions (Part 2)
Chapter 222: Fu Ming (Part 1)
Chapter 222: Fu Ming (Part 2)
Chapter 223: The Death of Consort Jing (Part 1)
Chapter 223: The Death of Consort Jing (Part 2)
Chapter 224: Imperial Edict (Part 1)
Chapter 224: Imperial Edict (Part 2)
Chapter 225: Jin Xing Ming (Part 1)
Chapter 225: Jin Xing Ming (Part 2)
Chapter 226: Paper to Fellow Citizens Under Heavens (Part 1)
Chapter 226: Paper to Fellow Citizens Under Heavens (Part 2)
Chapter 227: Qin Qi Joining Hands (Part 1)
Chapter 227: Qin Qi Joining Hands (Part 2)
Chapter 228: Silencing (Part 1)
Chapter 228: Silencing (Part 2)
Chapter 229: Exchanging (Part 1)
Chapter 229: Exchanging (Part 2)
Chapter 230: Expedition (Part 1)
Chapter 230: Expedition (Part 2)
Chapter 231: Return Of An Old Friend (Part 1)
Chapter 231: Return Of An Old Friend (Part 2)
Chapter 231: Return Of An Old Friend (Part 3)
Chapter 231: Return Of An Old Friend (Part 4)
Chapter 231: Return Of An Old Friend (Part 5)
Chapter 231: Return Of An Old Friend (Part 6)
Chapter 231: Return Of An Old Friend (Part 7)
Chapter 231: Return Of An Old Friend (Part 8)
Chapter 231: Return Of An Old Friend (Part 9)
Chapter 231: Return Of An Old Friend (Part 10)
Chapter 231: Return Of An Old Friend (Part 11)
Chapter 231: Return Of An Old Friend (Part 12)
Chapter 231: Return Of An Old Friend (Part 13)
Notes:
Side Story 1: Thousands of Possibilties – Crazy Couple (Part 1)
Side Story 1: Thousands of Possibilties – Crazy Couple (Part 2)
Side Story 2: Taking A Look – Luo Gao Couple (Part 1)
Side Story 2: Taking A Look – Luo Gao Couple (Part 2)
Side Story 3: Illicit Dealings – Qiu Ning Couple (Part 1)
Side Story 3: Illicit Dealings – Qiu Ning Couple (Part 2)
Side Story 4: A Long Journey – Dumpling Brothers
Chapter 1: Disposing the Empress
* * *
During the early summer when evening falls,
there will always be sudden torrential rains.
The skies were overcast and the dark clouds was suppressing over the dignified atmosphere of the Palace.
The formally magnificent palace hall was shrouded by the dark clouds as if it was a huge cage,
trapping the people inside firmly.
In the large chambers,
the curtains seemed old as it was covered with a thick layer of dust.
It was originally a hot weather but one actually felt a little cold.
Clothes and jewellery were scattered all over the floor as if a calamity had just went by.
The female was half kneeling on the ground,
looking at the person in front.
This female was only in her thirties but her face was like an old women.
There was deep hostility between her brows,
her eyes were as dead as stagnant water and they have seemingly unable to tear like a long dried well but filled with a bottomless hatred.
“Your Ladyship,
please” The eunuch beside had a bolt of white silk in his hands and his tone could not hide his impatience,
“Zajia still needs to report back to his Majesty on the completion”
Shen Miao’s eyes landed on the eunuch and she remain silent for a long time before slowly speaking with a hoarse voice,
“Xiao Li-zi,
when Bengong promoted you at that time,
you were still a dog beside Gao Gonggong”
The eunuch slightly raised his head arrogantly,
“Your Ladyship,
the present is different from the past”
“The present is different from the past…” Shen Miao muttered before suddenly raising her head for a laugh,
“What a good ‘the present is different from the past’!”
Because of a sentence ‘the present is different from the past’,
all the servants and courtiers who previously see her would be respectful and let her order them around.
Because of ‘the present is different from the past’,
she ended up with three Chi (1 chi = 1/3 meter) of white silk to end her life.
The past was what kind of past and when did the present became the present? Was it starting from when Mei Furen entered the Palace,
from when the Crown Prince was dispose or when Princess Chang died tragically on her way to a long distance marriage? Or was it when she came back to the Palace from being a Qin hostage five years ago?
From the ‘past’ to the ‘present’,
from an Empress to a disposed Empress,
it was all because of Fu Xiu Yi’s one word!
This entire court of officials would then change their looks,
this Ming Qi country would reverse black and white!
What a good ‘the present is different from the past’!
The doors of the hall squeaked open and a pair of dragon embroidered boots stopped in front of Shen Miao.
Looking up,
it was a bright yellow robe.
“Seeing that you have followed Zhen for twenty years,
will grant you with an intact corpse.
Thank this kindness” The Emperor said.
Shen Miao slowly raise her head and look at the man that was high up above.
Time did not leave any imprint on his face as he was as handsome as he was in the beginning.
He was the wise sovereign and justifiably Son of Heaven.
He was the man that she had foolishly love for twenty years and the husband that she helped in humble circumstances over the years.
Now he said to her,
“Zhen will grant you with an intact corpse.
Thank this kindness”
“Why?”
Shen Miao asked difficultly.
He did not reply.
“Why the need to seize the entire Shen family?”
She asked
Prince Ding,
Fu Xiu Yi was one of the nine sons of the Late Emperor.
Each of the nine sons had their own merits but the Crown Prince was sickly and the Emperor was not willing to alter the title of the Crown Prince thus the Princes took the turmoil as an opportunity.
She had long fell for Prince Ding’s peerless talent and regardless of her family’s persuasion,
she finally got want she wanted but also firmly tied the entire Shen family to Prince Ding together.
Because of that,
she dedicated herself to assist to Prince Ding changing from a pampered daughter who did not know anything to a Prince Consort who can participate in court,
to come out with plans and give advice and also stabilising the country.
On the day that Fu Xiu Yi ascended the throne,
he established her as the Empress,
the mother to the world which was the grandest.
She thought that she was the grandest Empress.
When the Princes rebellion was quelled,
the Xiao Nu attacked putting the neighbouring countries at risk,
in order to borrow troops,
Shen Miao voluntarily when to the Qin country as a hostage and when she left,
her children was not even a full month when Fu Xiu Yi said,
“Zhen will personally bring you back”
Five years later,
she finally could return back to Ming Qi but there was an additional beautiful and talented Mei Furen in the Inner Palace.
Mei Furen was an official’s daughter that Fu Xiu Yi met during his expedition to the East.
He like her intelligence and sensibility and brought her back to the Palace.
Mei Furen gave birth to Prince Fu Chen which was much favoured.
In contrary,
Shen Miao’s son,
the Crown Prince Fu Ming was not favoured at all.
Fu Xiu Yi once said in the presence of the entire court,
“Fu Ming’s character is too soft,
Fu Cheng is still the one who resembles me the most” His words clearly indicated his intentions to change the title of the Crown Prince.
Mei Furen made Shen Miao felt a sense of crisis and thus in the Palace,
Shen Miao and Mei Furen had fought for ten years.
Mei Furen repeatedly gotten the upper hand that she even urged Fu Xiu Yi to marry her daughter,
Princess Wan Yu,
to the Xiong Nu as marriage alliance.
The Xiong Nu were very aggressive and Princess Wan Yu died from an illness on the way to the marriage and was immediately cremated.
Everyone knew the matter was strange but as a mother,
Shen Miao had no alternatives.
At the end she walked to where she was today.
Fu Xiu Yi’s one decree of Shen family revolted,
the Crown Prince will be dispose and he had commit suicide to atone for his offences.
She as a Empress would also be disposed and three Chi (1 chi = 1/3 meter) of white silk was bestowed.
She only wanted to ask one question,
“Why?”
Shen Miao reasoned,
“Fu Xiu Yi,
have you got no conscience? You and I have been husband and wife for more than twenty years and I did not do anything to let you down.
When you first ascended to the throne,
it was my Shen family that helped you.
When you go into battle and the Xiong Nu came to invade,
it was me who help you to write the letter of surrender.
When you wanted to draw the high ranking officials to your side,
it was me who go on my knees to beg them to assist.
I went to Qin country as a hostage and suffered torture and pain and what did you reciprocate in return? Mei Furen let Wan Yu get married,
you draft the Imperial decree and Wan Yu was only sixteen when she died.
You favoured Fu Cheng and neglected Fu Ming and the entire court was aware of it.
Now you exterminate my entire clan and now that death is near at hand,
I will ask you one question.
Why?”
“Shen Miao, ” Fu Xiu Yi frowned but there was not the slightest change in expression as if he was a cold statue,
“When Imperial Father was around,
he had already wanted to deal with several big families.
Shen family had accomplishments that could cover the masters so they cannot stay for long.
It was Zhen who persuaded Imperial Father.
Zhen let the Shen family survive for twenty years and it is already the biggest bestowment to the Shen family!”
Already the biggest bestowment to the Shen family!
The entire body of Shen Miao shook.
These days she had cried so much that her tears no longer flow out.
She faced Fu Xiu Yi and said word for word,
“Why keep the Shen family? It was not because of your kindness and not because of your bestowment.
You only wanted to make use of the Shen family military power to fight with your Di brothers.
After the cunning hare dies,
the hounds are boiled.
Now that the country is settled,
you destroy the bridge after crossing the river.
Fu Xiu Yi,
you are so heartless!”
“Shen Miao!” Fu Xiu Yi shouted angrily as if he was stabbed at his sore spot.
He then coldly scoffed,
“Make the best of it then” Finishing his words,
he walked out.
Shen Miao crouched on the floor as she clenched her fists.
This was the man that she loved for her entire life.
She fought for his favour with Mei Furen and only found out at the end that it was not fighting for favour.
This man’s heart was never been with her at all!
All the words of love were all an amusing play of a big joke!
She spit out a mouthful of fresh blood out.
“Older sister,
what is this? It looks awful” A sweet voice sounded.
The female wore a light yellow robe with a hibiscus sown in front and a willow waist like a fairy from Heavens.
Her actions were also very graceful and moving as she approached.
This was Mei Furen,
who had the winning hand and fought with Shen Miao in her entire life.
Behind Mei Furen,
there stood two female dressed in the palace’s robes,
Shen Miao was surprised for a moment,
“Shen Qing,
Shen Yue!”
This was the second and third household,
Second Uncle’s and Third Uncle’s daughters,
her two older (female) cousins.
Why are they in the Palace?
“His Majesty summoned us sisters into the Palace” Shen Yue covered her lips as she smiled,
“Fifth Younger Sister need not be shocked,
in the previous years,
Fifth Younger Sister love to help us sister to match make,
now it would no longer be needed.
His Majesty treats us sisters really well”
“You…” Shen Miao’s heart was like overturning seas and rivers as in a lightning speed she seemed to have understood something that she had never thought clearly about.
Her voice sounded incredible as she said,
“You.
You all have been delaying your marriage all for this day?”
“That is exactly the way it is” Shen Qing took a step forward,
“At the beginning,
His Majesty had reached an agreement with my father and Third Uncle,
as long as they are able to make you marry His Majesty,
in time to come,
we both sisters would also have the same place to go to”
In the beginning when Shen Miao was able to marry Fu Xiu Yi,
the second and third households also put in a lot of effort.
Now thinking back,
initially when she fell in love with Fu Xiu Yi,
it was Second and Third Aunts who kept mentioning that Prince Ding was a talented youth which made her feelings sprouted.
So actually it was an agreement that was set up way earlier? So it was actually second and third households that hidden their evil hearts and waited for everything to occur today?
Shen Qing was afraid that Shen Miao did not understand and continued,
“His Majesty is so capable and handsome and we sisters have long admired him.
Unfortunately only First Uncle had power his in hands and could force Fifth Younger Sister to climb up first.
Fifth Younger Sister had lived the fortunate life for many years before,
now our hour has come”
“Shen Qing!” Shen Miao suddenly straighten herself up and voiced out,
“His Majesty seize the entire Shen family but let both of you enter the Palace.
How is the second and third household safe and sound?”
“Of course the second and third household would be safe and sound” Shen Yue covered her mouth as she laughed,
“Because we have done a great service.
The evidences of Eldest Uncle’s rebellion were presented by our household as to place righteousness before family.
Fifth Younger Sister,
His Majesty bestowed high ranking titles to our two households”
Shen Miao looked at her own two (female) cousin in shock and said,
“Are you all crazy? When the nest overturn will any eggs remain intact? The Shen family is one big family,
Fu Xiu Yi wants to deal with the Shen family but you all actually frame our own family members…”
“Family members.
Fifth Younger Sister,
we did not acknowledge what the first household is our own family member” Shen Qing laughed coldly,
“Moreover you have enjoyed too much already.
Now that the Crown Prince has died,
the Princess is no longer here and the Shen family is destroyed,
you should go earlier to the underworld and reunite with them”
Mei Furen leisurely came forward and smiled brightly,
“Older sister,
the country is stabilized and you should retire”
After fighting for ten years,
Shen Miao at the end lost till a complete shambles,
lost too tragically.
Lost till her clan had perished and she needs to mourn for her children.
Lost till she become a laughing stock to the world!
Daughter had met with a violent death and the Crown Prince was disposed.
Shen family who had sacrificed themselves for the country,
not one of them was lucky to escape.
In one dynasty everything was overturn,
!
She bitterly said,
“Bengong will not die as after all one is still a Consort!”
“Chen Gonggong,
start now” Mei Furen gave a look to the eunuch.
The plump eunuch immediately took a few steps forward and used one hand to grasp tightly Shen Miao’s neck while he use the while using the other hand to wring the white silk around Shen Miao’s neck.
When a forceful pull,
the white silk tore into the flesh and bone,
making a crisp sound from the bones.
The female struggling on the floor stared with her large eyes,
laying a poisonous vow in her heart.
Her son,
her daughter,
her parents,
brothers,
sisters,
servants.
Everyone in the Shen family were all harmed.
Fu Xiu Yi,
Mei Furen,
Shen Qing,
Shen Yue,
all the people to harmed her and harmed her loved ones.
If there is an afterlife,
a debt of blood must be paid in blood!
It’s the time to mourn as everything between you and me are dead!
Chapter 2: Rebirth
* * *
The black and white big courtyard,
the floors were slabs of limestone,
the pillars were vermilion red and there were complicated Begonia patterns engraved on the railings.
After an entire night of rain,
the rain drops slipped down the leaves and onto the ground.
The purple gold incense burner was made exquisitely like small animal and was currently emitting costus root scent which smelt exceptionally fresh in the early autumn.
In each corners of the bed,
small brightly coloured tassel sachets of fragrance were hung.
By the side of the couch,
two tall maids were carefully fanning the person on the bed.
“The fever should be serious as one fell into the water in such a cold weather.
Young Lady had been sleeping for a day and night and the physician said that she should be awake by now.
Why is there still no movement?”
The green clad maid face could hardly conceal her anxiety.
“Gu Yu,
it’s almost half a shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours).
Why have the doctor not arrived yet?”
The other maid clad in purple said.
“The Second Mistress was looking on closely and this was considered an shamful matter so the residence is concealing the matter” Gu Yu looked at the person on the bed,
“Furen and Master are not in the capital and Eldest Young Master is also not in.
Lao Furen was also bias towards the East courtyard.
Seeing that Bai Lu and Shuang Jiang had yet to return after finding for a physician,
it must be that they were stopped.
Isn’t this as good as pushing Young Lady towards her death road!
This cannot be done.
I have to go out and see”
When the words were spoken,
the person on the bed who was listening uttered in a weak voice.
“Young Lady is awake!” The purple clad maid called out in surprised and quickly ran to the bedside to see the young female rubbing her forehead as she slowly sat up.
“Jing Zhe…” Shen Miao mumbled.
“This servant is here” The purple clad maid smiled as she held Shen Miao’s hand,
“Is Lady feeling better? After sleeping for a day and night,
it seemed that the fever had subsided but she is still not awake.
This servant was thinking of getting a physician over again”
“Does Young Lady want some water?”
Gu Yu handed a cup of tea over.
Shen Miao looked somewhat puzzled at the two person in front.
She had four first rank maids,
Jing Zhe,
Gu Yun,
Bai Lu and Shuang Jiang.
They were all very intelligent and quick-witted girls.
Unfortunately at the end,
not one was left.
When she was a hostage in Qin,
in order to protect her from being humiliated by the Crown Prince,
Gu Yun died in the hands of the Crown Prince of Qin.
Bai Lu and Shuang Jiang,
one die along with Wan Yu’s marriage journey,
another died in the fight for favour with the Mei Furen in the Inner Palace.
As for Jing Zhe,
she was the prettiest of them.
In the beginning,
in order to help Fu Xiu Yi ascend to the thrown and win over the officials,
Jing Zhe was volunteered to be a concubine and used her beauty to lure the official’s support but at the end was killed by the official’s wife with a random reason.
After knowing the dead of Jing Zhe,
Shen Miao cried so much that she almost had a miscarriage.
Now seeing Jing Zhe standing in front of her with her usual beautiful self and Gu Yu smiling at her,
the both maids were at a good age of fourteen fifteen years old put Shen Miao in a momentary trance.
After a moment,
she then bitterly smiled and closed her eyes,
“The illusion one see before death was just so real”
“What is Young Lady saying?”
Gu Yu put the cup aside and touched Shen Miao’s forehead,
“Has the fever confused you?”
Feeling the ice cold hand that touched her forehead that were both comfortable and real,
Shen Miao suddenly opened her eyes and her eyes sharpen.
She slowly lowered her head and looked at her own hands.
There laid a pair of fair and delicate hands with nails neatly trimmed.
One would see that it was a pair of pampered hands as it was smooth and adorable.
That was not her hands.
Dealing with the matters of court with Fu Xiu Yi,
her hands were already getting rough during that situation.
She copied every account book and was like a servant who was bossed around in Qin country like a servant,
battled in the Inner Palace because of Fu Ming and Wan Yu and washed clothes in the Cold Palace that her hands were filled with calluses and her joints were swelling.
How would they be in such a delicate appearance?
“Bring me a mirror” Shen Miao said.
Her voice was still very weak but her tone was firm.
Gu Yun and Jing Zhe looked at one another in dismay and at the end Jing Zhe brought a mirror out and handed it over to Shen Miao.
In the bronze mirror,
the young lady’s face was round with a full forehead,
a pair of large almond eyes were slightly red,
a rounded nose and a small mouth.
It was still a child-like face and was not very beautiful but was lovely and refreshing and had a well behaved and shy appearance.
This was a young lady’s face that the Royal family praised for being one that could ‘bring fortune to one’s husband’.
The mirror in Shen Miao’s hand suddenly landed on the floor and a clear sharp sound rang out.
When the sound of the shards resonated in her heart,
it set off a large stormy wave.
She pinched herself ferociously and two rows of tears fell.
The Heavens did not turn its back on people.
The Heavens did not turn its back on her!
She had returned back!
Gu Yun and Jing Zhe jump up in fright.
Gu Yun quickly went to pick up the pieces on the floor and anxiously said,
“Young Lady must be careful not to hurt one’s legs”
“Why is Young Lady crying?”
Jing Zhe wiped Shen Miao with a handkerchief but saw Shen Miao looking strangely back as she mumbled,
“I have return back…”
She grabbed Jing Zhe asking,
“What year is it?”
Jing Zhe was somewhat afraid but replied honestly,
“Ming Qi sixty-eight year.
What is wrong with Young Lady? Is any part of the body is unwell?”
“Ming Qi sixty-eight year,
Ming Qi sixty-eight year…” Shen Miao eyes widen.
She was fourteen in Ming Qi sixty-eight year.
It was when she came upon Fu Xiu Yi and fell foolishly in love with Fu Xiu Yi that she forced her father to marry her off.
It’s the year when she forced Fu Xiu Yi to marry her!
And now… She heard Gu Yu words by her ear,
“Young Lady shouldn’t scare us servants.
The fever just subsided a little,
it could be that her mind is still unclear.
Eldest Young Lady is really too vicious,
this is practically calling for Young Lady’s life…”
In the past lifetime,
Shen Miao was most of the time by Fu Xiu Yi’s side running tasks for him and the days in Shen residence was completely bland.
But she could remember this event clearly,
she could remember everything related to Fu Xiu Yi clearly.
Shen Qing told her that Fu Xiu Yi want to come to Shen residence to visit Second and Third Shu,
so she pull her over to secretly see.
Reaching the garden,
Shen Qing however pushed her down from the rock garden.
After being fished out from the pond,
there were also other officials around and it saw it as Shen Miao’s joke.
Her obsession with Prince Ding for the past half of the year had been spread throughout the capital and with this incident,
it only made her a laughing stock.
In her past lifetime,
after she woke up she accused Shen Qing for pushing her into the pond but no one believed her.
Shen Miao suffered grievances and was punished by Old Furen to confine in the temple and was not able to get out till after mid-autumn festive.
Shen Yue secretly let her out and brought her to the Yan Bei Hall’s chrysanthemum appreciation feat and she committed many blunders.
Shen Miao closed her eyes.
There were three households in the Shen family,
Shen Xin heads the first household and he was Shen Miao’s father and was the son of old General Shen and his Yuanpei Furen.
The Yuanpei died during her middle age and old General Shen married a second wife and she gave birth to Shen Gui from the second household and Shen Wan from the third household.
After old General Shen died,
the second wife became current Old Furen.
The Shen family were not separated and all three bothers support one another mutually with good relationships and this became an anecdote.
The Shen family had a lineage in military.
When reaching Shen Xin generation,
other than the first household who was holding to military power,
the second and third household were taking the route of literary officials.
Shen Xin was often away for military expedition and Shen Furen followed her husband’s army.
Shen Miao was left in Shen residence under the care and teachings of Old Furen and two Shenshens.
After teaching this and instructing that,
she did not get anywhere and was still ignorant and incompetent straw bag that will stick to the men she meet shamelessly.
In her previous life,
she only felt that her aunts and Old Furen treated her particularly well and both Shen Yue and Shen Qing needed to learn rules and etiquette and she didn’t need to.
Now it seemed that it was a plan to cause her to fail badly due to excessive praise from them.
Bullying her because her parents and older brother were not at her side and showing a side in front and showing another side when backs were turned,
this let Shen Xin and Shen Furen felt that this daughter was even more like a straw bag each time they came back to the residence.
In this lifetime,
she would like to see how these people would shamelessly repeat the same old tricks!
Just as she was thinking,
she heard the girl who was outside sweeping the yard ran in and said,
“Young Lady,
Second Young Lady is here to see you”
Chapter 3: Provocation
* * *
“Young Lady,
Second Young Lady is here to see you”
Jing Zhe’s face had some worries,
“To come at such a time.
Young Lady’s health was not well and was not afraid of catching the cold”
Gu Yu tugged at Jing Zhe’s arm but she also had a worried look.
Shen Miao saw it in her eyes and her heart sighed.
The four maids beside her were all personally selected and trained by Shen Xin and Shen Furen and were thus very clever and loyal.
What kind of situation the Shen family is in,
what hidden intentions the Second and Third Household was hiding,
she was young and could not see but her maids was able to guess it out.
Before anything could be said,
a young female walked in from outside.
This female was looked just over fifteen or sixteen and was clad in a pale pink daisy patterned dress with a pleated skirt and her hair was combed to a fringed bun.
Her complexion was fair and her brows and eyes were beautifully elegant.
She had a thick vibe of educated appearance and was dignified and decently conducted.
Upon seeing her,
she quicken her steps to the bed and spoke worriedly,
“Fifth Younger Sister,
is your health better? After knowing that you have fallen into the water,
I was worried for a long time but Yu Jiao Courtyard’s people said that you needed to rest and I dare not disturb.
Hearing that you are awake today,
I then dare to come over”
Shen Miao looked at the young female in front.
It was Shen Yue from the Third Household of the Shen family.
There were three Di daughters from the Shen family.
Shen Qing was easy-going and magnanimous,
Shen Yue was famous for her talents and it was only Shen Miao whose disposition was like a wooden block and lack of talent.
The outsiders usually praise her as ‘virtuous and quiet’ but in fact know that there was no merit to it and she was daughter that could not be held in public.
In her past life,
before Shen Miao was married off,
she had the best relationship with Shen Yue.
Shen Yue had a gentle temperament and could come out with ideas for Shen Miao many times.
It was just that at the beginning Shen Miao was unable to see if the intention was good or bad and was blindly grateful to this TangJie for her help and dedication.
For Shen Yue to come this time,
it was most likely to be pleading for Shen Qing.
As expected,
Shen Yue opened her mouth and said,
“Fifth Younger Sister,
Eldest Sister made a slip and erred and since the matter is come to this point,
hoped that Fifth Younger Sister would be able to forgive her this time.
Hearing that Fifth Sister had a fever,
Eldest Sister was so remorseful.
Since Fifth Sister’s injuries are better,
why not spare Eldest Sister this time? She did not deliberately let you make a fool out of yourself in front of His Highness Prince Ding”
It would still be alright if that sentence was not spoken but she had to mention Prince Ding in front of Shen Miao.
Everyone knew that Prince Ding was Shen Miao’s darling.
Shen Miao has the temperament to take grievances made onto her but when it comes to Prince Ding,
she would definitely not retreat a step back.
If Prince Ding was not mentioned,
most likely Shen Miao would let the matter rest but this time Shen Yue deliberated mention Prince Ding,
if she was not provoking a dispute between her and Shen Qing,
what else could it be?
In the last lifetime it was also the same,
she only just woke up when Shen Yue quickly rush over to ‘plea’ for Shen Yue and this plea made Shen Miao agitated.
The person with usually agreeing nature then accused Shen Qing of pushing her into the water in front of Old Furen because her sweetheart.
But Shen Qing did not admit to it and the people around did not see Shen Qing pushing Shen Miao.
Old Furen had always been bias towards the Second and Third household and naturally gave her a lesson of ‘not know how to cherish one’s good name due to one’s young age and still accuse elder Di sister’ and confined her as punishment.
After this matter was spread to the Imperial Academy,
Shen Miao became the laughing stock of the students and no longer attended the Imperial Academy.
And much later… She gradually faded out from the circle of the capital’s noble ladies.
To think about it now,
her vision had always be confined by these people in the General’s residence who created the illusion of the world.
She had thought that she herself was virtuous and respectable and did not know that in the eyes of the outsiders,
she was viewed as weak and ignorant.
She thought that loving Prince Ding was brave and courageous but did not know that outsiders view her as shameless.
The result of these deliberate teachings had led her to a muddled impression in the beginning.
Although she succeeded in marrying Fu Xiu Yi,
she was considered as one who was unable to be presented to the public and when everyone compared her with Mei Furen,
they would only say that she was stupid and ignorant.
What a stupid past!
Shen Yue saw anxiety crossing Shen Miao’s forehead and her lips quietly revealed a trace of a smile.
She know that based on Shen Miao’s temperamental,
as long as one mention about Fu Xiu Yi,
she would definitely feel rage.
But after waiting for a long time and a reaction was yet seen,
Shen Yue look over suspiciously over and saw the young female looking at her with a smile.
The young female’s face was still very pale and her lips were very dry but her pair of dark eyes was as fresh and full of life like grapes.
Shen Miao’s eyes were her best feature.
Large almond shaped eyes,
ignorant and confused like a just born puppy.
It was just that normally she would look stiff and was not lively.
Now that pair of almond eyes were still round but the expressions in her eyes were very different.
It revealed some cold intentions but not with any feelings.
It was not stiff but more like… More like one with a condescending look.
Shen Yue quivered and she did not know why but there was a kind of unspeakable panic in her heart.
It seems that the one she was facing was not a stupid and dumb goose but a noble person.
How would there be such a feeling?
Of course she would not know that the Shen Miao in front was no longer that Shen Miao.
The Shen Miao in front had experience the fight for Imperial position,
rivalry of favour,
loss of favour,
mourning of her children and death of her entire clan.
She was in charge of the Inner Palace and had the supreme power over the six palaces,
the Empress Shen of Ming Qi.
She froze for a long time until the young female in front rubbed her forehead and whispered,
“Second Elder Sister’s words are too serious.
It was me who fell in myself”
“Fifth Younger Sister…” Shen Yue did not expect that Shen Miao would say that and was stunned for a moment before she could react.
She shook her head and said,
“Fifth Younger Sister must not feel grievance”
“Why would I feel grievance, ” Shen Miao smiled as she interrupted her words,
“It was only a trifle matter.
My head is still feeling dizzy and would like to rest for a while.
If there is any other matter,
then it would be discussed at Zu Mu’s place”
Words have been said as such and Shen Yue was unable to say anymore.
Even though she felt strange that Shen Yue did not treat her warmly,
it was also that Shen Miao was made a fool in front of Fu Xiu Yi thus she was not happy about it.
After saying a few more words,
Shen Yue then only left.
After Shen Yue left,
Gu Yun then only said,
“Our Young Lady was pushed into the water and almost lost her life.
If she is here to plead on behalf of Eldest Young Lady then just plead.
Why does it seem that it was not the case?”
Gu Yu was vaguely warning Shen Miao that Shen Yue did not have any good intentions.
“When the sandpiper and clam fight with one another,
the fisherman would benefit from it.
She most likely wants to be that ‘fisherman’”
Shen Miao lightly said.
Gu Yu was surprised and happy that Shen Miao could finally see the true face of Shen Yue but could not really understand the meaning behind Shen Miao’s words.
She looked up and saw a cold smile on her Young Lady’s face and it had an inexplicable sense of awe which made people look up involuntarily.
Shen Miao looked at her own fingertips.
Why did Shen Qing push her into the water? It was because she said this sentence at that time,
“During the new year when dad come back in triumph,
I will let dad call the shots and beg for dad to marry me off to His Highness Prince Ding”
She really said it naively and felt that they were all one family so there was no need for any scruples.
Shen Xin was a Great General in the Imperial Court and if he was determined to marry his daughter off,
nothing was impossible.
Why would Shen Yue incite disharmony between her and Shen Qing?
Naturally it was because,
Shen Yue also love Prince Ding.
In her past life,
Shen Yue and Shen Qing only told her at the end of her life that they both loved Fu Xiu Yi for a long time.
Now thinking about it,
it has begun to take shape at this moment.
Since both sisters harbour a crush on Fu Xiu Yi,
wouldn’t be a pity if they would not be able to attain their wish this lifetime?
She will definitely let their wishes come true.
Second and Third Household’s blood debt to the entire Shen family would be repayable from now onwards.
Chapter 4: Old Shen Furen
* * *
In the early autumn,
the geese from the North line up as it flew across the skies towards the warmer South.
The lush summer foliage in the courtyard had begun to wither in autumn and the coloured fishes in the pond looked much calmer than usual.
The young female’s ink black hair was combed into a deer bun and secured by a delicate coral hairpin as she wore a dark red outfit with clouds and geese embroidered,
bringing out her slim and exquisite body.
Bai Lu draped the embroidered cloak gently over Shen Miao’s body and said,
“Young Lady’s health has yet to recover and must be careful not to catch a cold”
Shen Miao shook her head.
Her stature was still small and was not as tall as Shen Yue and Shen Qing.
Her face was also rounded and combined with her usual cowardly characteristics,
she seemed to be a few years younger than her actual age,
just reaching eleven or twelve years old.
But today,
she was somewhat different.
Shuang Jiang watched by the side and felt somewhat peculiar in her heart.
The young female’s complexion was fair and seeing that she was small and petite,
without even a smile on her face,
did not look cold or foolish but was somewhat indifferent and one could feel some sense of missing as she looked into the skies.
She was standing like before but was somewhat dignified,
like she had gain a unique air overnight and there was a sense of grace in the atmosphere.
Shuang Jiang shook her head as if it could wipe the absurd thought from her mind.
She smiled and looked towards Shen Miao,
“What is Young Lady looking at?”
After having her breakfast,
Shen Miao stood at the courtyard looking at the sky in a trance.
“Was just thinking if these wild geese that flew from the North to the South,
will pass by the Northwest desert” Shen Miao softly said.
The Northwest desert was the region where Shen Xin was guarding and also where Shen Furen and Eldest Shen Young Master was at.
Last month when they wrote back,
the capital just got colder but all kinds of grace were withered and broken and a little snow were forming.
“Young Lady is missing Master and Furen” Shuang Jiang smiled,
“When till the end of the year Master will return and see that Young Lady had grown taller again,
he would be so happy”
Shen Miao smiled as she felt somewhat bitter at the edges of her lips.
The Great General can only return once a year and upon his return,
the first thing he face was that his own daughter did not know shame and made a joke by rushing to be a wife herself and force marriage upon others.
How happy could he be?
Not to mention the one that she was obsessed to marry was a vile person who only wanted to use the Shen family army to fight for the throne.
The fight for the throne was a messy affair and the Shen family was not willing to interfere but unfortunately was dragged into it by her blinded love and ended up with an ending of destruction of the entire clan.
Shen Miao closed her eyes.
It was just a short time of half a year but it was enough for so many things to happen.
Since she reached a marriageable age,
her marriage had become a matter that the East courtyard to use against as leverage.
It seemingly started from this year that the East courtyard removed the disguise of the evil beast and forced her to a dead end step by step,
unable to return.
“Young Lady,
Young Lady?”
Bai Lu saw that little mistress’s expression was different as she clutched the cape so tightly that her fingers turn white,
so she softly called out.
Shen Miao recovered to her senses and saw Gu Yun jogging over,
“Young Lady,
Rong Jing Tang there have come over to hasten”
Rong Jing Tang was where Old Shen Furen stayed.
Early in the morning a maid by Old Furen’s side came over to see Shen Miao and when she saw that Shen Miao was unhindered,
she say to go over to Old Furen’s to perform greeting when her health is better.
Was it in face a greeting or to condemn with more people at her side,
who weren’t aware of it?
Shen Miao lightly smiled and tightened her cloak before saying,
“Let’s go”
In the Shen residence,
the East and West courtyard were entirely different.
When Old General Shen was still alive,
he would often practice his swordplay and boxing in an empty yard in the West courtyard.
After Old General Shen died,
Shen Gui and Shen Wan took the route of literary officials and only Shen Xin took over the Old General’s mantle,
thus that empty yard together with the West courtyard was given to Shen Xin.
The East courtyard was spacious and the Second and Third Housed hold stayed there with Old Shen Furen.
In actual fact,
the location of the West courtyard as compared to the East courtyard was much futher and the sun was not very adequate,
only less than what the East courtyard would have and thus was not a place worthy of praise.
Only Shen Xin was glad about it,
as if getting that piece of empty space was like he had gotten a heaven worthy of advantage.
Shen Xin and Shen Furen came from military lineage and their way of looking at things was also simple,
white walls and black tiles and the surroundings were extremely simple.
That could not compare to the delicate and graceful restored East courtyard.
That is why Shen Miao felt very dissatisfied with her family West courtyard and envious of the elegance and adorableness of the East courtyard and because of it was also complaining about Shen Xin in her heart.
Now looking at it,
she finds her ignorance ridiculous.
Their own courtyard,
even though it was plain,
it was not lacking of anything.
It displayed the wideness and open mindedness so how could it compare to the monsters and demons in the East courtyard.
It was just adorned with gold and jade on the outside but foul in the inside.
After walking through the long corridor and passing the exquisitely trimmed garden,
they then reach the main doors of Rong Jing Tang.
Most likely it was to highlight the ambience of a literary background,
Rong Jing Tang’s layout was especially elegant.
There was a bamboo plaque hung on the door and bronze crane carvings on the handles were very detailed and lively.
“Fifth Young Lady is here” Xi-er who was beside Old Shen Furen called out.
Shen Miao took a foot into Rong Jing Tang.
Rong Jing Tang was a picture of joyous and harmonious scene and almost everyone was in attendance.
The Second Furen of the Shen family,
Ren Wan Yun,
and the Third Furen of the Shen family,
Chen Ruo Qiu was seated below Old Furen.
Shen Qing was holding a plate of snacks and sat beside Old Furen and seated the other side was the little brother from the Second Household of the Shen family,
Shen Yuan Bo.
Shen Yuan Bo was only five years old and was casually grabbing any snacks to put into Old Furen’s mouth,
making Old Furen laugh until she bend back.
It seemed that no one noticed Shen Miao appearance until Shen Yue smiled and said,
“Why is Fifth Younger Sister only here now? Seventh Younger Brother have almost finished sweet steam milk pastries”
Shen Miao nodded her head,
“Most likely my body have yet to fully recover.
Was late because I felt dizzy after taking a couple of steps and took a rest by the road for a while”
The people at Rong Jing Tang were silent.
Shen Yue wanted to say that she purposely came late,
so she was not afraid to point out that Old Shen Furen took advantage of her being old and did not care about her granddaughter’s health and insisted on her coming over for her greetings.
After a while,
Ren Wan Yun smiled,
“I see that Little Five’s (nickname for Shen Miao since she is the 5th in rank among the granddaughters) body is really weak.
The physician has been invited for two times in these past few days but it is fortunate that it is no longer a problem now”
“Is your health better?”
A hoarse voice sounded with a trace of impatience that was not easy to detect.
Shen Miao looked up towards Old Shen Furen.
Old Shen Furen had already tucked away the smile on her face and had some haughty expression on.
