"Ouch." Su Ming Feng screamed out, "Whatever did you kick me for? I wanted to warn her but she drank so fast. What can I do?" Su Ming Feng sized Xie Jing Xing, "Speaking of which, the person at the disadvantage is also others and not you, why do you care about it."
Xie Jing Xing ignored him and sat down in front of the table before questioning seriously, "The matter of the military horses that she spoke about is true?"
Hearing that, Su Ming Feng's face became ugly and under Xie Jing Xing's sharp look, he said with a severe tone, "Correct."
"Why did you hide it from me?" Xie Jing Xing asked pressingly. Su Ming Feng shook his head and said wryly, "The matter was only privately discussed between Diē and me and I did not even tell others, much less my Diē. This is a matter in which one's official hat can drop easily, so who will speak of it lightly? I initially wanted to tell you in these days… But how did Shen Gūniáng knows of the matter? Could it be that they also have some familiar people in the military horses? But the people in the military horses that are involved in the matter, would not in any way speak about it."
Xie Jing Xing glanced at Su Ming Feng, although Su Ming Feng was considered a person brimming with talent, he has been protected rigorously by the Su family since young, and did not experience any big winds or storms. Speaking of which, there was an endless stream of cards in Shen Miao's hands and each time it was beyond his expectations. Xie Jing Xing gave Shen Miao a 'retreat' strategy but did not think that Shen Miao would not even use his strategy at all. By aligning with the Su and other families to condemn Shen Xin, it was the very opposite strategy and could actually solve Shen Xin's immediate predicament. However, the Emperor's mind was unpredictable so even if this time Shen Xin was spared, the Shen family army's military might would still remain strong, and one day would be regarded as an eye-sore. One could hide once but could not hide a lifetime.
It is just that… Did Shen Miao really not think of this layer? Xie Jing Xing did not think so.
Seeing Xie Jing Xing being quiet, and that his usual cynical look on his face was replaced by a pondering frown, Su Ming Feng became nervous. He was aware that even though this good friend looked casual, he had a better understanding than anyone on the matters of court. Su Ming Feng questioned, "Is there any problem?"
Xie Jing Xing shook his head, "Just what do you think about it?"
"From the horse illness to become a horse plague, it is indeed very probable. Moreover, the matter is so serious, and Diē is in charge of the management of the military horses. Once anything occurs, the Su family will have to bear the brunt of it." Su Ming Feng said, "If Shen Gūniáng did not lie to me, I think it is worth a try. Even though it is a bit difficult to persuade my Diē, but… I will do my best." After pausing, Su Ming Feng looked towards Xie Jing Xing, "What do you think about this deal?"
Xie Jing Xing's eyebrows raised, "The biggest winner of this transaction is not you, but you will not be at a disadvantage." He looked at Su Ming Feng, "Do as she says."
Su Ming Feng lowered his head and said with some hesitation, "But… To impeach Shen Xin in an alliance, she is not afraid that she will outsmart herself."
"Do you not realise?" Xie Jing Xing said with a smile but not a smile, "She could feel out the Emperor's mind more clearly than you."
Su Ming Feng did not speak but saw Xie Jing Xing standing up. Su Ming Feng was stunned, "Where are you going?"
"The request for commander." Xie Jing Xing went back to that previous lazy appearance, "One must let the Marquis of Lin An take a look at it."
*****
Outside the Su Residence's door, Shen Miao put on her bamboo hat and asked Mo Qing beside her, "Just now in Su Ming Feng's room, did you feel the presence of someone else?"
Mo Qing was startled, "One did not feel the presence of another, but what did Xiǎojiě discover?"
Shen Miao shook her head. Mo Qing's martial arts skills were superior, and even he could not sense another person in the room so there should be no one else. But… Shen Miao felt strange in her heart. Then, why did Su Ming Feng keep looking towards the folding screen? Even though she did not have any martial arts skills, she had a high degree of observation, and it was more than enough to deal with a young and immature Su Ming Feng.
Now thinking about it, the two teacups on the table were somewhat strange.
Shen Miao tilted her head and threw away all the messy thoughts to the back of her head. No matter if there was anyone behind the screen or not, or what kind of person it was, the words that were to be said to Su Ming Feng were said, and she had an understanding of what kind of person Su Ming Feng was, so the matter would be successful.
