The journey from Xiao Chun City to the capital was as high as the mountains and as long as the rivers, thus one would need to trek thousands of miles and would take half a year back and forth. When Shen Xin received the Imperial edict, he embarked on the journey the next day. Luo Ling and Luo Tan also journeyed together.
Luo Sui let Luo Ling go along as he was the eldest grandson of the Luo family, and in the future, Luo Ling had to hold up the entire Luo family. Luo Sui's intention was to let Luo Ling go to the capital to learn through experience, and also to gain an understanding of the current situation in Ming Qi. Luo Sa was to stay in Xiao Chun City to continue to drill the Luo family's army with the elders.
Luo Tan and Luo Qian were not supposed to follow, but who knew that Luo Tan herself secretly climbed up into the carriage and hid in the box at the back of the carriage, and she only appeared halfway during the journey. At that time, it was too late to chase her away, and one could only send a message back and bring her along to the capital.
Luo Tan was filled with longing for the capital and promised repeatedly not to cause trouble before finally going on the journey with Shen Miao and entourage.
Other than the front section of the Shen family's army that was brought over, this time Shen Xin also brought a portion of the Luo family's army. These people were trained personally by Shen Xin and Shen Qiu and were the most elite of them all. If one were to place any one of them on any sections, they would be considered a section lead. The number of branches need not be plentiful. Shen Xin had cultivated them himself, so he brought them along with him under the name of bodyguards.
From the start of the journey in spring to late autumn, all the green trees along the way had changed into withered leaves, that swayed and all onto the dirt with the wind. When the entourage started to increase their clothing, they then were about to reach the capital.
The sky was gradually getting darker and the entourage went to the inn outside the city to rest. Shen Qiu said, "Tomorrow morning we will enter the city. The first thing is to find a residence to stay in."
At that time when they were leaving, they had separated from that Shen family so naturally, it was not possible for them to return to Shen Residence.
Previously in the Luo Residence, Luo Xue Yan had told Luo Sui about the matter of separating from the family, and Luo Ling and Lu Tan were not surprised. Luo Tan rested her chin on her hand, "Gūmā and Gūzhàng, let us find a bustling place to stay alright? I have never been to the capital before. How great it would be to have a residence that will be bustling when one leaves the house."
Luo Xue Yan laughed, "Originally, the east of the city was the busiest place but we had not returned for two years, and do not know if there is any change."
"That is simple." Luo Tan asked the waiter who was serving, "Waiter, do you know where the most lively place in the capital is?"
That waiter did not know their status and identity and only saw that they had so many people and wore fine clothes, especially the Young Lady that was sitting in the middle. She was young but had a remarkable bearing, with one look, one knew that she was a young lady of one of the noble residences. He immediately dared not neglect them and enthusiastically replied, "Xiǎojiě, there are a lot of lively places in the capital."
Luo Tan was obviously not satisfied with the answer and wrinkled her nose, "Just like that?"
The waiter feared to provoke her unhappiness and thought for a moment before replying, "If Xiǎojiě really wants to bustle, then it will be good to go to the southern part of the city. Recently, Qin and Great Liang's people have arrived, and the Emperor has set aside residences in the southern part of the city, Yan Qing Lane to stay."
"What is this Yan Qing Lane?" Luo Tan asked.
"Yan Qing Lane is the most expensive piece of land in the capital." Shen Qiu explained, "It is an excellent place that even the relatives of the Imperial family cannot stay. Even if those Princes move out of the Palace to set up their residences, they would not be able to stay there. Only the first Nation's Granduncle stayed at the Yan Qing Lane for a period of time."
Luo Tan was first surprised, "That Yan Qing Lane is actually so expensive." Then she was somewhat disappointed, "But if it is so expensive then we will not be able to afford to buy a residence there."
When the waiter heard this, he was first surprised before looking carefully at Luo Tan. Not mentioning about buying a residence in the Yan Qing Lane, even residing there for a few days was considered as rare as a unicorn's horn or phoenix feathers. Seeing Luo Tan's manner of speaking, the waiter almost suspected that he had misjudged them, as this entourage was full of only country bumpkins that would be entering the capital for the first time.
"It is alright." Shen Miao said, "Next to Yan Qing Lane there is a street that is adjacent to restaurants and outside the lane. The price is not that expensive and one can always afford it. Since it is not far from Yan Qing Lane, it is not a bad alternative."