She was obviously seventy years of age but she still wore a peach red collared top button on top of a tight and thin skirt.
There was a green jade neckless on her neck as she carried an embroidered pouch.
Her silver head of hair was styled into a cloud-like bun,
dotted with some jade beads.
She was a female who was very particular about appearances.
In her last lifetime,
during Shen Miao’s time in the women’s chambers,
she always felt that Old Shen Furen was the most noble of women,
the type that was still elegant even in her later years.
That air of elegance made her fascinated but now she found that it was somewhat ridiculous.
Old General Shen’s YuanPei,
Shen Xin’s mother was from a prestigious household and was a genuine lady from a noble house but unfortunately died during her middle age.
Afterwards,
Old General Shen saved a songstress from a local ruffian when his army marched through some place.
Seeing that the songstress had nowhere to go and request earnestly to serve as a concubine,
she gave birth to Shen Gui and Shen Wan for the Old General and her status was thus elevated.
A songstress that broke clear of all hardships and became Shen Furen and afterwards became Old Shen Furen.
Reputation and status had change but in her bones she was still a person with vile features that came from the streets.
That did not change at all.
Shen Miao still remembered that in her previous lifetime,
Old Shen Furen force her to marry the crippled Prince Yu Zhou in order to pave the way for Shen Qing.
She looked at the female in front of her.
Old Shen Furen was very pretty when she was young,
her face was sharp and her eyes were large and vivid but when she became old,
her face was like a dry and dull triangle drumhead with two abruptly protruding eyes.
But she was not resigned to fate and purposely put on bright rouge on her lips.
As expected… It was not dignified at all.
Shen Miao used insight of Empress from her previous lifetime and indifferently evaluated in her heart before humbly said,
“Have taken the medication and is much better.
Thanking Zu Mu’s concern”
In the next second,
one could hear Old Shen Furen loudly shouted,
“Unfilial granddaughter,
get down on your kneels!”
Chapter 5: Tit for Tat
* * *
“Unfilial granddaughter,
get down on your kneels!”
Shen Miao did not move even with the Old Shen Furen’s words.
Everyone looked at her in shocked.
Shen Xin were not in the residence due to battles thus Shen Miao was brought up by Old Shen Furen.
Old Shen Furen was that severe to her and with Shen Miao character of being weak and cowardly,
she had never refuted Old Furen’s commands before.
She actually did not kneel today?
It was indeed that as long as the matter was related to Prince Ding,
she would have tremendous courage?
“Zu Mu,
Fifth Lady (referring to herself) mistake did one made” Shen Miao calmly said.
“Is the fever making Fifth Younger Sister confused?”
Shen Yue was the first to speak with an anxious expression on her face,
“Zu Mu was only in the moment of anger and would not truly punish you.
As long as you admit your mistake then the matter would be concluded.
Why are you being stubborn?”
This sentence had already place the fault of knowing one’s err and unwilling to change and going against eldest onto Shen Miao’s head.
“Impudent!
The skies has fallen!” Old Shen Furen was so angry that she suddenly sat upright and her voice became sharper.
Shen Yuan Bo who was eating the sweet steam milk pastries was frighten by Old Shen Furen sudden action and the snacks he was holding accidentally fell onto the ground,
causing him to burst into tears.
“Seventh son mustn’t cry” Ren Wan Yun saw that her youngest son was crying and immediately took a few steps forward to carry him in her arms as she looked at Shen Miao with an unfavourable manner,
“Fifth Lady,
are you crazy? Who taught you to go against one’s elders?”
Shen Miao looked at Ren Wan Yun.
Second Furen,
Ren Wan Yun,
was full-bodied and wore a blue silk dress with a rosy and fair plump face.
When one saw her,
she look kind and benevolent as she usually had a smile on her face.
She had the authority of the household in her hands and everyone in Shen residence respected her fairness in handling matters.
She was entirely worthy to be a good daughter-in-law and wife.
Shen Miao also thought the same until later when she was married off,
Shen Xin almost added half of his assets into the dowry but at the end only a few ended up at Prince Ding’s residence.
Why was it like that? It was naturally swallowed up by Ren Wan Yun.
Ren Yan Yun confiscated the more valuable items in the dowry and since the owner was change with the addition of Shen Xin not in the capital,
she was married foolishly into Prince Ding’s residence.
It was because of her dowry that she had lost her standing in the entire Prince Ding’s residence.
It was all due to this good Shenshen’s ‘fairness’.
“Second Shen’s remark meant that Fifth Lady is wrong?”
Shen Miao softly said,
“But Fifth Lady did not know where did one went wrong”
“Stupid thing!” Old Shen Furen did not hold back and immediately cursed,
“Such a young age and still do not know what shame is.
To steal a look of His Highness Prince Ding.
You have shame us all in the Shen residence!
And to even dare to rebut at me.
Who taught you the rules to be this disrespectful!”
Shen Miao sigh softly in her heart.
Old Shen Furen usually had an air of arrogance but once she open her mouth,
it was the style of a songstress.
Which old furen of a noble family would curse like this? It was exactly like a common prostitute lady.
In Shen Miao’s past life,
she did not feel that way but after being an Empress and seeing this,
she felt that Old Shen Furen’s words had brought down her status.
“Steal a look at His Highness Prince Ding?”
She tilted her head and asked in confusion.
Shen Yue could not help but say,
“Fifth Younger Sister,
although it is known that you are in love with Prince Ding,
but to fall into the water just to steal a look of Prince Ding is detrimental to this residence’s face.
Moreover His Highness Prince Ding would not be happy in his heart.
Fifth Younger Sister,
you did better find a chance to apologise to Prince Ding”
Being in love with Prince Ding and apologise to Prince Ding.
Which female would be willing to lose her face in front of her beloved man? In the last lifetime Shen Yue also said like that and Old Shen Furen thought likewise but Shen Miao felt that it was embarrassed to death and was then confined by Old Shen Furen in a rage.
One sentence of because of being in love with Prince Ding and did not know any shame and thus ruined own reputation and also implicated the entire residence.
Shen Yue looked gentle and elegant but her mind could turn and twist things.
Shen Miao could not help but look at her.
Shen Yue just finish speaking when she saw Shen Miao looking at herself.
That pair of black eyes like grapes was exceptionally clear as if they contain some special intention,
made her feel shock for a moment.
In the next second,
Shen Miao faint voice was heard,
“Second Older Sister,
what in love with His Highness Prince Ding.
This sentence cannot be said anyhow.
At the moment,
Fifth Lady is a young lady yet to be wed.
To say such thing,
one would fear that this would destroy Fifth Lady’s reputation”
Shen Yue was stunned.
The entire noble circle in the capital knew that Shen Miao is in love with Prince Ding.
Although Shen Miao had not stated it before but her words and deeds have indicated as much.
Why was it denied now?
She smiled,
“Fifth Younger Sister,
there is only our own family here.
These things need not be hidden…”
“Second Older Sister!” As she was talking,
Shen Miao suddenly interrupted her by speaking loudly and severely said,
“Second Older Sister must be careful of her words as trouble will come when improper words are spoken.
His Highness Prince Ding is a Royal aristocrat and we as old influential family must be even more cautious of our conduct.
Previously it was Fifth Lady that was young and immature thus words and deeds were misunderstood but what happen the other day was a lesson.
Fifth Lady will restricts one’s words and deeds so may Second Older Sister please not say such words”
These words made not only Shen Yue but everyone in the house,
including Old Shen Furen,
stunned.
Shen Miao was usually very soft and timid and had never spoken loudly before.
She was one who was obedient and easy to control.
How could her words be this swift and severe?
A flash of light crossed Chen Rou Qiu’s eyes.
Shen Yue was still young,
thus was not as smart as her.
She came from a family of scholars but was not without smarts.
Usually she was lofty in nature and would never admit defeat thus when she saw her own daughter was at a disadvantage,
she was annoyed and thus immediately said gently and softly,
“Fifth Lady could clear up with a sentence of being in love or not but when all is said and done,
who is able to guess a female’s heart.
But Fifth Lady better listen to Third Shenshen words,
your Second Older Sister words were not wrong.
His Highness Prince Ding’s status is noble thus in any case,
one should apologise to him”
“That is correct” Old Shen Furen also recovered and said,
“Send a card to Prince Ding’s residence tomorrow and personally apologise”
Shen Miao almost laughed with rage.
These words could actually be used to deceive the innocent her in the previous lifetime.
To see it now,
she a Di daughter of a family with military lineage,
her status was very noble,
so why should she go to a Prince to apologise.
If that was done,
where would Shen Xin’s put his face at? This would afraid be another joke that would be spread in the capital from tomorrow onwards.
She also could finally understand that Old Furen saw Shen Xin,
who was delivered by the YuanPei,
from the First household as a sore in her eyes and could not wait to see the First household to make a fool of themselves every day.
The best it would be for it to collapse as early as possible and since Shen Xin and Shen Furen were not in the capital and she could use her as a raft.
In this world,
how can there be such a good thing?
Shen Miao lightly smiled and her eyes fell onto Shen Qing who was quiet from the beginning.
She said,
“Eldest Sister,
when I fell into the water,
there was only you at my side”
Shen Qing raised her head and nodded quietly.
She had already thought of it ahead,
Shen Miao would definitely say that it was her who pushed her into the water but Shen Qing was not afraid.
The one who made the decisions in the Shen family now was Old Furen and Ren Wan Yun and Shen Miao only had a title of a young lady but was in actuality a daughter that three household would not care about.
As long as she insisted,
Old Furen and Ren Wan Yu will still side her.
At that time Shen Miao would be considered as lying and definitely be disliked by Old Furen and would be punished heavily.
She deserved it!
Who told her that a vulgar and ignorant daughter like her can also fight with her for Prince Ding,
she should have drowned on that day!
“Eldest Sister,
did you also saw His Highness prince Ding?”
Shen Miao asked but she did not only meant this.
“Have seen” Shen Qing replied.
“Then it is as such.
In the previous day,
it was obvious that Eldest Sister and I was playing at the edge of the pond and accidentally fell into the water.
At the same moment His Highness Prince Ding who pass by the Shen residence came in to get the painting from Second Shu met with the incident” Shen Miao shook her head,
“If I were to steal a look of Prince Ding,
how would I get the news from.
It was unreasonable for Second and Third Shu’s servant to pass the news to the Inner Residence.
How would I know that His Highness Prince Ding would come to the Shen residence to request a painting from Second Shu,
unless one is a prophet? Or…” She leisurely continued,
“Could it be that His Highness Prince Ding sent an card to our residence?”
Shen Qing did not understand the meaning of what Shen Miao was saying and wanted to refute with a frown but she heard her own mother suddenly shouted,
“Eldest daughter!” The voice was unable to hide the urgency behind.
Shen Miao glance at the pale looking Ren Wan Yun and suddenly nervous Chen Rou Qiu and smiled lightly.
What she said,
how could anyone not hear the meaning behind when there were so many smart people in the residence.
When Fu Xiu Yi over to the Shen residence the day before,
it was because when he passed by the Shen residence,
he remembered of the chess bet with Shen Gui and went looking for Shen Gui for a painting.
Now Shen Miao said that a card was sent in advance… Presently the Emperor hated when the princes and officials got too close and if one were to send an invitation in advance,
what does the card meant? To plan the future next in line?
There are thousands of eyes and ears in the world,
who would know if there were any spies of the Royal Family in Shen residence.
Some words cannot be even said.
The sentence from Shen Miao had already gone above the conduct of females to the loyalty of the officials.
Shen Xin is in the Northwest region and naturally would not affect him but there is still Shen Gui and Shen Wan in the Shen residence and these two people held positions in court.
This reason,
Shen Yue and Shen Qing did not understand but Ren Wan Yun and Chen Rou Qiu definitely understood.
Shen Miao sneered in her heart.
They wanted to trample on her reputation so she brought out Shen Gui’s and Shen Wan’s head to bet.
Did her Second and Third Shen understood? Is it worth it? Do they dare?
Chapter 6: Undercurrent
* * *
Shen Qing looked at her own mother with an unknowing look.
Even though she was unwilling,
she still obediently kept her mouth shut.
Even though Shen Yue did not understand what was wrong with Shen Miao’s words,
upon seeing Chen Rou Qiu’s nervous expression she was aware what was going on and thus stood at her place respectfully and no longer spoke.
Old Shen Furen’s brows tightened.
Even though she has followed Old General Shen for so many years,
she did not know the intricate twists and turns of the official circles as her sights were confined to the skies between the four walls of the courtyards,
so how could she understand the meaning behind Shen Miao’s words.
She only felt that Shen Miao ate the wrong medication today and repeatedly contradicted her and thus felt offended and wanted to blow up in anger.
“Little Five’s words are not wrong, ” Ren Wan Yun smiled and interrupted when Old Shen Furen was about to lash out,
“This was originally a misunderstanding.
How could the matter of the main hall be spread to the inner courtyard? This was all a coincidence.
His Highness Prince Dine is broad-minded and would not put such a small matter at heart.
It was all a misunderstanding.
It is unfortunate for our Little Five who fell into the water and got a shock.
You have suffered a lot”
Old Shen Furen had opened her mouth and was somewhat dissatisfied with her Second Daughter-in-law who had interrupted her.
But Ren Wan Yun’s family was Ming Qi’s famous merchant family and many a times the daily cost was subsidies by this daughter-in-law.
Even though she was not satisfied,
she could not offend her.
She immediately hrumph coldly but did not continue on.
Chen Rou Xiu seemed to be aware of it and also went along with Ren Wan Yun’s words,
“That is precisely so.
In future Yue-er and Qing-er must never mention the words before.
It was Little Five that fell into the water accidentally and coincidently seen by His Highness Prince Ding.
There are coincidences in the world” She smile towards Shen Miao,
“Little Five,
Old Furen feel anguished for you and was not truly angry with you”
Shen Miao look at the female in front.
Shen Yue took after Chen Rou Qiu that even her temperament was the same.
Chen Rou Qiu was born in a family of scholars thus she was a graceful beauty and usually soft and gentle when walking or talking and was beautiful but not frivolous.
Such a female with a literary vibe was also a good partner but who knew what happen later…
Later the Xiong Nu came over to request for a marriage alliance and there was only one age-appropriate princess,
Wan Yu.
Chen Rou Qiu said that Shen Yue is older and a marriage alliance was also a marriage so she was willing to marry to the Xiong Nu.
But Shen Yue was not a princess so Fu Xiu Yi conferred Shen Yue as Princess Yue Ru so that it was justifiable for her to be in a marriage alliance with the Xiong Nu.
But at the end the one who was married off was her Wan Yu.
Wan Yu died on the way to marriage and Wan Yu’s Princess’s Residence was given to Prince Yue Rue.
In which,
Princes Yue Ru was expected to receive everything of Wan Yu’s.
Her Wan Yu was not even sixteen years old.
Shen Miao closed her eyes.
If one say that Chen Rou Qiu did not put in effort to this matter,
Chen Rou Qiu herself would also not believe.
But one would be afraid that Chen Rou Qiu would have already reached an agreement with Mei Furen and the main reason was to let her think that there was hope but then shatter that hope by herself.
Chen Ruo Qiu’s smile stiffen.
The young female that was facing her was looking at her.
That round face,
round eyes,
round nose and coupled with the timid appearance,
it would easily leave an impression of stupidity and foolishness.
But now it was otherwise.
She did not know when the timid appearance had disappeared ant it was replace with solemnness.
Not a sudden tension of seriousness but it was a type of slight feeling of distance.
There was a moment when Chen Rou Qiu suddenly felt that the person in front was not the stupid and foolish daughter of the First household but some mistress of a higher status and power,
the kind that would make smarter and sharper people shiver.
In the next second,
one could see that the young female turn her eyes,
“I believe that Third Shenshen also felt that Little Five is also not wrong”
Chen Rou Qiu was surprise for a moment as she looked at the displeasure of the Old Furen sitting at a higher level and said reluctantly,
“Be that as it may,
it was really too careless of Little Five to fall into the pond.
How do the few maids beside you take care of people? Eldest Brother and Eldest Sister-in-law is not by one’s side so the maids started to bully the masters? According to what Shenshen see,
it would be better to replace these maids”
Ren Wan Yun laugh escaped with a ‘pu-chi’ sound.
Chen Rou Qiu glared at her somewhat angrily and a sneer was formed on Ren Wan Yun lips.
Her this DiMei look like a well-educated person but her heart was extremely shrewd.
These kind of words can only be used to deceive that foolish Shen Miao.
She most likely want to change the people by Shen Miao’s side.
At the moment Shen Yue has also reached the age where one would start paying attention and in the capital,
no matter how far Shen Miao’s foolish or stupid reputation has spread,
in terms of status,
Shen Yue’s was unable to be compared as Shen Miao’s.
After all,
Shen Xin still held the military power in his hands.
At the end the Third household was also ready to create trouble.
Shen Miao lowered her head,
“Why would Third Shen want to replace Gu Yu and the rest since they are all Dad’s and Mum’s people? At present there are many personnel changes in the West courtyard.
Just few days ago,
a batch of second rank maids were sent over and Fifth Lady did not recognise a single one.
If Gu Yu and the rest are changed then Fifth Lady would not know who to talk to in the West courtyard”
Ren Wan Yu’s smile stopped short.
In the West courtyard,
Shen Xin and his wife were not in the capital most of the year and most of the maids in the courtyard have been changed.
There were Old Furen’s people,
Second household’s people and Third household’s people.
But because the Second household was managing the family,
so naturally there were more people from the Second household.
If these words were not said it would be better,
if this was spread to outsiders that the daughter of the First household did not know any single servant in her own courtyard,
what intentions did the Second and Third household have? There was no logic that a younger sister-in-law that could intervene in the courtyard of the Eldest Brother.
Her brain started to turn quickly as she smile and gave Chen Rou Qiu a look before saying to Shen Miao,
“Your Third Shen is joking with you.
Gu Yu and the few maids are just careless and sloppy but we the Shen family is benevolence and cannot bear to do such inhuman things.
Little Five must not be anxious”
The words at the end was choked out from Chen Rou Qiu.
Shen Yuan Bo look at his mother and then looked over at Chen Rou Qiu before yawning.
Old Shen Furen was getting impatient with her own Second and Third daughter-in-law when she saw the scene and said,
“That’s enough.
It’s only some trivial matter.
Second son’s family,
carry Seventh son over and then disperse.
So many people making so much noise that made one’s head dizzy”
Ren Wan Yu quickly carried Shen Yuan Bo to Old Shen Furen’s couch and say,
“Mother,
then these daughter-in-laws will go first.
Seventh son will play obediently with Old Furen”
Chen Rou Qiu glance over at Shen Yuan Bo and both her hands went up to her belly as she slowly exited from Rong Jing Tang.
The Second household had sons so they were looked upon highly by Old Shen Furen.
So what if she had the ability… Shen Yue was still a daughter.
It would be good if she had a son.
In the Shen residence,
the things from the First residence would need to be fought over and if she had a son,
at least there would be equal shares,
not like now,
letting the Second household have all the advantage.
Moreover… There was still a Di son in the First household.
Even though he followed Shen Xin to the border,
who would know if he would come back to fight for a share.
After much thinking,
Chen Rou Qiu raised her head and her eyes landed on the direction of the people heading towards the West courtyard.
The young female was wearing a dark red embroidered dress as she always love to wear brightly coloured ones.
In addition with no parents at her side,
she did not know how to dress up and would always portray an unsophisticated look.
But now,
the crimson colour of the clothes made her complexion fairer.
She was obviously still had the same appearance but one felt that she was much more solemn.
And there was also some… Imposing air?
Gu Yu softly said,
“Young Lady’s health is not recovered yet,
why the hurry to head to the academy? Since the health condition was already explained,
the homework would not be in rush to complete.
It would be better…”
“No” She Miao interrupted her words,
“Prepare the carriage immediately”
It was clearly not harsh words but Gu Yu did not know why she had a shiver and dare not ask more.
Chapter 7: Guang Wen Tang
* * *
Guang Wen Tang was Ding capital’s academy.
Ming Qi’s officials and wealthy would often place their sons and daughters into Guang Wen Tang as Guang Wen Tang’s teachers were perhaps genius or reputable scholars of the four scholarly fields.
For young noble females,
they could also enter Guang Wen Tang with pride.
Shen Miao also studies in Guang Wen Tang.
Unfortunately Shen Xin and Shen Furen were from military families and Eldest Brother,
Shen Qiu was someone who will have headache of he were to study.
Shen Miao was brought up by Old Shen Furen and she was a songstress who did not know any words.
Shen Miao was taught by Third Shen Furen,
Chen Rou Qiu.
Chen Rou Qiu came from a family of scholars and at the beginning taught Shen Miao books that were difficult to understand.
Kids would normally prefer to play so after much teaching,
Shen Miao completely hate reading and writing.
Chen Rou Qiu saw that Shen Miao did not like studying and did not force her and started to teach her to pay attention to food and clothes,
living the life of a delicate young lady.
After when she was of age to go to Guang Wen Tang,
Shen Miao was unable to keep up with the lectures from the teachers and her knowledge was worst off then those at level one,
thus became the bottom of the class.
Since Shen Miao did not like studying,
she became infamous for being stupid and ignorant in the entire Ding capital.
Among the three Di young ladies of the Shen family,
Shen Yue was the famous one.
She was learned in the four arts,
Qin,
chess,
calligraphy and painting,
and there were not one thing that was not perfect.
Even though Shen Qing was not as outstanding as Shen Yue,
she also did a good job,
especially in embroidery and was considered as first class in calculations.
As for someone who would be married and become the mistress of a family,
the better one have for calculation,
one would be able to increase the favour’s from the in-laws so Shen Qing was also able to get a reputation of being competent.
The more outstanding Shen Yue and Shen Qing were,
the more Shen Miao would appear as nothing.
Even incomparable with the Shu daughter of the Second household,
Shen Dong Ling.
In the carriage,
Jing Zhe asked,
“Young Lady,
why not travel together with Eldest Young Lady and Second Young Lady?”
On usual days,
Shen Miao would always want to take the same carriage as Shen Qing and Shen Yue as Shen Miao felt that having her older sisters with her would boost her courage.
As for Shen Yue and Shen Qing,
the reason was most probably because with a stupid and foolish sister as comparison,
they would naturally look better.
But now Shen Miao did not even want to put up the pretence of compliance.
“To begin with,
these peoples are not from the same household,
living under the same roof but are walking on roads that are poles apart.
So tell why travel together?”
Jing Zhe did not know why she stuck her tongue out.
The more her Young Lady spoke,
the more she did not understand but she felt that this was also good.
Shen Miao’s character had been too weak and would always let the Second and Third household make the decision.
This time on the matter of her falling into the water,
it seems that she had her own ideas.
This was correct,
the status of the official Di daughter of the First household was not short of anyone so why be like a maid.
In the other carriage,
Shen Yue pulled the curtain apart and secretly look behind and softly said,
“Eldest Sister,
Fifth Younger Sister is following behind”
“She is purposely throwing a fit at me” Shen Qing coldly scoffed.
In front of Shen Yue,
she never conceal her contempt of Shen Miao,
“Let her be,
anyways the person who would be disgrace would not be me”
Shen Yue said worriedly,
“But she was infected with a cold and the matter with His Highness Prince Ding is also…”
“Shen Yue?”
Shen Qing said,
“How could I not know what your heart is thinking? Don’t pretend to be a good person here.
If you are really concern about her then you should go and sit in her carriage and not spout principles”
Shen Yue bit her lips as she looked down and did not say anything more.
The carriage travelled for almost half a shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours) before finally reaching Guang Wen Tang.
It was still early so the teachers have yet to start the class.
The second level students have almost all arrived and were sitting at the classroom chatting.
Shen Yue and Shen Qing just reached and immediately there were some females that went up to greet them warmly.
In Guang Wen Tang,
Shen Yue was number one in terms of talent in the females,
she was pretty and her temperament was gentle and naturally was sought after by everyone.
Even though Shen Qing was not as outstanding as Shen Yue’s talents,
she was also capable and handled things smoothly thus the circle of noble young ladies liked her a lot.
A pink clad young female said,
“Yue Niang,
why is Shen Miao not seen today?”
Usually Shen Miao would be like a maid following beside Shen Yue and Shen Qing but it was somewhat unusual to not see her today.
“Most likely is that she did not have any face to show up” The young lady who said that looked charming but her voice was somewhat loud and she had some ridiculing expression on her face.
“Heard that she fell into the water while stealing a look of His Highness Prince Ding.
Was it because she has yet to recover from her cold or she did not have any face to see anyone”
“Pei Lan,
it is not like that…” Shen Yue shook her head.
“You are too protective of your younger sister” Yi Pei Lan said,
“That kind of stupid and foolish person would just simply not come out from your Shen’s residences.
You should always keep an eyes out on her.
But she really open the eyes of everyone in the world.
Usually she look timid and sticky but once she meets His Highness Prince Ding,
she would be so brave.
Those who do not know would wonder what sort of small family taught such a poor mannered young lady”
These words were somewhat serious.
Shen Qing heard it and laughed,
“Fifth Younger Sister was only mischievous for that moment”
“I think it is because General Shen and Shen Furen are not by the side teaching” Another young female with a horse styled bun said,
“The lack of discipline meant that even the etiquette and manners of a female are not known”
“Cai Xuan’s words are not right, ” Shen Yue softly spoke,
“Even though Eldest BoFu and Eldest BoMu are not in Ding capital,
Fifth Younger Sister was brought up by Zu Mu and my mother and Second Shen also constantly taught her and there was no lack of discipline”
The unspoken implication was all about Shen Miao’s no sense of shame and honor.
Sure enough,
when Shen Yue’s words came out,
Yi Pei Lan spoke out,
“This is strange.
With the same set of parenting,
Yue Niang and Qing Niang,
you and Shen Miao are as different as skies and the earth.
This is probably what the teacher was saying: mud will not stick to the wall (aka she is worthless)”
As she say she starting chuckling and the surrounding noble females also started laughing and even some young males could not help but look over.
In the next moment,
they heard someone shouting,
“Look,
Shen Miao is here!”
Everyone were holding the hope that there was a show to watch and looked towards the doors.
They saw a young female walking slowly from the door,
wearing a dark red outfit with clouds and geese embroidered with a dark blue embroidered cloak.
This kind of colours would be too old for females especially since Shen Miao was a little rounded.
If she was not careful,
she would look like a child who has stolen an elder’s clothes to wear.
Her footsteps were slow and the corners of her skirt did not move as each steps was very light but had weight.
One did not know why but felt that there was a kind of graceful air of magnanimity.
Her chin was slightly raised as her eyes was naturally placid as if one was unable to see the bottom of her eyes but all the energy was confined inside like beast that have kept all its claws and teeth.
Her five facial features were still loveable because it was round and adorable but now there was no trace of stupidity.
Because she has yet to grown up and coupled with her dignified manner,
it was unexpectedly not out of sorts.
It was not like a young female but was like… Those noble furen with high status or a firm and decisive master of the entire family or residence.
The classroom gradually quieted down.
Chapter 8: Debate
* * *
What was Shen Miao like?
If one where to ask the students in Guang Wen Tang,
whether they were from level one,
two or three,
everyone would know.
The person who was the quickest at updating the chapter and how stupid and silly but still try to maintain a virtuous and gentle person.
Her appearance was nothing unique,
her personality traits were not outstanding,
she had no talents at all and was also a love-stuck idiot,
that everyone in the Ding capital knows that she was in love with Prince Ding.
Therefore,
if the most outstanding female in Guang Wen Tang was Shen Yue,
then the shallowest female would naturally be Shen Miao.
They were both females from the Shen family but their image was completely different.
Everyone was used to Shen Miao being like a maid,
staying by Shen Yue’s side and when there was one day if Shen Miao changed to not like Shen Miao,
then everyone felt not used to it.
Yi Pei Lan tugged Shen Yue,
“Yue Niang,
could your younger sister been so sick that she is confused,
else why is she like a different person today?”
Shen Yue looked at Shen Miao and was puzzled in her heart.
It was like since she woke up after falling into the water,
Shen Miao’s temperament had changed a lot.
Was it because she had suffered a setback on the matter with Prince Ding? Just as she wanted to say something,
Jiang Cai Xuan,
her good friend who was standing by her side spoke,
“Shen Miao,
heard that you fell into the water,
but it seems that your cold is better already?”
With such an obvious words that were said,
it actually would make one embarrass.
If it was the usual Shen Miao,
she would be at a lost and would look towards Shen Yue to plea for Shen Yue to help her speak.
But now she just look at Jiang Cai Xuan and lightly said,
“Alright,
thank for your concern”
Jiang Cai Xuan was stunned and everyone in the class was also surprised for a moment.
Perhaps they did not expect that Shen Miao wouldn’t be this lukewarm to matters about herself but Jiang Cai Xuan found Shen Miao’s attitude was extremely sore to her eyes and immediately said,
“Since you have recovered from your cold then the first thing should be giving His Highness Prince Ding an apology.
But you came to the academy instead,
don’t you think that you have put the cart before the horse?”
Shen Miao took a deep breath.
The students around,
no matter if they were young females or males,
did not have any intention to speak up for her.
She originally did not have any friends and seeing Shen Miao making a fool of herself was presumably the only fun these aristocratic kids had.
After sweeping a look at the different expression of everyone and see the rejoice in Shen Qing’s eyes on her misfortune,
Shen Miao was about to leave when she heard Shen Yue saying,
“His Highness Prince Ding is broad-minded and would not blame this little thing on Fifth Younger Sister.
Fifth Younger Sister come to the academy due to the thirst for knowledge which is a good thing”
“What a good thing” The youth at the other side could not help but laugh.
He was secretly in love with Shen Yue for a long time and usually was dissatisfied with Shen Miao,
finding that having a younger sister like Shen Miao was Shen Yue’s tragedy.
He said,
“The thirst for knowledge.
Shen Yue if you really want to help this younger sister then you need not say such words.
The thirst of knowledge… The person who did not know the lesson taught by the level one teachers talk about the thirst for knowledge.
This was just too funny!
Furthermore…” He purposely sized Shen Miao up and continued,
“Who would know if she fell into the water on purpose or not.
Doesn’t the skits always show,
the hero who rescue the beauty who fell into the water and devote one’s life to… But one have guessed the ending incorrectly!” Finishing,
he found his words were interesting and burst into laughter.
He was the head of this group of youths thus when he say such things,
the surrounding youths also followed up with laughter.
The noble females surrounding Shen Yue also felt that it was funny and for a period of time there was laughter surrounding Shen Miao and all the eyes on her were filled with malicious intentions.
Words are the sharpest weapon to hurt people.
In her last life,
there was so many of such scenarios.
She had already gotten used to be despised,
being laughed at and being insulted and was reluctant to break these concepts.
Thus Shen Yue and Shen Qing had better relationships with the circle of noble females but she grew further away from this circle.
She had thought that this was the greatest misfortune but as compared to the tragedies in her previous life,
what are these considered as? These young females was not even as old as her Wan Yu and Fu Ming and only instigate some disharmony.
Were these really her enemies?
Naturally not.
These female of merits were not considered extremely wealthy and there was no lack of aristocrats.
But what kind of ending did these aristocratic families had in her past lifetime? All of them were exterminated one by one by the late Emperor and Fu Xiu Yi.
Like this person who was ridiculing her,
one of Shen Yue’s admirers,
currently the eldest son of the esteem Cai family,
Cai Lin.
After a few years,
the Cai family was involved in a corruption case and like others,
assets were confiscated and Cai Lin was sent to the army.
It was such a pity that he had admired Shen Yue for so many year but in the end Shen Yue drew a line on her relationship with him.
She was not in a hostile relationship with these young females and some of them even stood on the same side.
It was because these aristocratic family was provoked deliberately by the Emperor’s to pit one over the other so they did not keep close contact with each other.
Some even regard the other in hatred.
There was no need to turn an alliance into an enemy.
In her last lifetime as an Empress,
Shen Miao learnt a lot.
One must not make an enemy in a moment of emotions,
this would not be worthwhile.
“Cai Lin,
how could you say that about Fifth Younger Sister” Waiting till everyone had laughed enough,
Shen Yue then suddenly said,
“Fifth Younger Sister is not that kind of person”
“Cai Lin, ” Shen Miao interrupted Shen Yue and there was no trace of any variation in her voice,
“Who told you that I fell into the water due to stealing a look of His Highness Prince Ding?”
To say such a thing so loudly would make one be look down upon but when Shen Miao said those words,
she was calm and her tone was filled with indifference,
surprising everyone for a moment.
Cai Lin was the little overload here and on normal days Shen Miao would not dare to say much when she meets him so when would she use this tone on voice? And this tone unconsciously had a commanding trace of questioning.
Cai Lin himself did not know why he did not actually start scolding but instead said,
“Could it be not the case?”
“So it was like this…” Shen Miao said to herself and suddenly smiled slightly as she turn towards the two of them,
Shen Yue and Shen Qing.
“Eldest Sister and Second Older Sister,
it is alright if they did not know but how can both of you not know? Why did you not clarify for Younger Sister?”
Shen Yue and Shen Qing was startled at the same time and suddenly remembered of their mother insistence that the matter of Shen Miao falling into the water must not be said wrongly.
Shen Qing who was able to take the big picture into consideration better than Shen Yue,
immediately said,
“Yes,
you all better not say any nonsense.
At that time I was with Fifth Younger Sister.
I witness it with my eyes that Fifth Younger Sister accidentally fell into the water and at the same time His Highness Prince Ding coincidentally passed by and saw her.
It had nothing to do with admiration”
Hearing Shen Qing saying so confidently,
even though everyone did not believe it,
it was not as serious as before.
But Shen Miao said,
“Unless one witnesses it themselves then it would be nonsense.
Guang Wen Tan is a place that things are taught and moral was also taught in it.
Besides about the topic of being in love,
is such a beautiful topic,
why was it said so unbearably? When I,
Shen Miao love someone,
I will love in a dignified manner.
His Highness Prince Ding status was too noble that how would I have deep feeling? All of you are incorrect”
In this world,
it is very difficult to change the impression of anyone.
Moreover her love of Fu Xiu Yi was something that was well-known throughout the world.
To say that she did not love now,
she was afraid that no one would believe at all.
But in any case,
the line must be drawn somewhere.
When the words were just spoke,
a voice of praise sounded out,
“What a good dignity of admiration!”
Chapter 9: Pei Xiu Cai
* * *
A young male of his early twenties walked in from the outside.
He wore a light robes and his features were straight.
Even though his stature was slightly weak,
one could tell that he was how a gentlemen should look like.
He walked in and praised,
“That was said well.
There is also dignity in love and it should not be something to be mocked.
Even though Guang Wen Tang is a pace for learning,
it is also a place to practice one’s virtue”
Every one of the students did not utter a single word.
Shen Miao stared closely at that young man.
Pei Lang,
an accounting teach of Guang Wen Tang.
He has both integrity and talent and was the only Xiu Cai in Guang Wen Tang that could teach accounting.
Pei Xiu Cai had a gentle temperament and was patient,
as compared to other strict teachers,
he was more worthy of respect to the students.
Even Shen Miao who was at the end of the spectrum was never scolded by Pei Xiu Cai as he explain patiently repeatedly.
If this was the case then this person was a good teacher.
His moral character and talents were one in tens of thousands but unfortunately Shen Miao also know his other identity.
Fu Xiu Yi relied heavily on his aids and advisors and when Fu Xiu Yi ascended to the throne,
he conferred him as the National Preceptor.
National Preceptor Pei Leng was proud of one’s success,
only beneath one person and above tens of thousands.
As an National Preceptor,
he really did well.
Shen Miao thought that Pei Lang was an intelligent and upright person but during the time when the Crown Prince was disposed,
he however did not say anything.
Shen Miao’s and Pei Leng’s private friendship can be considered good.
At the beginning the proposal of Shen Miao going to the Qin country to be a hostage was brought up by Pei Lang.
Pei Lang said,
“This is for the sake of the Empire of Ming Qi.
If Your Ladyship is willing to go,
it would resolve His Majesty’s desperate situation.
In the future,
there will be the Empress’s shadow all over the country and everyone will appreciate the grace of Your Ladyship.
But in fact when she return to the Palace after five years,
there was an additional Mei Furen in the Inner Palace and Pei Lang’s people who previously respected her began to have precautions against her.
When the Crown Prince was abolished,
Shen Miao went down to her knees to beg Pei Lang because Pei Lang was Fu Xiu Yi’s trusted aide and when Pei Lang speaks,
Fu Xiu Yi will definitely listen to his views.
But Pei Lang supported her up and say to her,
“Your Ladyship,
this official is also powerless on matters that His Majesty have decided”
“Pei Lang!
Could it be that you will watch as the Crown Prince is abolished? You are fully aware that the matter of the abolishment of the Crown Prince cannot be proceed!” She was extremely furious as she questioned aggressively.
“This is already ultimately inevitable.
Your Ladyship should resign to one’s fate” Pei Lang said with a sigh.
Resign to one’s fate.
How could one resign to fate? It there is a chance to repeat and one would still need to resign to fate,
won’t it be too lamentable and hateful?