After getting back on the horse carriage, Gu Yu asked, "Xiǎojiě, will Su Dà shàoyé help Lǎoyé and Fūrén?"
Jing Zhe and Gu Yu were outside and did not know what Shen Miao said to Su Ming Feng, and only thought that Shen Miao went to Su Ming Feng for help. However, since the relation between the Su and Shen families were as such, they were unable to feel assured.
Shen Miao nodded, "Will."
In the previous lifetime, the Su family was beheaded for trading military horses, and even though the Heavenly family could not tolerate such an aristocratic family, on the surface they would feign a complete job of tolerance. Other than having the evidence of trading military horses, there was also a recorded offence which was at the beginning of Ming Qi sixty-ninth year, the military horses under Count Ping Nan's management became sick, and there was a small wave of horse plague. It was only later on that Count Ping Nan found a veterinarian from the countryside to control the epidemic. None, other than the confidants in the military horses, knew of the matter; it was not spread so everyone did not know about it. It was afterwards when Count Ping Nan's residence was confiscated, that the matter was uncovered.
At that time, Shen Miao was the Empress and read carefully through the file of Count Ping Nan's offences, and knew where that veterinarian lived. In fact, even if Shen Miao did not look for Su Ming Feng, after not long when the little wave of horse plague spread out, Su Yu would still be able to locate that veterinarian and the epidemic would be controlled. The reason why Shen Miao did not want to let Su Ming Lang tell Su Yu about this matter, was to take advantage of the time difference.
Su Ming Feng had to use other reasons to request Su Yu to submit the report, and she can make use of this condition, this was just as good.
But… Shen Miao's expression darkened. Before Shen Yuan died, he had provided the evidence to Fu Xiu Yi and this was inevitably not complete. Fu Xiu Yi actually started to deal with the Shen family now, and this made Shen Miao feel worried. The 'her' right now still did not have enough cards on hand to deal with Fu Xiu Yi head-on. The time was not right and there was no opportunity yet, so it really touched on Xie Jing Xing's words — Retreat.
But, how to retreat was still a problem. By giving way in the face of a superior force and retreating in order to advance. How would one arrange everything else after retreating? That was the question she was worried about.
Because one could not stay out for too long in case it arouses suspicions, Shen Miao quickly returned back to the Shen Residence. In the Shen Residence, everyone saw her return and thought that Shen Miao came back after complaining to Feng An Ning. Since there were no signs of Shen Xin and Luo Xue Yan returning, and most likely Shen Gui and Shen Wan also said other stuff, so the rest of the people in the Shen family had an expression of watching a good show.
The First household's people were accustomed to being seen as the enemy by the other Shen's households, so Shen Miao did not even bother to look at them and went back to the Western Courtyard. Jing Zhe and Gu Yu thought that Shen Miao would have a heavy mind tonight, and would most probably sit in front of the table as the night before, but who knew that Shen Miao changed and went to bed early, prompting the few maids to look at one another and get more worried about Shen Miao.
Shen Miao lay on the bed and looked at the four sachets that were hanging at the carved corners, and slowly closed her eyes.
What she could do was done. Now, the only thing left was only to wait.
Wait for the Su family to gather the other officials to submit a memorandum and wait for… Emperor Wen Hui's suspicious heart to erupt.
*****
In the Royal Palace, there is the Shu Fang's Palace, which was different from the other magnificent palaces since it was considered simple and plain. Even the decorations were only some flowers and some paintings. Consort Dong Shu was sitting on a soft couch listening to a tune. The one plucking the tune was a young lady with a round face, she was not considered beautiful but the tune was rather lively. Consort Dong Shu was smiling as she listened. Consort Dong Shu was not considered very beautiful, and in a place where countless numbers and variations of beauties were located, she was considered normal. Even though she was considered beautiful but she did not have a temper, thus, she was the most obscure of the four Consorts.
By her side, there sat a young male who was dressed in noble robes, looking handsome and with an air of cool temperament. However, the smile on his face seemed a bit warm on the surface. He said to Consort Dong Shu, "This song is played well."
This person was none other but Consort Dong Shu's son, the Ninth Prince, Prince Ding, Fu Xiu Yi.