When those words were spoken, the waiter was surprised for a moment before subconsciously saying, "Xiǎojiě spoke correctly, it is indeed so."
"Jiao Jiao also wants to watch the bustle?" Shen Xin asked. Naturally, Shen Miao was not one who liked to get in on the action but with her words today, it seemed that she had some interest.
"Felt that it is somewhat refreshing." Shen Miao smiled.
"Good, good." Luo Tan's eyes shimmered as she looked at Shen Miao, "Biǎomèi, you are the best!" She thought that Shen Miao deliberately said it for her, and was very grateful for Shen Miao in her heart.
Shen Miao looked up and towards the waiter, "The people from Qin and Great Liang have come?"
Since the beginning, the waiter's eyes did not leave off from this Young Lady who looked like the youngest. He had felt that when she sat there, even the chairs became golden-bright and dazzling. Hearing Shen Miao speak, he immediately replied respectfully, "Yes. Ming Qi's tribute will start in a few days' time, thus, Qin and Great Liang have sent over people to give their congratulations. These people are arranged to reside in the Yan Qing Lane."
"Who did Qin and Great Liang sent over?" Shen Miao asked.
The waiter scratched his head, "Tàizǐ Diànxià and Ming An Gōngzhǔ from Qin and from Great Liang, the younger blood brother of Emperor Yong Le, Rui Wángzǐ Diànxià."
Shen Miao's eyes hang down, "Many thanks."
After that waiter left, Luo Ling asked, "Does Biǎomèi have any thoughts on the people from Qin and Great Liang?"
Shen Miao smiled, "Nothing, just felt a little strange."
Luo Tan beamed, "No matter what, we will reach the capital tomorrow and can also take a look at the hustle and bustle."
*****
In the Palace in the capital, in the chambers of the Emperor, the thick medicine smell filled the entire sleeping chambers, and the incense in the burner made one's heart heavy and melancholic.
In the dragon bedchamber, Emperor Wen Hui laid on the couch with both eyes half-closed. The beauty clad in noble clothes beside was gently moving, scooping spoonfuls of medicine into his mouth. This was not anyone else but Consort Dong Shu.
She fed very patiently and carefully. Emperor Wen Hui could only drink a tiny spoonful at a time, so she blew on each tiny spoonful till it cooled down and tested that it was not hot, then slowly fed it to Emperor Wen Hui. As she fed, she still gently patted Emperor Wen Hui's back so that he could breathe smoother.
After finishing feeding, Consort Dong Shu picked a candied fruit from the enamel bowl at the side and fed it to Emperor Wen Hui's mouth. Emperor Wen Hui frowned and after swallowing the last bit of the bitter taste in his mouth he then said, "It is difficult for you to even remember this?"
"Bìxià is not afraid of bitterness. It is Chénqiè that fears that Bìxià is afraid of bitterness." Consort Dong Shu smiled warmly, "May Bìxià take account of Chénqiè and eat a little of this fruit."
Emperor Wen Hui was amused by her and his eyes softened a little, "In this Palace, it is still you that understand Zhèn's mind."
In these two years, many things had changed. No matter how much energy of a dragon and ferociousness of a tiger he had, he finally could not beat the corrosiveness of time. Not to mention that he had so many sons who were younger, stronger and more ambitious than him. With the critical circumstances both inside and outside, he had aged a lot and his body gradually became sickly.
The Crown Prince's condition was also precarious, and his faction was gradually no match as Prince Zhou and Prince Jing moved threateningly towards, while Prince Xuan and Prince Li eyed covetously like tigers watching their prey. Emperor Wen Hui even felt disgusted seeing the females in the Inner Palace and at this time, Consort Dong Shu and Prince Ding, Fu Xiu Yi, who stood aloof from worldly affairs entered his eyes.
Emperors most felt assured with, were sons and women without ambitions. When Emperor Wen Hui was sick, he loved to summon Consort Dong Shu to attend to him. Even with such Imperial favour, Consort Dong Shu was still as cautious as usual, and would not take the initiative to speak about Prince Ding's matters, thus Emperor Wen Hui was even more satisfied. He would even occasionally talk to Consort Dong Shu about adverse court matters.