Shen Miao eyes was focus on the young man in front,
he was straightforward and upright,
would see one death without helping,
has a gentle temperament and also callous and cold-hearted.
As an official,
everything was thought for the sake of the country,
Pei Lang was a loyal official.
But… As long as he stood by Fu Xiu Yi’s side,
he would be opposing her endlessly in this life!
At this current period,
Fu Xiu Yi should not have subdued Pei Xiu Cai so there was a possibility of pulling Pei Xui Cai to her side before that happens? Or just simply… Nib him in the bud (aka kill him).
Pei Xiu Cai only put down the book in his hands when he felt a pair of eyes on him.
He look up and met Shen Miao’s eyes of unknown implication.
Shen Miao’s sitting position was at the back but even it was so,
she still stubbornly look at him.
This feeling was a bit strange and Pei Xiu Cai felt that there was a sense of judgement and scrutinising in that expression as if weighting the pros and cons before a decision.
To go deeper there was also a critical look on her face.
He stopped his movements and wanted to see clearly what expression Shen Miao was having but he saw the young lady picking up the brush on the table and bowed her head.
Pei Lang smiled in his heart and shook his head.
How would a little girl portray a condescending look? As for passing the judgement and scrutinising,
it would be even more impossible.
Shen Miao is the most stupid and timid person in Guang Wen Tang.
After tidying up some things,
he started with today’s class.
The entire level two students were a little drowsy.
One would easily feel bored during accounting lessons and no matter how marvellously Pei Xiu Cai teaches,
they were all fourteen or fifteen year old young male and females who were at the age of jumping around and so how would they even listen.
Coupled with the good cooling weather of autumn,
there were many who had taken a nap.
If it was other teachers,
they would have taken a ruler out to reprimand but Pei Lang was the most gentle person and would never punish the students.
So everyone would have the courage to misbehave in his class.
Other than Shen Qing,
who was always the first in accounting,
listening seriously,
the others were so bored that they did their own stuff.
The Shen Miao today was different.
She stared at Pei Xiu Cai without blinking and sat upright as if she was seriously listening.
This was something incredible as she usually hates to study and had no interest in accounts.
It was already a miracle that she was not asleep but she actually listening seriously in class?
The beautiful young female who was sitting with Shen Miao on the same table was wearing a thin chrysanthemum embroidered dress and looked somewhat haughty.
Seeing Shen Miao seriously listening to the lesson,
she could not help to reveal a surprise look as her eyebrow raised from time to time.
Why would Shen Miao care that much? In the last lifetime she had no interest in books but after becoming the Empress,
the foundations were not stable and she need to maintain the life in the Inner Palace carefully.
She as the Empress also need to reduce the cost of living and after doing all that personally,
she felt that books was no longer that difficult.
Every matter of the Inner Palace from the big matters like the cost of each ceremonies to the smallest matter like the cups and snacks of the concubines were all included in the accounts which were so many and messy.
She had looked each one individually so how can these calculations in the books matter?
She only want to work harder to see clearly what kind of person is Pei Xiu Cai actually was.
Only with this method she can then know what kind of methods would be appropriate for this person.
When her focused look was seen by the young female beside,
it was already very unusual.
Only when after the calculation lesson was finish and Pei Xiu Cai left then Shen Miao retrieve back her stare.
The young female tugged her as she spoke with a tone of surprise,
“Shen Miao,
are you possessed by evil spirits?”
“Why do you say that?”
Shen Miao asked.
The young female in front was Di daughter of Minister of Attendants,
Feng An Ning.
Feng family was initially one of the capitals meritorious and rich officials and Feng An Ning had be raise with an arrogant and wilful temperament.
But in the previous life,
Old Feng Master supported the wrong team and when the new Emperor ascended the throne,
he was dismissed.
In order to save this daughter from harm,
he could only marry her off early to a distant cousin.
After Feng family collapsed,
Feng An Ning who was married off also did not have a good ending.
That cousin had a gilded exterior but was shabby and ruined character,
Feng An Ning was not even married for a year and he had a concubine outside with a son born.
He still scold her as the burden that the Feng family left.
How could Feng An Ning take such a grievances? She immediately picked up a scissors and killed the concubine and herself.
All the various things that happen in her past life was now like a cloud floating by.
Looking again at the young female with haughty expression in front of her,
how would she have thought of the sad ending in the future?
Shen Miao now look at the youths in Guang Wen Tang and she felt that she was like looking at kids like Fu Ming and Wan Yu and she could not muster any feeling of rage or annoyance.
Other than Shen Qing and Shen Yue who were double-face villains,
most of the people were children that were spoilt.
And all these young man and ladies that were spoilt,
would also encounter the cruel fate in the next ten years’ time.
Seeing that she did not speak,
Feng An Ning was somewhat dissatisfied as she said,
“Are you disregarding me on purpose? Shen Miao,
you are so hardworking today because of the academy examination in a month time correct? Your older sister mentioned that you want to take the opportunity to shine so that Prince… Others will be able to see you”
After all she was a child.
After listening to Pei Xiu Cai’s words,
she did not speak the words being in love with Prince Ding.
“Academy examinations?”
Shen Miao raised her eyebrows.
Chapter 10: Little Xie Marquis
* * *
The academy examinations of Guang Wen Tang was held every tenth month of the year.
The academy examinations were a test for every student in the academy,
especially for outstanding students who will be showcasing their talents and most importantly at that day there would be many high ranking officials who will be watching and princes will be looking at the side.
If there were good students,
perhaps career opportunities would be available.
In short,
one would show off one’s talent for others to see and one would be famous.
This was why in every academy examination everyone would use all their energy and effort to achieve the titles.
In grade two,
Shen Yue’s talent was the most extensive and would always stand above the crowd in the academy examinations.
Although Shen Qing was not as good as Shen Yue in terms of poetry,
her calculation skills were among the best and would usually get a few top rankings.
If one were to talk about no accomplishment,
the bottom of it would be Shen Miao.
She did not know any of the four scholarly arts and her arithmetic was the worst.
In every academy examinations,
she would always embarrass herself.
Not so mention to showcase her talents,
it would be very hard to even pass the tests.
The Shen Miao in the last lifetime was the most afraid of the yearly academy examinations as she could only see Shen Yue and Shen Qing being proud of their success and was very envious in her heart.
And now when she looked,
she only felt that that they were just jealousy among kids.
What kind of battle she had not seen before,
academy examinations was really nothing in her eyes.
She look at Feng An Ning and said,
“What about academy examinations? I have never thought of fighting for whatever top or bottom ranking.
What is there to contend?”
Feng An Ning was slightly surprised for a moment as she did not think that Shen Miao would be so magnanimous to say the truth of the matter.
She looked carefully at Shen Miao in detailed and asked,
“You must have hurt a lot else there would not be such a great change in temperament right?”
Shen Miao seemed to have a personality change overnight from a dull person to a magnanimous and confident person.
It was like one should not have at this age.
Because they were sitting on the same table,
this change in temperament would only be more obvious.
“Yes it is” Shen Miao smiled and no longer say anything more.
Perhaps it was because of the age of the young females,
their instinct would be to respect of envy others would were more mature than themselves.
Shen Miao’s gestures turned Feng An Ning attitude to her imperceptibly better.
After the accounting lessons were completed,
the students head out to the garden outside Guang Wen Tang to play.
The female were all in the academy playing chess or discussing about the new poetry but heard the sound of a horse passing.
“What sound is that?”
Yi Pei Lan turn her head over.
“Lets’ go outside to see” Jiang Cai Xuan proposed as she pulled Shen Yue up,
“Lets’ go and take a look at what is it”
Shen Miao had no intention of joining in the fun but it was Feng An Ning who turn back after taking two steps and grabbed onto Shen Miao’s hands after thinking for a bit,
“Lets’ go and see!”
Shen Miao was somewhat surprise as Feng An Ning usually don’t like her,
let alone displaying an intimate move.
She was still puzzled but she was already being pulled out of the academy by Feng An Ning.
There were many students standing outside by the door chatting.
When they heart Feng An Ning pulling Shen Miao over,
they all cast a surprised look.
Shen Yue’s eyes flashed slightly but she did not make a sound but it was Shen Qing who saw it and scoffed.
Ever since she knew that Shen Miao also love Prince Ding,
she no longer hide her disdain or put up any pretence.
But what was surprising was not this.
Cai Lin just squeezed out from the crowd and called out from the pleasantly surprise people,
“Little Xie Marquis!”
Little Xie Marquis? Shen Miao took a look outside.
Outside of Guang Wen Tang’s red cinnabar door,
there stood a red steed.
The coat of the horse was bright and smooth and with one look,
anyone could tell it was a good steed that was worth thousands of gold.
The horse slightly kicked forward haughtily as his elegant body was attracting everyone’s attention.
But in the end it was not as dazzling as the person on the horseback.
The youth sat on the horseback,
wearing a black embroidered robe and a dark purple mink coat was worn on top.
His right hand lazily played the horse whip and his facial features were sharp and handsome.
The corner of his lips were slightly hooked up like he was smiling but not and the gaze is his eyes was very cold.
There was a young female in the crowd that immediately blushed and not regarding what place this was,
she courageously threw a silk handkerchief that was folded to a blossom to the youth.
Ming Qi a liberalised country and was tolerant to the rules between young males and females.
The silk blossom fell into the arms of the youth and he twisted it in his hand as the corner of his lips hook up into a smile.
The young female who threw the silk blossoms immediately flush as she already became silly in love.
In the next moment the stubborn and obstreperous youth’s smile fleeted away.
The silk blossoms fell onto the ground and landed under the horseshoe of the red horse,
crushing it into a ball of mess.
He lazily sat up straight,
as if there was a naturally born strong evasiveness but because of his handsome face,
it magnified his attractiveness.
He had the innate ability to let one not move their eyes from his presence.
What a cold and nasty person.
Yi Pei Lan murmured,
“It’s the little marquis of the Xie family”
Shen Miao raised her eyebrows.
Little marquis of the Xie family,
Xie Jing Xing. 谢景兴.
Most of the many old aristocratic vessel families in Ming Qi accompanied the late Emperor in the founding of the country and achieved meritorious services.
明齐众多老贵族器户，大多陪伴末帝建国，立功立功。
After generations, 经过几代人，
the aristocratic titles were just only names and it was empty inside.
贵族的头衔只是名字，里面是空的。
Some families however became more prosperous and live splendidly.
然而，一些家庭变得更加富裕，过上了美好的生活。
Like Feng family who was a literary official,
像身为文官的冯家，
there were also like the Shen family kind of generals.
也有像沈家那样的将军。
If one were to say that the Shen family had a lineage of military background,
如果说沈家有军人血统的话，
it would be because they all lead troops to fight in wars and were recognised as honest people.
这是因为他们都带兵打仗，被公认为诚实的人。
Then there was Xie family had military power in their hands but always drift along and His Majesty was also helpless towards the Xie family.
然后是谢家，他们手握军权，却总是随波逐流，陛下对谢家也是束手无策。
Most likely there was some rebellious streak in the Xie family bones.
最有可能的是，谢家的骨子里有一些叛逆的气息。
All the deeds they done were absolutely disgraceful,
他们所做的所有行为都是绝对可耻的，
such as ignoring the capital command to retreat thousands of miles away and continued to pursue the retreating enemy.
比如无视京城指挥撤退到千里之外，继续追击撤退的敌人。
At the end, 最后，
they still glorifying it as ‘a general should judge and act according to the real situations at the battlefield and thus need not need to obey all orders’.
他们仍然赞美它，认为“将军应该根据战场上的真实情况来判断和行动，因此不需要服从所有命令”。
But the Imperial family was helpless towards the Xie family,
但皇室对谢家却束手无策，
as they were invincible in battle.
The Shen family and the Xie family had an opposing relationship and this of course was provoked by the previous Emperor deliberately so that there will be checks and balances to stabilize the court.
沈家和谢家有着对立的关系，这当然是前任皇帝故意挑起的，以便有制衡，稳定朝廷。
Shen Xin’s and the Xie Marquis’s views were never aligned as Shen Xin disapprove of Xie Ding’s weird tactics and unorthodox methods.
Xie Ding could not understand why Shen Xin still depend on military books during battles and was so conservative that he was not flexible.
Both families,
other than quarrelling in court,
did not have any interactions thus the late Emperor was happy to see such arrangement.
After Xie Ding’s wife passed away,
Xie Ding did not marry another wife.
There was only one concubine household and the concubine had two sons.
This meant that Xie Jing Xing had to Shu brothers from the same father.
Perhaps Xie Ding’s was distress that the Di son’s mother died young and wanted to make it up to him,
so he doted Xie Jing Xing since young,
making Xie Jing Xing develop a undisciplined and out of control temperament.
Even so,
Xie Jing Xing was a brilliant person.
Other than his indifferent nature,
he was smart in studies and had noble features which were well-known in Ming Xi,
else many females would not have secretly admire him.
It was such a pity.
Shen Miao’s heart sighed.
This kind of outstanding young man,
at the end had arrows shot into his heart and hung out after stripping his skin,
such a tragic ending.
Perhaps her pitiful gaze was too obvious so the young man suddenly look over and his eyes,
which were as deep as the stars,
flashed as though as he did not understand her gaze.
Chapter 11: Xie Family’s Ending
* * *
Shen Miao lowered her head and made a bashful look.
Xi Jing Xing died at the age of twenty six.
The late Emperor wanted to punish the Xie Family and the Imperial family of Ming Qi became more muddle-headed and incompetent as time passes.
They did not think about how to develop the country’s strength but instead thought all the time about how to protect themselves.
The vassal families were all threats.
As per Fu Xiu Yi,
Shen family objective was to live honestly and since the Xie family did not listen to the Imperial commands,
naturally they were the thorn in the late Emperor’s eyes.
When the Xiong Nu attacked,
the Xie family set off with troops with Xie Ding going into battle but in the battlefield,
the presumptuous General Xie’s troops were annihilated to the last man.
When Xie Jing Xing waited for his father return in the middle of the year,
what he waited for was the return of a coffin.
Xie Ding’s death was not the end.
During the funeral the people in the Ding capital send Xie Ding off and the entire country was in mourning.
To the Imperial family,
this was a big taboo.
Thus it did not took long for the appointment of the young Xie Jing Xing to lead the military campaign on behalf of his father.
It was not Xie Jing Xing’s first battle,
like the Xie family,
his talent on the battlefield was enough to make the enemy terrified.
But despite obviously knowing the queer nature of Xie Ding’s death,
this Imperial edict still pushed Xie Jing Xing to the road of death.
Xie Jing Xing still received the Imperial edict,
went into the battlefield and was defeated.
That day he was exposed to the enemy and became the target and thus ended up with thousands of arrows through his heart.
Not only that,
for unknown reasons the body was taken away and the Xiong Nu skin it and hang the body up in the tower to dry to serve a warning to others.
The tragic outcome was played again and Ming Qi went into a national mourning.
Father and son made the battlefield their funeral and the commoners could only see that the Xiong Nu were brutal and the heroic acts of the generals but they did not see that the undercurrent of this conspiracy.
At that time the late Emperor was already approach his coffin,
thus Fu Xiu Yi took over the affairs of the court.
In order to express regret in the bitter outcome of the Xie family,
he conferred titles to the father and son of the Xie family.
Since the titles were useless for the father and son of the Xie family,
it appeased the court and the concubine and the two Shu son’s had all the advantages.
Shen Miao still remember Shen Xin’s look of pain when he came to know of Xie Jing Xing’s death.
She initially thought that the Xie and Shen family were like water and fire and thus when the Xie family fall into despair,
her father would not be sad about it.
Now to think about it,
it was most likely at that time when Shen Xin felt the feeling of the fox grieving when the rabbit dies.
Since the balance was broken with the collapsed of the Xie family,
the next one would be the Shen family.
The ridiculous thing was at that time she single-mindedly pushed the Shen family into this muddy water of the fight of the throne.
Shen Miao did not have any feelings for the Xie family and in the beginning she only felt some regret towards the fate of this young man.
Such an outstanding young man should be leaving a legacy in the country of Ming Qi and who would have expected such an ending.
He knew that the Imperial edict was a seal of death but he still went.
Perhaps it was in order to preserve the dignity of the Xie family and to prove that to the very end that the Xie family loyalty to the country.
But knowing that it cannot be avoided and yet he still proceeded showed that this unruly Xie Jing Xing was not ordinary.
He was an extremely upright and brave person.
As Shen Miao was thinking about it,
Cai Lin squeezed out from the crowd and handed to Xie Jing Xing a small clothed bag saying respectfully,
“Little Marquis,
this is the medical book that you told me to find”
For a little overlord to be this respectful to others,
it shocked the teeth out of everyone.
But after some thought,
it would be as such as Xie Jing was the capital’s overlord.
The Xie family was the overlord of the overlords and which such a mind one would be able to understand Cai Lin’s attitude to Xie Jing Xing.
Feng An Ning quietly whispered into Shen Miao’s ears,
“What do you think of Little Xie Marquis as compared to His Highness Prince Ding?”
Shen Miao choked a little.
She was not used to how well Feng An Ning suddenly treated her.
She seriously said,
“Little Xie Marquis is better”
Not only better,
in her view,
Fu Xiu Yi such a black hearted villain cannot be compared with Xie Jing Xin.
In the beginning when Wan Yu and Fu Ming studied the history of Ming Qi and read the part of the Xie family,
they would secretly tell her that they felt that Xie Jing Xing was a good man true and true and his death was a such a pity.
Even her own son and daughter praise this youth,
naturally he must be good.
Feng An Ning was somewhat surprise and took a long while before she said,
“It really seems that you are truly hurt”
Shen Miao cannot be bothered to explain to her.
They saw Xie Jing Xin,
who was on horseback casually held the saddle and gave Cai Lin a look.
Without any additional words,
he pulled the horse leash and turn away chicly.
The horse stirred up a cloud of soot but it could not conceal the charm of the youth on horseback.
Like the sun in the skies,
he was covered in a bright light in one’s eyes.
Cai Lin was somewhat at a loss and the surrounding females did not conceal their disappointment as they thought that Xie Jing Xing would stay for a longer time.
The strange thing was that Xie Jing Xing was the only one that young noble man would not be jealous of due to his reputation with the young ladies.
It could be that his way of doing things and personality was different from other which made others respect.
Behind her eyes,
Shen Miao was doing some reflection.
After overthrowing the Xie family,
the Shen family would be ushering in monstrous disaster.
Since the two are closely related,
why not easing the situation? If the Imperial family want to get involve then they would have to consider if they have the ability.
Saving the Xie family.
Saving Xie Jing Xing.
Only with that it would give the Shen family an additional bargaining chip.
Shen family is honest and sincere while Xie family is bossy and domineering.
The Imperial family would first deal with the Xie family and she,
perhaps,
may be able to make a deal with the Xie family.
*****
Xie Jing Xing rode all the way and finally stop his horse in front of a tavern.
He flip down the horse and walk to the innermost of the tavern.
In the room there was a white clad handsome you that smile upon seeing him.
“Third Younger Brother”
“Take it!” Xie Jing Xing threw the bag in his hands over,
“In the future,
don’t find for me for such things”
If it was not Gao Yang who request him to find this whatever medical book,
he would not go to Cai Lin and would not be surrounded in Guang Wen Tang like a fool.
Thinking of that silk blossom,
he felt disgusted as he patted his clothes.
Gao Yang knew that this junior of his was a little odd and smiled lightly to joke,
“You should go around more with this temper of yours.
These students’ age are similar to yours and you should learn to be as lively as them” He paused and with a slight urging smile,
“Perhaps there would be an adorable young lady.
You are at the right age,
why are you still alone all day”
Xie Jing Xing was already accustom to the straightforward and quiet nature of his senior and wrote it off in a slightly impatient manner as he thought of the pair of eyes that he saw.
They were a pair of clear eyes like an animal,
with a deep sense of compassion and helplessness.
That kind of look not only made him stun but afterwards the owner looked down in a seemingly shy manner.
But what kind of person was Xie Jing Xing.
He followed his father and travelled extensively,
fought battles and killed people so he has a trained pair of eyes.
That girl was only pretending to admire him but it was unfortunate that she did not know that her pair of eyes were like a pool of stagnant water,
without a single trace of wave.
It was truly interesting.
Chapter 12: Gui Momo
* * *
When Shen Miao got out of the academy and return back to the Shen residence,
the skies were a little dark.
Shen Yue and Shen Qing still did not return together with her and Shen Miao could not be bothered to care about them.
Old Shen Furen had already gone to rest so she went back to the West courtyard.
Just as she reached the West courtyard,
a voice with some warmth sounded,
“Young Lady has finally returned.
This old servant heard that Young Lady had fallen into the water and was very worried.
Seeing that Young Lady is well,
this one’s heart can finally be at ease”
Turning her head to the side,
she saw a middle-aged woman walking over.
This woman was about forty years of age with a slightly fat stature,
slightly darker skin and wore a green dress.
Even though it looked ordinary,
the material used was a good one.
There was only a thick silver bracelet on her wrist as her face wore a smile.
“Gui Momo” Shen Miao faintly replied.
That woman did not think that she did any wrong and continue preaching,
“This old servant wanted to come over earlier but since Ran-er was ill.
After much tossing and turning and seeing there was no other choice,
one only pass Ran-er to his mother and came back to the residence first.
Seeing that Young Lady is alright,
then one’s heart can be settled”
The main point of this words was saying that Shen Miao position in her heart was more important that her own grandson.
If it was the usual,
after listening to these words,
Shen Miao would be greatly moved and gave Gui Momo some taels to get a physician for her grandson.
But after her rebirth,
Shen Miao almost laughed at herself when she saw the woman in front.
In the beginning how blind was she to think that such a person was a loyal servant?
Not long after Shen Furen gave birth to Shen Miao,
she set off with Shen Xin and since Shen Miao was too young and could not bear the difficulty of travelling,
Shen Furen could only reluctantly leave her in Shen residence.
Shen Furen hired a wet nurse for her which was the current Gui Momo.
Gui Momo was born in a farm in their estate and at the beginning Shen Furen saw that she was diligent and honest and afterwards she saw Gui Momo treating Shen Miao very well,
she then felt assured to put her at Shen Miao’s side as a training Momo.
But in this world,
people will change.
There were already very little people in West courtyard in the Shen family and the one calling the shots were the two other households and Old Shen Furen in the East courtyard.
Guo Momo initially took care Shen Miao honestly but after time past,
she saw the power situation clearly and did not hesitate to deflect to the Old Shen Furen in the East courtyard.
With Gui Momo’s flattery character,
Gui Momo had fanned the flames when she was initially bent on marrying Fu Xiu Yi.
But the most detestable thing was that in the beginning when Old Shen Furen brought her far away grandniece to seek refuge with the Shen family,
that grandniece accuse Eldest Brother,
Shen Qiu for ruining her innocence and insisted on getting Eldest Brother to take responsibility.
She finally became her sister-in-law and created a mess out of Eldest Brother’s backyard.
And Gui Momo was the witness to the insult Shen Qiu did to the grandniece.
To think about it now,
it was all but a bad show.
Once disloyal,
one cannot be used for a hundred times.
Moreover with such a person Gui Momo,
a hundred times disloyal,
she naturally have to tidy things up.
For such a dog that run out to others,
might as well be killed instead of keep rearing.
Gui Momo waited for a long time but did not hear Shen Miao giving out any reward and the loving look that she maintained on her face stiffen.
She could not help but look up to see Shen Miao but only saw Shen Miao looking at her indifferently as if it was nothing special.
Her heart suddenly made a ‘kwang dang’ sound.
She did not know why but she suddenly felt guilty.
In the next moment she heard a short and bland answer from Shen Miao,
“Oh.
It is really hard for Momo”
Gu Yu snorted softly and looked at Gui Momo with a sneer.
She always look down on Gui Momo for being a flattering vile person who relied herself as Young Lady’s wet nurse and throw her weight around in the West courtyard.
But her own Young Lady was previously coaxed by this Gui Momo so well that she listen to much of Gui Momo’s words and strained the relationship of many people in the West courtyard.
It was good now.
After Young Lady had woken up from falling into the water,
it seems that she had saw many things clearly and with the lukewarm attitude of Gui Momo,
it would bring a great sense of comfort to Gu Yu.
Gui Momo continued to smile stiffly as she was unable to figure out why was Shen Miao treating her with such a cold attitude today.
Thinking that Shen Miao was not happy due to the matter of falling in the water and smile as she consoled,
“This servant will say a word of advice to Young Lady.
One must not be overly sad and protect one’s health is the important thing.
Young Lady is as pretty as a flower and His Highness Prince Ding would definitely like.
There would always be a day…” She usually would say such pleasing words and would usually pick up on what Shen Miao likes to achieve her favour.
But when these words were spoken today,
she saw Shen Miao’s face changed.
“For Momo to say such words,
is it to put a stain on my innocence?”
Shen Miao coldly said,
“Although father and mother are currently not in the General’s residence,
I am the Di Young Lady from the General’s residence and also the mistress of the West courtyard.
For the reputation of one’s innocence,
with what Momo had said,
what it to deliberately trap be in the pits of fire and water?”
Gui Momo was surprised for a moment and said subconsciously,
“How can Young Lady say it that way? This old servant said it for your sake…”
“So this is saying it is my fault?”
Shen Miao coldly laughed,
“This is also good.
Why not understand it from Old Furen if the innocence of a daughter from the General’s residence is as valuable as a cabbage? Even a cabbage is worth a few coins.
Gui Momo for you to be so honest,
I want to ask if I was overly shameless”
Perhaps she did not expect that Shen Miao would seize the momentum and take her bad mood on her.
Gui Momo was already used to being a tyrant in the West courtyard and usually she could control Shen Miao very well but today to be brought down a peg in front of Gu Yu and Jing Zhe,
she was somewhat angry and could not help but say,
“Young Lady’s words are making this slave look evil.
This old salve have followed by Young Lady’s side for ten over years.
How would Young Lady think that this old servant would be deliberately harm others?”
“Insolent!” Jing Zhe loudly shouted.
“Young Lady is the mistress,
how dare Gui Momo talk to Young Lady like that?”
Gui Momo was surprised and was upset that she was too agitated just now.
But words were like water that were poured out and could not be retrieved and there were so many servants around watching the commotion.
She could only treat Shen Miao as an easily coaxed young girl and quickly said in a soft voice,
“Young Lady,
this old servant really truly feel distress for Young Lady.
This old servant had followed Young Lady for so many years and had already taken Young Lady as one’s own child.
What this old servant said was not correct and Young Lady mustn’t get angry and cause harm to the body”
Taken her as her own child? Shen Miao sneered in her heart.
She felt that this Gui Momo was a genius.
Usually she would gain a lot of gold from here but treated the East courtyard as the official master.
At the end she made her Eldest Brother eat up such a huge disadvantage.
If it was her previous lifetime,
a servant like this is in the Palace,
she would have gotten someone to beat her up and killed.
But now… Since Gui Momo had the heart to join the East courtyard,
how about using her hands to let the East courtyard suffer a huge loss?
She raised her eyebrows as spoke in a light tone,
“Since Gui Momo knows,
then only punish with three months of salary”
Gui Momo facial expression stiffen as a smile appear on Shen Miao’s lips.
What would Gui Momo do when there was no more money?
Naturally pledge her loyalty to the East courtyard.
Chapter 13: Secretly Ganging Up
* * *
A cool breeze started up during the night as it nears autumn,
turning the weather colder by the day.
The Ding capital was in the North,
making the cold more surprising.
Under the light,
the young female held a book as she read it slowly while leaning against the couch.
She did not know that the tea beside her has turned cold as she continue reading her book in a trance.
Bai Lu stared blankly at her own Young Lady as if in a short span of one night,
this young lady had become different from the one before.
Even now that she was quietly reading,
would be unusual as Shen Miao previously hates to read.
But now with the looks of it,
if she did not know that it was her own Young Lady,
Bai Lu would have thought that she would have come across some noble furen.
Bai Lu did not really understand how would a young lady have such an imposing matter as she stood in her position in a daze.
It would only when Shuang Jiang walked over and nudged her to reprimand softly,
“Stand here foolishly for what?”
She walked over and placed the cloak around Shen Miao and warmly advised,
“Young Lady,
it seems that the time is no longer early and there was a need to go to Guang Wen Tang tomorrow.
It would be better to rest early”
Shen Miao shook her head,
“Go and rest first,
I will read for a while longer”
What kind of reasoning would there be for a mistress to not sleep while a maid rest.
Shuang Jiang could not do anything and wanted to persuade her again but was held back by Gu Yu who was changing the tea and pulled out to the outer room with Bai Lu.
“Gu Yu,
what is it?”
Bai Lu did not understand,
“Young Lady’s health just recovered,
why did you not go up to persuade?”
“How did I not persuade?”
Gu Yu head ached,
“Would the current Young Lady listen to my words? She had been reading books for an entire day and I guess that it should be the homework from her teacher and Young Lady has made up her mind to complete.
What other choice do I have” She glanced back to the room worriedly.
When she was formally timid,
she would always want the advice of others.
Now that she was no longer timid,
when she made up her mind,
no one dared to refute.
As she was serving close by,
Gu Yu felt that every Shen Miao orders,
one simply dare not refuse.
Just speaking plainly like that would also reveal an imposing stance.
Even when Master flew into a rage,
it wasn’t as scary as this,
Gu Yu sighed.
In the room,
Shen Miao was still reading.
She was seriously reading through and did not leave any detail behind.
If one were to look in detail,
they would have found that the book she was holding was “Ming Qi Official Annals”.
Other than the big events since the founding of the country to the current Ming Qi,
she was only familiar to the events that would happen in the next few decades and thus prepared some methods to prevent the tragedies from happening.
But prior to this,
she must find out who were the vessels families and what were their current situation.
The footsteps of the Emperor to eradicate these families were much nearer.
As per what Shen Miao remembered,
if there was no other mishaps,
there would be a big catastrophe next month.
As an enemy’s enemy is one’s friend,
if these vessel families has reached its end,
it would soon be the Shen family’s turn.
Before Shen Xin return,
Shen residence can only be supported by her only and she have to also defend against those wolves from the East courtyard.
Shen Miao’s presumption was accurate as that night Gui Momo entered Rong Jing Tang.
She brought the specialities that she brought back this trip but it was Zhang Mama,
who works by Old Shen Furen’s side,
who was pulled away by her as she kept talking about Shen Miao’s disobedient ways and how she would frequently lash out words of anger.
How would Zhang Mama not know what intention she had.
After accompanying her to say a few rather neutral words,
Gui Momo asked Zhang Mama to say some good words for her in front of Old Shen Furen before leaving.
Just as she left Rong Qing Tang’s courtyard,
she saw the Ren Wan Yun’s maid,
Xiang Lan walking over.
When she saw her,
she smiled,
“Gui Momo,
I was looking for you”
“Oh” When Gui Momo squinted her eyes to see and saw Xiang Lan,
she also smiled,
“Why is Miss Xiang Liang looking for me?”
“It is of no big matter” Xiang Lan walked over and tugged Gui Momo’s arm,
“It was that our Mistress heard that you know a place that sells rouge and the rouge was especially pretty,
thus looked for you to ask where can the rouge be bought”
This was obviously an excuse indicating that Ren Wan Yun was looking for Gui Momo to have some private words.
Gui Momo was well aware of it and went along with Xiang Lan,
“This is a small matter.
If Madam wants to listen,
I would tell Madam the place.
Speaking of that rouge,
many young lady and madam of official families love to use it…”
Following Xiang Lan to Cai Yun Yuan,
the maids outside were already sent away.
Ren Wan Yun sat on the couch.
As Second Shen Master was still outside entertaining and have yet to return,
she was casually doing some needlework and was most likely embroidering the edge of a pouch but was also eating from a plate of grapes beside her.
This was rare item as one would not be able to find any grapes in Ding capital at this kind of season.
Only Second Master had the ability to obtain a basket of it to let the female in his own courtyard eat.
Gui Momo spitted in her heart.
Although from the surface the Second Household did not ill-treated the First Household but whatever Shen Miao used and eat only looked magnificent on the outside but was like things that was merchant families was not able to sell off.
And on the topic of food,
Shen Miao would not have the opportunity to have grapes.
As she was thinking about it,
Ren Wan Yun finally put down the needlework in her hand and said,
“Gui Momo”
Gui Momo quickly recovered herself and answered,
“Mistress,
this old servant is here”
Ren Wan Yun was already forty years old and even though she has maintained excellently,
there were still fine lines at the corner of her eyes.
But when she sat there,
wearing clothes cut from good material and her manners were like the Furen who was in charge of her household,
even if she smiled,
there was some imposing appearance.
She said,
“Heard that you have returned.
As Little Five’s heath has only recovered,
you need to take good care of her”
Gui Momo started to jeer in her heart,
who did not know that the East courtyard cannot wait for the West courtyard to be in trouble and how would Ren Wan Yun have such good intentions.
It was all to pull the wool over other people’s eyes.
Sure enough Ren Wan Yun continued,
“In these few days,
Little Five was probably did not feel happy about the matter of falling into the water and since Eldest Brother and Sister are not around,
whatever I,
as a Shen Shen,
do would be wrong.
If one were to hear anything,
it could only be heard from you”
This meant that Ren Wan Yun wanted Gui Momo to tell her every single move of Shen Miao’s.
Gui Momo quickly said,
“It is Fifth Young Lady’s fortune to have Madam’s concern.
But from what this old servant see,
Fifth Young Lady is indeed angry about the matter of falling into the water.
The situation these recent days had changed quite a bit that she was also distanced with this old servant.
Not touching on other matters,
just today,
this old servant was punished and lost three months of salary for nothing” She frowned,
“This old servant heard that Fifth Young Lady had fallen into the water and was so anxious that one did not care if one’s grandson was still sick but who knew that Fifth Young Lady would lash out at this old servant,
making this old servant’s heart not at ease”
Ren Wan Yun was somewhat impatient to listen to non-relating matters and asked,
“At the end,
it is still because of her heart.
Then what is Gui Momo’s view,
was there any change in attitude from Little Five on His Highness Prince Ding?”
This was what she wanted to ask the most.
Gui Momo’s eyes turned and she said,
“Fifth Young Lady seems to want to draw a line with His Highness Prince Ding and did not want this old servant to mention today.
But this old servant has followed Fifth Young Lady for so many years and understands her temper.
With regards to the matter of His Highness Prince Ding,
Fifth Young Lady would not give up this easily.
These words ware only said in exasperation of a young female and cannot be taken as the truth”
As the words were spoken,
a look of ruthlessness appeared on Ren Wan Yun’s face.
Chapter 14: Mother and Daughter
* * *
After Gui Momo left,
Shen Qing walked out from behind the dividing screen.
She climbed up to Ren Wan Yun’s side and cling onto her mother as she spoke with a tone that was unable to hide the anger,
“Mother,
Shen Miao is not willing to give up His Highness Prince Ding.
What should I do?”
Among the three household in Shen family,
the First Household was undoubtedly holding the highest official position and it is very possible if Shen Miao would ask Shen Xin to request a marriage for her.
But she also love Prince Ding so what was she considered as if Shen Miao succeed?
His Highness Prince Ding was such a handsome and talented person,
how can he be possessed by a stupid and ignorant Shen Miao.
Every time she thought about this,
Shen Qing could not resign her heart to it a hundred times.
“Rest assures.
In this Shen residence,
no one can be bigger than you” Ren Wan Yun said,
“Shen Miao has a stupid character and there is nothing to fear about her.
Your mother naturally has ways to let her not marry His Highness Prince Ding,
but it is you…” She sighed,
“There is no harm in seriously looking at the people from Qiu Shui Yuan.
You really think that the Second Girl is a good person? You have such thoughts but Second Girl may not have it”
“Shen Yue?”
Shen Qing wrinkled her brows,
“She also love His Highness Prince Ding? How is it possible?”
Shen Qing said,
“Even if she truly likes His Highness Prince Ding,
Third Shu’s rank is not higher than Eldest Bo and naturally would not be able to say anything.
No matter how one see,
it cannot be anything to fear from”
Ren Wan Yun pointed at Shen Qing’s head as she rebuke,
“How can I rest assure with you.
Your Third Shen is a formidable person,
in the beginning your Third Shu…” Seemingly realising that these words should not be said in front of children,
Ren Wan Yun suddenly kept quiet.
She only said,
“In short,
you need not take Fifth Girl at heart as Mother will naturally handle the matter”
“Thanking Mother” Shen Qing sweetly said.
Both mother and daughter smiled.
Inside Qiu Shui Yuan,
Chen Rou Qiu was sitting at the table writing.
She was a female from a scholarly family and had unbounded talents.
Even though she was a married woman,
she still often like to read books and calligraphy.
Shen Yue stood behind her,
clad in a yellow dress that make her body slim,
just like a younger version of Chen Rou Qiu.
“Mother,
why did you said that to Gui Momo?”
She could not help to ask after a long time.
Gui Momo came over once but unexpectedly Chen Rou Qiu did not only prevent Gui Momo from stopping Shen Miao to continue to be in love with His Highness Prince Ding,
she also let Gui Momo advise Shen Miao that His Highness Prince Ding was a good place to be married to.