Consort Dong Shu smiled and looked at Fu Xiu Yi before waving her hands, and the person playing the music suddenly paused. Consort Dong Shu smiled, "Well played, go get some rewards."
A flash of happiness flashed on the face of the young lady playing the music, she then carried her Qin out as she withdrew. Everyone in the Ming Qi Palace knew that the servants in Consort Dong Shu's palace had the most freedom because Consort Dong Shu was a kind person and treated the servants warmly, just like in this instance, one was only plucked out from the group and still could get a generous reward.
"All withdraw." Consort Dong Shu glanced at the other palace's people and they retreated in order when they heard this. In a short moment, only Consort Dong Shu and her son were left in the palace hall.
"Mǔ fēi's methods of teaching servants are getting better." Fu Xiu Yi laughed.
"Conferring a favour is better than starting a feud." Consort Dong Shu smiled, "Mǔ fēi has told you many times already."
"Yes, yes, yes." Fu Xiu Yi sighed, "Unfortunately, with this son's current position, it is easier to start a feud than conferring favour."
Hearing that, Consort Dong Shu���s smile slightly faded as she asked, "These days, your Huángfù is worried about the matter of the Formidable Great General. At your end… Is there certainty?"
Consort Dong Shu had all the while not cared about Fu Xiu Yi's matters, as the Inner Palace is forbidden to meddle in court matters. Moreover, Emperor Wen Hui had nine sons, and each one was difficult to deal with. It was better to conceal one's shame than to publicise them thus now at an unclear period, Consort Dong Shu was not afraid to be a consort who 'lost favour'.
"Huángfù originally had the matter in mind so naturally would not let it go easily." Fu Xiu Yi said, "I have submitted the evidence up, and luckily they were aligned with Huángfù's intention, thus it would only be smooth sailing."
"I know that you have a mind of your own." Consort Dong Shu lightly said, "But Xiǎo Jiǔ, now the situation is tense so you must be more careful. Do not earn credit, let them fight and it would not be late to take action when they get tired from fighting."
"This son will listen to Mǔ fēi's teachings." Fu Xiu Yi quickly said.
Consort Dong Shu smiled and suddenly thought of something, "The last time when Shen Fūrén brought Shen Miao into the Palace, you told me to be sure not to let Shen Miao hear our conversation… What was that about?"
The last time when Luo Xue Yan and daughter entered the Palace, Fu Xiu Yi urged repeatedly not to let Shen Miao be present at that time. Thus, Consort Dong Shu let Tong Yao bring Shen Miao out.
"What kind of person does Mǔ fēi make of the Wǔ xiǎojiě of the Shen family?" Fu Xiu Yi asked.
"Her appearance is good and will be a beauty in the future. But her temperament is too gentle, most probably easy to be bullied by others." Consort Dong Shu looked at Fu Xiu Yi, "Previously, one heard that she was in love with you, but it seems that there are untruths in the rumours. Even though she is not smart and intelligent, it was not to the point of being an idiot."
Fu Xiu Yi smiled gently, "Mǔ fēi is such a critical person but is unable to say any of her bad points?"
Consort Dong Shu was stunned for a moment. On the surface, she looked broadminded and harmonious but was a very picky person inside. This was because Fu Xiu Yi was currently at the age to look for a Fūrén, and he was ideal himself thus there were many noble families who wanted their daughters to marry in. There were many famous ladies from all the families but Consort Dong Shu could pick them out and felt that others were not worthy to be matched with her son.
And at the moment with this remark, even if one did not praise Shen Miao, there were no words of despise, thus, if one carefully thinks about it, there was some preference for Shen Miao. Among the Young Ladies of the official families, it was the first time Consort Dong Shu gave such an evaluation to a person.
So with Fu Xiu Yi reminder, Consort Dong Shu was also shocked.
It was obviously just an ordinary young girl, so how could one be unable to find something bad to say? But other than being stiff, there was really nothing wrong.
No bad points, no ambitions, calm eyes like a woman. Consort Dong Shu's heart jumped in shock. This and herself… Or one could say her disguised self, was not it exactly the same?
"One thinks that Mǔ fēi can also see it." Fu Xiu Yi smiled, "This Shen Gūniáng is a master in concealment."