"The tribute is about to begin." Emperor Wen Hui sighed, "The messenger said that Shen Xin will return to the capital within these few days. Zhèn drove him out two years ago, and fear that there is still a grudge in his heart. If the circumstances were not urgent, Zhèn would never lead the wolf into the house."
"Bìxià," Consort Dong Shu smiled, "General Shen is your subject and naturally will work for you and do what you want him to do. Why is Bìxià tormenting yourself?"
"Subject?" Emperor Wen Hui sneered, "That subject's prestige is bigger than Zhèn's, so how can Zhèn believe Shen Xin wants to be a subject. In the beginning, Xie Ding was also likewise, but he lost his son and now the Xie family is unable to withstand a single blow, and Zhèn is also too lazy to eradicate until the last one. This Shen family, after the tribute, it is better… Zhèn really feels uneasy."
Consort Dong Shu no longer spoke. At such a time if she were to speak, then there was the possibility of the Inner Palace interfering with the government. Thus she lowered her head, kept quiet and just fiddled with the enamel bowl.
In Consort Dong Shu's Shu Fang Palace, there was also someone standing at the moment. That person's robes and crown were noble and had a grave and magnificent appearance. It was Fu Xiu Yi. As compared to two years before, he became more composed and matured and had an indescribable grace.
"Shen Xin is resting outside the city today, and will be entering the capital early in the morning." The guard in front of him bowed down to speak to him softly.
Fu Xiu Yi clenched the cup in his hands and one did not know what he was thinking. After a moment, he suddenly smiled, "Gentleman Pei really has the miracle of foresight, for what he said was actually correct. Entering the capital tomorrow…" He said, "Pass the order down, all the guards at the city gates must listen. When Shen Xin returns to the capital, the entire city must welcome him."
The guard cupped his hands and complied before quickly retreating.
Fu Xiu Yi stood with his hands behind him and a profound expression appeared on his face. Two years ago, the Shen family's tactic of taking drastic measures had disrupted all of his plans. Now to return to the capital again, Fu Xiu Yi had the feeling that this was also part of the Shen family's plans. Perhaps Shen Xin long knew that there would be a day that he would return to the capital, thus at that time, he left so resolutely and unrestrainedly.
In that case, how about putting the Shen family back into the hot fire to roast again? How about letting the Shen family be a target and letting Emperor Wen Hui, Prince Zhou's faction, Prince Li's faction and even Qin and Great Liang all watch Shen Xin, this piece of fat meat, closely? He was, after all, a person who held a grudge extremely well and hated to be played in anyone's palm.
To dare to scheme against him, Fu Xiu Yi. The Shen family would inevitably have to pay the price.
*****
Early on the second day, Shen Xin and entourage set off again. Hastening on with their journey from the inn, they could only arrive at the capital before noon. Because they still had to look for a residence, it was ideal to be as early as possible.
When they arrived at the city gates of the capital, the guards at the city gates asked to see Shen Xin identifying placard and suddenly were in awe, "So it is General Shen!" Finishing, they let the rest quickly open the city gates for Shen Xin and entourage to enter.
Luo Tan said, "Gūzhàng, they seem to be respecting you a lot. It seems that Gūzhàng's official rank is very big."
But Shen Qiu and Shen Miao frowned at the same time. On the day they left the capital, the indifferent facial expressions that those guards had, were like those who wanted to throw stones when one was done. Now to be that enthusiastic, it is certainly not because of needing him to come back to deter Qin people. It was most likely… Instructed by someone else.
Luo Tan parted the carriage curtain and looked out before exclaiming, "This is the capital. So big and so lively. There are a lot more people than in Xiao Chun City. Ah, Biǎomèi, the young ladies here look very pretty, how could one look that fresh? Heavens, even the gentlemen here are all fair and tender."
Her noise was heard by those closeby and they looked over. It did not matter if they did not look but once they looked they shouted out, "It is General Shen. General Shen has returned!"
General Shen had returned!
Shen Xin originally had a prominent reputation in the Ming Qi's commoners' hearts, and since in these two years, the Xie family fell into misfortune and the Shen family moved away, this made the people feel that the heroes' end was desolate. Even more when Qin's and Great Liang's people came to the capital, there was suddenly a sense of humbleness as they could not protect themselves. For Shen Xin to emerge at such a time, it undoubtedly allowed the commoners to feel as if they have a pillar of support. When more and more people surrounded them, they all shouted amazingly, "General Shen has returned!"