“Won’t this make her more determined to marry His Highness Prince Ding?”
Shen Yue complained.
Chen Rou Qiu place the brush down and gently sighed before pulling Shen Yue’s hands to the couch to sit and said,
“Yue-er,
didn’t Mother tell you before that whatever things that one does,
especially within this house,
must be done in a big round.
This is that if anything would to happen in the future,
one would blame the heavens and earth but would not blame you”
Shen Yue shook her head,
“Mother,
I do not understand”
Chen Rou Qiu smiled.
This daughter of hers was gentle and talented and she was also not stupid but she was after all too young.
It was most likely Third Master Shen doted on her too much thus she did not know how dangerous the inner courtyard was.
It was unlike her in the beginning,
when she was in the minister’s residence,
there were a bunch of older and younger sisters,
Yiniangs and concubines.
Which one of them was easy to deal with? That was why after she was married,
she firmly grasp Third Master Shen in the palm of her hands.
But the most regrettable thing was that she was unable to give birth to a son.
No matter how much Third Master Shen dote on her,
if there was no son,
it meant that there was no weight at her side.
Sooner or later the Third Master Shen would need to give the concubines soup to ensure no birth.
At that time… What a scene would it be?
So she must educate this daughter very well.
“Yue-er,
what do you think of Little Five?”
She asked softly.
Shen Yue thought for a while and replied,
“She doesn’t know anything about accounting or current affairs,
not good at the four scholarly arts and she is stupid and ignorant and is not articulate.
If it was not for Eldest Bo’s reputation,
no one would give her any face.
Even it is Shu daughters would also have more bearing than her”
If anyone where to hear it,
they would be shocked.
These words of demeaning Shen Miao to be worthless actually came out from her gentle and soft TangJie.
From what everyone knew,
Shen Miao’s best friend was Shen Yue.
“Perhaps it was like this in the past” Chen Rou Qiu shook her head,
“But after falling into the water,
from the way I see,
Little Five has changed a lot”
“Why does Mother say that?”
Shen Yue was puzzled.
Chen Rou Qiu also did not know why there was such a feeling.
Perhaps it was the pique words that a little girl said in a moment of anger but Chen Rou Qiu had seen a lot of people and thus as compared to her self-declared astute Second Sister-in-law,
she saw it clearly that Shen Miao became smarter.
Her dialogue with Old Furen at Rong Jing Tang,
as well as the appearance was very much different than before.
Could it be that the matter with Prince Ding had gave her such a big blow or was it that there was an expert helping her?
In any case,
one must not take it lightly at all.
“Perhaps it was because of the attack from Prince Ding.
But Yue-er,
mother has spoken to you before,
a smart female would not deal with other female.
She would only deal with men” Chen Rou Qiu’s voice was soft and gentle like she was singing,
“Since you are committed to His Highness Prince Ding,
why should your sights be on Shen Miao? No matter how much power your Eldest Bo has,
in this world,
there was no logic that a man would adore a stupid and ignorant female.
His Highness Prince Ding is a royalty and if he were to really marry such an unbearable female,
won’t that be the greatest joke under the skies?”
“But…” Shen Yue felt some grievances.
“Listen to mother’s words.
You must not only not alienate from Little Five but also be friends with her like before.
You have to double up the hard work so that everyone can see your talent and beauty.
The more outstanding you are,
it would appear that she is more stupid and foolish” Chen Rou Qiu smiled as though she was saying general things but each word exposed her hidden motives,
“I let Gui Momo persuade her to continue to be in love with Prince Ding so that the stupid girl would whole-heartedly dive in and that would me her a laughing stock.
Thus His Highness Prince Ding would only be doubly disgusted with her”
“So in this way…” Shen Yue seemed to understand a little.
Chen Rou Qiu stroked her head,
“You are a clever child and should be able to understand mother’s intention.
So you have to persuade her to continue to love Prince Ding and also make a fool of herself in front of Prince Ding.
It is only by doing so,
His Higness Prince Ding would notice the more outstanding you.
Even if everyone under the skies wants His Highness Prince Ding to marry Little Five,
you will still win if the person in His Highness Prince Ding’s heart is you”
“Mother…” To say such a thing out loud,
Shen Yue embarrassingly buried her head into Chen Rou Qiu’s arms,
“I understand”
Chen Rou Qiu smiled.
In the beginning,
there were also many obstructions to the marriage to Third Shen Master and that time Third Shen Master was considered handsome and talented,
thus there were many matchmakers that went over to discuss about marriage.
Why she was only selected? It was because there was an encounter at the temple where she was wearing a white dress playing qin under a tree and Third Master Shen heard it.
Third Master Shen took her as a celestial being and insisted on marrying her as his wife when he returned.
Third Master Shen loved to listen the qin and his favourite colour is white.
See.
So many females were fighting but it was her that became the final winner and it was because she knew from the beginning that she was only dealing with one man.
So what of the three Di daughters of Shen family? Only her Yue-er can deal with His Highness Prince Ding.
Chapter 15: Su Ming Feng
* * *
No matter what the East courtyard did,
Shen Miao still deliberately alienated people from both Second and Third Household.
She no longer stuck herself to Shen Yue and Shen Qing anymore.
At first,
everyone in Shen residence thought that she was only throwing a childish tantrum about the matter of falling into the water but Shen Miao started to conduct matters with her own thinking,
thus everyone felt that there was something not right.
Gui Momo persuaded Shen Miao like per usual not to be angry with the East courtyard and occasionally also mentioned about Prince Ding being a peerless man in Ming Qi.
But Shen Miao seems to be unshakeable as every time Gui Momo mentioned of that person,
she would berate her furiously which gave Gui Momo a headache.
However the West courtyard was filled with crafty servants from the Second and Third Household and Gu Yu and the rest thought that since Shen Miao’s temper had change,
she would rearrange the matters in the inner courtyard.
Who knew that Shen Miao actually ignore it.
Naturally,
Shen Miao has her own plans.
These past few days,
she had been going to Guang Wen Tang more diligently.
Even though everyone view her like she was at the bottom,
she was not angry and only did her things well.
The more she was that magnanimous,
the more others would feel bored and thus she was about to have some days of peace.
Today after literary classes had ended,
Shen Miao a little constriction in her chest and thus headed to the garden in Guang Wen Tang for a casual walk.
Although Guang Wen Tang was an academy,
it covers quite a vast area.
As there were three different grades,
level one,
two and three,
Shen Miao was in level two because of her age but unknowingly went to the area of level one.
In an coincidence,
she saw a little child sitting on the steps wiping away his tears.
This child looked around the age of twelve and was fair and plump.
Perhaps his body was too bloated,
one would think he was a rounded ball at first glance.
He was clad in a silver lined blue robes,
a pair of small boots and a collar round his neck.
Just like a doll out from a new year painting.
Shen Miao was slightly stunned and she walked over to say softly,
“Why are you crying?”
That doll did not think that someone would come over suddenly and was so surprised that he rolled down the steps with a ‘pu tong’.
He did not cry but sat up and looked at Shen Miao blankly.
He was naturally fair and plump,
with a pair of sparkling eyes,
with a small crease on his head and there were still tears on his face,
making him charmingly naive.
Shen Miao could not help but burst out a laugh.
That child said in a childlike manner,
“Older sister”
Shen Miao’s heart almost melted when this child called her.
She gave birth to Wan Yu and Fu Ming in her past lifetime but she was already in the Qin country as a hostage before Wan Yu and Fu Ming was five.
When she returned,
both children had already learn the etiquette and obediently called her ‘Imperial Mother’.
Shen Miao herself did not know how her two children were like before the age of five.
Seeing that even this child was older,
he seems ignorant of the world and reminded her of Wan Yu and Fu Ming.
Shen Miao slightly bend down and pat his head,
“What are you crying for?”
“The teacher asked me a question and I could not answer so I was hit on my palm” The child took his hands out,
revealing red palms as he said in grievance,
“It is very painful”
Shen Miao wanted to tease him so she continued asking,
“What question did the teacher ask?”
“The teacher want me to write the words ‘the fox grieves when the rabbit dies’ but I am unable to do it” The child cried.
If one was at an age for level one in the academy and not know to write from memory,
it would be somewhat unjustifiable.
Disregarding Shen Miao herself,
such a child in Ming Qi at this age would have started to learn to deal with the political affairs at court,
even it was only pretending to contact,
more or less many could cope with it.
Even though the youths in the Imperial family would mature faster,
the children studying in Guang Wen Tang were all from aristocratic families and would not matured that slowly.
That child seemed to have not complained enough and continued to chirp,
“If I was to return and father was to come into knowledge about it,
he would severely punish me.
What meaning is there for me to live,
it would be better to just die”
Shen Miao was a little shock with the tone of the child’s voice and also find it funny.
Thinking of which family this lively treasure came from and also where this child learn such a dramatic statement from,
she asked,
“Which family are you from?”
That child looked at Shen Miao.
Currently Shen Miao just passed fourteen years of age and combine with her childlike look,
she looked as old as this child.
But for some unknown reason,
there was an indescribable air around her,
as though as she had seen great winds and high waves and could calm people down.
Even this child also involuntary quieten down and told her his own background.
“I am the Second Young Master of the Ping Nan Bo’s family in the capital,
Su Ming Lang.
My father is Ping Nan Bo,
Su Yu and my eldest brother is Ping Nan Bo’s heir,
Su Ming Feng”
He actually came clean about it and clarified his own family background clearly.
Shen Miao was surprised for a moment,
the Su family? Ping Nan Bo?
No matter if it was her past life or this life,
the Su family and the Shen family had no association as they had opposing political views.
The Su family had a good relationship with the Xie family.
Ping Nan Bo,
Su Wu and Marquis of Lin An,
Xie Ding were very good brothers and Su Ming Feng and Xie Jing Xing were friends that played together since childhood.
To what extent their relationship were? When Su Ming Feng died,
only Xie Jing Xing dare to collect his corpse.
Yes.
Su Ming Feng died.
Or it can be said that the entire Su family perished.
The late Emperor dug out evidences of the Su family involvement in a conspiracy to sell military horses.
As for the matter on military horses,
once they were involved,
there was no room for any leeway at all.
The Imperial edict came suddenly and swiftly.
They were not even trial and the army directly confiscated their possession and executed them on the spot.
In the middle of the day the entire Su family blood flowed from the East to the West of the Ding capital.
By the time Xie Jing Xing knew about it,
it was too late as there was no survivors of the Su families.
Those who had a good relationship with them did not appear at all and it was Xie Jing Qing who personally collect the corpse of the Su family members before going to the late Emperor to plead guilty of his offences and requested burial for them with regards to the meritorious services that the Su family once done for Ming Qi.
The late Emperor allowed it,
thus the funeral for the Su family was single-handedly organised by the Xie family.
Shen Miao remembered very clearly that when Shen Xin knew the matter upon his return at the end of the year,
he sighed for a period of time.
The Su family demise would be around two months later.
It would be soon that this innocent and ignorant child would also die from that cold Imperial Edict.
Her expression suddenly became a little cold and her eyes were faintly glowing.
The child could not help but shrink back a little.
When Shen Miao look back at the child,
her tone was just as gentle as before,
“Su Ming Feng? Was he the heir of the Su family that completed a great meritorious service recently and managed the military horses excellently?”
“Yes!” The child held his head up and replied,
“Dad said that His Majesty would definitely reward Eldest Brother with a rank this time”
Shen Miao smiled as she bend over slightly and leaned against the child to softly say,
“You said that if your father know that you are unable to answer the teacher’s question,
you would be punished.
I have a method that would make him not punish you”
“What is it?”
The child blinked as he asked.
“You have to promise me that you cannot tell them that it was I who told you,
then I will speak”
“Alright” The child thought for a long while before nodding.
Chapter 16: Boil The Hound Once The Rabbit Is Caught
* * *
The Su family was a big clan that was in charge of the military horses and would be superior than others by a level as it was a high ranking official who was only able to hold the position of managing the matters of the military horses’ rations.
Su family’s military horses striking status was already in place since the founding of Ming Qi and was managed very well.
There was no exception from Ping Nan Bo,
Su Yu.
From his view,
the Su family was splendid and would certainly continue on for a long time.
Perhaps loyal officials would have such a thought like this,
as long as one waw to faithfully work,
the Imperial family would not treat them unfairly.
But since the ancient times,
accompanying one’s sovereign can be like accompanying a tiger.
In this world of things,
who would be able to say it clearly?
Su Yu would be forty years of age when the year ends and can be considered quite loving to his Furen.
Even though he had a few concubines,
they gave birth to all daughters.
There was only two Di sons so he was always very strict on the education of his sons.
His Eldest Son,
Su Ming Feng started to serve the government at a young age and was like him,
in charge to the military horses and in fact did better than Su Yu in this half a year.
Just some time ago Su Ming Feng collaborated with the veterinarians in the Imperial Medical Court and reformed some guidelines of military horses and because of that,
the number of warhorses that die due to plagues dropped by half.
This was a great merit.
After the military statistics are up next month,
Su Ming Feng would definitely be rewarded.
Bestowing rewards were secondary but the main thing was that this represented glory and honour.
Su Yu has past his prime and currently Su Ming Feng was of the right age and the son should succeed his father’s career,
thus it was time to expand Su Ming Feng’s reputation.
If Su Ming Feng was much more outstanding,
maybe he would become the next confidant and talent of the heir apparent to the throne.
Su Yu was naturally happy because of his remarkable eldest son but his youngest son gave him a headache.
Probably because his youngest son was only born when his Furen was rather old thus his Furen doted him a lot and he developed a spoilt personality.
Not to mention about being as outstanding as his oldest son,
even when comparing among his peers,
he would be behind them.
As Su Ming Lang was not the eldest son,
naturally he need not inherit the title of the heir so it did not matter if he was a little dumb.
But Su Yu had a unbending personality and would not tolerate any slight in his own son.
Thus he would test his homework after each return from the academy,
his little son would suffer the reprimands and his Furen would cover up his shortcomings,
making it seems a little like all hell break loose.
But this day,
Su Yu was in the studying discussing some things with Su Ming Feng.
Both father and son had endless to talk about on the topic of military horses.
Master Su was elated.
To have such an outstanding son,
what else could he not be satisfied with.
As they discussed,
they started to talk about Su Ming Feng’s bestowment in the following month.
“In my opinion,
this time His Majesty would definitely confer an official title.
For the time being don’t mention about bestowment of precious stones or whatever,
Father is only hoping that your career would be more stable.
Now that the Xiong Nu has begun to stir,
the attention needs to be on the military horses.
Ming Feng,
as long as you are able to get His Majesty’s high regards,
in the future the Su family can only go further.
Your younger brother is still young,
so you still need to carry the Su family on your shoulders”
Su Ming Feng nodded his head in agreement.
He was in his youth and there was upright and awe-inspiring look in his brows.
However,
his eyes could not help but reveal a little pride as it was the period where youths were determined not to fall short of expectations.
Not only from the affirmation from his father,
he was elated that the importance of the matters he managed has been steadily increasing.
Both father and son were in a good mood when the servant at the door announced,
“Master,
Second Young Master has returned”
It was just at the time when Second Young Master Su Ming Lang was dismissed from the academy.
Every day when Su Ming Lang finishes his lessons,
he would always be called into Master Su’s study for a test on his lessons and there was no exception today.
Master Su was holding down some of his headache as he look at his outstanding oldest son,
then look at his second son who was as stupid as a little pig and felt that it was somewhat comical.
Everyday Su Ming Lang came to the study and at the end Su Yu will roll in anger.
Today was the same.
Su Ming Lang slowly entered the study and his lips curled up as he called out,
“Father.
Eldest Brother”
He was just like a little round ball,
which was silly yet adorable.
Su Ming Feng stroke his younger brother’s head,
“Ming Lang,
is everything well in the class today?”
Su Ming Lang pursed his lips and did not speak.
Every time he did that it would mean that it did not go well,
not one bit.
He has been reprimanded by his teacher.
Master Su put a stern face on and said to Su Ming Lang,
“Extend your palm out”
Su Ming Lang shrank back a bit and extended his hands in grievance.
One could see a few red marks on the fair and tender palms.
If these weren’t strokes of a ruler,
what else can they be?
Master Su had a look of expectant but it was Su Ming Feng that felt anguished for his own younger brother as he asked,
“How could this teacher beat this heavily? He is just a child”
“It is all of your coddling that spoil him to this level!” Master Su flew into a rage after he heard it and angrily said,
“What went wrong today”
Little Su Ming Lang hesitated before speaking mincingly,
“The teacher asked me about ‘the fox grieves when the rabbit dies’ but I was unable to memorise it…”
“How do you want me to scold you!” Master Su had a look of pain in his face,
“You can’t even memorise words.
Look at the young masters of your age,
which one of them are like you.
When your Eldest Brother was at your age,
he was already reading books on military horses.
The face of our Su family is almost thrown away by you!”
Su Ming Feng was about to try to persuade when he heard his own Second Younger Brother sobbing out,
“Even though I was unable to memorise ‘the fox grieves when the rabbit dies’,
I was able to memorise ‘boiling the hound once the rabbit is caught’ and it is longer by two words (in the Chinese wording 4 words vs 6 words).
Since both has the same meaning,
isn’t it the same if one were to memorise ‘boiling the hound once the rabbit is caught’?”
“What nonsense” Master Su simply did not know what else to say.
Su Ming Feng smiled and said,
“Second Younger Brother,
these two phrases do not have the same meaning”
“Then what do they mean?”
Su Ming Lang raise his head to ask.
“The meaning of ‘the fox grieves when the rabbit dies’ is that the rabbit died and the fox felt that it would suffer the same fate and felt sad.
But ‘boiling the hound once the rabbit is caught’ meant that the rabbit was dead and there was no more value for the hunting dog so it was cooked.
It means to say that once a thing has no more value and of no more interest,
then the tool can be discarded.
‘Boiling the hound once the rabbit is caught’ and ‘destroying the bridge after crossing the river’ are somewhat similar” Su Ming Feng was a good elder brother as he patiently answered his own younger brother’s question.
But Su Ming Lang shook his head and still had a look of confusion,
“Since both were a matter of after the rabbit is dead,
it should be treated the same.
Anyways the rabbit is dead”
Su Ming Feng was about to explain but saw his father suddenly looked shocked as he softly repeated again,
“The rabbit is dead?”
“Yes” Su Ming Lang opened his palm out as his plump rounded face looked innocently yet stubbornly,
“Anyhow,
both the rabbit is dead.
Isn’t the meaning that once the rabbit dies,
the fox and dog would be out of luck? Since everyone are out of luck,
then both phrases would still mean the same thing”
It was the natural order to boil the hound once the rabbit was caught.
For a fable to be one,
there was definitely base on major principles in life.
The rabbit died but the fox was cleverer than the hound and would have seen his own ending.
But who was the hunting hound? What would be the outcome of the hound that help its master to hunt for the rabbit?
Su Yu’s expression gradually sunk.
Chapter 17: Who Taught you
* * *
A major event occurred in the early October.
Su Ming Feng,
the Eldest Young Master Su,
the heir of the Nan Ping Bo family in the Ding capital suddenly came down with a serious illness and had to recuperate at home.
Ping Nan Bo was heart ached for his favoured son thus he and his Furen stayed at home to take care of the Eldest Young Master Su and temporarily disregards matters on the military horses.
His Majesty bestowed some things to express his sympathy and also arranged the new official to take over the management matters.
The people in the Ding capital all sighed with regret on the matter.
That Eldest Young Master Su was a talented youth and achieved a great merit shortly after becoming an official but just as he meteorically rise and when his future was unlimited,
he suddenly succumbed to this serious illness.
Even if one was a talented genius,
if three to five years pass before his return,
there would not be any foothold for him in court.
The commoners saw it as such but the colleagues in court were uncertain.
Some wise people said,
“This isn’t any illness and it is obviously avoiding a disaster.
Originally one would think that this Su family had been adding oil into the blaze and seeing that the fire would burn them up.
Who would have thought that they saw the situation clearly and took such a drastic measure to deal with the situation”
When these things reached Shen Miao’s ears,
she was pruning the Begonia flowers in the middle of the courtyard.
These days in the Guang Wen Tang,
everyone had something new to talk about the Eldest Young Master Su that no one paid much attention to her.
She also had a few rare days of leisure.
“Young Lady now like all these flowers and greenery” Gu Yu smiled as she said,
“This Begonia flower blossoms really well”
The deep red Begonia flower petals gave a bit of colour to the chill of the autumn.
When she was the Empress,
she was learning to manage the Inner Palace,
helping Fu Xiu Yi to win over the officials,
be the hostage in Qin country and fight with Mei Furen.
Most of the time she was living in the midst of manipulations and fights,
how would she have the mood to casually prune flowers?
“Do you know why the Begonia flower blossom so brilliantly?”
She asked.
Even though Gu Yu did not understand why her own Young Lady would ask such a question,
she still replied with a smiled,
“This is the seeds that the steward bought from outside.
It was said that they were expensive seeds.
Furen also praised that this type of Begonia looks particularly good in the autumn”
Shen Miao gently shook her head.
How would that be the reason?
Just like the Palace,
the land of the cold and gloom,
and even the flowers outside the Cold Palace were all filled with exquisite flowers.
It was because under those flowers there were many bones.
In this world,
there would always be the coldest reasons for the brightest things.
The Su family has understood this principle.
What would they do?
She smiled slightly.
*****
In the residence of Ping Nan Bo.
The courtyard of Eldest Young Master Su was tightly guarded that other than the close servants and family,
no one else could enter.
One can only smell the heavy scent of medication as Master Su closed the doors to all guest and did not see any outsiders.
As the good friend of the Su heir,
little Marquis Xie naturally paid the sick person a visit.
The Xie family’s carriage was parked outside the Su residence and the servants were moving the herbs down in great difficulty.
These hers were all placed in wooden boxes and it can be seen that the little Marquis had very good intentions for his good friend.
In the study,
Su Ming Feng wore a green robe.
Other than some weight loss,
his spirits was as energetic as usual,
where were the traces of a serious illness?
The brocade clad youth who was facing him tighten his brows and ask out loud,
“Avoiding a disaster?”
“Exactly” Su Ming Feng look at his good friend and sighed,
“Now you see that the situation is getting better and better for the Su family and the Su family was already in an unbroken streak for generations.
Thus with regards to the matters on the military horses,
there should not be further promotions.
But His Majesty did not suppress but instead flatter the Su family”
“You also made a contribution” Xie Jing Xing reminded.
“It was because of the meritorious contribution that Father and me had become rather complacent and forgot the danger hidden behind it.
The bigger the merit gets,
it would become a curse.
The things I said,
you understood but because Su family was in the situation,
one’s eyes would be obscured by a single leaf.
Now that everything becomes clear at once,
one must rein the horse at the edge of the precipice as it is just too dangerous”
“Doing this is also good” Xie Jing Xing nodded his head,
“But you now need to stay at home for a few years in vain”
“I only want the Su family to be safe and sound” Su Ming Feng said,
“Enough talking about me,
how about talking about you? Su family and Xie family would enjoy ups and downs together,
since the Su family have act in the nick of time,
your Xie family…” He did not continue on.
Xie Jing Xing’s eyebrows rose,
“What can he do to me if I do not serve as an official? There is only one Marquis of Lin An in the Xie family,
he have to take in account everyone’s words”
Xie Jing Xing and Su Ming Feng are different.
Because of the Su family Su Yu had earlier on gotten his son to serve as an official.
But Xie Jing Xing did not do so and he only had an leisure post to his name.
Many campaigns that he went with Xie Ding was with the name of a family member.
Even if the Imperial family wanted to suppress the Xie family,
they would not beat down a son that would not take over the family clan.
“You do have deep plans and distant thoughts” Su Ming Feng could not help but laugh.
“I did it not to guard against him” Xie Jing Xing lazily said.
He truly did not guard against the Imperial family but just to go against his father.
“However, ” He frowned and suddenly turned the conversation around,
“How did you suddenly figure out this matter.
The previous times that I had reminded you,
you did not take it to mind”
Su Ming Feng bowed his head in shame,
“Emotions ran high and one became complacent,
so how would one think that much.
This time it was all thanks to my second younger brother”
“Your second younger brother?”
Xie Jing Xing who was leaning against the chair lazily,
sat up straight after listening as a look flash in his eyes,
“That glutinous rice dumpling?”
Su Ming Lang was a stupid dumpling was nothing strange,
but how was he able to remind the Su family of these matters unless he had taken the wrong medicine?
Su Ming Feng explained the ins and outs of everything before saying,
“If it wasn’t Second Younger Brother who act without thinking,
maybe a it would have led to a disaster?”
“Act without thinking?”
Xie Jing Xing said softly to himself.
Just at the same time,
a tender voice sounded,
“Eldest Brother,
mother let me bring you some snacks”
Su Ming Lang was carrying a flower shaped pastry as he walked in with his short little legs.
He was like a round glutinous ball and his mouth was covered with a lot of crumbs.
He apparently had been secretly eating a lot of it on the way over.
These days,
because of his inadvertent reminder,
the Su family changed their tactics and even Master Su,
who was most satisfied with him also for the first time felt that his son would ‘be a powerful person’,
was ‘intelligent and nimble’ and that ‘great intelligence may appear to be stupid’.
Su Furen also made a lot of food for him to eat and in just a short few days,
Su Ming Lang had grown rounder.
When he saw that Xie Jing Xing was still present,
he could not help but lower his voice.
He did not know why but he was always somewhat afraid of this handsome good friend of his Eldest Brother.
Su Ming Lang place the snacks on the table and turned to run away after he said,
“Eldest Brother,
I am leaving” He did not think that someone grabbed a hold of his collar.
He turned back and saw that youth clad in brocade garments gently squatted down and pat his head with a pair of vivid and smiling eyes but his eye expression was incomparably cold.
He asked,
“Who taught you that sentence?”
Su Ming Lang stared wide eyed.
“Boil the hound once the rabbit is caught” Xie Jing Xin smiled extremely evilly.
Chapter 18: So It Was You
* * *
The days were always gone too fast.
With the weather turning colder,
the students of Guang Wen Tang also start to prepare for the academy examinations that will be held at the end of the month.
The young males did it so that they could be officials and the young females did it to show off their talents so that there would be more value when they marry in the future or that prospective matches would take a fancy to them.
This was what the noble children must do,
even pampered females like Feng An Ning also started to work harder these days.
Needless to say about Shen Qing and Shen Yue,
Shen Yue especially compose poetry and play the Qin in the East courtyard all day long,
looking forward to be in the limelight this time round again.
Shen Yue and Shen Qing were already fifteen and according to the traditions,
it is the time where the two families would meet.
The females in Ming Qi would be married around the age of sixteen so they can be engaged at the age of fifteen.
Shen Qing and Shen Yue did not settle it for a long time because they set their eyes very high and look down on those of the same status but it would be somewhat not knowing what is good for themselves if they set it too high.
In the end these two household invariably fixed their sights towards Prince Ding.
Among the nine sons of the late Emperor,
only the ninth,
Prince Ding,
has yet to marry.
He was just in his early twenties and it was the perfect time to get married.
But because of various reasons,
the Imperial Consort decision was still hanging in the balance.
Like a hanging piece of meat,
Prince Ding would also be personally there as an examiner in the academy examinations.
This made many young ladies put in more energy and effort as they hope to have a good impression in front of Prince Ding and wished that Prince Ding will fall for them at first sight.
Shen Miao however had no notion of doing that.
With another lifetime,
she was still not a woman of romance.
She did not know how to compose poetry or perform any dance.
Obviously she cannot stand on the stage to talk about the major national issues.
Moreover,
she did not want to have any association with Prince Ding.
In her past lifetime,
Prince Ding used her Shen family,
harm her children and massacred her entire clan.
This was debt that needs to be paid sooner or later.
Since there was a blood debt,
how can they be husband and wife?
Feng An Ning asked her,
“Why are you not reading? Seeing that the end of the month is here and if you do not buck up,
aren’t you letting others laugh off their teeth?”
Shen Miao fell into the water and afterwards had quieten down a lot.
She thought that Shen Miao started to understand things properly but from today it seems that there were no difference from how it was previously.
She was still that stupid and ignorant student.
Shen Miao said,
“Would anyhow do not understand,
why waste additional time”
Yi Pei Lan who was listening to the remarks at the side,
laughed and sneered,
“Its nothing more than mud not sticking to the wall”
Shen Yue was talking to Shen Qing at that moment and pretended as though as she did not hear the words spoken here and did not come to her rescue.
These days Shen Miao did not please them as she did previously so they were also not happy about it in their hearts and was anxious to see Shen Miao embarrassing herself.
Shen Miao however seemed not to have heard Yi Pei Lan’s words and stood up,
“I will go for a walk in the garden”
When she had left,
Yi Pei Lan then curled up her lips,
“Only escape when she has nothing to say,
truly as timid as a mouse”
“Have you said enough?”
Feng An Ning’s brows pinched,
“What good about having knowledge?”
Since level two she was imposing and pampered at home.
Yi Pei Lan did not want to create trouble with her thus she kept quiet.
Shen Miao reached the gardens and walked slowly around.
Guang Wen Tang was a place of elegance thus the garden’s greenery,
pond,
rock formation and construction were done up lovely.
As one walk into the forest,
one would able to smell the fragrance which make one’s heart feel refresh.
She only wanted some quiet time for herself.
The people in level two were only young impetuous kids and she was already a mother in the past lifetime.
Many times,
as an Empress,
other than receiving the greetings of various concubines,
she would need to spend most of the time in her own Feng Yi Palace.
After being accustomed to quiet isolation and emptiness,
she was too lazy to deal with a group of kids making a din,
be it be ridiculing or getting ridiculed.
In the end,
she did not care about them.
As she was walking,
she saw a snow white glutinous rice dumpling appear in front of her.
The small dumpling clad ivory satin robe was standing under the bamboo,
the clothes should be very beautiful but was deformed by the round body shape.
The hat on his head were creased and crumpled,
making the entire look seem funny and ridiculous.
“Su Ming Lang” She softly called.
When that dumpling heard it,
he quickly turned around.
When he saw Shen Miao,
a flash of pleasant surprise crossed his eyes.
He seems to want to rush off but stopped hesitatingly and did not speak as he look at Shen Miao.
This child really look like a four to five year old baby which made Shen Miao’s head ache.
Could it be that he took her as a mother?
When Su Ming Lang saw Shen Miao,
he pucker his lips like he wanted to say something but yet did not speak.
Afterwards,
his eyes started to redden as he softly cried,
“I’m sorry…”
Sorry? Shen Miao was slightly blanked out and saw the dumpling’s mouth pursing together as he was about to cry with grievance.
The next moment,
a lazy voice rang out.
“So it was you”
Chapter 19: Young Gentleman
* * *
“So it was you”
A handsome youth walked out of the bamboo forest.
He was wearing an ivory robe trimmed with silver thread,
as compared with the white dumpling,
it was very elegant.
He walked to Shen Miao and stopped in front of her as he looked down at her with probing eyes.
This youth was very tall as Shen Miao only came up to the height of his chest.
As if he was looking at a child,
there was an unruly laugh on his lips but because of his handsome face,
it was in no way offensive.
If it was an ordinary female,
their heartbeat would increase and ears would have blushed.
But Shen Miao,
after all,
was not a true budding beauty.
She glance at that person and did not say a word.
The youth’s lips hooked up and suddenly there was a sophisticated short sword in his hands.
He pointed the scabbard at himself and used sword shaft to lift Shen Miao’s chin,
forcing her to lift her head.
Shen Miao had no choice but to look at the other person.
The youth was in his teens but his brows was exceptionally bright and his eyes was like autumn water,
smiling and moving.
But the depths of his eyes made other cold and it was a pair of sharp eyes that could almost see one’s heart.
This kind of person even with an appearance of frivolous would be like a piece of ice internally.
She took a deep breath and took a step back so that the shaft of the short sword was away from her chin.
She warmly said,
“Little Xie Marquis”
Xie Jing Xing smiled but his tone was unclear,
“You recognised me?”
“In the Ding capital,
there is no one who do not know about Little Marquis Xie” Shem Miao lightly said.
There seemed to be some sarcasm in the words but when she said it,
there was actually unusually serious which made other unable to differentiate the tone.
“I don’t recognise you” Xie Jing Xing gave her a glance and then glance at the shivering dumpling on the ground,
“It’s you who let Su Ming Lang pass the message to the Su family”
“Pass message?”
Shen Miao looked at him and suddenly smiled,
“It is only to teach him a method not to get reprimanding by his father,
by diverting his attention.
How can it be to pass a message? Little Marquis mustn’t overthink”
“Overthink?”
The youth pondered over those words before suddenly approached bullyingly and forced Shen Miao back to the tree.
His expression was very ambiguous but his tone was very clear,
“If I do not overthink,
I would be deceived by you”
Shen Miao frowned.
Although there was not too much regulations between male and female in Ming Qi,
but to do such an action in broad daylight would be lacking in manners.
In particular there were so many nobility in Guang Wen Tang and if they were to see this.
She did not mind that it would destroy her reputation but that Shen Xin would then be shamed due to her.
In her previous life because of her the Shen family collapsed then she was able to see all the care and thought her parents gave.
Now with another lifetime,
she will protect her family so how would she tolerate others mention anything bad about the Shen family.
Moreover it was caused by her.
Thinking of that,
Shen Miao became somewhat impatient,
“For Little Marquis to attack with condemnations,
what is the actual purpose?”
Xie Jing Xin watched attentively at the young female in front.
He had always been very sensitive to his intuition thus was able to see the undercurrent of things in the surface.
This was how he lived for the past ten over years.
To kill others in battle and to fight the treacherous battle under the surface of Ding capital and also including the hidden plotting in the back courtyard of his residence.
He looked like he grew up just as such but it was not entirely by luck.
There are so many noble children in Ming Qi and there would be many reasons for their disappearances.
He would never take anything for granted.
Su Ming Lang’s words,
Su Ming Feng would definitely not think any more and Master Su would also think that it was an inadvertent reminder from his son.
But in his view it was not.
To be able to grasp this opportunity so accurately,
there were not many coincidences in the world.
Most of the coincidences were man-made.
He could conclude that someone had taught Su Ming Lang to say these words but for what purpose,
he did not know.
He planned to meet this person for a while.
When he really meet this person,
he was actually surprised.
Xie Jing Xing thought that to be able to come out with such deeply significant words and in Guang Wen Tang would be some court official’s son,
most likely one who would be entering the official circles soon.
Perhaps it is to win over the Su family or perhaps it was to loosen the reins only to grasp better.
But when he saw this person,
he thought that Su Ming Lang was up to some mischief.
It was only when the young female spoke,
then he was sure that he was right.
The young female in front of him was not tall and only reached his chest.
Her looks were not moving and at most considered adorable.
She look like a elven-year-old with a double-loop bun on her head with a round face and round eyes with a small lips and just stood there like a little lost deer from the forest.
But she stood straight and dignified and each spoken word were slowly worded as if she was taught from the women in the Palace.
Did she want to be an Empress? If he did not see it for himself,
Xie Jing Xing would have choked on his saliva.
Looking up then down,
looking left then right,
she was just silly little girl.
Until she said those words.
Her features were child-like but her tone was steady and there was not even a trace of panic that was revealed but some impatience instead.
This was actually the first for Little Marquis Xie.
When other females see him coming close,
they would have long blushed which was totally not interesting at all.
Most likely her age was too small and she would not understand anything.
But how would she understand the words of Su family?
One of his hand was place on the tree trunk behind Shen Miao thus from someone looking in,
it seemed to be embracing Shen Miao in a hug.
Xie Jing Xing lowered his head and lean very closely to Shen Miao.
“You are not afraid of me”
“Little Marquis is not a monster who eat people up,
so what is there to be afraid of” Shen Miao said lightly,
“If there is nothing else,
I will go back to class first” Finishing she got ready to leave.
“Stop right there” Xie Jing Xing lifted his arms and Shen Miao’s hair streak across his palm and made it itch like ants crawled by.
He withdrew his hands and he took a few steps back to lean against the tree as he folded his arms across his chest portraying the usual frivolous expression.
“What is your intention for warning the Su family?”
His sharp words were like his eyes,
which never conceal his sharp approach and direct impulsiveness but yet contains profound meaning.
Shen Miao sighed slightly in her heart.
Xie Jing Xing was even smarter than she had imagine.
One sentence from Su Ming Lang,
he end up here.
Not only ending up here,
he could also question the purpose of it.
She only knew that he had a wide perspective from her past life but it seems from today that he was also someone with penetrating thoughts.
How to hid one’s true intentions when dealing with smart people? Unfortunately she never wanted to hide.
“No other reasons.
Just for self-preservation”
After finishing her words,
she gave a slight greeting to Xie Jing Xing and turned around to leave without caring about anything else.
Xie Jing Xin would understand these words.
Behind her,
the youth’s lips hooked up as he played the short sword in his hands.
“Su Ming Lang,
what is her name?”
Chapter 20: The Residence of Marquis of Lin An
* * *
The residence of the Marquis of Lin An in Ding capital was indeed magnificent.
This was mainly because the Marquis Furen was the late Emperor dote Princess Yu Qing the most.