Consort Dong Shu looked at Fu Xiu Yi puzzled, "You are saying she is acting? At such a young age, not to say if one can act, even temper cannot be contained."
"Mǔ fēi." A strange light flashed in Fu Xiu Yi eyes, "I have seen her making a fool of herself in public, seen her appearance of not knowing shame and showing adoration, seen the murderous air when she shot three arrows to Gentleman Cai that he could not come down the stage, and now you even saw her blank and stiff appearance. Does Mǔ fēi think that with this many appearances, which one is truly her?"
Consort Dong Shu's hand holding the teacup tightened.
For a person to have thousands of appearances, and each one is so lifelike as if each one was all one's character, this concealment was just too scary. The scariest part was that she had only reached marriageable age not too long ago.
Fu Xiu Yi lowered his head. He did not mention that he had also seen that during the Palace banquet when Shen Miao was looking at him, her eyes were unable to suppress the look of hatred. That kind of deep-rooted hatred was not the kind of hatred that a young girl would feel when love became hate. That kind of hatred was as if one's soul was trembling in anger, and could not wait to tear him apart.
There were many areas of suspicion.
"Mǔ fēi, the Shen family is a variable even if they remained. Now, the country cannot be changed anymore." Fu Xiu Yi suppressed his voice, "Shen Gūniáng may not be as simple as we thought. The roots must be dug out to eliminate the grass. It is best if it ends before it starts."
"So this time, the Formidable Great General will not escape from disaster?" Consort Dong Shu asked.
"That is not so." Fu Xiu Yi smiled, "The Shen family is the head of the influential aristocratic families and by getting rid of the Shen family now, would only cause more variables. But after recalling the power from the Shen family, they will gradually decline and when the time is right, one only needs to eliminate with one stroke."
"What if there are any changes in between?" Consort Dong Shu looked at him, "Perhaps the Shen family still have other hidden cards, what if they were to safely go through it? One fear that you will be implicated if they found out it was you who submitted the report.
Fu Xiu Yi shook his head and it was obviously still a kind smile but his eyes were ruthless, "The charge of lying to a Monarch is huge. No matter how remarkable abilities one possesses, one would not be able to let the Shen family return safely. It is just that…" He said lightly, "This is originally me probing them out."
"Probing?" Consort Dong Shu was somewhat doubtful.
Fu Xiu Yi looked at his fingertips, "That is right." Previously Shen Yuan mentioned to him to pay attention to Shen Miao, and Fu Xiu Yi did not pay it to mind. Later, a series of things happened, including the extermination of the entire household of Prince Yu of the First Rank, and Shen Yuan's death. All that made him realise that Shen Yuan's words might be true.
Shen Miao was an unmarried female and no matter what, she would not be able to handle such big matters. There was only one possibility, that was there was someone behind Shen Miao. Fu Xiu Yi could not help but be on guard against the person with such abilities behind her.
This time the Shen family fell into misfortune and Shen Miao was left alone, and that was what he proposed to Emperor Wen Hui. But Fu Xiu Yi's motive was to see what this person, who had hidden so deeply, and that Fifth Young Lady Shen, who played him in her palms, would use what solution to break out of the predicament. And who exactly was helping her?
But no matter what method was used, it was not possible for Shen Xin to retreat safely. Fu Xiu Yi squeezed his palm. The fat meat was already in one's mouth, there was no reason for one to spit it out.
The Shen family was destined to perish in the history books of Ming Qi. There was no doubt about it.
Tonight, in the residence of the Marquis of Lin An, it was indeed not peaceful.
In the most inner courtyard, Xie Jing Xing had just taken off his outer robes in the room, when the door was pushed open with a 'bang'. A servant was fearfully standing at the door, fearing that it would implicate him as he hung his head low and nervously said, "Shàoyé… This lowly one cannot stop…"
The Marquis of Lin An stood at the door and was angry when he heard that, "Stop? You tried to stop me, I am your Diē! Since when did the Zhǔzi of the residence of Marquis of Lin An change? Xie Jing Xing, you stand properly!"
Xie Jing Xing casually glanced at Xie Ding and threw his robe lazily on the couch and sat down on the chair. He leaned back and had an appearance of a hedonistic son, "What noble reason brings the Marquis over at such a late hour tonight?"