Originally once one became a Fuma (Princess’s husband),
the Marquis of Lin An’s military power must be returned.
The late Emperor was unable to withstand Princess Yu Qing’s tantrum and whining,
and let things slide.
This was enough to say about Princess Yu Qing’s position in the late Emperor’s heart.
Princess Yu Qing was an outstanding beauty and had the most gentle and tender of temperament.
After marrying into the Marquis residence,
she was also doted by the Marquis of Lin An.
Unfortunately the Marquis of Lin An still brought in a concubine,
which was the current Madam Fang.
If Princess Yu Qing was a natural lady from a noble house and had money and power to help one in any occupation,
then this Madam Fang was a pretty daughter from a humble family.
It was Madam Fang’s father who did a favour to the Marquis and afterwards when the family fell behind,
Father Fang used the favour to let the Marquis marry Madam Fang as a concubine.
Liangqie and a normal concubine were different and cannot be killed per one’s wishes.
In addition Madam Fang was willing to become a concubine and did not display any jealousy behaviour thus the Marquis did not take it to mind.
Most likely it was because nobility usually have three wives and four concubines and the Marquis of Lin An only brought in one Liangqie which was already rarely seen.
Thus the Marquis did not feel that anything was wrong.
Unfortunately when male and female look at the problem,
especially concerning on the issue on concubines,
would be poles apart.
The Marquis felt that having a Liangqie was not a serious matter since a concubine was only a plaything and the person in his heart was still Princess Yu Qing but Princess Yu Qing did not feel the same.
Princess Yu Qing grew up in the favour of the late Emperor and was also pampered all day after marrying into the Marquis residence.
Her husband had only her the official wife so she was already used to the kind of lifestyle.
Who knew that there was a sudden appearance of a concubine and at that time Princess Yu Qing just gave birth to Xie Jing Xin and was in her confinement period when she was hit with the news.
Madam Fang gave her greeting to Princess Yu Qing every day and wore according to the rules.
It would be better if she did not come as it made Princess Yu Qing felt more anguish.
If Princess Yu Qing was an ordinary Princess,
she would had found a way to make Madam Fang stumble and it was not impossible to send her away.
But Princess Yu Qing was protected very well the entire time and was naïve to the world so how would she know how to use those dirty tricks.
Nevertheless it was the Momo,
who was part of the Princess’s dowry,
who thought of an idea and carried it out without the knowledge of the Princess to chase Madam Fang out from the house.
Who knew that it was not only ended in failure and was also found out by the Marquis of Lin An.
Even though the Marquis of Lin An was an unruly person usually,
at the bottom of his heart he had a honourable temperament and could not stand all the small little tricks that women played so he severely rebuked Princess Yu Qing at that moment.
It was the first time since Princess Yu Qing married over to be in an argument with the Marquis of Lin An.
She was also one who would not swallow any grievances so she did not mention the matter of Momo out and only oppose the Marquis of Lin An with equal harshness so much that the Marquis turn and left abruptly.
She initially thought that the Marquis of Lin An would come over to see her after a few days but who knew that after a month had passed the Marquis only rest at Madam Fang.
A female during confinement period must not be upset and Princess Yu Qing kept the anger inside and thus fell into a bout of serious illness.
Deep down,
the Marquis of Lin An deeply loved his wife and wanted to visit Princess Yu Qing but on that very night he receive the Imperial edict to go to battle and could not even inform Princess Yu Qing before he left.
Shortly after the Marquis of Lin An left,
Madam Fang found herself pregnant.
As the main household,
when the Marquis was not in,
Princess Yu Qing cannot create problems for Madam Fang and even had to protect the child in Madam Fang.
If there was any unexpected misfortune,
the gossip in the capital would be how she murdered the concubine when her husband was away.
Over the long run,
being physically and mentally exhausted,
Princess Yu Qing’s health was gradually neglected and almost at the brink.
When the Momo saw it,
she was filled with anxiety but Princess Yu Qing did not allow Momo to report back to the Imperial family.
She got up to write a letter to the Marquis of Lin An to come back to see her.
She waited and waited but at the end was unable to wait for the Marquis of Lin An’s return.
Princess Yu Qing died.
Three days after the burial,
the Marquis of Lin An return in triumphant but upon failing to see his beloved wife’s corpse was deeply grieved.
Unfortunately the beauty had left,
leaving behind a grave.
At that time the late Emperor was extremely furious and demoted the official rank of the Marquis of Lin An.
Till the new Emperor took to position and pity the loss of his talent,
he was then promoted back to the Marquis of Lin An.
Unfortunately there was no more anecdotes of the ideal couple.
The Marquis of Lin An did not marry a second wife and there was only Madam Fang in the entire Marquis residence.
Madam Fang also lowered her head for a few decades to be lower ranked and even though the Marquis of Lin An care about her children,
he put all his energy on his Di son,
Xie Jing Xing.
But Xie Jing Xing did not appreciate it.
Since he gradually became sensible,
he started to become estranged from the Marquis of Lin An – Princess Yu Qing’s and the Marquis of Lin An’s love hate disputes were household analogies,
thus if one want to know about it,
it would be known.
The Marquis of Lin An was conscience-stricken with his son and would always do his best to satisfy him.
However Xie Jing Xing especially love to adopt a confrontational position with his father which made his father head ache in fury.
But in any case,
he had inherited the beauty and talent of Princess Yu Qing and was a wonderful and brilliant gentleman,
except for his unruly temper.
This naturally made him the dream man of the young ladies from aristocrat families.
Today was still the same.
Xie Jing Xing strode into his own study.
His courtyard was the courtyard that Princess Yu Qing used to recuperate and was far apart from the main courtyard and was very peaceful and secluded.
Xie Ding always want him to move nearer to the main courtyard but was always rejected by Xie Jing Xin.
Reason was that he did not want to see some people.
His attitude to the Marquis of Lin An had always been so cold.
His manservant pushed the door open and came in carrying a snow white flower ceramic bowl,
“Fang Yiniang has cooked lotus seed porridge and said that it has been boiling for a few shichen for Master to warm his body”
He did not like his men to call him ‘young master’ or ‘heir’ and to call him just ‘master’.
It seems that with this he could be separated from the Marquis residence.
Xie Jing Xing cast a glance at the bow;.
The porridge was shimmering and the soup was thick and fresh,
it really took a lot of time to made it.
It was emitting a light fragrance and could move one’s appetite.
He coldly replied,
“Pour it away”
The manservant replied yes and withdraw.
When he just withdrew,
a person suddenly appeared behind the door.
He lowered his head and softly said,
“Master,
have investigate thoroughly.
It is the Fifth Young Lady of the First household in the General residence,
Shen Xin’s Di daughter,
Shen Miao”
“Shen Xin?”
Xie Jing Xin frowned.
Shen Xin and Xie Ding had political difference for many years and the Shen residence and Marquis residence felt one another unpleasing to the eye.
As for the checks and balances of the military,
it involved a lot of interest.
And the Marquis residence and the Su family were good friends so for the Shen family to warn the Su family,
it was perhaps to also remind the Xie family.
But for opposing people to suddenly give a reminder,
what was the meaning of it? Even more so Shen Miao is a little young lady and what would she know,
it was of course the Shen family who deliberately made her give the reminder.
Shen Xin was currently in the faraway North-eastern area,
could it be the Second or Third household? Shen Gui and Shen Wan were very ambitious people and now that the situation in the Imperial court had some movements,
they would take advantage of the crisis for personal gain.
“Shen and Xie families are as different as the Jing and Wei rivers.
For the Shen girl to suddenly show goodwill,
she obviously has ill intentions” He raise his brows as his voice became as cold as iron,
“Continue investigating!”
Chapter 21: Dressmaking
* * *
Regardless of what kind of turmoil that rose in the capital,
or whatever undercurrent that was forming,
from the surface there would always be singing and dancing… The annual Chrysanthemum banquet was approaching and since Guang Wen Tang’s academy examinations was very close to the Chrysanthemum banquet,
both event were done together.
Unlike previous years,
with this,
the academy examination had become a big event as all the noble families would attend the banquet.
Early in the morning,
Old Shen Furen sent her maid,
Xi-er,
to the West courtyard saying that she had invited the tailor for the Chrysanthemum banquet clothes and also invited Shen Miao to take a pick.
Shen Miao nodded her head in agreement.
In previous academy examinations,
Shen Miao would wear normally as she usually end up at the bottom so others would laugh if she were to wear something prominent.
Now with the combination of the academy examinations and the Chrysanthemum banquet,
it would not be logical not to make new clothes.
During the Chrysanthemum banquet,
many officials and their furens would be there,
mostly to look for their future daughters-in-law.
So for families with daughters,
would not only attend but also to dress up to portray their beauty.
Even though Old Shen Furen did not like the First household,
she still have to do it on surface.
Moreover for Old Shen Furen,
who would only look out for her own interest,
would definitely use Shen Miao’s marriage to exchange for power and may even sell her off.
Bai Lu appeared to be somewhat happy as she accompanied Shen Miao towards Rong Jing Tang,
“Did not expect that the Chrysanthemum banquet would be here so soon.
Young Lady like the Chrysanthemum banquet and at that time,
there would be opportunities to enjoy the flowers”
Shen Miao like the Chrysanthemum banquet but not because of enjoying the viewing of the flowers.
Whenever there is such a banquet,
she would be the faintly discernible and would be isolated and that was of course fuelled by Shen Yue and Shen Qing.
She was also stupid and dull and would not dressed appropriately so she would be laughed at without even knowing.
She loved the Chrysanthemum banquet but it was because of Fu Xiu Yi.
At the Chrysanthemum banquet a year ago,
Fu Xiu Yi was also present.
At that day she was also being laughed at and alone.
The Chrysanthemum gardens were filled with beautiful purples and brilliant reds thus everyone when to look for the reddest and brightest while she walked to a corner where she saw a pot of white Chrysanthemum.
The white Chrysanthemum was most likely used during funerals and would naturally not a joyous thing moreover this Chrysanthemum blossomed quite miserably.
Some of the petals were withered and one would not know if it was the rain or wind that did it,
as it stood alone in a corner without any one’s attention.
Most likely fellow suffers empathised with each other,
Shen Miao felt that she herself and that chrysanthemum were exactly the same.
Just one person all alone,
where no one would see.
Just as her heart was lamenting,
she saw a formal dressed male walking to the front of that chrysanthemum.
He reached out to the spray of blossom and gently stroke the petals.
The person by his side asked,
“Ninth Younger Brother,
this flower is just miserable,
what is there nice to look at?”
The male smiled,
“Pity that it is delicate without anything to depend on”
It was this sentence ‘pity that it is delicate without anything to depend on’ that made Shen Miao have a favourable impression of that man.
When that male turn over,
she was even more captivated by this handsome appearance.
Afterwards Shen Miao learned from the women that that was His Majesty’s Ninth Prince,
Fu Xiu Yi.
Perhaps there was no reason to why one would to admire another during their youth.
Fu Xiu Yi’s words was clearly about the chrysanthemum but she felt that it was empathizing her.
She thought that if she were to marry such a gentle person,
he would also feel tenderness towards her just like he did to that lonely flower.
Unfortunately,
it was all her wishful thinking.
Fu Xiu Yi feel tender towards frail flower,
feel tender to the entire world,
feel tender towards Mei Furen but would never feel tenderness towards her.
As for her who gave her everything,
from him it was just what a wife’s ‘responsibilities’ was.
Those days of mutual respect between spouses were all an act of toleration from Fu Xiu Yi.
He did not really pity that Chrysanthemum but only made a casual remark which she then took it for real.
“Young Lady?”
Unwittingly she was lost in thought and did not realise that she had reach the doors of Rong Jing Tang.
Bai Lu quickly called out as a reminded and Shen Miao then followed Xi-er to step inside.
Shen Yuan Bo was not present today and Old Shen Furen was wearing a green and white long embroidered robe.
She was already seventy years of age and should not be wearing such a fresh green in colour and with that straight and serious face,
she look just like a female ghost.
But she herself completely did not realise it.
Shen Yue and Shen Qing stood beside their mothers.
There was two more Shu daughters in the Second household but Ren Wan Yun was too strong and overbearing so for such a banquet,
she did not allow the Shu daughters to go to steal the limelight.
As for the Third household,
Shen Wan only have a Tongfang other than Chen Rou Qiu so there was no need to mention of any Shu sons or daughters.
So in this way,
only the Di daughters of each household received the invitation for the Chrysanthemum banquet.
After Shen Miao greeted Old Shen Furen,
Ren Wan Yun looked at Shen Miao and smiled,
“Little Five is here.
Quickly select the clothing materials.
Li Liang will then take the measurements later”
Shen Qing giggled,
“Second Younger Sister and me had made our selection and now waiting for you to pick”
It was obvious that it was Xi-er who came late but it seemed that it was her fault to make the entire crowd in Rong Jing Tang wait.
Shen Miao could not be bothered to argue with her and walked to the couch where the clothing materials were place.
Li Liang was a thirty plus middle aged female.
Shen residence would purchase all the new clothe from her shop.
When she was young she learned some embroidery techniques from the female officials who served in the Palace so her clothes were extremely good.
There were about five or six blots of clothes that were spread in front.
One Begonia and one misty pink colour were already placed at a side,
obviously chosen by others.
Needless to say it was Shen Qing’s and Shen Yue’s.
The previous lifetime’s scene flashed vividly in her eyes.
That day during the Chrysanthemum banquet,
Shen Qing wore a Begonia coloured dress and looked warm and magnanimous which make her more beautiful than the flowers.
Shen Yue wore a pink with white embroidered pear flower which made her look delicate and feminine.
And she wore a light yellow dress and Old Shen Furen’s golden neckless and jewellery,
looking like a joke that she did not know about.
And that light yellow fabric was the one that the Shenshens and older sisters abet her to pick.
Shen Yue smiled,
“Fifth Younger Sister’s skin is fair thus is compatible to pick this shade of light yellow for clothes.
It would look lively and lovely on you”
Shen Qing repeatedly nodded,
“That’s correct,
seeing the rest of the materials,
it seems that the light yellow complement Fifth Younger Sister more”
Chen Rou Xiu had a smile on her lips as she kept quiet.
There was also a trace of ridicule in Ren Wan Yun’s eyes.
Shen Miao did not know how to choose clothes.
Shen Furen was not at the residence all year round.
When the mother is not around,
the child would inevitably have lots of disadvantages.
The other people in the Shen residence all have ulterior motives and how would they teach this young girl how to mix and match sincerely? Thus in the long run,
Shen Miao could only follow Shen Qing and Shen Que and pick what they say were nice.
For example,
that light yellow material was indeed complement to her skin but it looks too cheap and somewhat childish.
Coupled with those golden jewellery,
she look like some daughter of a landlord.
Gu Yu and rest of them persuaded her to throw away those jewelleries but she was subconsciously stubborn and rushed to be humiliated.
This was indeed hilarious.
Chapter 22: Gold and Silver
* * *
She pointed to one of the blot of brocade and said,
“Then this one will do”
That was a blot of lotus purple material and generally most unmarried females would not choose this material.
This was mainly because the lotus purple colour was picky and normal females would easily look old fashion when wearing this colour.
If one did not have the aura of grandeur,
the colour cannot be suppress and would make one look extremely ugly.
Chen Rou Qiu’s eyes slightly flashed as she smiled,
“Why Little Five choose such a colour? A young lady should wear fresh and bright colours,
like your two older sisters.
I’m afraid such a dark colour would look somewhat old-fashioned”
“Exactly” Ren Wan Yu followed up with her words.
Although she also loved to see the First household making a fool of themselves but this lotus purple colour was just too special.
If outsiders were to see it,
they would think that their Shen family’s daughters are all old-fashioned.
Qing-er still need to show off her skills at the Chrysanthemum banquet,
how can Shen Miao drag her down?
But Shen Yue and Shen Qing snickered.
Shen Qing said,
“I see that this lotus purple is also good.
Fifth Younger Sister don’t not know how to wear this dark colour before? It would be good to try it out.
I heard that this colour also look extravagant”
“If I haven’t picked a material,
I will too want to try wearing that lotus purple colour” Shen Yue said smilingly.
Li Liang looked at the two Di daughters of the Shen family with honeyed words and hearts of daggers before looking at the calm Shen Miao and she sighed in her heart.
Shen family’s First household Shen Xi’s Di daughter was foolish and ignorant and no one the entire capital not know about it.
But who knew that these two Tangjie who look gentle and kind in the outside would actually have such vicious hearts? They actually change their plans to make Shen Miao look like a fool.
She has some sympathy for Shen Miao.
General Shen was defending the country but his own Di daughter was being schemed by his relatives and it was rather pitiful.
Thinking about that,
she politely said,
“This lotus purple colour is indeed too solemn.
If it was the Chrysanthemum banquet,
why not choose some lighter colours.
Why not choose this jade white colour?”
Shen Miao glanced at Li Liang,
she was indeed a rare sincere person.
In her previous life,
she also warned her like this but at that time Shen Miao believed both TangJie and Shenshen wholeheartedly and thus did not listen to her words.
Hearing what she said,
Shen Miao politely thanked,
“No need.
I like these blot of lotus purple coloured material”
Her replied made Shen Qing’s and Shen Yue’s just tighten brows loosen as they were relieved.
Shen Yue smiled,
“Fifth Younger Sister indeed have an good eye.
Like this,
we would need to bother Li Liang to help us to tailor make the clothes”
Li Liang’s heart sighed but she did not say anything more and started to take the measurements of these young ladies.
From the beginning to the end,
Old Shen Furen sat on the reclined couch with her eyes close,
pretending to be asleep as though as she did not hear anything in front of her.
For matters that deal with money,
she was always happy to pretend not to know.
The fabrics and tailoring cost would all be out from the common fund and the money from the public funds would be handled by Ren Yan Yun.
After taking the measurement for the clothes,
Li Liang left.
Ren Wan Yun then smile and said,
“These children are all ladies already and one must not underestimate the our Shen residence’s young ladies.
I have gotten some jewellries for you young ladies and they can be used during the Chrysanthemum banquet” As she spoke,
she instructed Xiang Lan behind her to take the boxes out and headed one to Shen Qing and one to Shen Miao.
Shen Miao’s box was rather heavy.
Ren Wan Yun looked at her and spoke in an exceptionally loving tone,
“Second Shen saw that you are busy for the past few days for Guang Wen Tang’s acedmy examinations and got the jewellery made when I was shopping.
They are all made with the best styles and hope that you will like them”
At the highest seat,
Old Shen Furen’s brows wrinkled and she seemed to want to open her eyes but then paused and continue to pretend to be asleep.
“Thanking Second Shenshen” Shen Miao also return her thanks.
Shen Qing and Shen Yue could pick their own jewellery and get it sent back but when they went shopping,
they did not take her along and still call it with a glorified name of unwilling to disturb her.
Finally to complete the entire act,
they gave her some which would be too late to be changed.
“Then lets’ go back first to take a look” Shen Yue pulled Chen Rou Qiu as she winked at Shen Miao,
“Fifth Younger Sister’s jewellery must be the heaviest”
Shen Miao smiled and did not say anything.
Returning back to West courtyard,
Shen Miao drew the box aside without taking a look inside.
When Jin Zhe saw it,
she curiously asked,
“Why does Young Lady not open and look?”
“Why is there a need to take a look? Would there be any difference?”
Shen Miao answered without even looking back.
Jing Zhe was hesitant with her words.
Every time when jewellery was received from the Second and Third household,
her Young Lady would love it so much but even them servants could also see that these jewellery were just too vulgar.
Shen Miao had been lead around by the Second and Third household and thus love all these tacky cold and silver stuff.
Shen Miao thought for a bit before reaching her hands to open that box up.
When it was opened,
the golden light shone out.
What was place inside was a gold and silver bracelet and collar necklace and there was even a hairpin with a big ruby mounted at the time but the quality was very poor.
Jing Zhe could not help but reveal a trace of anger.
Shen Miao lost her smile.
Before she got married,
all her jewellery were like these.
This kind of golden and silver collared necklace,
even the young ladies in the villages would not wear them.
Every time she would wear brightly coloured clothes and then put on these golden jewellery,
looking like a moving box.
In the presence of the gentle and graceful Shen Yue and the bright and magnanimous Shen Qing,
she looked just like a feet-washing maid.
Now Shen Miao felt the things in front of her was just ridiculous.
Jing Zhe observed her own Young Lady and was surprised that she did not reveal the same excitement that she had in the past.
In her surprise she saw Shen Miao closing the box and pushing it to Jing Zhe,
“Pawn it away at a pawnshop and buy any silver hairpin on the way back.
It need not be too good.
Just some flower carvings would do”
“Young Lady…” Jing Zhe said surprisingly,
“If the people from Eastern courtyard found out that it was pawn away,
it would inevitably use as a case” Even though she was happy that Shen Miao finally did not love these gold and silver thing as before,
but such actions were indeed to bold.
“These jewellery already cannot be worn so what is the point to keeping it? It would be better to pawn it for money as it would always be more convenient for things to be done normally” Shen Miao lightly answered.
Everything should be done practically and that this her principle when she was the Empress.
Shen residence would provide a monthly allowance accordingly and each Young Lady would get two liang taels a month.
However how much subsidies does Shen Yue and Shen Qing actually get? Shen Miao did not know but one thing can be certain was that she did not have any share of subsidies at all.
She was clearly a lady from the General’s residence but was not as generous as her two older sisters.
Previously she used to think that it was Second and Third Shens who were willing to supplement their daughters but how about now?
The common fund was controlled by Ren Wan Yun but because of the need to put things in order in Shen Gui’s and Shen Wan’s work and their salary was barely enough,
how would there be excess money?
It was Shen Xin’s.
Because he used his own life,
blood and sweat to fight in the battlefield,
His Majesty would bestow rewards and Shen Xin never misappropriate these rewards and gave all to the common fund.
Holding on to the money from their household but treating her like this.
Such shameless people can only be found in that Old Furen’s family.
She must find a way to separate the family out.
Chapter 23: Preparations Before the Banquet
* * *
The Chrysanthemum banquet in the sixty-eighth year of Ming Qi eventually came.
Guang Wen Tang was different than before as the academy examination became a contention of talents.
Only the person with the highest talent would be able to stand on the stage to challenge their fellow schoolmates.
This would enable the youths to be infused with vitality and for others to see that the students of Guang Wen Tang each had their own merits.
Both the male and female students would be on the same stage and not like the past where it was generally divided into groups of male and females.
If one like,
a female can challenge the male in horse riding and shooting and males would also challenge the female’s four scholarly arts.
However,
such scenes were indeed rare.
Early in the morning,
the Shen residence was in abuzz.
In the West courtyard,
Shuang Jiang carefully inserted the silver hairpin into her hair and smiled,
“Young Lady,
it is done”
Shuang Jiang was the best in styling one’s hair.
Previously Shen Yue wanted her over at her side to style her hair but Shuang Jiang was a maid that Shen Fu Ren personally picked for Shen Miao and Shuang Jiang was not willing,
thus Shen Yue had no way out.
“Young Lady really look extremely good in this outfit” Bai Lu smiled as she look but then said with some hesitation,
“But it is a little plain around the head area”
Shen Miao’s hair was very black and thick and with Shuang Jiang styling it to a cloud bun,
it looked elegant and chic.
Even after reaching a marriageable age,
Shen Miao still put her hair up in a pair of looping topknots thus with this change of style,
it seemed that she had grown up a lot.
That round adorable face seemed far more graceful and there was finally a hint of a young lady.
There was just a silver hairpin inserted lonely in her hairstyle,
which looked quite pitiful.
Gu Yu could not help but to show some anger on her face.
The Shen residence was great and renown but however did not have a set of decent jewellery.
The entire Shen residence all depended on Shen Xin but did those cruel and unscrupulous thing.
Unfortunately Shen Miao was unable to say anything.
Why? Because they were the one who custom made it for Shen Miao and it was just vulgar gold jewellery that if one were to wear,
it would be a joke.
Shen Miao only had to glance at Gu Yu to be able to guest what Gu Yu was thinking and could not help but to shake her head.
In fact,
since young,
the Second and Third Household of Shen family had crack their brains in order for her to develop bad habits and did everything possible for her to believe that these gold are the best.
Thus from the public,
it was not that the Second or Third Household that deliberately embarrassed the daughter of the First Household but because that person originally love such shiny gold!
Seeing Shen Miao not getting tired in wearing those exaggerated jewellery,
everyone would reach to a common thought that the Di daughter of First Household of Shen residence was greedy,
love wealth and was snobbish.
Even though gold was good,
but there was no need to wear in on one’s body.
Gu Yu was afraid that Shen Miao would feel sad and quickly changed her words,
“But Li Liang’s skills are truly really good.
Young Lady look really beautiful”
They did not know if Li Liang pitied Shen Miao from her bottom of her heart but this set of clothes that Li Liang brought over was surprisingly exquisite embroidered.
It took into account that her small appearance and even though the green colour was somewhat solemn,
there were large embroidered flowers at the hem of the dress which was so lifelike,
beautifully blooming.
It was indeed beautiful.
Shen Miao also felt that it was fitting to her body and did not feel or look any bit of discomfort.
Shuang Jiang and Bai Lu exchanged a look and saw surprise in one another’s eyes.
Currently Shen Miao could even restrain such a heavy colour like this.
They really did not know how was this the case.
“Let’s go” Shen Miao stood up,
“One cannot wait for too long”
Just when they were out of the courtyard,
they saw the Begonia flowers blooming,
one bigger than the next.
She stopped and pinched one small flower and inserted into her black hair and it was like adding flowers on brocade.
“Young Lady is really good looking” Gu Yun praised.
Gui Momo just came out from the small kitchen and had prepared some snacks for Shen Miao to eat in the carriage.
As she was carrying the basket out,
she saw Shen Miao and could not help but be startled at the sight.
She had waited on Shen Miao for so many years and Shen Miao grew up with her milk thus it can be said that she watched Shen Miao grew Up.
But now she felt that Shen Miao was a complete stranger.
She had a calm and steady manner,
coupled with the noble lotus blue colour,
there would be no doubt if one were to say she was a princess.
She almost did not hold the basket tightly and just stood on the spot looking silly.
Until Bai Lu called out with a smile,
“Gui Momo,
what is this look for?”
Gui Momo was surprised for a moment and habitually wanted to say a few beautiful words but suddenly remembered that today was the Chrysanthemum banquet.
If Shen Miao attended it this outstandingly,
then Shen Yue and Shen Qing would be pushed down.
She swallowed the words of praise that were on the tip of her tongue and turned around with a worried look,
“Young Lady,
the colour of these clothes are just too serious.
Young Lady is still young,
why wear such a colour which would cover one’s natural tone.
Wouldn’t it be better to wear that peach coloured jacket that is embroidered with a spray of flowers and magpies? It would look much better.
And about this hairpin,
this old servant remember Second Furen had conferred quite a number.
Like that,
no one will say that the young ladies from the General’s residence would be so plain and simple”
Gu Yu’s lips twitched.
That peach coloured jacket that was embroidered spray of flowers and magpies was given by Ren Wan Yun.
Not only was the colour tacky,
coupled with gold and silver jewellery to be worn,
it was like a young lady from a local wealthy landlord.
Shen Miao would definitely be laughed at if she were to go to the Chrysanthemum banquet in that today.
Obviously Gui Momo had bad intentions.
Just as she wanted to reprimand a few words on Shen Miao’s behalf,
she heard Shen Miao gentle voice,
“Currently Ming Qi is enjoying peace and prosperity,
and the common folks live and work in peace and contentment but His Majesty advocates on thriftiness.
The principle of the world is not to take advantage of extravagance and waste.
Is it not good to be plain and simple? If others were to see,
one would say that my General’s residence is upright,
honest and conduct proper family principles.
This would be a good thing.
So one would not need to care about clothes at all” Shen Miao’s lips raised,
“Today’s purpose is to appreciate the flowers and people are contending with their talents and these have no relation to how one dress”
Her words were gentle and cordial but there was an unquestionable imposing manner.
Gui Momo’s mind erupted in chaos.
She did not fear Shen Miao’s temper but since when could Shen Miao speak to her with all these grand principles? Shen Miao normally did not like studying and was thus dumb.
But now to spout out such grandeur of principles,
that made Gui Momo,
someone who did not study before,
not know how to refute back.
Bai Lu could not help but burst out a ‘Pu’ as laughter escaped her.
She quickly kept quiet and kept a straight face but her brows was unable to cover up the fun she had.
Gui Momo wanted to refute but unable to do so and was made a fool in front of these few maids thus she felt vexed but she was unable to understand why upon her return to the residence this time,
she would always be at a disadvantage whenever she talk to Shen Miao.
To say sharp tongued,
Shen Miao’s tone was very mild.
To say she was gentle,
each word would render one speechless.
Gui Momo somewhat embarrassingly handed the basket in her hands to Gu Yu,
“This are snacks for Young Lady to much during the journey as there is a distance to the Chrysanthemum banquet and hope Young Lady would not be hungry” She directly said to Shen Miao,
“This old servant will return to the courtyard to work”
“Go then” Shen Miao replied in a flutter.
When Gui Momo left,
Gu Yu and Bai Lu was rejoicing.
The stronger Shen Miao was,
the more she had the appearance of a mistress.
Like this,
those people who had no eyes in Shen residence would not dare to bully her.
As she reached the doors,
one could see the two horse carriages parked at the entrance.
The first carriage was getting ready to set off while the second one was empty.
Shen Qing’s maid,
Chun Tao stood in front of the first carriage.
Chapter 24: Feeling of Suffocation
* * *
When Chun Tao saw Shen Miao,
she quickly approached the carriage and spoke to the people in the carriage.
Afterwards,
the curtain of the carriage was pried open.
Shen Yue and Shen Qing were inside and Ren Wan Yun and Chen Rou Xiu was there too.
The four of them saw Shen Miao’s appearance and could not help but be astonished.
Chen Rou Xiu’s eyes flashed but Ren Wan Yun frowned instead,
“Little Five,
why are you wearing so plainly?”
“Exactly, ” Shen Qing could not wait to speak,
“It really looks ugly.
It is better to wear in brighter colours.
I still have a new bright yellow dress in my room.
Chun Tao,
bring Fifth Younger Sister to change it to that clothing.
And what about jewellery? If one did not know,
one would think that the General residence had ill-treated you”
She secretly suppressed the jealousy in her heart.
Actually Shen Qing was also considered a delicate and attractive female.
Coupled with the magnanimous and bright occasion,
one would see that she was a proper noble young lady from a reputable family.
But there was only one thing that she was most concerned about,
was that her complexion was not fair enough as it was somewhat in the shade of wheat.
For a female,
everyone would want their skin to be as fair as snow.
Shen Yue’s complexion was fair and she did not dare to say anything.
But Shen Miao’s complexion was fair and with the lotus purple clothes,
it made her skin look as white as snow.
As such,
among the three daughters in the Shen residence,
her complexion was the darkest and naturally she was uneasy about it.
Shen Yue examined Shen Miao very carefully and saw that she had styled her hair to a cloud topknot which was exquisite and with the matching lotus purple clothes,
she looked exceptionally dignified.
Today,
she did not wear any of those gold and silver jewellery.
Even though it was plain,
there was an air of nobility.
She smiled,
“Fifth Younger Sister,
not mentioning the clothes,
one must definitely wear jewellery as this concerns the reputation of our residence.
Grandmother would not be happy with your current appearance.
Furthermore,
why do you style your hair as such? You are currently not old,
thus the previous double ring hairstyle is very suitable”
Gu Yu was so angry that her face turn a little white but she was a servant and could not go against the mistresses.
She was gnashing her teeth as she thought,
these Second and Third households harboured sinister motives and would not hesitate to harm their own niece.
They could not wait for Shen Miao to wear as uncouth as possible.
Shen Miao sneered in her heart,
Shen Yue even use Old Shen Furen,
as she knew that she previously afraid of the dignity of the Old Furen the most.
As for her hairstyle,
Shen Yue was only older than a year than her and how can she speak about being young.
She herself had her hair up in a flying immortal hairstyle with a pink dress which was very light like a fairy.
She wanted to be a talent so why should she compare?
They finished talking but Shen Miao kept quiet and only smiled at them,
and they did not know what she was thinking.
Finally Shen Qing felt uncomfortable with that look and snapped at the maid standing by the carriage,
“Chun Tao,
what are you standing there for? Still don’t bring Fifth Younger Sister to change her clothes?”
“Not required” Shen Miao interrupted her words and put up a timely sorrowful demeanour,
“There is a reason for today’s appearance.
I especially like the jewellery that Second Shen gave to me and intentionally did not wear them.
A few of them look at each other and did not understand Shen Miao’s meaning.
Gu Yu and Jing Zhe also look at one another before looking confusingly at Shen Miao.
“Father is currently far away in the Northwest region,
leading soldiers into bloody battles.
The Xiong Bu have yet to retreated and the soldiers wear cold amours while I am here in the capital wearing brocade garments and enjoying jaded meals,
being carefree and enjoying the tranquillity as I appreciate the flowers and compose poems.
I am truly ashamed” Shen Miao slighted bowed her head as her voice lightened,
“Last night Bodhisattva entered my dream and wanted me to pray sincerely.
Thus I have decided to wear plainly with lesser colours until Father return back and no longer wear bright clothes or jewellery”
No one expected that Shen Miao would suddenly make such a speech.
Normally her words were spoken so timidly that it was unclear,
let alone could she speak with such punctilious words eloquently.
Shen Yue and Shen Qing were so surprised that they could not speak while Chen Rou Qiu held her head as if deep in thought.
It was Ren Wan Yun who was embarrassed.
Shen Miao words sounded that she alone prayed sincerely for her father but what were these Shen family doing? But she definitely not want her Qing-er to wear such plain clothes to attend the Chrysanthemum banquet too.
Ren Wan Yun gritted her teeth and persuaded lovingly,
“Even it was like this,
you are also a young lady and did not have to think about such heavy thoughts and relax during the Chrysanthemum banquet…”
But Shen Miao suddenly gave a big bow to Ren Wan Yun,
“Beseeching Second Shen to fulfil Shen Miao’s act of filial piety”
They were standing at the main doors of Shen residence and there were many passer-by.
When Shen Miao gave such a big bow,
many of the passing people could not help but cast a curious eye towards them.
Ren Wan Yun could let Shen Miao wear beautiful clothes to maintain the reputation of Shen residence,
but Ren Wan Yun dare not fulfil Shen Miao’s act of filial piety?
Their own family’s eldest brother was in the battle in the Northwest region.
Not considering that they themselves did not pray for him,
what kind of intentions did they have for not allowing his daughter to fulfil the act of filial piety?
Ren Wan Yun’s face suddenly turned green as she did not expect Shen Miao to reply like this which made her so suffocated as she was unable to refuse.
Ren Wan Yun quickly let Chun Tao support Shen Miao up and said,
“This child.
How would Second shen not fulfil your act of filial piety? It is tough for you to have such a mind like this at such a young age.
Never mind,
dress plainly then”
Shen Qing was still somewhat not happy about it but did not refute her mother’s intentions.
Both Shen Yue and her mother seem to understood something and when they look at Shen Miao again,
their vision was different.
“However, ” Ren Wan Yun smiled,
“Our carriage is currently full.
Let the steward prepare another one specifically for Little Five.
It would also be spacious.
Little Five will follow after the second carriage and head out later”
In every Chrysanthemum banquet,
Shen Miao would ride in a carriage with both mother and daughter pairs.
It was just an additional person,
how can anyone unable to squeeze in.
To have such an attitude today,
it must be deliberate.
Ren Wan Yun also had her own thoughts.
Shen Qing had reached an age to look for marriageable partners but Shen Xin’s official ranking was higher than Shen Gui,
thus those higher ranking family would consider Shen Miao first.
Since Shen Miao was foolish and dumb,
if there was no one guiding her,
most probably she would make a fool of herself.
Only with that,
can Shen Qing’s magnanimous be outstanding.
So she had deliberately prepared two horse carriages.
Chen Rou Qiu and her daughter was playing with her so she would naturally not refuse it.
“Alright,
will do as instructed by Second Shen” Shen Miao said with a smile.
Ren Wan Yun was somewhat flabbergasted as she did not think that Shen Miao would agree to it so easily.
Shen Miao has always been timid and previously would always stick with Shen Yue and Shen Qing.
She thought that it would be difficult for her to sit alone in a carriage and did not think that Shen Miao would simply not refuse.
As a result,
the words that she had previously prepared was made redundant.
“If there is nothing the matter then Shen Miao would go up to the carriage first” She quickly gave her greetings to the four of them and went up her own carriage.
That carriage was also considered spacious but was not as refined as Ren Wan Yun’s one.
Gu Yu said angrily,
“Not mentioning about letting Young Lady sit alone in a horse carriage but also to let one travel behind.
What kind of intention is this?”
Jing Zhe glance over at Shen Miao with a look of concern as she sighed softly in her heart.
Shen Miao’s slights stared deeply onto the candied confections as her hands gradually clenched.
They want to ruin the reputation of the First Household and deliberately extending the distance between the First Household so that when she was laughed at,
Shen Xin’s name would be blackened?
She would like to see at the end who will be the one that would feel of suffocated.
Chapter 25: Sneering
* * *
The Chrysanthemum banquet was held in Yan Bei Tang,
which was located near the Qin ranking Prince’s residence,
and it was the hall where the founding Emperor and Empress personally set it up.
Thus the former mansion was exquisitely pruned and covered several acres with magnificent buildings.
If it wasn’t that it was far away from the city,
the Emperor and Empress would want to transform it to part of the Palace.
With the mountains on one side and water on the other,
it was indeed a good place to enjoy the scenery.
In particular,
in every tenth lunar month,
different types of Chrysanthemums would bloom and because the place was manage well and had the possession of different Chrysanthemum seeds,
when they bloom,
the entire place can be considered as very elegant.
The carriage would take about one Shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours) from Shen residence and Yan Bei Tang so snacks would be prepared so that one would not feel hungry.
Gu Yu opened the basket that Gui Momo brought over and asked Shen Miao,
“Young Lady better eat something.
The journey is long and one will have strength if there is something to eat”
Shen Miao looked at the things in the basket.
Cold goat geese,
scallion rolls,
spicy and oily drumsticks… At first glance it would make one’s mouth water as it was colourful and savoury.
Unfortunately the flavour of these things were just too heavy.
Like the cold cheese and spicy and oily drumsticks were easy to smuge the lip rouge and if one was not careful,
it would be easy to make one’s clothes dirty.
Gui Momo really put in ‘utmost care’ when preparing these food.
The courtyard battle between females was about some tricks that was done in the dark to make others stumble.
But Shen Miao was previously in the Inner Palace of Ming Qi and her opponents were the concubines who were fighting for favour thus the stakes were much higher.
These kind of tricks were really nothing at all.
She shook her head and let Gu Yu cover the box up and spoke to Jing Zhe,
“No need.
Jing Zhe have some”
Jing Zhe carefully took out a small cloth bag from behind,
that held small and exquisite pastries.
Shen Miao did not trust the kitchens in Shen residence and let Jing Zhe bribe the steward to help her buy some snacks from outside.
The steward only thought that Jing Zhe was greedy and did not add anything to the food.
That steward was only somewhat surprise that Jing Zhe,
a maid,
would be actually willing to buy snacks from Guang Fu Zhai.
Guang Fu Zhai was one of the best pastry shop in the Ding capital that even the concubines in the Palace love to eat it.
In Shen Miao’s previous life,
she was not very interested in Guang Fu Zhai’s snacks but Wan Yu love it so much that she would not be happy if she did not eat it for a day.
At this moment the snacks was only about the size of Shen Miao’s finger and was made to look like flowers which was very cute and adorable.
Shen Miao distributed some to Gu Yu and Jing Zhe to eat.
Both maids initially did refused but after Shen Miao’s insistence,
they was unable to continue refusing and ate a mouthful before saying in surprise,
“Young Lady,
this snack is really delicious”
Shen Miao smiled.
Actually no matter how delicious can the snacks may be,
it only need to be made elaborately and cutely as females would always like good looking things.
When Wan Yu had the marriage alliance,
she spend a lot of money to buy Guang Fu Zhai’s pastry master as she hope that Wan Yu was able to eat her favourite snacks when she was in the bitter cold country of Xiong Nu.
Who would know… Who would know that in the middle of the journey Wan Yu perish and she was unable to even see her body.
Shen Miao closed her eyes.
Wan Yu’s marriage alliance was instigated by Mei Furen and colluded with Chen Rouxi that family but was ordered by Fu Xiu Yi.
In this lifetime,
not one of these people should think about running away.
She want these people who cause Wan Yu’s death to pay back hundreds and thousands of times!
Gu Yu was eating the snacks in relish when she looked up and saw Shen Miao’s cold and chilly look,
as if it was a noble lady in a high position having a killing intention.
In that moment,
Gu Yu seemed to have seen Shen Xin’s shadow.
Shen Xin was someone who had killed others and seen bloodshed in the battlefield thus when he became angry,
the ferocious came from his bones.
At this moment the look in Shen Miao’s eyes was exactly the same as Shen Xin’s.
She almost choked on a snack and had to swallow it down strenuously before asking carefully,
“Is Young Lady uncomfortable anywhere?”
“No” Shen Miao’s eyes drooped,
“Was thinking about some things”
Fu Xiu Yi would also be present in today’s Chrysanthemum banquet.
Not only Fu Xiu Yi,
there would be several brothers of Fu Xiu Yi would be present.
There were currently nine princes with each their own merits,
thus each of them had their own camp.
But Fu Xiu Yi had the most harmless appearance and had slightly better relationship with the Crown Prince’s fraction.
Who knew that at the end the Crown Prince was oust and Fu Xiu Yi was the heir apparent? She did not intend to help the Crown Prince as the Imperial Family of Ming Qi was the most ruthless.
They see all those vessel families whose ancestors help to found the empire as an old dogs.
It was these dogs had help them to hunt down the rabbit but when the rabbit was in the bag,
they were worried that their dogs would kill them so they drain the dogs to the last drop of blood before killing and cooking them.
The world was heartless.
The heir to the throne was not just.
So on what basis was there to require the loyalty of everyone?
Why not watch how a dog would bite another dog? Shen Miao’s lips slightly hooked up.
*****
There was a number of noble family who had arrived at Yan Bei Tang.
Although in today’s academy examinations would not differentiate males between females,
the banquet divided the guests by female and male seats.
At the male seats,
many youths and their father quickly greeted one another as it was natural to build up relationships between families to support one another.
As these youths would one day take over their fathers to support the entire family,
more friends were always beneficial.
The female side would not frequently meet up as the males thus the women often gossip among themselves and the young ladies would have their fixed group of friends.
As they would chat together in every three to five days,
they were both nervous and looking forward to the Chrysanthemum banquet.
They would also occasionally look up and glance across the area to see one’s admired youth.
Yi Pei Lan fiddled with some small flowers as she said,
“Do you all have confidence in the academy examinations today?”
“I do not have” The female beside her smiled,
“There are so many people and I am mediocre at best thus I am really scared.
I only help that later I would not be drawn out or chosen in a challenge by anyone.
I don’t seek to stand out and only not to make a fool of myself”
Yi Pei Lan ‘s mouth twitched,
“One must at least try.
As everyone know,
His Highness Prince Ding would also be present and moreover your admired Young Master Lee would also be here.
The Young Master of the Lee family’s language skills are exceptionally outstanding and would definitely come on the stage.
Shouldn’t you take this opportunity to perform well?”
The young female pushed Yi Pei Lan as her face revealed some shyness,
“Don’t say nonsense”
Jiang Xiao Xuan heard what was said and smiled,
“Exactly.
Bai Wei,
you must not be afraid.
If one where to say about making a fool of oneself,
there would still be the Shen family’s number five to be at the end of the spectrum.
Seeing that,
you are much better than her”
“Precisely” Yi Pei Lan also smiled in amusement,
“During the yearly academy examinations,
that Fifth Shen would be responsible for provoking laughter and it is tough for her to still come every year.
When I think about how she is going to show off her work this year,
I would want to laugh out.
Really don’t know that she would wear again.
Would it be like last year’s terribly bright red dress with purple gold hairpin?”
A number of young females started giggling.
“Enough already” Feng An Ning suddenly open her mouth,
“What so funny about it?”
Yi Pei Lan was surprise for a moment before she said,
“Feng An Ning,
you seemed very strange recently.
Why are you so good with that fool?”
Feng An Ning had a look of anger and was about to speak when she heard someone speaking from the other side,
“The Furens of Shen family have arrived”
Chapter 26: Mesmerising
* * *
Yi Pei Lan’s mother,
Yi Furen,
had a better relationship with Ren Wan Yun and Master Yi and Shen Gui mutually took care of each other in court.
Occasionally Ren Wan Yun would also bring Shen Qing to the Yi residence for a visit thus Yi Pei Lan and Shen Qing had the best relationship and was also good to Shen Yue.
At the presence of the women,
the male side of the banquet all looked over.
Shen Gui and Shen Wan was busy with government affairs lately and most likely was unable to come.
But the reason why they look over was not for Shen Gui and Shen Wan.
In any case,
the formidable Great General Shen Xin was very high ranked in the Imperial courts.
When the late Emperor was alive,
the Shen family had a lot of privileges and was worthy of the name of being in the Emperor’s inner ministerial circle.
Whoever had the military power was qualified to speak.
Even if Shen Xin was often not in the capital,
if one mention about the Shen family,
everyone would be respectful,
thus Shen Gui and Shen Wan had a smooth sailing career mainly because of their Eldest Brother’s power.
The men look at the Shen family,
as they were watching a powerhouse family and the formidable military leader.
The females look at the Shen family as though as they were a joke.
It was still alright among the Furens,
after all even if they felt contempt in their hearts,
they would still say some perfunctory words but the young ladies were different.
Perhaps there was some jealousy as Shen Xin had only one Di daughter and thus Shen Miao as Shen Xin’s Di daughter,
her status was naturally different.
It can be said that it was comparable to a princess.
And such a genuine noble Di daughter was an absolute fool.
Stupid and ignorance and was so timid and weak and her love of Prince Ding,
Fu Xiu Yi,
had created a lot of jokes.
Unfortunately,
the falling flower yearned for love but the heartless brook ripples on and everyone knew about it.
Let alone standing together with such outstanding two TangJies,
one would look more like a countryside girl.
“Don’t know what kind of good show we will see today.
His Highness Prince Ding would be present so Shen Miao would definitely dress up ‘meticulously’”
Yi Pei Lan covered her lips and laughed.
“Don’t you not think that it would be even funnier during the academy examinations? With Shen Miao’s no brains,
she would take the initiative to go up on stage.
At that time,
it would only be exciting!” Jiang Xiao Xuan followed up with laughter.
Bai Wei sighed and shook his head pretentiously,
“Did not know what sins did General Shen did in his previous life to have such a daughter”
Just as they were talking,
one could see a group of people lead by a female servant walking into Yan Bei Tang
The people who was walking impressively right in front was Ren Wan Yun and Chen Rou Qiu.
Ren Wan Yun was wearing gold gilt soft cotton robe.
She was naturally on the plump side and with her hair up on a Yuan Luo bun,
she had a dignified appearance of wealth and had the air of a matriarch of the family.
Chen Rou Qiu was different,
even though Shen Yue was sixteen years of age,
she was still like a young married woman,
she wore a light pipa green gauze dress and with one glance,
she would be thought of being a gentle woman from a scholarly family.
Behind both of them was Shen Yue and Shen Qing.
Shen Yue wore a pair of light pink and plum long skirt and her long hair was up in a flying fairy style,
decorated with pink pearls.
The colour of the pearls are exceptionally good that could attract others glaze to it.
Shen Qing,
beside her,
was wearing a peach blossom red robe that had flowers scattered,
was an dazzling colour and coupled with a Bai Hua hairstyle,
made her look energetic and cheerful.
The jade pendant that was hanging on her waist was translucent and clear,
one look and one would know that it was extraordinary.
Both of them were young,
one was beautifully gentle,
the other was magnanimous.
The clothes they wore were worth a lot of money and they were already quite good looking but clothes make the man,
thus many youths turn over to look.
At the male side of the banquet,
one Daren could not help but praise,
“The daughters of the Shen family are all good looking”
“There is still one” Cai Lin saw his favourite Shen Yue and was delighted but he could not help but sneer,
“Shen family still have a daughter from General Shen,
who is the best looking”
That Daren did not seem to care about the rumours circulating and did not know about Shen Miao’s critique so when he heard Cai Lin’s words,
he thought that it was true,
“General Shen’s daughter would certainly not be lacking”
“Ah” Cai Lin could not help but laugh and pointed readily towards Shen Yue’s group,
“Isn’t that…”
He did not finish his words but swallowed them down.
He saw that there was still one person walking behind Shen Qing and Shen Yue.
She did not walk together with Shen Qing and Shen Yue but walk behind alone.
This originally would not look good and one would cower and tremble in fear but for unknown reasons,
there wasn’t the slightness of insignificance.
Dark gold embroidered silk with a moon tail,
there were large embroidered Begonias on the skirt like they were blooming beneath her feet.
As the young lady walked,
flowers bloom with each step as she move elegantly.
And this young female most likely felt cold as she was covered with an lotus purple silk cloak,
which instantly contained the flower patterns and highlighted the majesties of it.
As she walked nearer,
everyone could then see her face clearly.
It was just a fourteen to fifteen year old young girl who had her hair up in a simple cloud bun and there was only one silver hairpin that was inserted in it.
At the end of the silver hairpin was a small begonia which brighten the outfit instantly with a touch of colour which made her quite moving.
Her complexion was naturally fair thus when she wore the lotus purple dress,
it made her skin look creamy and that pair of eyes was crystal clear and shinning like they belong to some young cub.
There was a light smile on her lips but it does not seem to be a laugh.
There was some meat on that small cute nose and her mouth was rosy red.
It was a somewhat adorable look but when everyone look at her,
no one seem to think that this was a young little lady.
Some people were naturally beautiful but had no temperament,
whereas others might not be beautiful or have a good temperament but was moving.
This young lady’s appearance was delicate and cute,
one would not say that she was exceptionally pretty but that air around her made one could not help but lose themselves in.
That kind of majestic and dignified air came from the noble elegance found in the bottom of her heart.
It made others not dare to do anything rash around her.
And her walking posture,
a slightly lifted chin as the beginning of her skirt did not move as her hand was overlapped in front of her was done correctly,
neither stiff nor consciously,
like she has done such actions for thousands of time and thus there was no loophole at all.
This kind of noble temperament and the majestic air that came out from her heart made her not look like a fourteen or fifteen years old young little lady but a noble and high ranking married woman that had gone through the vicissitudes of life.
Shen Yue,
Shen Qing,
Ren Wan Yun and Chen Rou Qiu in front unknowing became this young lady’s background,
like the four maids that she brought along.
Moreover by walking lastly,
she was clearly their mistress.
“Who is that?”
Yi Pei Lan murmured.
Even as a female who saw this young lady,
could not help but loose oneself.
How could someone at such a bearing?
“Is this… Shen family’s guest?”
Bai Wei asked,
“It seemed to be someone who has not seen the others before”
At the male side of the banquet,
there was absolute silence.
The way male look at people were different from females.
Everyone present were people in the official circles and naturally could see that distinct aspect that this young lady had.
It was not the appearance but her bearing,
like the calm of one who had experience the great winds and high waves and in front of everything maintain a noble attitude but made others feel her disdain from the inside out.
It was like a leopard who ran into a flock of sheep,
there was a completely inharmonious feeling.
“Is this the daughter of General Shen?”
The person who was talking to Cai Lin now spoke with some excitement,
“This is indeed a good appearance!
Good sense of presence!
The student has surpasses the master!”
“Shen Miao?”
Cai Lin was stunned for a moment and took a closer look before crying out,
“It’s Shen Miao?”
A stone caused a thousand ripples and soon everyone sitting quieten down before an instant uproar followed.
Chapter 27: Prince Yu of First Rank
* * *
Shen Miao?
Feng An Ning could not help but be startled.
Shen Miao and her sat at the same table on normal days in Guang Wen Tang and naturally saw it clearly than others.
That was indeed Shen Miao.
There was no mistake.
These days Shen Miao’s temperament has calm down quite a lot.
Even though she used to be very quiet,
but she no longer followed behind Shen Yue and Shen Qing and say something ignorantly or stupidly.
Thus her quiet appearance was actually not bad.
Feng An Ning thought that Shen Miao only became smarter but did not think that if she were to dress up formally,
she would be shock everyone.
Because of the recuperation after falling into the water,
she had slimmed down a lot.
Normally one would not notice,
but from today,
her chin was sharper a little,
making her previous appearance of eleven or twelve years old look like a young budding beauty at fourteen of age.
It was as if the baby that was curled up in the nest of beasts had finally woke up and the claws were brandished for the first time.
Pei Xuicai was also at the male side of the banquet.
Even though he was just a teacher in Guang Wen Tang,
everyone respected talented people and he had some status in the official circles.
To be this talented at a young age,
if he would to enter the official circles,
he would definitely be able to hold a position.
Everyone in the official circles were smart and know that in order to pave for their future even though Pei Lang had yet to go to that direction.
Shen Miao’s gaze swept over to the male side of the banquet and landed on Pei Lang for a moment.
She knew that in today’s academy examinations,
even though Pei Lang was an accounting teacher,
during the contending of talents,
it was then when students was able to challenge the teachers.
Pei Lang’s literary talent on the ‘Circulation of Law’ was well-founded which impressed Fu Xiu Yi.
Afterwards,
in order to win over this talent to his side,
Fu Xiu Yi made a lot of actions before finally gaining the powerful force of Pei Lang.
In this lifetime,
this matter absolutely must not happen.
Pei Lang was sensitive and felt that young lady’s,
who was sitting far away,
was on himself and observing like a hunter watching its valuable prey.
That made him felt a strange feeling in his heart.
He looked over but Shen Miao had long turned her head over.
The Darens around were full of praise,
“The Di daughter of General Shen has such an air at such a young age.
One must not underestimate her future”
“Her appearance is also good” A blue clad youth said,
“Originally did not see realise that this Shen Miao was considered a beauty” When youths look at young ladies,
they only see their appearance.
“Unfortunately she is a stupid foolish thing” After Cai Lin recovered from his short astonishment,
he was dissatisfied that everyone was looking at Shen Miao and ignored Shen Yue so he coldly scoffed.
“You are then a stupid foolish thing!” A unexpected voice exploded in his hear.
Cai Lin jump in front and saw a red satin clad red dumpling staring at him.
He was short but his imposing manner was great.
“Apologies” A green clad youth rushed over to Cai Lin and smiled,
“My younger brother was rude and have offended”
Cai Lin wanted to scold someone but when he saw that the other person was the heir of Ping Nan Bo,
Su Ming Feng,
he swallowed the words that was at the edge of his tongue.
Su Ming Feng was Xie Jing Xing’s close friend,
who would dare to mess with him?
“Eldest Brother, ” Su Ming Lang tugged the edge of Su Ming Feng’s clothes,
“That older sister is very pretty.
You should marry her as your wife”
Su Ming Feng’s lips stiffen.
Fortunately Su Ming Lang’s voice was very soft and no one heard it.
He lean over slightly and asked,
“Does Second Younger Brother know Young Lady Shen?”
“I do not know” Su Ming Lang played with his fingers innocently.
After that,
Su Ming Feng did not speak anymore.
Shen Miao walked behind Ren Wan Yun’s entourage and to the female area of the banquet.
Generally at the female side of the banquet the Furens and Ladies would sit randomly with their familiar and close friends and this was the same with the young ladies.
But Shen Miao other than going to Guang Wen Tang,
she would be at home,
not including Shen Yue and Shen Qing,
no one in Guang Wen Tang was willing to be friends with her.
She was also not angry nor worried and just find a seat to sit down.
She was not afraid of these young ladies isolating her but on the contrary,
enjoying this calm and quiet feeling.
Those young ladies saw that Shen Miao was dressed differently today and became somewhat jealous.
They wanted to see her making a fool of herself and purposely isolated her but they saw Shen Miao sitting down by herself and did not appear to be miserable.
There were chessboards and leaf cards (Translator: Not sure what game is this) that were on the table so that the young ladies would not feel bored.
She thought for a little before picking the chess pieces from the chess basket and started to play against herself.
She makes no sense of any of the four scholarly arts.
Previously because of the Second and Third Household deliberate actions to increase her hate for them,
after she got married to Fu Xiu Yi,
she had no time to learn.
Thus when she return from Qin country and faced the exquisite Mei Furen,
who could sing and dance,
she felt inferior in her heart.
Those concubines in the Palace compared her and Mei Furen and said that she was a vulgar and ignorant because she came from a military lineage,
that was why Fu Xiu Yi would not even see this kind of Empress like her.
However it was not necessary for one to be a talent in chess to play chess.
Even though she did not know how to play chess but because of those years when she went to Qing country for Fu Xiu Yi,
she studies meticulously on a number of the art of war.
She did not know how to play chess but knew how to use troops.
This was a chess of war.
The noble females looked from afar and saw Shen Miao’s calm and composed self.
This kind of indifference and attitude of her in a higher status divided her apart from the rest as if she was high up and the rest of them were of lower status.
“Fifth Young Lady has changed a lot today” Yi Furen smiled at Ren Wan Yun and said,
“She seemed to have become an adult” It was not good for her to say that Shen Miao had clearly suppressed Shen Yue and Shen Qing and can only remind Ren Wan Yun in a roundabout way.
How could Ren Wan Yun not know? She was good at observing others words and gestures and throughout the walk over,
everyone’s eyes were not at her nor Shen Yue or Shen Qing but was obviously on Shen Miao who was walking at the back.
She was fuming with rage in her heart.
It seemed that Shen Miao was really putting a lot of effort this time.
She knew that Prince Ding would be present at the academy examinations and trying all ways to attract Prince Ding’s attention and compete with her Qing-er?
She picked up the tea cup and looked over at the male side of the banquet as she laughed,
“Is it not? Now that her age is no longer young,
Old Taitai doted on Little Five saying that since Eldest Brother-in-law is not present,
she said to me just before we leave that I have to take a good look if there is anyone suitable”
Chen Rou Qiu’s,
who was sitting by the side,
vision suddenly moved.
Take a good look?
Shen Yue and Shen Qing were older in age as compared with Shen Miao but they have to look for Shen Miao first,
naturally it was not because of the kindness of Old Shen Furen.
Old Shen Furen hated the entire family of the First Household so how would Shen Miao have anything good out of it?
Chen Rou Qiu’s gaze landed on Shen Qing,
who was talking to Yi Pei Lan.
Ren Wan Yun seemed to be urgently settling Shen Miao’s marriage before Shen Xin’s return.
Why? Was it because Shen Qing was also in love with Prince Ding? And want to remove the biggest threat for Shen Qing?
Just as she was thinking,
she heard a racket forming at the male side of the banquet.
Jiang Furen mentioned,
“Prince Yu of First Rank has arrived”
Shen Miao,
who was contemplating the next move,
paused and the white piece immediately fell onto the board.
She raised her eyes and looked towards the male side of the banquet with eyes full of calm.
Prince Yu of First Rank.
In the past lifetime,
Old Shen Furen wanted to marry her off to that crippled and sexual lowlife who was currently forty-two years old.
If she wasn’t obsessed with Fu Xiu Yi and push her way to be his dependent,
most likely she would become a pile of bones in the residence of Prince Yu.
Chapter 28: Bengong Has Returned
* * *
One was able to see a middle-aged male walking over.
He did not seat with those officials and youths and sat at the far away at the special seats for distinguished guests.
This man was around forty years old,
looking dark and hideous,
wearing pine rosin colour robes.
His clothes were luxurious but unfortunate he only had a leg.
This was the blood brother of the Emperor,
Prince Yu of the First Rank.
Prince Yu was brother of the Emperor with the same mother.
When he was young,
he saved the Emperor’s life from the hands of the assassins and thus his left leg was injured and had to be amputated,
becoming a cripple.
Since that incident onward Prince Yu’s temperament changed and he became brutal,
vicious and had a perverse personality.
He had a houseful of concubines,
the Imperial family knew it all even though no one outside knew of anything.
This Prince Yu had a filthy hobby of playing with countless of women till they die.
Yu Wangfei had passed away seven years ago which it itself was strong.
But since the Emperor and the Empress Dowager protected Prince Yu,
Yu Wangfei’s family can only swallow their grievances.
Recently there was a sudden news from Prince Yu residence that Prince Yu had the intention to bring a Wangfei in.
For a period of time,
everyone in the Ding capital was endlessly speculating.
Prince Yu’s status was very high and he also had the favour of the Emperor and Empress Dowager,
thus his Wangfei had to be of equal status.
The noble and high ranking families that really loved their daughters would naturally not let their daughters enter the wolf’s den.
Those who see their daughters as a bargaining chip would then be anxious to exchange their daughters for prestige and wealth,
even at the expense of their life.
Looking the previous Yu Wangfei’s family,
although they had lost a daughter,
the Emperor took care of them and didn’t they became a lot more prosperous?
Shen Miao’s gaze pass Prince Yu and landed on Ren Wan Yun at the banquet area designated for females.
Sure enough,
she saw Ren Wan Yun’s face brighten and said to Yi Furen,
“His Majesty indeed treat Prince Yu really well”
They were all people who fight in the courtyard so Yi Furen immediately thought of what Ren Wan Yun’s intention.
Even though she found that Ren Wan Yun’s action was despicable,
but her Master and Shen Gui was in the same fraction so naturally she had to side and help Ren Wan Yun.
She smiled and said,
“That’s true.
Even though he is much older but is someone that will dote others”
Chen Rou Qiu lowered her head at the side and slowly ate some snacks but the smile on her lips was somewhat odd.
Dote others? Believe that no one will be willing to see their own daughter marry an crippled widower even if he was to dote on them or had huge amount of power,
it was as good as pushing one’s daughter into the fire pits.
As she thought about it,
she turned her head and looked at Shen Miao.
Shen Miao was held the chess pieces patiently and place them on the chessboards as if she did not pay any attention to anyone.
Suddenly Chen Rou Qiu felt bottomless in her heart.
After Shen Miao woke up after falling into the water,
she was like another person like Shen Xin’s blood was awaken in her.
The entire Shen Xin family had fierce and violent personality and if Shen Miao know about Ren Wan Yun’s plan,
would she obediently accept it?
Just as she was thinking,
she saw Shen Miao seemingly came to be aware of her gaze thus she raise her head to look at her.
That pair of eyes was filled with cold that it iced Chen Rou Qiu’s heart even though it was only the tenth lunar month.
Shen Miao lowered her head and look at the chess in her hands.
In the last life,
she made a fool of herself during the Chrysanthemum banquet but Ren Wan Yun mentioned about Prince Yu’s marriage to Old Shen Taitai upon the return to the residence.
Ren Wan Yun said,
“Not saying that Little Five’s actions today had no good aspects at all and moreover she had lose Shen family’s reputation.
Which noble family would be willing to marry a young lady like Little Five? Now that there is a good marriage of Prince Yu,
if Little Five marry over,
she would be a Wangfei and have the favour from His Majesty and Empress Dowager and can be considered as fortunate.
Even though his legs are not good and his age is somewhat more matured,
but our Little Five do not have any exceptional abilities and thus it would not be a loss for Little Five”
They made it high-sounding but it was in fact very vicious.
It was later on when she spend a lot of money to bribe a Rong Jing Tang’s maid could she then know these remarks.
Old Shen Furen hated the First Household in her heart because Shen Xin was born from the Yuanpei.
When Old Master Shen was alive,
he deeply favoured Shen Xin which made Old Shen Furen,
the second wife,
jealous.
It was so difficult for her to endure till the death of Old Master Shen but Shen Xin’s military power was untouchable.
Since Shen Xin was untouchable,
Shen Miao was targeted and as to target a female,
there was nothing more painful than letting her marry into hardship.
Old Shen Furen and Ren Wan Yun hit it off and immediately sent someone over to Prince Yu residence to bring the matter up.
Shen Miao was afraid and angry.
At that time she was in love with Fu Xiu Yi and in a haste,
that very night she packed up and when over to Prince Ding residence and begged him to shelter her.
She did not care about her reputation when others deliberately spread the matter out as she thought that since her reputation was already destroyed,
it would be too late to change anything and thus better to marry to Prince Ding as a concubine than to Prince Yu residence.
At that time Old Shen Furen was furious at the turn of events.
Even though Fu Xiu Yi was angry in his heart,
he did not treat her badly on the surface.
Perhaps he saw the value of Shen family army.
Even though he did not treat Shen Miao warmly,
he did not refute her.
Upon Shen Xin return at the end of the year,
what welcome him was the news of his daughter in the capital jumping into the residence of others.
He was shocked and angry but Shen Miao did not hesitate to protest with a hunger strike,
so Shen Xin ran out of ideas and could only use all his military accomplishments to finally exchange a title of Ding Wangfei for her.
But no one had thought that that was the beginning of a real nightmare.
Shen Miao closed her eyes.
The mistakes that was made in her previous life had all traced back to today and today was destined to be a turning point of her life.
Those people who owed her must now start to pay their debts!
“Hey.
Why play by yourself?”
Suddenly a voice rang by her ear.
It was unknown when Feng An Ning walked over and even though there was some awkward expression,
she sat across her,
“Why not play a game with me? Do you know how to play chess?”
Feng An Ning look down at the chessboard.
She only intended to casually talk but when she look down some interest of hers were sparked.
After carefully looking for a while,
she was unable to see anything out of it and asked,
“What kind of tactic is this? I have not seen it before”
“This is not a game of chess” Shen Miao smiled,
“This is fighting a war”
“What?”
“Now it cannot be seen” Shen Miao said plainly,
“Only when the pieces are swallowed then it can be seen for this kind of chess” Just like a next that is woven firmly and tightly so that no one can escape.
Feng An Ning shuddered,
“What are you talking? It is strange and horrifying” She look over at the male side of the banquet and suddenly her eyes brighten and gave Shen Miao a look of encouragement,
“Look there.
His Highness Prince Ding has arrived”
At the banquet section for men,
Prince Ding,
Fu Xiu Yi,
was wearing a loose gold and blue robe with green jaded books and looked splendid.
He was born handsome and coupled with his solemn bearing but yet cordial actions,
he did not have the temperament of an overbearing prince.
Throughout his way,
he was able to attract the cries of surprise from the female side of the banquet.
Shen Miao lowered her head as her fingers dug deep into her palm as she clenched her fists.
Ten years of accompaniment and wholehearted support was only exchanged with a piece of long white silk and extermination of an entire clan.
And even her son and daughter lost their lives.
The kinder this person look on the outside,
the more vicious his heart was.
How just he look on the outside was how cruel he was on the inside.
In the last life,
this man grant her with an intact corpse.
In this lifetime,
she want this person die without an intact corpse!
Fu Xiu Yi,
Bengong has returned!
Chapter 29: Confusion
* * *
At the male side of the banquet,
other than Prince Ding,
there was only two prince who attended,
Prince Zhuo,
Fu Xiu An,
and Prince Jing,
Fu Xiu Xuan.
The Crown Prince’s health was not good and would not participate in such an event.
Consort Xu Xian gave birth to Prince Zhuo and Prince Jing and both of their abilities were outstanding.
Prince Zhuo was much more arrogant,
whereas Prince Jing was introverted.
Both of them was eyeing the throne as everyone knew that the Crown Prince’s health was poor and there would eventually be a day when the Emperor would change the Crown Prince and Consort Xu Xian had the favour of the Emperor.
By contrast,
Prince Ding mother,
Consort Dong Shu had a much lower profile.
If Prince Ding was not somewhat outstanding,
she would not be able to sit in the position of the four consorts.
In the previous life,
Prince Zhuo and Prince Jing was entangled in the fight for the throne but relax their vigilance on Prince Ding,
the first reason being Fu Xiu Yi was in good relations with the Crown Prince and would always walk the same path as the Crown Prince and personally find previous medicinal herbs for the Crown Prince that even the Empress was quite satisfied with Fu Xiu Yi.
This made the rest of the people think that Prince Ding was a lackey of the Crown Prince.
The second reason was that Fu Xiu Yi was usually aloof from politics and material pursuits and would disdain from participating in the affairs of the court.
In addition,
Consort Dong Shu had a cautious nature and would spend all day recite Buddhist scriptures.
Without a strong maternal support,
it was expected that Prince Ding was unable to make any waves.
But in fact the final one who would sit on the Dragon seat was Fu Xiu Yi,
that they think was unable to make any waves.
Shen Miao picked up the leaf cards.
Just like these leaf cards,
the cards in Fu Xiu Yi’s hand was rotten since birth and everyone thought that he would be eliminated at the beginning but not one dreamed that he had never thought of using the cards at his hands.
His cards are all in other people hands and what he needed to do was to snatch them.
“Why do you have no reactions?”
See her remaining silent and not even see a trace of admiration to Fu Xiu Yi in her eyes,
Feng An Ning felt somewhat strange,
“Don’t you like him?”
Shen Miao raised her head and looked at her.
Feng An Ning was shocked.
That one look made her heart freeze and she felt the sudden urge to kneel down.
She did not know where did the feeling came from but she knew that Shen Miao was not happy with what she just said.
She paused and spoke,
“Actually I also do not like him.
How can a person be so perfect in the world? It is just unreal”
This time Shen Miao took a serious look at Feng An Ning.
She did not expect that this proud Young Lady would see it that way.
There were a number of people who were in love with Fu Xiu Yi and if Fu Xiu Yi was willing,
the entire field of young ladies would fall for him.
How would there be someone who was able to be that unconventional?
She slowly said,
“It seems that you have someone in your heart”
“What nonsense you are talking about?”
Feng An Ning’s little face suddenly redden,
“Don’t falsely accuse a good person”
Shen Miao did not continue to speak to her.
She did not inclination to listen to a little girl’s troubles.
Naturally she had her own things.
After much coming and going as there many invitation sent out for the Chrysanthemum banquet,
almost everyone had arrived.
Below the Yan Bei Tang Chrysanthemum field,
a tall huge stage was build.
The stage was decorated plainly but no one felt that it was vulgar as the late Emperor use it to pray to the Heavens.
It was a stage that had the air of dragons.
Both side of it was inscribe with personals and some of them were wearing soldier’s uniforms with red headbands,
beating the drums loudly.
The sound of the drums rumbled straight throughout the skies as the musician plucked their qin.
It’s ‘Song of a Virtuous Gentleman’,
which meant to portray the Imperial family request and yearn to pick the true talents for the country in today’s academy for the empire of Ming Qi.
The music entered everyone’s ears and due to the unique magnificent sound,
one would not be able to help but feel the surge in emotion.
Most of those present were youth and they were in a moment where they were hot-blooded thus the music made them enter it and they could not help but show off all their talents to everyone and fight for a good future for Ming Qi for Ming Qi’s Imperial family to leave being a stroke in history.
Even a female could not help but reveal a look of excitement.
Although they were unable to become a court official like males,
their fathers and brothers were pillars of the country.
Their own family clan had indomitable spirit and with the glory and honour,
they would be bathed in the Imperial family’s favour and feel their heart full of gratitude.
The entire audience were enveloped in the vast and might of the Imperial benevolence and was moved but there was one person who had a look of indifference and not a single trace of being moved.
Shen Miao’s eyes landed on the person who was in the centre playing the qin.
This is the favourite thing the Ming Qi Imperial family love to do.
To incite the hearts of the youth to dedicate themselves to the service of the country and use them to do rotten stuff for the Imperial family but at the end,
once the country was stabilised,
these hot blooded youths that shed blood and sweat would rarely get a good ending.
Boil the hound once the rabbit was caught.
When every Emperor takes over the throne,
they would eradicate the older generation of people.
Especially those official who had experienced the dark nature of the fight for the throne.
After gaining knowledge of the filthy arrangements and bloody events,
how could the Imperial family be assured for them to rise up in their career?
These exciting music would only be known as the funeral music in the future as it pushes people to their death.
And now immersed in the hearts of the youths who serve the country,
would die under the treacherous strives of the Imperial family and become innocent sacrifices.
She could not save everyone in the world but could save her own people.
Shen Miao raised a hand lightly and her right sleeve brushed pass the edge of the table.
That bright tea cup was brushed to the ground with a ‘pa’ sound.
The crisp sound resonated in the venue and it should not be heard,
but under the rich rhythm of the music,
it sounded just at the right time where the thread was in the midst of being pulled up and that messed up the other strings too.
With a ‘pa’,
the rhythm of the music was wrecked.
Just like waking from a dream,
Feng An Ning suddenly recovered and saw Shen Miao picking up the tea cup from the floor as she smiled,
“Pardon me.
A slip of my hand”
Those musicians who were up on stage playing with intensely,
had their mind almost blown and was in so much pain that they almost fainted.
Ming Qi had learnt this music from the hands of a western foreigner and had some intention of confusing others.
It could instigate the small emotions in one’s heart.
This piece was a war song and could amplify the feelings of faith and allegiance greatly thus if this piece was played fully,
those who had a loyal heart would become foolishly devoted.
It was only when Shen Miao became the Empress that she became aware of the hideous nature of the music.
The Imperial family of Ming Qi used this music to confuse the younger generations and make these younger generation bleed for them.
When the Xiong Nu attacked,
the Imperial family had the Lin Yu army defend the capital and recruited new army to the frontier.
They made these musician go up on stage to play the music and most of the youths left for the army without looking back and some of them did not even reach the marriageable age.
After such an interruption from Shen Miao,
those musician were unable to focus their energy on their hands and at the final qin part,
it had lost the passion that it previously had and was just played like an ordinary song.
The hot blooded sentiment that was stirred gradually dissipated and everything returned to calmness.
But at the end Shen Miao’s move had attracted some people’s attention.
Over at the dedicated male area,
Fu Xiu Yi and Pei Lang looked over at the same time.
Chapter 30: Drawing Lots
* * *
Fu Xiu Yi belonged to the Imperial family and naturally would not be ignorant to the methods that the Imperial family used.