It was as if treating a stranger.
Naturally, Xie Ding became so angry that he could flip a horse. It was, however, Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao who were following behind Xie Ding, who had looks of indignation but had happiness flickering in their eyes. Xie Chang Chao said, "Dàgē, Diē treats you with all his heart and energy. How could you say such things to Diē? It is really not filial or respectful!"
"Mind your own business." Xie Jing Xing spits out the four words.
On the outside, the elegant and noble Little Marquis would be like an army ruffian when facing the three of them, this made the 'Scholarly General' Xie Ding feel helpless.
"You brat!" Xie Ding did not pay attention to Xie Chang Chao's instantaneous green face and said angrily, "What sort of request for commander did you write!" With a slam, he threw the paper onto Xie Jing Xing's face.
Xie Jing Xing took a look at the paper and raised his eyebrows, "If the Marquis is not happy, let Bìxià write another one then. One comes over in the middle of the night just for this?"
"Xie Jing Xing, what exactly do you want to do?" Xie Ding flew into a rage, "Do you know what kind of place Northern Jiang is? Requesting for commander is not a plaything. You have never directed the Xie family army and I have never taught you before. Do you know how to use them?"
When those words were spoken, a flash of darkness appeared in Xie Chang Chao's and Xie Chang Wu's eyes. The Xie family army was the most valuable asset in the Marquis of Lin An's residence, more valuable than the wealth and glory of Marquis of Lin An's residence. Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao also had martial arts skills, but Xie Ding had no intention of letting both brothers manage the Xie family army and kept training Xie Jing Xing as a successor. So, even when Xie Ding brings both brothers into officialdom, once Xie Jing Xing uses the Xie family army as his own, no matter if Xie Chang Chao and Xie Chang Wu fought for their entire lives, they would not be able to reach the height of Xie Jing Xing.
"So what about that?" Xie Jing Xing's lips hooked up to a smile and his eyes that swept across had some evil intentions, "As one use it more, it would become easier to use."
"No!" Xie Ding refused flatly, "Tomorrow, you will follow me to court and tell Bìxià clearly. This request for commander cannot be accepted!"
"Marquis." Xie Jing Xing tilted his head sideways and spoke to him as if he was looking at a joke, "The request for commander was requested by me and now to go back on it to Bìxià… If the Marquis wish to see my head fall, just say it straightforwardly, why learn from others going the roundabout way?" When he said that, he looked at Xie Chang Chao and his brother with a smile but not a smile.
It was obviously saying that Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao did not have good intentions. Both of their faces stiffened and Xie Chang Chao said, "Dàgē, Diē is saying this with good intentions. That Northern Jiang's terrain is complicated, if something goes wrong, not only your own safety will be compromised, even Diē will be punished and the entire Xie family army will be shamed. You cannot just think of yourself and not care of the Xie family's future."
The implication of the words was that this expedition of Xie Jing Xing was completely due to his ambition, and that he did not know how high Heavens were, and that he was completely shameless to want to build a successful career without knowing his worth.
When those words were said, even Xie Ding could not help but frown.
"Dìdì need not be worried." Xie Jing Xing retorted, "This Gēgē will wait for you to enter officialdom and achieve great accomplishments with unlimited prospects. At that time, one will rely on you both to protect the Xie family. The Marquis will also be very happy."
Now that Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao were just about to enter officialdom, the mention about them achieving great accomplishments with their abilities, it was insinuating about a far off date in the future. Xie Jing Xing was mocking them of their qualifications, and how they only depended on the Xie family relations to climb.
"You!" Xie Chang Chao was fuming and was about to speak when Xie Ding roared, "Enough!"
Xie Chang Chao and Xie Chang Wu immediately kept quiet, and it was Xie Jing Xing who showed some impatience, "Has the Marquis finished speaking? If so, please quickly leave, I want to sleep."
"Jing Xing." Xie Ding suddenly said tiredly, "After so many years, you still hate me like this? That you could not wait to use your life to leave the Marquis' residence."