The clear sound of the teacup might seem like an accident but it had disrupted the musicians rhythm and could no longer stir up everyone feelings.
He naturally want to know who was the initiator.
Fu Xiu Yi has a cautious and suspicious temperament thus he did not think that the other did it unintentionally.
The purple clad female was talking to others with her chin resting on her hand.
She look indifferent and afar but there was an indescribable air about her that clearly set her apart from others.
“Who is Ninth Younger Brother looking at?”
Prince Zhuo,
Fu Xiu An followed Fu Xiu Yi sight and revealed an evident smile.
“Talking about among us brothers,
it is only Ninth Younger Brother who have yet to take a wife.
Imperial father had mentioned many times of the selection of a wife for Ninth Younger Brother.
So,
which family’s young lady do that female below to? She looks pretty good.
Not sure which are her relatives and if we know any one of them?”
“It is the Fifth Young Lady of the formidable Great General residence and this one’s student” Pei Lang stood not far away and replied after hearing what was said.
“The Fifth Young Lady of the formidable Great General residence?”
Prince Jing,
Fu Xiu Xuan,
memory was good but perhaps Shen Miao’s reputation was so huge that the Imperial family were no strangers to her name.
He said,
“Isn’t that the Di daughter of General Shen Xin? Seemed to be called Shen Miao?”
“How could it be Shen Miao?”
Fu Xiu An smile without a care,
“The matter of Shen Miao chasing our Ninth Younger Brother was something the entire capital knows about and a few days back didn’t she fell into the water just to look at Ninth Younger Brother? If Ninth Younger Brother was truly pleased with Shen Miao,
it would not be so troublesome.
Moreover,
Shen Miao is an idiot but you see the young lady at the other side has an elegant and noble air.
How could she be Shen Miao?”
“Forth Older Brother should speak cautiously as Xiu Yi did not have such intentions” Fu Xiu Yi shook his head but his sight was firmly on the purple clad young lady far at the other side of the female section of the banquet.
In his heart,
it was not that he was not shocked.
Shen Miao in his eyes was of no difference to the other young ladies that admire him.
Those young ladies that like him would pretend to be modest on the surface and understood the etiquette and advance or retreat appropriately but Shen Miao… Most likely other that looking at him foolishly,
she did not know anything else.
He obviously would not take into consideration of an idiot that the entire Ding capital laugh about.
If it was not due to Shen Xin,
he would have clearly show the disgust on his face.
Moreover his memories of Shen Miao was someone who always love to wear bright red or green robes and love to put on gold jewellery as she ferociously wear thick rouge on her face,
like those clown characters on a countryside stage.
But the purple clad young lady had a clear and fair complexion and graceful brows and that air of nobility sets her apart from the surround female.
How could that be Shen Miao?
He was not the only one who was perplexed.
So was Pei Lang.
As Shen Miao’s teacher of two years,
Pei Lang undoubtedly understood Shen Miao more than Fu Xiu Yi.
It is supposedly said that one can change the appearance and clothes can be switched but the personality traits were different.
Pei Lang was a scholar and scholars value personality traits more than others.
Shen Miao practically became another person overnight.
How would there be such a thing?
He did not think about the matter of the teacup although he felt that there was something wrong about the music piece as in his mind,
how would a young lady would be able to hear the problem out of it.
Not to mention Shen Miao was never an expert in qin.
Everyone were in their own thoughts when the musician ended their performance.
The academy examinations were about to start.
This year’s academy examination was different from the previous.
It did not differentiate between male and female but separates scholarly and military arts.
Even though Guang Wen Tang require its students to be proficient in both scholarly and military arts and both arts were in the curriculum,
but with the hundred years of regulations,
very little females would choose military arts and in the scholarly arts,
most males would commonly discuss about economics and taxation.
This was because this was the way the court select their talents,
just like one of the Daren had said,
“It is common knowledge that successful talented candidates would often become generals and officials”
The topics for military arts would include horse riding and shooting of arrows but that was not a really considered a success as performing military exercises as well as other specifics were not required.
Whereas for females,
most of the topics on scholarly arts would be traditionally be in the four categories of literary and poetry.
It was much more demanding for females not only in Ming Qi,
but all the other countries.
Female’s place was at home to support one’s husband and educate one’s children and to sing of the wind and moon.
Ming Qi’s examinations were all divided into three parts for one to draw out,
one to select and one to challenge.
Everyone need to draw out but the school wrecked the order and made everyone who participate to draw out the topic of the academy examinations.
In order to avoid getting too or extremely difficult ones,
females would select in the four scholarly arts whereas the males will draw out from either the military and scholarly areas.
As this was something that cannot be avoided,
Shen Miao would be humiliated in this regard as she did not know any of the four scholarly arts.
As for the second part of selecting,
one can select an area which one was good at to exhibit.
Like Shen Yue would often choose to play the qin and Shen Qing would choose calculation.
As for the final part which was to challenge,
this was not about challenging a topic but challenging others.
One would be able to go up on stage to challenge one of the students as an opponent on a particular area.
Such scenes were often done when both talents are evenly match.
As for Shen Miao,
those who challenge her would only insult their own strength.
There were also others who want to watch Shen Miao make a fool of herself and would purposely challenge Shen Miao up the stage and attack her in another way.
The outcome was one that did not require much guesswork,
no matter which topic,
Shen Miao would suffer a crushing defeat.
That was why to Shen Miao the yearly academy examinations were like a nightmare as she would be treated as a joke by everyone.
These kind of days were countless.
And it was likewise the same this year.
Like in previous years,
the main examiners went up onto the stage and said a bunch of stuff while the other two came out from the back with two small wooden barrels filled with paper.
These paper all had the topic of the academy examinations and it was the students who would draw it out themselves.
Both male and female would need to draw.
One person walked over to the male side of the banquet and one by one the male students started to draw.
The other tall female carried the wooden barrel over to the female side of the banquet and the female students started drawing orderly.
Feng An Ning blinked her eyes,
“May the Gods give their blessing.
I only hope to draw qin or poetry topics.
I really do not know anything about painting and chess” She looked towards Shen Miao,
“You really seem not worried at all.
Do you have a card up in your sleeve? Or just go with the flow of things?”
She did not mean to be too harsh but Shen Miao was a fool who did not have much knowledge on anything.
Shen Miao decline to comment.
What was the purpose of drawing? Qin,
chess,
poetry and painting were things that she could not do.
When the wooden barrel reached to Shen Miao’s table,
Feng An Ning drew first and could not wait to open up the paper she drew up.
She was relieved,
“It’s qin!
It’s qin!
This is good.
The qin practises these days were not wasted.
Shen Miao,
what is yours?”
Shen Miao’s hand was just taken out from the barrel and there was a white piece of paper in her palm that was folded to a long piece.
She opened it out and there was just a word on it.
Painting.
Chapter 31: Don’t Endure
* * *
“Painting?”
Feng An Ning stretched her neck and when she saw the paper in Shen Miao’s hand,
she was also slightly stunned for a moment before saying,
“Do you know how?”
This was actually sincere words as Shen Miao did not have any knowledge on the four scholarly arts.
There should be an implicit charm in painting which was needless to say if one cannot even paint.
Seeing Shen Miao keeping her silence,
Feng An Ning also quieten down.
It was most likely humans were strange,
in the beginning she found Shen Miao unpleasing to her eyes but now when Shen Miao behaved indifferently to her,
Feng An Ning on the other hand felt more willing to talk to Shen Miao.
She felt that the current Shen Miao had a special temperament and could unconsciously attract others.
As both of them were being silent,
Shen Yue and Shen Qing walked over confidently before Shen Yao smiled,
“What did the lot that Fifth Younger Sister says? Let me take a look,
maybe Eldest Sister and me could be come out with some ideas”
Shen Qing nodded her head,
“Yes.
Me and Second Younger Sister have drawn poetry and painting respectively.
What is yours?”
Shen Miao kept quiet so Shen Yue smiled as she went forward to take the paper from her hands and said as though she had no bad intentions,
“Fifth Younger Sister must not be afraid since there is still us,
two sisters here.
We would always look after you”
Feng An Ning snorted.
Even though she previous also did not like Shen Miao but she did not find Shen Yue and Shen Qing pleasing to her eyes.
Her mother was a formidable person and there were numerous younger sisters at home.
Who had harboured any bad intentions or was calculative,
she could all see it with one glance.
What were the difference between Shen Yue and Shen Qing and the Shu sisters in her residence who want to contend for favour? They wanted nothing more than to use Shen Miao’s stupidity to elevate themselves only.
Sure enough when Shen Yue spoke those words,
on the other side when Yi Pei Lan heard it,
she started to laugh,
“Shen Yue,
why are you saying these things to her? Even if you came out with the best ideas,
I fear that she would not be able to cope with it”
“Exactly.
It is better to let Shen Miao herself prepare” Jiang Xiao Xuan also laughed.
Even though the surrounding Taitais and Young Ladies had heard such blatant sarcasms,
they pretended not to hear.
On the surface they look serious but the corners of their lips hooked up.
There was no other reasons other than Shen Miao making a fool of herself in the yearly academy examinations.
Since ridiculing had become a habit,
there was no difference at all even though such ridiculing behaviour should not appear in a noble young lady.
“Don’t say that about Fifth Younger Sister” Shen Yue said disapprovingly,
“Fifth Younger Sister is very hardworking” She open up the paper and made an “aiyah” sound before looking at Shen Miao in a joyous cry,
“It’s painting.
Fifth Younger Sister,
you have chosen the same task as me”
Feng An Ning looked at Shen Yue apprehensively,
it was just the same task,
what was there to be joyous about? Shen Miao however was well aware.
It was most likely that Shen Yue felt that with the comparison of her own stupidity,
she would be able to make herself more outstanding and moreover Fu Xiu Yi was present today.
Thinking of Fu Xiu Yi,
her eyes darken.
“What does Fifth Younger Sister plan to paint?”
Shen Qing asked curiously,
“Why not let Second Younger Sister give one or two pointers?”
The words were filled with good intentions like an older sister protecting her younger sister.
If one were to see such a vivid scene,
they would only say that Shen Qing treated her younger cousins with upmost care.
“Have trouble both of you to worry” Shen Miao said coldly,
“However this is the academy examinations and it would be batter to follow the rules and regulations.
Isn’t it considered cheating if Second Elder Sister were to help me? The two people who are involved in cheating would have to be eliminated from the academy examinations.
Second Elder Sister would end up in such a position for me?”
When her lukewarm words were spoken,
Shen Yue’s face changed.
Yes,
such acts would be considered as cheating but previously everyone would only say that she was warm and kind and thus nothing more would come to mind.
Now after Shen Miao pointing it out ‘specially’,
everyone’s vision towards Shen Yue had changed.
In the academy examinations,
an additional person meant an additional opponent and everyone wants to be the only one receiving the entire audience praise.
Shen Yue had good relations with everyone in Guang Wen Tang but that did not mean that there was no one jealous of her.
At present,
these young ladies were all her opponents and as Shen Yue would always win the first position during the academy examinations at the female side,
there would definitely be grievances.
If they have anything to use against her to get her eliminated from the academy examinations,
wouldn’t there be one less competitor? All of the sudden those female students who were standing together with Shen Yue looked over with covetously like a tiger watching its prey,
and that includes Shen Yue’s best friend Yi Pei Lan.
Shen Yue shivered,
she naturally knew the seriousness of it.
Turning around,
she however saw Shen Miao look at her with a smile but not really a smile and with eyes full of ridicule.
If she were to cower like that,
it would only make the good intentions she just showed to appear false but if she were to seize the opportunity,
there was no guarantee that these students would not take the opportunity to ensure she was unable to participate in the examinations.
Either ways were also wrong.
Shen Yue strongly tempered the resentment in her heart and glared at Shen Miao before smiling reluctantly,
“Since Fifth Younger Sister had said so,
then I would not take initiative to say more.
Let the matter drop then”
Feng An Ning could not help but laughed before she deliberately spoke loudly,
“And here I thought how much love can she have for her younger sister.
It was nothing more than that.
Just a scare like that is considered as helping sincerely”
In a short time,
those young ladies’ vision of Shen Yue became profound and thought provoking.
When Chen Rou Xiu heard the sound of activities at this side,
she was somewhat nervous.
Shen Yue was after all still young and would not know how to cope with the situation on hand.
At the same time her heart was somewhat chilled.
Shen Miao could use a few sentence and words to provoke others emotions and made the rest go along with her words.
What a formidable mouth!
But she cannot intervene in it as these were the kids’ issues and if she as a mother intervened,
then it would be detrimental.
Ren Wan Yun and Shen Qing were somewhat rejoicing in her misfortune as they knew that if Shen Yue was too outstanding,
it would only eclipse Shen Qing’s glory.
If Shen Yue did not do well,
Shen family only had Shen Qing to prop them up.
Shen Yue look at Shen Miao.
She thought,
if this Younger Sister become smarter now,
she would now speak to rescue her from the situation.
After all they were all sisters in the Shen residence and what advantages would there be if it was spread that the few households in the Shen residence were not in harmony? Moreover Shen Miao had always been curry favouring Shen Yue and if she offend Shen Yue,
Shen Miao would not have any more friends.
But she waited for a long while and did not hear Shen Miao’s answer.
Shen Yue could not help but say,
“Fifth Younger Sister…”
“Second Elder Sister do not need to think about what to draw next?”
Shen Miao voice was flat as though there was no waves,
“As for my side,
it is not needed”
Seeing that Shen Miao had no intention to give her a way out of this and looking around at the slightly ridicule look from the surrounding young ladies,
for the first time Shen Yue could almost not control herself and wanted to slap Shen Miao.
She reluctantly suppressed her emotions and said with her teeth clenched,
“It seems that Fifth Younger Sister had already thought it out well.
In that case,
we will be able to see how Fifth Younger Sister will be able to perform outstandingly.
It must be fantastic!”
Shen Yue said the words ‘outstandingly’ as she clench her teeth.
After finishing her words,
she brushed her sleeves away and turn around to leave angrily.
Shen Qing quickly followed along.
Feng An Ning looked at Shen Miao and asked,
“Although it felt very refreshing,
why do you not give yourself a route to retreat? When the time comes for you to go up,
she would definitely seize the opportunity to severely ridicule you”
“I don’t like enduring” Shen Miao look at the chess game in front.
Don’t endure.
Don’t look back.
Don’t be soft-hearted.
“Don’t endure.
Must kill” She pick up a chess piece and place it on the chess board.
Chapter 32: Same Group
* * *
The examiners in charge of the academy examinations was already up on stage and the personnel that were holding the wooden buckets had recorded the different categories to divide it to groups for the examinations.
First up were the female groups,
for the four scholarly arts.
The students of Guang Wen Tang did not have to take the academy examinations in the first grade,
only when they are in grade two and three.
Grade Three were done at the next wave and thus only Grade Two students were left with around twenty over people.
The female who attended Guang Wen Tang were the capital’s noble daughters and Su daughters had no qualification.
Even among the Di daughters,
families would also hire teachers into the residence to teach.
Moreover the fees for Guang Wen Tang were not low,
every year their profits would reach to a thousand liang.
In the beginning Shen Xin did not care about such money matters so the three daughters of the Shen residence were all sent to Guang Wen Tang.
Ren Wan Yun had some dissatisfaction with the matter but Shen Xin waved his hands on it and they did not dare to continue arguing.
After all,
the money in the public fund were all rewards that the Emperor gave to Shen Xin for his battle efforts.
Twenty two people were divided into four groups.
There were more,
seven people,
in the qin group since females had always like things that highlight themselves.
For the other three topics,
there were five people each.
In the painting group where Shen Miao was in,
there was Shen Yue,
Left Commanding Imperial Censor’s Di daughter,
Qin Qing from Feng Tian residence,
Fu Yin residence’s Fan Liu-er and Zhao Yan from the Left Vice Minister residence
Fan Liu-er and Zhao Yan were both somewhat disappointed.
Fan Liu-er expertise was in the qin and Zhao Yan was good in chess,
moreover no one was like Shen Yue who was proficient in every category.
To be unable to pick their expertise in front of the males,
Fan Liu-er and Zhao Yan was not satisfied about it.
It was Qin Qing,
who was as arrogant as usual.
Qin Qing was pretty and was the only rival of Shen Yue in Guang Wen Tang but not on talent.
Even though Shen Yue was a soft beauty,
Qin Qing looked glamorous and her presence could push her down.
Shen Miao’s eyes landed on Qin Qing.
Today she was wearing a green wide-sleeved cotton robes and there was a yellow belt on her waist.
Her waist was less than a grip and with the fluttering of her robes,
there was some fairy-like feeling.
As compared to the weak and soft appearance of Shen Yue,
she was like a pure Water Lily.
However in such a life of a beautiful female would be caught up in the late Emperor’s plan of cleaning up of the noble family clans.
After the Left Commanding Imperial Censor’s family suffered a defeat,
she was reduced to a prostitute in the army and later it was heard that she used a knife and perished with some insignificant soldier in the army.
Seeming aware of Shen Miao’s sight,
Qin Qing looked over and was somewhat surprised but then turned back with some disgust,
as if she was not willing to see one more look of Shen Miao.
Shen Miao was not bothered about it but it was Feng An Ning,
who stood beside her,
who tugged the corner of her clothes,
“Later on you should just draw anything casually and not think too much”
Feng An Ning thought it simply.
Since one would definitely be humiliated,
to be humiliated like that would make those people find it boring.
But if Shen Miao strive to be vindicated and did overstep the boundaries of propriety,
then it would be a major disadvantage.
Shen Miao nodded.
After hearing the examiners on stage beating the drum,
the academy examinations officially started.
The first comparison was ‘qin’.
It could be Feng An Ning’s good luck as the female students who had picked ‘qin’ all had mediocre skills.
In addition of being the best few in qin,
it turns out to be a lucky coincidence.
Feng An Ning had picked up a big advantage.
Moreover Feng An Ning had been practising her qin skills hard these recent days and it was finally not in vain.
When she was sitting,
there was some air of a gentlewoman and couple with her good looks and qin sounds that comparing with those mediocre others,
it was like a burst of breeze that made one feel pure and cool.
A blue clad youth at the male section of the banquet said,
“It’s sonorous and resounding”
When Cai Lin heard it at the side,
he kicked that youth unhappily,
“What was that? That was because one did not hear Yue’er qin.
If Yue-er was to play a piece,
even nine heavenly fairies would not be able to compare.
Such ignorance!”
Cai Lin was one who always protected his crush but Su Ming Lang who heard it began to twitch his mouth.
He wanted to say something but seeing his brother warning eyes,
he held back.
The ‘qin’ category was almost finished and the few examiners started to discuss with one another on the judgement.
After the ‘qin’ group was done,
it was then chess.
The process for chess was much simpler.
The five people were divided to two and play with one another,
one game to define the winner and marks were awarded for the chess strategy and manner.
In this category,
the winner was Yi Pei Lan.
After chess it was ‘literary’.
Shen Qing,
Bai Wei and Jiang Xiao were all in a group.
These three people were good friends normally but in the academy examination,
there was a nervous atmosphere.
This time the literary context would be based on Chrysanthemum.
One would pick up the brush to write a poem down.
First to see the calligraphy and second to see one’s talent.
Shen Qing’s expertise was not at poetry and chess but accounting.
Unfortunately accounting was in the male examinations so she did not get it.
But as long as the final result was not out,
no one would know who would be the first position.
One would need to wait till the end before it reaches to Shen Miao’s group.
Shen Yue glanced at Shen Miao,
most likely she still remembered that Shen Miao humiliated her just now,
Shen Miao actually did not try to maintain their good sisters’ appearance.
She smiled at Shen Miao,
“Later at the stage,
Fifth Younger Sister must not give way to Older Sister.
To have such a confidence appearance,
even I am a little afraid”
These words were heard by Fan Liu-er at the right moment and she could not help but laugh,
“Shen Yue,
what are you talking about? What confidence appearance,
could it be – Shen Miao has a trump card?”
“Since you say it to such,
I have some expectations already” Zhao Yan said in rejoice at her misfortune,
“Remember last year Shen Miao picked qin but pull the strings off from a good bamboo qin.
It must be that she had inherited General Shen’ bravery.
This year is painting,
the brush better not be broken” As she spoke,
she touched Shen Miao’s cheek,
“Such a fair and tender face,
better not paint on this face later on”
Shen Miao did not move and just look at her indifferently.
Under that extremely cold eyes,
Zhao Yan smile gradually froze and Fan Liu-er also felt that Shen Miao expression was not good.
There was a sudden wave of fear in her heart and she involuntary pull Zhao Yan’s hand back.
Qin Qing seemed somewhat impatient and glance Shen Miao,
“Quarrel what quarrel? If you want to quarrel then go up stage and quarrel and let everyone see both of your appearances”
After she said it like that,
even though Zhao Yan and the rest were not happy about it,
they did not speak any more.
At the male side of the banquet,
Cai Lin looked at Shen Yue’s figure excitedly but that rice dumpling tugged Su Ming Feng,
“That pretty older sister is there.
Eldest Brother look”
Su Ming Feng was between laughter and tears,
he did not know how his own Younger Brother was so persistent with Shen Miao.
He was already Grade Three and this was the first time he was out after being seriously ill and also evidently weak so he was unable to participate in the academy examinations.
He also knew of Shen Miao’s reputation,
after all the entire Ding capital knew that the formidable Shen General was unhindered in the battlefields but had an idiot for a daughter.
“She will definitely win” Su Ming Lang said while making a fist with his hands.
Su Ming Feng did not express an opinion as he knew that it would be Shen Yue who would win the first place today again.
In front of the stage,
Shen Yue could not help but spoke to Shen Miao,
“Fifth Younger Sister,
later on you must not show any mercy.
Older Sister will wait for you”
“Definitely” Shen Miao answered.
Would definitely not show any mercy.
Chapter 33: To Paint
* * *
The chief examiner was the professor from the government cabinet,
Zhong Zi Qi.
He was a little old man with a full head of grey hairs and was normally extremely serious.
He opened the scroll in his hands and began to read the topics for today’s exams.
As for ‘painting’,
this category was actually different every year.
However,
since this year the academy examinations and the Chrysanthemum feast were held together,
the topic was much simpler.
Like ‘literary’ in which the topic was Chrysanthemum,
the topic for ‘painting’ was also Chrysanthemum.
There were five long tables on the stage and there were brushes and ink placed on them.
After they orderly headed to their respective tables,
the drummer beat the drums heavily indicating that the examination had started.
Everyone stretched their necks out to look.
These five people were considered the five who were the most unique of them all.
Shen Yue was well known as a talent,
Qin Qing was especially pretty and noble looking,
Fan Liu-er and Zhao Yan were a pair of beautiful sisters and as for Shen Miao,
she was naturally that stupid and ignorant idiot.
The males were mostly looking to see both Shen Yue and Qin Qing while the females were looking mostly at Shen Miao.
Bai Wei covered her mouth and said,
“Today Shen Miao looks well-behave.
There shouldn’t be any weird actions since it doesn’t seem like it”
Including this time,
Shen Miao had experienced a total of four academy examinations.
The first time she picked chess and she randomly placed a few chess pieces and it was a beaten army in total collapse.
The second time she picked literary and flipped the ink stab and dirtied her robes.
The third time she picked qin and a fine bamboo qin had its strings picked out.
Rather than saying that everyone was here to see Shen Miao go up the stage,
it would be better to say that everyone was watching how she would humiliate herself.
But there were some differences today.
The stage was spacious as the young lady sat in front of the table.
Her brush movements were proper like she had received rigorous training and there seems not to be anything wrong to pick at.
The tenth month was the golden month for autumn and the whistling sound of cold wind passed through the hall and lifted the breakaway strains of hair that were on her forehead while she slightly bowed.
One was only able to see the beautiful curve of that little goose-egg shaped face as those eyelashes were hanging onto.
Actually there was some beauty.
That lotus purple cloak was making a vigorous fluttering sound as she sat properly,
but she put her brush on the paper chicly and her brushstrokes flew smoothly as if she paid it no mind.
However there was a kind of calm and confident air,
just like the Begonia in her hair,
blooming brightly in a restrained manner.
Yi Furen pursed her lips and said to Ren Wan Yun with an unknown implication,
“The Fifth Lady had indeed grown up”
Ren Wan Yun smiled reluctantly but her hands were clenched tightly.
Behind them the young ladies were conversing.
“For Shen Miao to not make a fool of herself till now,
was it that her personality really changed?”
“It is not possible.
She should be putting up a show.
Did you not see that she did not even think before her brush went down? Even Shen Yue have to think for a moment.
For her to be like that,
the biggest possibility is that she was just casually painting”
Feng An Ning looked at Shen Miao who was on the stage and that strange feeling came back again.
She suddenly had an intuition that today’s Chrysanthemum banquet would not be like it was in the past.
For instance,
like Shen Miao who was on the stage,
would she really make a fool of herself?
Or would she position herself so irresistibly that she would destroy all the misconceptions about her.
At the male side of the seating,
there were some that gradually found the difference.
In this group,
it was most likely the most pleasing group of all.
Shen Yue’s pink dress was elegant and softly pretty.
Qin Qing was wearing a green dress with wide sleeves that made her look proud and beautiful.
Fan Liu-er had a moving lovable charm,
while Zhao Yan looked imaginative and unique.
If one was to say who had gave no characteristic feeling,
it would be the stupid,
cowardly and tacky Shen Miao.
At the first glance,
among the five of them,
Shen Miao did not only withstand the competition but was particularly prominent.
She just sat quietly and clearly had her head down but there was a feeling of her looking at everyone with disdain,
as if… As if in that slim figure was someone who was in a high position that could determine the life and death of others and this couldn’t but made them feel submissive.
Pei Lang frowned.
How could a person’s temperament be like the sky and earth turning upside down? Is this person really Shen Miao?
Fu Xiu Yi concealed his surprise into his heart,
he did not notice that the Shen Miao now was earth-shaking different from the past one,
but noticed Shen Miao’s sitting posture.
That straight back and gestures made him thought of one person.
It was the mistress of the six palaces,
Her Ladyship the Empress.
Fu Xiu Yi knew that his thought was extremely ridiculous.
The entire Ding capital knew that this girl loved him and he also hated to be loved by such a female.
However,
most of the times the news of Shen Miao were heard through rumours,
from them it was known that Shen Miao had no skills,
was snobbish,
her actions were boorish and she was stupid and cowardly.
From what was seen today,
there was only a feeling in him that most probably those rumours were all not true.
“It is truly strange” The blue clad youth who was reprimanded by Cai Lin spoke curiously,
“Isn’t it said that Grade Two’s Shen Miao was an idiot? But it doesn’t seem so”
Cai Lin was also stunned.
His sight was always following Shen Yue but it seemed that there was some kind of pull from Shen Miao that could make others to involuntarily notice her.
As if she was someone who was born standing at a position that everyone could see,
especially today.
He tried his best to suppress his strange thought and snorted,
“It’s only an act”
“Eldest Brother,
she will win it” Su Ming Lang tugged the sleeve of the person beside.
Su Ming Feng had some smile in his eyes but his expression was somewhat weird.
“Shen Miao?”
After a stick of incense,
the drummer beat the drums again to indicate that the time limit was over.
Shen Yue put her brush aside,
she was very confident with her painting today.
At the left side,
it was Qin Qing and she also just completed her painting and was washing her brush.
Even a simple action from her was as moving as a painting.
But no matter how moving it was,
in the academy examinations,
it was not beauty that matters.
She turned around to look at Shen Miao and thought in her heart that Shen Miao would be a total failure like every time,
but she did not stir up any trouble today at all.
It really seemed that she became smart after being provided with pointers from others.
One could pretend,
but talent cannot be pretended (faked) and she should be completing it in a flurry.
However from what she saw,
Shen Miao had already put her brush aside and looked calmly at the person who was coming over to collect the painting.
Shen Yue’s smile stiffened.
“Alright.
Do head down” After all the paintings were collected,
it was the evaluation of the Grade Two females and that would require time.
“Fifth Younger Sister,
what exactly did you draw?”
After Shen Yue got down the stage,
she could not wait to question Shen Miao.
She did not know why but Shen Miao made her feel disturbed.
“You will know it later on” Shen Miao lightly smiled and that smile seemed to have a more meaning that what it appears.
She turned around and walked to a place where others were unable to see before speaking to Gu Yu,
who was beside her,
“Think of a way to send this to Historian Adviser Jing residence’s Second Young Master’s hands.
He is the one sitting at the opposite side of the banquet,
three seats on the left from that blueish-green clad person”
Gu Yu hesitated and seemed to be somewhat confused before saying,
“This servant will leave”
“Go then” Shen Miao patted her shoulders and walked back to her original seat and looked at Pei Lang from far away.
Upon feeling a pair of eyes on him,
Pei Lang raised his head.
Even though it was separated by the distance,
he could still see that the gaze contained close observation of himself.
My apologies Pei Lang.
Shen Miao said in her heart,
in this case I will borrow your hand to shake the unbreakable foundation of Ming Qi’s Imperial family.
After all,
you owe it to me.
Chapter 34: Winning
* * *
The examiners were up on stage discussing the results of the examinations and the students below the stage were also in the heat of discussion.
Today Shen Miao did not make a fool of herself and that made the academy examinations seem a little boring,
but many of her classmates who did not look at her now paid her more attention.
Humans were all weird.
When a normally terrible person performed a little better,
perhaps others would think that there would be a reversal of fortune.
Feng An Ning was somewhat nervous and kept looking over at the examiners from time to time.
For some unknown reasons,
the few Darens on stage had a dispute over something.
“It seems that it is also very intense today” Fu Xiu An laughed,
“But for females,
why should one be so competitive since they would not enter the official circles” He has some conceited characteristics and was not afraid that the Darens beside him would be unhappy upon hearing his words,
after all some of their daughters were those who were up on the stage.
“The opportunity of an academy examination is rare and naturally one would take advantage of it” Fu Xiu Yi said.
“Ninth Younger Brother’s words are not wrong” Fu Xiu Xuan picked up the tea on the table for a sip before speaking,
“If there is any particularly outstanding female,
Ninth Younger Brother must pay a little more attention” Although he looked quiet,
he was not one who was easy to dealt with.
He was secretly and openly testing if Fu Xiu Yi would find a wife with a strong family background.
“Fifth Older Brother is joking” Fu Xiu Yi shook his head,
“Imperial Father will call the shots for my marriage.
I would not have a say in the matter”
That was also true.
It was the Emperor that arranged Fu Xiu Yi’s current tasks and he rarely took the initiative to think of anything up by himself.
In the eyes of an outsider,
this kind of Prince was simply overly docile and had no ambition,
just like Consort Dong Shu.
But in the eyes of Prince Jing,
Fu Xiu Xi,
it would always be different.
“There is only one life and one would need to take a chance at it.
Wouldn’t it be the same with marrying a wife?”
Prince Jing’s words had an additional meaning,
“Until the end of it,
who would know what the outcome would be?”
Prince Zhou heard the temptation made by his own younger brother to Fu Xiu Yi,
his eyes shifted but he did not speak.
It was not long later when the examiners came out and announced the results.
In the qin category,
as expected,
it was Feng An Ning that came out on top.
Originally there was no one particularly powerful and Feng An Ning could be regarded as the most prominent one.
She naturally was happy as she went up to collect the examination certificate and happily came down to show it to Feng Furen.
Feng Furen looked happy as such a glory like this would be the icing on the cake even the female would not be an official.
Noble and rich families’ children naturally do not lack of wealth or valuables but their talent and beauty would be able to separate them on different grades.
Feng An Ning used the academy examinations and elevated her grade up a level.
In the chess category,
it was Bai Wei that came up on top.
The records of the proceeding chess match were shown from the people below to view to ensure fairness.
Shen Miao glanced at the chess game and repeated the moves in her mind.
Bai Wei’s game was meticulous and could last the longest.
Unfortunately too much attention was placed in trifles details and there was no better focus on the overall situation which hindered the progress and making it somewhat a burden.
For the literary category,
Shen Qing only got the second rank.
The first rank belonged to Yi Pei Lan.
Her poem of a blooming Chrysanthemum’s complains was elegant and adorable.
Even though it was a little excessive for an unmarried young lady to write such a poem but Guang Wen Tang was a place that broke through etiquettes and was not too harsh on female requirements.
In addition the poem was written in an interesting and adorable manner and not merely from a Chrysanthemum’s point of view but using a Chrysanthemum to voice out one’s thought and thus added another higher level.
Shen Qing’s expression was not good but she was naturally not good at writing poetry thus was very helpless at the result.
Finally it was Shen Miao’s group on ‘painting’.
On the stage the examiners’ expressions were mixed and it was most probably that this was what the dispute was about.
The females started to speculate that it was that Shen Yue’s and Qing Qin’s pieces had their own merits and it would be hard to make a choice,
after all both of them were often compared against one another in Guang Wen Tang.
Qing Qin sat in her original position arrogantly as if she scorned the result but the fingers that were holding the teacup stiffened.
In contrast,
it was Shen Yue who seemed much more calmer.
She sat beside Chen Rou Qiu,
looking somewhat coquettish and shy while Chen Rou Qiu looked at her warmly.
This daughter of hers was intelligent and talented and was as outstanding as her,
well versed in the four scholarly arts.
She would be the most outstanding one in every academy examinations,
second to none.
Seeing her being that cheerful,
she must be extremely certain of the results today.
Shen Yue naturally had a well thought up plan,
her brush strokes showed strength,
it was interesting and even the conception of it was all thought out.
It was as if she had found out the preferences of these examiners for her to always come out with the best works.
So what if Qing Qin looked beautiful,
it was only to look at and of no use.
Thinking of useless,
her eyes landed on Shen Miao who was sitting at the side.
Shen Miao had made her suffer such a big damage and she thought that Shen Miao would make a fool of herself in the academy but who knew that she went through it safely.
Now when the pieces are all displayed for everyone’s viewing,
Shen Miao would not be able to escape ridicule.
Anyhow she would be a joke and a trace of comfort flashed in Shen Yue’s heart.
The examiner who was responsible for reading the results shouted out on the stage loudly,
“Painting group’s first rank – Shen Miao”
Shen Miao? First rank!
One stone created a thousand ripples.
Everyone created a ruckus that the names of subsequent ranks that were read by the examiner were drowned in it.
Shen Yue’s smile stiffened on her face in a moment as she looked at Chen Rou Qiu with an incredible look and spoke with a trembling voice,
“Mother,
just now… Just now,
who was the first ranked? I must have heard it wrong”
Chen Rou Qiu pinched Shen Yue’s arm.
Even though there were shock and anger in her heart,
she ate a few decades of rice more than Shen Yue,
and thus knew that under such a situation there will be many who would certainly watch Shen Yue’s reaction.
If Shen Yue was magnanimous,
it would be good but if she was like it was a matter of life or death like before,
she would be at a disadvantage.
Although Shen Qing and Ren Wan Yun were gloating that it was the first time that Shen Yue has lost her face,
they were also shocked when that person was Shen Miao.
They thought that the examiner had mistaken Shen Yue for Shen Miao.
There were continuous discussion among the female side of the banquet and naturally there was an uproar in the male side.
“What is going on? Why was it not Little Yue?”
Cai Lin suddenly stood up and looked at his classmate sitting beside him,
“Was it me that heard it wrong? It was that old man that wrongly read it,
right?”
He was not the only one thinking that.
Especially the youths who were Shen Miao’s classmates had a shocked look in their eyes.
“Eldest Brother,
see.
I knew that she would win” Su Ming Lang tugged Su Ming Feng.
In this group of people,
it was most likely that he was the happiest of all and the fats on his fair face also followed along and trembled.
Su Ming Feng head was also aching.
Who knew that it was Shen Miao.
Every year there would be a underground betting for the academy examinations and he bet Shen Yue for one thousand liang!
Finished.
One thousand liang were squandered away just like that.
If Master Su were to know,
he would definitely tear him apart.
Looking at Su Ming Lang who was jumping for joy,
Su Ming Feng wanted to cry but there were no tears.
Pei Lang frowned but he did not look at the examiners on stage and instead looked at the purple clad young lady in the middle of the female side of the banquet.
She was exceptionally calm and was indifferent with all the surprises and doubts from others.
She had long known that she would win.
Chapter 35: Understanding
* * *
The discussion continued while the examiners on stage showed the crowd the paintings to view and to display the fairness of the results.
Fan Liu-er’s and Zhao Yan’s painting was a road of a blooming garden scene.
In all fairness,
it was pretty but was too ordinary thus they naturally were ranked the lower.
Qin Qing painted a large ‘red fairy’ Chrysanthemum.
Most probably she was mostly familiar with this breed of Chrysanthemum and the entire painting only depicted this one.
Every fibre of it was drawn,
making it look exceptionally lifelike.
It can be considered that in a way that she totally ignored the artistic conception and focused entirely on her drawing ability.
A ‘red fairy’ drawing that appeared vividly on the paper was very beautiful,
but the academy examinations weren’t just to test one’s painting techniques but also to examine the intention of the painting.
Thus no matter how beautiful this Chrysanthemum was,
it could only be ranked third.
Very quickly it was Shen Yue’s piece.
Shen Yue bit her lips as she sat by Chen Rou Qiu’s side,
with a barely maintained smile on her face but her fist was firmly tighten.
If it was the usual,
she would definitely smile lightly like clouds and breeze as she accepted everyone’s sincere praise and envy.
But now,
this ‘second rank’ was like a deep sarcasm which made her feel that everyone was looking at her with eyes filled with taunts and ridicule.
Shen Yue’s painting was on residual Chrysanthemum.
The rain and wind came and many of the Chrysanthemum petals had fallen but there were still sporadic petals that were firmly attached to the bud and the stem still remained straight,
as if it was the integrity of a great person.
There was also two sentences at the side,
‘Would rather die with fragrance on the branch,
than fly away with the Northern wind.
’
This painting’s thoughts were considered lofty.
Generally,
painting was an extension of a person and as the residual Chrysanthemum was noble,
one could tell that the person drawing it definitely had a lofty integrity.
The chief examiners’ favourite was such people with talent and character,
thus if Shen Yue’s painting was unable to achieve ‘first rank’,
it was really impossible to imagine what Shen Miao had drawn.
“The painting is that good? How was this at second rank?”
Bai Wei cried out,
“I really do not understand at all”
Chen Rou Qiu also did not comprehend.
Initially she thought that Shen Yue was somewhat nervous and strayed off the path.
Who knew that when the painting was brought out,
she now knew that her own daughter did not do anything wrong.
As in previous years,
this would be indeed be a well-deserved first rank.
But why was there a different result this time?
Ren Wan Yun was somewhat rejoicing in their misfortune.
Shen Yue was outstanding in her talents and would suppress Shen Qing in the academy examinations in every category thus to see Shen Yue suffering this time,
even though Shen Miao winning first rank made her unhappy,
it also did not matter to her.
She was overall happy to watch the fun in front of her.
The examiner on stage instructed the two pages to open the painting scroll and the noises stopped short.
The drawing paper was very large and Shen Miao’s painting had many white areas.
Her drawing skills were originally not outstanding so she only painted a vague scene but unexpectedly it had a magnificent atmosphere on it.
In the scroll,
the yellow sand was endless with a bloody setting sun that seemed to overflow and a broken sword stood up in the middle of the yellow earth with a white Chrysanthemum at the end of it.
In there,
the Chrysanthemum was just for show as it was so small that one cannot even see the flower petals.
However in this picture it was like painting a dragon and dotting the eyes,
making it bring out the desolate sense of desired gorgeousness.
Everyone present quieten down for a moment.
The paper and ink separated it but one could feel the desolation and misery of a powerless struggle.
That was war.
Chen Rou Qiu and Shen Yue trembled at the same time.
Seeing clearly what was painted in the scroll,
they knew that in this match there was definitely no possibility of a comeback for them.
It was indeed true that Shen Yue’s piece was indeed elegant,
the strength of her piece flowed throughout without being gaudy and it has character and felt noble.
But Shen Miao’s painting was like it has stripped the ‘person’ away.
If one were to say that Shen Yue was borrowing the Chrysanthemum to sing to other,
then Shen Miao was borrowing the flower to speak about one’s purpose.
How could a person’s emotions be compared to the brutality of war?
No wonder those examiners were disputing just now and delayed reaching a verdict.
They mostly likely did not think that such a magnificent painting was actually drawn by the hands of Shen Miao,
an idiot.
The chief examiner,
professor from the government cabinet,
Zhong Zi Qi spoke,
“Student Shen Miao,
come up and speak of the rationale of drawing this painting”
Every student who achieved ‘first rank’ would have to talk about the sentiment before the event.
However today the main reason for letting Shen Miao talk about the origin of the painting was naturally because everyone did not believe that she could come out with such a painting and feared that it was an idea she heard about.
Shen Qing smiled and whispered to Yi Pei Lan,
who was sitting beside her,
“The cat will be out of the bag”
“Is this really not her painting?”
Yi Pei Lan was puzzled,
“Just now we have all seen that she herself drew every single stroke”
“Her drawing skills were not outstanding and as for the intention of the painting,
who knows if there was someone advising her” Shen Qing looked in disdain towards Shen Miao as she walked to the stage,
“I have been living with her for so many years,
I still don’t know what she can do.
The examiners want her to speak about the origins of the painting and if she is unable to say anything,
I fear that she will lose all of her face there”
Yi Pei Lan also laughed when she heard it,
“I’ll say,
how can it be possible to become a talented female.
I am afraid that it was all done to attract that person…” Her eyes ambiguously swept towards the area where Prince Ding was sitting,
“To request guidance of someone superior,
Shen Miao has left no stone unturned for him”
Shen Qing’s expression stiffened as she suppressed the unhappiness in her heart and said,
“Just watch”
Up on stage,
Shen Miao quietly looked at the opened scroll.
Her hand slowly reached out and stroked the picture,
surprising everyone.
“The reason for painting this scene was only because of listening to what my father previously said.
Every year in the battlefield,
there was countless number of brave warriors’ corpses that were wrapped in cloth as they perished on the yellow sand that they fell.
The distant was far-flung thus they could only bury them in the battlefield and at that time there were no Chrysanthemum in the North-western desert and the Northern plains.
Chrysanthemums blossoms in the warmer south,
bloom in the flourishing Ding capital.
The songs and dances were of peace and happiness and where food and clothing were not a thing to worry about but this was at the cost of the lives of the soldiers that were protecting the borders”
As the discussions gradually stopped,
everyone’s eyes were gathered on the purple clad young lady.
Her eyes were calm and she spoke like she was telling a story,
“My father once spoke that because of the war,
the soldiers that had perished would not have a single Chrysanthemum.
There would not be any flower blooming in the battlefields and the soldiers would not even have the time to grieve.
And their wives and children can only be separated far away and wear a white Chrysanthemum on their head while white Chrysanthemums are presented to them”
“I was thinking that for everyone to could calmly enjoy and appreciate Chrysanthemum today,
the reason was because there are brave warriors that are guarding the borders.
It is a pity that I am unable to do anything for them but to paint a white Chrysanthemum in a scene of the yellow soil to comfort their brave souls”
The young lady stood in the wind with a pair of clear eyes and resounding voice,
as if in the heaven and earth only her words were sweet sounding but were like a morning bell and evening drums,
beating in everyone’s heart.
Shen Miao’s eyes slightly droop down.
Didn’t the Heavenly family of Ming Qi want to deal with the large and influential aristocratic families and deal with the Shen family? But the world was large and everyone’s eyes could see and everyone’s ears could listen.
Stopping people’s mouth was more difficult than damming rivers so she would preemptively strike first.
Since the Heavenly family want to use the General residence as an example,
then she would want the entire world to watch.
Look,
the Shen family risk their lives to achieve meritorious services,
the Shen family used their lives to defends the walls of Ming Qi.
The peace and prosperity that you noble youths were enjoying now were all built on the blood and flesh of those that were cut down in the battlefield!
Trampling on the blood of the soldiers,
did the Ming Qi Imperial family still dared to suppress them with great fanfare?
If you dared then don’t be afraid of the eyes of everyone in the world!
Chapter 36: Purple Clad Youth
* * *
The most supreme was the Imperial power.
But more powerful than the Imperial power were the commoner’s mouths.
Of course one could use iron and bloody methods to suppress them down but till that day comes,
the commoners dare not to speak nonsense and words would only spread through jokes and would not be a big offence.
The Imperial family of Ming Qi was probably like this,
inwardly they had obviously done so many filthy deeds but to the outside world,
they still put on a farce of being devoted to the empire.
They have no qualms to receive the aristocratic families’ sacrifices and protection but at the end still wanted to beat them down.
Hearing Shen Miao’s remarks,
everyone started to gradually quietened down.
Daughters were thinking of the glory of their ancestors,
if they were from military lineage they would be moved.
As for male students,
as they were at the age when they were hot-blooded,
they naturally worshipped heroes since soldiers who fought in the battlefields would be admired wherever they went.
But there were some people who were not so happy.
The three Princes of Ming Qi that were present all coincidentally frowned.
Others may not know but they knew what the Imperial family’s intention for the aristocratic families were.
The Shen family was a tall tree that attracted the wind and sooner or later will be eradicated by the Emperor with some excuse.
Due to the uncontrollable good reputation of the Shen family on the commoners,
it would not be an overnight matter to bring them down.
For Shen Miao to say such words,
it seems to be mourning for the fallen soldiers but in fact eulogising the meritorious achievements and put officers and soldiers in the stage where everyone was looking.
If the Imperial family did any shred of inappropriate,
by virtue,
they would be in the wrong.
Were her actions intentional?
Everyone looked up and stayed silent after the young lady finished speaking.
Her robes were slightly large and made fluttering sound as the cold wind blew past it,
making her stature endlessly fragile.
Most likely her thoughts had strayed off since she was an unmarried daughter.
This time the reason she uncharacteristically came out onto the top position was because she was Shen Xin’s daughter and it was just a coincidence that he spoke about the events of a battlefield.
Prince Yu’s of first rank eyes followed closely with the purple clad young lady and after a moment he suddenly gave a profound smile,
“This Shen family’s daughter is indeed very interesting”
No one knew why but when Prince Yu said these words,
Pei Lang and Fu Xiu Yi frowned at the same time as a bad premonition hinted in their hearts.
Prince Zhou heard it and asked meaningfully,
“Does Royal Uncle fancy that young lady from the Shen family? According to the rumours,
the young lady from the Shen family is an ignorant idiot but now it seems she is not.
She is clever,
eloquent and look not so bad.
If there would be a Royal sister-in-law…” His laughter was extremely uncouth,
“That would be very interesting”
Prince Jing thought further than his older blood brother.
As of now,
even if the Imperial family was determined to suppress the Shen family,
the Shen family had the military power and it was like an idiot carrying a treasure.
If any of the princes acquired the Shen family’s assistance,
it would be a huge bargaining chip on the road to the throne.
However if Shen Miao married Prince Yu,
since he had no more energy to fight for the highest position,
it would be equivalent to placing the military power back to the Imperial family and perhaps the best method of not letting any prince covet after it.
Thinking about this,
Prince Jing nodded,
“The Young Lady of the Shen family is shrewd and creative.
If Royal Uncle feels good,
that would be understandable”
Fu Xiu Yi’s brows wrinkled much more.
He naturally took into account what Prince Jing thought about.
He knew that if Shen Miao were to marry into Prince Yu residence,
it would be a hundred advantage and no harm to him at all.
First of all,
he could free himself from Shen Miao’s entanglement and there would be one less joke about him.
Second was that Shen Xin’s military power was an extremely hot potato and even if he intended to use it,
he was afraid that it would ignite the Emperor’s suspicion.
It would be better to be placed in Prince Yu residence and wait for an opportunity to use it.
But he did not know why there was an annoying feeling in his heart,
like it was not right to do it like that.
Pei Lang worriedly looked at Shen Miao who was coming down from the state.
She leisurely walked down with a calm expression as she most likely did not know that her own destiny was already in the hands of these sons of the Imperial family.
He sighed in his heart,
after all they were teacher and student but he was just a small and low ranked teacher who was unable to change anything and could only feel sorry for Shen Miao in his heart.
Prince Yu waved his hands somewhat impatiently and even though he did not seem necessarily happy,
there was some ruthlessness in his smile,
“Royal nephew,
Benwang does not necessarily not know what your intentions are.
Prince Yu’s residence cannot swallow such a big Buddha like the Shen family” His eyes landed on his own crippled leg,
“But Young Lady Shen is interesting and it would not be bad to play with her”
Su Ming Feng glanced over to this side.
He was seated closer to Fu Xiu Yi and the rest,
and looked as if he was seriously watching the situation on the stage but there were some grievances in his heart.
Even if Shen Miao was an idiot or stupid,
if she was eyed by Prince Yu,
everything would point to disaster.
It would be fortunate if Shen Xin was in the Ding capital but unfortunately he would only return after the end of the year.
Without her father or older brother to protect her,
how would a young lady be able to compete with these vicious wolves?
As if he had already expected what tragic ending would happen,
Su Ming Feng sighed and brought Su Ming Lang to Master Su before leaving the banquet area.
Shen Miao was unaware of the changing situation at the male side of the banquet.
Jing Zhe was very happy for Shen Miao but it was Shen Yue who was finally unable to maintain a good expression and left the banquet somewhat stiffly.
After the female group of examinations,
it was time for the male group to take their turn.
There were already many young ladies who had left the banquet after taking the examinations.
Feng An Ning followed beside Shen Miao and this previously proud young lady finally showed a convinced look to Shen Miao before saying,
“What you did just now was really good.
It was really great”
Shen Miao replied plainly,
“You were also good”
Mostly likely Feng An Ning was thinking about receiving the first rank for ‘qin’ category as she said smilingly,
“Time cannot defeat determination.
I will go to the carriage to pick up something,
wait for me here”
After Feng An Ning left,
Shen Miao walked to the middle of Bei Yan Tang’s plum blossom forest to wait for her.
In this season,
the plum blossoms had not yet flourished and the trees were very lush.
Gu Yu walked out from inside and looked around before whispering,
“Young Lady,
had already sent it to the Young Master of the Historian Adviser Jing by bribing the footboy from outside to switch it to ensure that it was secure”
“Very good” Shen Miao said.
Gu Yu was somewhat confused and did not understand why her own Young Lady would do such a thing.
There was no possibility of her own Young Lady to be familiar with the Young Master of the Historian Adviser Jing.
Just at the same time,
one heard a chuckle from up above one’s head.
The three of them raised their heads and saw that near the top of the branches there was a purple figure floating down and fell in front of them.
That purple clad youth was so handsome that he did not look like a mortal.
He folded his hands across his chest as he leaned against the trunk of the tree and there was a smile but not really a smile on his lips as his eyes brought out a chilly cold look that was like Ding capital’s winter night.
It was Xie Jing Xing.
Chapter 37: His Questioning
* * *
“Young Mistress” Gu Yu and Jing Zhe were somewhat vigilantly protective in front of Shen Miao and made gaffes with their somewhat loud shouts.
Moreover this richly clad youth was extremely good and noble looking that one could not help but be suspicious of his identity.
At the end,
he was a stranger,
thus Gu Yu and Jing Zhe were afraid that something unexpected might happen.
“Gu Yu,
Jing Zhe,
go and stand guard at the entrance of the forest” Shen Miao said.
“But Young Lady…” Both of them were somewhat hesitant.
“Go then” Shen Miao slightly frowned.
They did not know why but she was now adept at giving orders,
every time when orders were given to the servants,
there would also be an unfathomable majestic feeling,
making others dare not refute them.
Jing Zhe and Gu Yu could only retreat and stood guard at the entrance of the forest.
“You are indeed interesting” Xie Jing Xing leaned against the tree trunk as he looked at her in amusement.
He was clearly a noble and precious young master,
but unexpectedly he had a sharp vision like the bloodshed during battle and that monotonous tone had a cold chill in it.
After all,
he was one who has seen blood in the battlefield.
“What does Marquis Xie wants to say?”
Shen Miao questioned.
Xie Jing Xing suddenly appeared and naturally it was not for an idle chat.
Although this person was young,
his actions were decisive that even the old Marquis was incapable to control him.
The way he handle things was more presumptuous,
making others unable to clearly understand his course of actions.
“Prince Yu residence is lacking of a Wangfei and that cripple seemed to have taken an interest in you so I wanted to say a word of congratulations” His manner of speaking was unclear.
However to use the term ‘cripple’ on Prince Yu could be considered as bold,
but coming from Xie Jing Xing there was a trace of contempt and mockery as if Prince Yu was an extremely dirty thing and nothing more.
This person’s aspiration was very high.
Shen Miao was deeply in thoughts but on the surface she did not show any significant impact as if she had forgotten what this calm look would mean to the other’s eyes.
Xie Jing Xing suddenly took a step forward.
He had such a tall stature that Shen Miao entire self was covered by his shadow.
That purple clad youth slightly leaned forward and to her ears said,
“You indeed already knew about it”
A scent of cold bamboo fragrance spread out as his voice was deliberately suppressed as if it had some kind of ambiguous magnetic force.
This action was also equivocal,
making Shen Miao to raise her eyes as she looked at that handsome face in front of her.
The corner of his lips hooked up,
adding some evil touch to his smile.
But she was after all not a real budding young lady.
Her eyes slightly hang down as she said,
“So what if I know and what if I don’t?”
When Xie Jing Xing saw that she remained nonchalant,
he did not bother to continue to put on an appearance of a rich playboy,
and did not have even a trace of protective feelings for a female as he pushed her away.
There was a piece of paper in his hands as he smiled a bit frivolously,
“Knowing but not being anxious about your own matter,
but worry for Historian Adviser Jing’s Second Young Master?”
Shen Miao abruptly moved her line of sight and stared at him fixedly as she could not help but be a bit brutal with her tone,
“Is Marquis Xie being too meddlesome?”
“You are actually nervous because of a piece of paper” Xie Jing Xing restored that look of cynicism on his face,
“What kind of relationship do you have with Historian Adviser Jing’s number two,
to help him to this extend? Or perhaps… What is Little Shen Girl playing at?”
Shen Miao’s face was as deep as water as she quietly stared at the paper in Xie Jing Xing’s hands.
The paper was very thin but it was as heavy as a rock in her heart.
That was her recalling for a long time before she could write the ‘Circulation of Law’.
In her past lifetime,
Pei Lang relied on this essay to be discovered by Fu Xiu Yi and afterwards became Fu Xiu Yi’s aide to advice strategies for the country.
And now when he had yet to reveal his talents,
Shen Miao had to cut it off before that possibility happened.
Not only that,
the most secure approach would be that Pei Lang would never get to serve the Imperial family in any capacity.
As for the Historian Adviser Jing’s Second Young Master,
Gao Yan,
he was from a long line of aristocratic family clans that rose to nobility.
Since Ming Qi’s Imperial family wanted to suppress the old aristocratic family clans,
naturally had to support the new nobilities.
Historian Adviser Jing’s family was one of the newer significant support.
Historian Adviser Jing’s eldest young master was a true talent that Fu Xiu Yi guided personally when he ascended the throne.
Historian Adviser Jing’s family received such grace and became more rampant and overbearing that Gao Yan… Even dared to covet for her Wan Yu.
If she was not the Mistress of the Six Palaces and Fu Xiu Yi had yet to begin to deal with the Shen family,
she was afraid that Wan Yu would have suffered brutal schemes.
This Gao Yan’s talents were not as high as his elder brother,
but was very arrogant and always liked to speak of his elder brother’s achievements like they were his own.
His personality was very flawed and narrow minded,
generally like a scoundrel who will stir shit up.
In the past life Gao Yan did not entered the official circles,
and in this lifetime Historian Adviser Jing’s family have yet to reach the peak of their heydays.
Gao Jing just entered the officialdom thus she used more energy to send Gao Yan into the magnanimous official circles.
She naturally took Pei Lang’s ‘Circulation of Law’ to give it to Gao Yan because she knew that in every academy examinations,
Gao Yan would let his servants go buy the examination papers outside.
This year she instructed Gu Yu to arrange others to replace them with this essay.
With Fu Xiu Yi’s personality of ‘cherishing talents’,
he would definitely bring him over to his side regardless of everything.
As for that vain personality of Gao Yan,
he would definitely not confess that this was not his handwriting.
With such a person entering Ming Qi’s official circles… She would like to see when he meet Fu Xiu Yi,
how these two people would be in a dogfight!
Cutting Fu Xiu Yi’s powerful arm and exchanging it with an empty brained stick of faeces.
Shen Miao was playing with such a good idea like this,
but who knew that Xie Jing Xing would interrupt in the middle of it and make her plain fail for no good reason.
Her eyes were flickering as if thousands of words were all converged to a pair of beast’s eyes.
Xie Jing Xing finally smiled and lazily spoke,
“You need not necessary look at me with such a hateful expression.
This paper was copied by my people and the original is in the hands on that Gao family’s kid”
Shen Miao was slightly surprised for a moment as she did not imagine that the result was as such.
She looked at Xie Jing Xing and became silent for a moment before saying,
“Little Marquis has a big heart”
“Not big hearted,
it is just that this marquis has a little self-recognition reputation, ” Xie Jing Xing looked slightly cold,
“Of not liking to meddle in other people’s affairs”
Just as Shen Miao wanted to speak,
she heard Xie Jing Xing’s voice again,
“Now can you tell this marquis why you write it for Historian Adviser Jing?”
Shen Miao sighed in her heart.
Even though she had the heart to tie the Shen and Xie families to the same boat,
but now was still not the time yet.
The Shen and Xie had long term discords between them and those cannot be resolved overnight.
It had to be conspired in a long draw-out plan but who knew that Xie Jing Xing got involved,
disrupting the entire plan up.
She did not believed in anyone as she has her own road to walk.
Be it Xie Jing Xing or the Xie family,
they were just pieces of chess in the chess game of the world.
There would not exist a chess player explaining things to a chess piece.
“This marquis thought that for you to help Gao Yan this much,
you must have some personal considerations with him and thus wanted to help your lover to snatch the limelight” Xie Jing Xing smiled mischievously as he eyed Shen Miao up and down,
“After some thinking,
even though the number two of the Gao family was not worthy of respect,
his eye for females was indeed not bad” He looked at Shen Miao,
she clearly had very beautiful features but was like the North-western desert that stings people.
“Furthermore to help Gao Yan meant helping Historian Adviser Jing’s reputation but you however did not help Gao Jing but instead that wastrel Gao Yan.
Making it seem malicious and duplicitous” His smile harboured malicious intentions but his words went straight to the target.
“Little Shen girl,
do you have enmity with Historian Adviser Jing?”
Chapter 38: Gifting Flowers
* * *
“Little Shen Girl,
do you have enmity with Historian Adviser Jing?”
Shen Miao quietly watched the youth in front.
His facial features were beautiful but his heroic spirits were rather pressing.
Even though he had a rich playboy appearance,
he had a kind of serious air that was transcendent to his age.
It was not shown in his appearance but like it was following him as if there was a kind of sense of safety feeling that one would feel even if the Heavens fell.
Even if she was in Qin country or in the Inner Palace,
she had never seen such a through person.
With just one sentence,
he could discern the middle of everything.
For such a brilliant and talented person to die prematurely,
it was truly that the Heavens were jealous of heroic geniuses.
Pity flashed in her eyes but when she spoke again,
her voice was flat and plain,
“Yes”
“You have taken the roundabout route for this chess game” Xie Jing Xing examined her closely,
“To go about such a meandering way just to send Gao Yan into the official circles.
Could it be that you want to throw Ming Qi’s official circles into disorder?”
Even Shen Miao who had lived for two lifetimes,
could not help but feel slightly surprised.
She could say that Xie Jing Xing’s performance was overtly smart and was able to immediately conclude things with one hint,
now this person was truly scary.
Ordinary people would take a step and look at the next step.
Smart people would take a step and see the next ten steps.
With those seemingly ordinary words,
Xie Jing Xing took a step and saw thousands of miles away.
To be that unabashedly and get straight to the point,
it made her somewhat unsure of how to respond.
After a moment she then replied,
“What does it got to do with Little Marquis?”
“This Marquis is not concerned of Ming Qi’s official circles but the Marquis of Lin An must not be touched” There were some warnings in his tone,
“If you have any intentions for the residence of the Marquis of Lin An,
then don’t blame this Marquis for being rude”
Shen Miao took a look at him.
Xie Jing Xing had always loathed the Marquis of Lin An’s residence extremely,
and loved to go against his father.
But now it seems that it was not complete hatred.
In fact,
he seemed to have the Marquis of Lin An in his heart.
Otherwise,
he would not have protected the reputation of the entire Marquis of Lin An’s residence in the last lifetime and ending up with tens of thousands of arrows piercing his heart.
And it was also understandable for Xie Jing Xing to be suspicious of her acting upon the Xie family.
The Shen and Xie families had never been able to see eye to eye and with her current actions that no one seemed to understand,
it would seem to others that it was possible that the Shen family would make the Xie family stumble.
“Marquis Xie can be rest assured” She plainly spoke with a tone as if she was speaking of the weather today,
“The Xie and Shen families are like well water not intruding with the river water,
thus naturally would not cause any trouble.
What Marquis Xie worries about would not happen.
A person’s life is only a short few decades,
the reversal of the wheel of fortune could also happen.
The Xie family view the Shen family as enemies but who would know if there would be a day in the future where they would be in the same boat under the wind and rain to deal with the same enemy”
“Is this you expressing your goodwill to me?”
Xie Jing Xing raised his eyebrows.
“Yes” Shen Miao calmly said.
Xie Jing Xing sized the young female in front of him.
From when he was born till present,
he had seen countless of women.
When he was young,
those women wanted to get closer to his father and afterwards,
those women got closer to him.
Among these women,
there were those who had flowery words,
those who were devastatingly beautiful,
those who could brandish swords and spears and even those who were scheming and resourceful.
Xie Jing Xing had seen thousands types of smart people but not one of them made him feel surprised like this person in front of him.
Perhaps it was the intuition that was born at the tip of the sword on the battlefield,
Xie Jing Xing could smell the bloodthirst from this young female.
As if there was a pool of stagnant water but there was a lurking fierce beast in the bottom.
At the moment the surface looked calm and peaceful,
it did not move and was waiting for a chance to break through the sun and when that day happened,
there would be a reign of terror.
Although this looked rather ridiculous,
how much of a storm could an unmarried female stir? But Xie Jing Xing was one that never underestimated his own intuition.
Under the Lotus purple cloak that was being blown by the wind,
the young female’s face was somewhat frozen,
but the lush plum blossom forest made her seem to stand out like one from the Palace.
Noble.
Lonely.
Decisive.
Bottomless like an abyss.
“The Shen family unexpectedly has such a smart person” His remarks had a somewhat ridiculing tone but there was some firmness as he spoke,
“This being the case,
then you should do as you wish.
I would treat today as watching a good show.
You better not disappoint this Marquis” He stood up and turned around to leave.
“Marquis Xie” Shen Miao called to stop him.
“What other matters are there?”
He stood still and asked without looking back.
“The two Shu younger brothers of the Xie family would also go up on stage in the academy examinations” Shen Miao said lightly,
“Would Marquis Xie indulge that much?”
The two Shu younger brothers of the Xie family were borne from a Yiniang,
Madam Fang,
and both,
Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao were currently in Grade Two.
In fact,
Xie Jing Xing was also Guang Wen Tang’s Grade Three student but because he did as his own wishes,
Guang Wen Tang was unable to restrain him and thus they let him be.
Otherwise Xie Jing Xing would be taking the academy examinations with his Grade Two Shu younger brothers.
In the previous life,
Xie Jing Xing of course did not participated in the academy examinations and his two Shu younger brothers were able to grab the limelight.
In all fairness,
Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao were considered very capable and among the best in martial category.
Therefore,
they caught the Emperor’s eyes and later were deliberately promoted by Fu Xiu Yi to handle matters for him.
Shen Miao had always felt that the Marquis of Lin An and his son were smart people and wondered how did they end up like that in the past lifetime.
Although the Imperial family gave out aid,
the ones who received the shade were those three,
mother and sons.
In fact,
with careful considerations,
there was no lack of doubts.
For instance,
the collapse of the Shen family in the previous lifetime,
there was a helping hand from the Second and Third Household.
So it would seem that there was also a problem within the Xie family.
“You are hoping that this Marquis would go up and compete with them?”
Xie Jing Xin looked back as he said with some surprise,
“Just like you fighting with your older sister?”
“How would Marquis Xie’s situation be the same as mine?”
Shen Miao ignored his words of ridicule and said,
“The deepest knife is precisely in the hands of the closest people.
I naturally understand that Marquis Xie is a noble person and would not worry unduly over minor matters with the Shu sons.
But a thousand mile dike was destroyed by an ants’ nest.
A seemly unremarkable plaything it may look like but it’s a venomous snake in the darkness” Her every word and sentence was spoken very clearly.
It was very clearly a warning tone but her eyes were as clear as a young child,
“One must cut them off in the bud and ensure that they would never be able to sprout”
“Comparing to letting them have unlimited support from nobles,
for these snake-like brothers,
to compete with them and let them make a fool of themselves in front of everyone,
wouldn’t one be more delighted than pretending in the residence?”
Xie Jing Xing’s heart moved.
His mother was the blue-blooded noble Princess Yu Qing and he did not wanted to be bothered with the Shu sons,
as these people would say that his bearing was not up there and mention that his birth mother was angered to death by jealousy when she was pregnant.
He did not care about his own reputation but he would forever take into account Princess Yu Qing’s reputation.
In Marquis of Lin An’s residence,
he would treat the mother and sons,
those three people,
coldly.
Even though the Marquis of Lin An would be biased towards him,
outsiders would gossip unnecessarily.
All that those three needed to do was to show a respectful and loving appearance which made him nauseous.
He just wanted to be like an outsider watching the three of them acting,
thus Shen Miao’s words made his heart move.
If one were to extinguish their hope,
wouldn’t it be more fun? To shed all pretence of cordiality and let them be frustrated of being unable to show the face of being respectful?
Shen Miao’s voice seemed to be somewhat bewitching as she said,
“It has been a long time.
Don’t tolerate”
Don’t tolerate.
He lowered his head and looked at the person in close proximity.
That young female had a light scent of delicate fragrance just like herself,
looking pure in appearance but in actuality,
cold and indifferent.
He obviously knew the purpose of the suggestion but one was unable to refuse it.
His lips hooked up to a smile and with a sweep of his sleeves,
the Begonia flower was falling onto his palm.
In the next second,
where the Begonia flower was before,
there was now a small jade Begonia in its place.
He smiled,
yet he did not smile as he picked up the flower and spoke with an ambiguous tone,
“You are interesting.
This flower is bestowed to you.
The suggestion is not bad.
Many thanks”
Chapter 39: Provoking
* * *
When Shen Miao exited the plum blossom forest,
Gu Yu and Jing Zhe felt finally relieved.
Jing Zhe took a peek inside and did not saw any figure and thus asked doubtfully,
“Why is there no one?”
Shen Miao also took a glance back.
The leaves of the forest were lush and gently swaying with the wind.
How could anyone see any figure? Xie Jing Xing was someone who practices martial arts and most probably could disappear by flying away.
She said,
“Let’s leave”
When they were back in the banquet,
Feng An Ning run over in a rush and complained,
“Didn’t we agree for you to wait for me? Just a turn of the head and one was unable to see anyone.
Upon returning,
you were also not here.
Where exactly did you go?”
“Seeing that the Chrysanthemum blossomed well,
I casually walked around” Shen Miao raised her eyes and looked towards the stage,
“Has it started?”
“You were gone for a long time.
The choosing portion for the male groups was over” Feng An Ning’s lips curled,
“Now it is the male group turn for the selecting portion”
The youths on stage were in the midst of competing.
The first round of ‘drawing lots’ were over but Shen Miao did not care of the results.
The second round was ‘selection’,
which was to select the areas that one was good at.
Shen Miao’s eyes fell on the other far left side of the banquet,
at the aqua green clad youth.
This youth was fit,
dark and his facial features were not bad.
It was only that his overly sturdy stature made him look rough.
And even so he still chose to wear green robes,
making his complexion to appear even darker.
Not only that,
he still combed his hair up and binded it with a jade bamboo hairpin.
Most likely he was trying to follow the example of a gentleman but because he also wanted an appearance of wealth,
his semblance was somewhat nondescript.
In a nutshell,
although he wanted to look distinguished but because of him trying to imitate someone else,
he failed to gain the desired effect and looked tacky.
This was Gao Yan of the Historian Adviser Jing’s family.
Gao Yan was still young this year,
not surpassing sixteen and his feathers were not even grown.
Until after Fu Xiu Yi ascended to the throne and because Gao Yan rode on Gao Jing’s wind as the latter’s status rose,
he would act tyrannically in the Ding capital and was extremely bold to even dare to covet after Wan Yu.
As long as she thought about Wan Yu who would suffer Gao Yan’s words of provocation,
Shen Miao would become furious.
She stared at Gao Yan as if she was watching a prey walking into a trap.
At that moment Gao Yan thought about something and talked to Gao Jing with a look of joy on his face.
He was naturally happy as he had obtained such a unique worded essay since during the ‘drawing lots’ he had picked righteousness which resulted in a mediocre performance.
He waited for the ‘selection’ to bring out this essay and then he would be able to startle the entire audience.
Shen Miao sneered in her heart.
Go then,
take this essay and go to Fu Xiu Yi’s side then!
Enter officialdom before Gao Jing make progress in his career.
She believed that with Gao Yan’s high level of means and methods,
he would be able to personal and single-handedly annihilate Historian Adviser Jing’s residence.
This was the big gift she was giving to Historian Adviser Jing.
As for Pei Lang,
she turned and looked at the man clad in a green robe sitting near Fu Xiu Yi.
From now in this lifetime,
you will start to slowly repay me for your past debts!
“Shen Miao,
after the male groups are done,
it would be the female group’s ‘selection’.
What will you choose?”
“Will not” Shen Miao answered.
In the academy examinations,
‘drawing lots’ was a category that all students had to participate.
As for the ‘selection’ category,
it was of one’s wishes and if one did not want to,
they need not participate.
Thus in the ‘selection’ category of the academy examinations,
it was a category that could easily show one’s abilities.
If one has an area that was naturally good at then it can also be performed in this ‘selection’ category.
Thus in the ‘selection’ category,
the crowd would have a higher level of enthusiasm.
Because the performance from ‘selection’ was the one in which they felt more confident .
If it was the previous Shen Miao that had no strength,
she would not have participated in the ‘selection’ category as she would only make a fool of herself if she went up.
“Why?”
Feng An Ning was somewhat disappointed and she said,
“Currently your painting is good,
so there should also be improvements on the other categories.
Why not simply show it off?”
“There is no need” Shen Miao started fiddling with the chess game on the table again and replied Feng An Ning without even lifting her head,
“There is no difference to me between being in the limelight or not.
Moreover,
I am not knowledgeable in the four scholarly arts and was only lucky just now”
“You…” Feng An Ning was flustered and exasperated,
“How can anyone say that of themselves?”
“Fifth Younger Sister” A voice interrupted their conversation.
They did not know when Shen Yue stood in front of them with a worried expression on her face,
“Fifth Younger Sister,
in the next round of ‘selection’,
you would really not participate?”
“Could it be that Second Elder Sister wish for me to participate?”
Shen Miao answered the question with another question.
Shen Yue was choked by her words.
She did not know for why Shen Miao seemed to be bent on shedding all pretence of cordiality with recently and it was making Shen Yue to become really puzzled.
Was it possible that after the accident of falling into the water this had made her lash out on Second and Third Household? Although she was doubtful,
Shen Miao had been undiscriminating her in quick succession,
accumulating anger in her heart.
Shen Yue bit her lips and seemed to be somewhat aggrieved as she softly said,
“I naturally hope that Fifth Younger Sister would participate.
Just now that painting was extremely done well,
so since Fifth Younger Sister possess such great skills,
why not continue to choose the topic ‘painting’ since everyone is still talking behind your back.
If the next painting is drawn well,
the rumours will be discredited”
Shen Yue’s voice was not soft and since she was surrounded by young ladies and Furen,
naturally they clearly heard every single word.
These words seemed to be nothing but it voiced out the suspicions that everyone had in their heart.
Even though Shen Miao’s drawing of the white Chrysanthemum had gotten the first rank,
she has been an idiot for so many years.
The perception in people’s heart would not change easily,
thus they did not believe that the painting came out from her and thought that there was someone at her side giving her pointers.
Shen Yue also thought so in her heart,
so she was thinking that as long as in the second round when Shen Miao draws another painting,
without any helpful pointers,
she would not be able to draw a good painting and would definitely make a fool of herself.
Feng An Ning heard the knack of it and immediately ridiculed,
“Second Shen Young Lady spoke as if it is very easy.
Painting pays particular attention to the desire of composition.
Even if it was Second Young Lady,
it would not be possible to draw two paintings continuously” Shen Miao was only a student and not a master in painting and calligraphy.
“I only asked that after seeing Fifth Younger Sister’s improvement in skills” Shen Yue smiled gently,
“Just now such a good painting was able to be drawn,
so why is it not possible to draw another one?
Shen Miao did not raised her head from beginning to end and only placed a chess piece in the middle of the chess game before saying,
“Not interested.
You have worried”
Shen Yue did not expected that Shen Miao would give such a lukewarm reply in front of so many people and was embarrassed for a moment.
In this world the most annoying thing was to dig a trap but the other party chose not to fall into it.
As Shen Miao was not even willing to accept her provocation in front of everyone’s suspicions,
this made Shen Yue think that the intention behind that painting came not from Shen Miao.
Thus the thought of watching Shen Miao making a fool of herself ingrained deeply into her heart and she continued laughing after a pause,
“Since Fifth Younger Sister insist,
then I would not say more” She then turned around and returned to her seat.
Over at the male side of the banquet,
Cai Lin had been secretly watching Shen Yue when he suddenly saw Shen Yue looking over from afar and seemingly smiled at him gently.
Cai Lin was startled following that,
he was somewhat excited.
But he saw Shen Yue bowing her head as if she was somewhat upset.
He suddenly felt anxious