Xie Ding was currently not like when he was young but was still regarded as a handsome middle-aged man. Even though he is a General but he was different from Shen Xin's coarse and forthright manners, and it was as if he had a gentleman's elegance. When Xie Ding was young, he had a 'Scholarly General' nickname and was considered handsome. Most of the Xie family had inherited Xie Ding's appearance, even Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao were considered handsome but when comparing with Xie Jing Xing, there would be a big difference.
Princess Yu Qing was gentle and elegant while Xie Ding was a nobleman like a piece of jade when he was young, but spawned Xie Jing Xing whose temperament was stronger than his appearance. He trifled without respect, arrogant and dissolute as if no one in the world could control or manage him. He seemed like nothing was interesting to him and so proud that nothing was worth regarded in his eyes. This kind of looks and temperament, if found in history books, could be regarded as a legendary romantic persona.
But it also made others feel helpless, just like Xie Ding felt in that moment.
Xie Ding's temples were already showing silver, "Jing Xing, you still hate me?" When these words were spoken, Xie Ding's voice was somewhat quivering. He was endlessly enraged with Xie Jing Xing, but at the moment it was like a father surrendering helplessly to a son.
Hate? Hate what? Hate that at the beginning he let Madam Fang into the doors, and let that scheming woman have an opportunity to take advantage? Hate that he let Princess Yu Qing die due to accumulation of hate, and let Xie Jing Xing's life be like that of a stranger in the household? It was obvious that it was his wrong at first, but he still acted like one is head-over-heels and no longer remarried. But even though he had that head-over-heels attitude, he was not willing to kill that Madam Fang. Was treating Xie Jing Xing with all kinds of love a futile attempt to atone?
Mistakes had been borne and the person was no longer around, so how could sin be cleared in redemption.
Xie Jing Xing swept a glance at him and his eyes became very sharp. However even if this General who was able to rebuke Heavens and Earth exposed his weakness, he would never be moved.
He had never hated Xie Ding, just disdained. Moreover… Xie Jing Xing said, "The Marquis is thinking too much. How would I have idle time to do so."
Where did I have the idle time to hate you?
These words were just too hurtful. When Xie Ding heard them, he unconsciously took two steps back and clutched his heart with a heartbreaking look.
It was Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao who were happier and happier. The deeper Xie Jing Xing hurt Xie Ding, the more Xie Ding will be disappointed with Xie Jing Xing, and it was only like this that then there would be a possibility for both brothers to replace Xie Jing Xing's position completely.
"Like that…" Xie Ding said troubledly, "Then you set off then." His voice was very low, "I will explain clearly to the Xie family army. Those people will go through it with you. Take the armour in the residence and the heart-protecting shield." It seemed that Xie Ding had aged ten over years in a single night as he looked at Xie Jing Xing, "You… Take care."
Xie Chang Chao and Xie Chang Wu supported Xie Ding out, and just before leaving Xie Chang Chao still smiled maliciously at Xie Jing Xing, "Dìdì will wish Dàgē to defeat the enemy and return triumphant."
But he looked forward to seeing how Xie Jing Xing was to die on the battlefield.
After they left and the doors were closed, under the light of the flame, a black-clad person had appeared since unknown time. The black-clad person said, "Zhǔrén, Xie Chang Chao and Xie Chang Wu…"
���Forget it." Xie Jing Xing said, "If they are dead now, the Marquis of Lin An will not let me leave."
"The Xie family's army will only listen to the Marquis of Lin An and naturally will not listen to Zhǔrén's command." The black-clad person said, "What does Zhǔrén plan to do?"
"Just an insignificant Xie family's army. Who will bother?" Xie Jing Xing was somewhat impatient, "How is the arrangement of Gōngzhǔ Residence?"
"Replying Zhǔrén, the people are placed in the dark to protect Rong Xin Gōngzhǔ diànxià. Does Zhǔrén not bid farewell to Rong Xin Gōngzhǔ?"
"No need." Xie Jing Xing waved his hands, "This will do."
The black-clad person complied and turned around to withdraw.
By the fire in the dark room, those red lips and face flickered and showed a little warm. Without the purple-gold robe and with only jade-white middle wear, the youth's eyelashes seemed very long, as if the flames were creating a handsome painting.
"Hate?" He looked down and lightly smiled.
"Everyone under heaven will hate me."