For a period of time, the cheers of the crowd almost drowned the road in front of the horse carriage, as the commoners shouted fanatically and almost sought after them. Luo Tan covered her mouth, "Heavens. Gūzhàng's reputation in these people's eyes and mind is indeed very high."
Luo Ling and the rest who were outside had unbearable expressions. It was a good thing that there were people to give a warm welcome, and it was not bad to be sought after. Every year when Shen Xin returned to the capital, there would always be such a sight. But today, Shen Xin did not return with merits but instead was recalled back to the capital by the Emperor after being evicted two years ago. The louder the commoners' cheers were, the more resounding the slap was on Emperor Wen Hui. This was the same as going against Emperor Wen Hui.
In the carriage, Luo Xue Yan's and Shen Miao's expressions also slightly became solemn. It was especially so for Shen Miao as her gaze suddenly got colder. Only Luo Tan did not understand what was going on and was delighted with Shen Xin's prestige.
The road was blocked and Shen Xin could only let the few guards beside him explain to the commoners. When the people heard it, even though they stood at both sides of the road to look, they were not as excited as they were previously and opened up the way.
Mo Qing and Ah Chi rode their horses off to look for residences. Just like what Shen Miao said, there was a street next to Yan Qing Lane and the residences there were not bad. Now that Shen Xin had spent a lot of money on reorganizing the Luo family's army, he was not as well off as he was previously. In spite of this, since Shen Miao wanted to reside in the southern part of the city, Shen Xin agreed to it without saying anything further.
The horse carriage headed towards the south of the city.
The closer one got to Yan Qing Lane, the fewer the people were there. This was because those living around Yan Qing Lane were dignitaries and nobility, and commoners would not be able to afford to stay in that section of land. The welcoming commoners were much scarce here, and the carriage was able to travel much smoother. Mo Qing and the rest quickly reported that they had found a residence that one could first reside in, before discussing money. The original owner of that residence knew of Shen Xin's name and did not request much money for collateral.
When they were only one street away from Yan Qing Lane, suddenly there was a gust of wind that blew the curtain of Shen Miao's carriage, quickly blew apart the curtain but it also quickly fell down.
Shen Miao's eyes slightly congealed. Luo Tan saw this and asked, "What is the matter?"
Shen Miao took a glance at the carriage curtain and shook her head, "Nothing." But she was secretly vigilant as just now for a short moment, she actually had the feeling of being monitored. That kind of attention made one felt very uncomfortable.
In one of the tall buildings at a distance, there was a young man holding a flute with a female by his side. That female's appearance was as delicate as a flower and refined as jade, that tacky jewellery that she wore did not look ugly at all, but instead made her look exquisitely charming. She glanced at the far away carriage and said in disdain, "Is not this the Formidable Great General Shen, the Shen family? Such a great prestige but is only no more than this."
The male by her side was in his early twenties and had some resemblance to her. He was considered handsome but because his nose was slightly hooked, it gave him a vicious look. He smiled, "To make even the Imperial family of Ming Qi restrain their fear, it is not simply trash."
"Tàizǐ gēgē is joking again." That female's eyes were filled with arrogance, "The Marquis of Lin An, from the Xie family, was also lawless previously, but now is still like a bereaved dog. They could not even retain the complete corpse of Xie Jing Xing. More likely than not, the Shen family would be the second Xie family."
The male smiled but did not continue along with that female's words.
At the other side, there was someone leaning against the building as the lush evergreen covered his figure in half, only revealing the flowing corner of his gold robes. One of his hands picked the teacup in front and that hand was vigorous. There was a white jade ring in the middle finger, which made the entire hand seem to be carved out from jade. As the teacup neared his lips, it revealed a beautiful chin. The reddish thin lips that had been touched by the tea, seemed a bit moist but were enough seductive to hook another's mind.
The corner of his lips slowly hooked up.
*****
The residence that Mo Qing found was an alley a turn away from Yan Qing Lane, where the busiest restaurants of the southern city were located. The location was very good. The owners were easy going, and Luo Xue Yan and Shen Xin were very frank people so when the owners put up a reasonable price, they bought the residence that very night and changed the owner of the residence.
At this end it was just settled, but there were eunuchs from the Palace that came over to read out the Imperial edict, which was for Shen Xin to enter the Palace the next day to meet the Emperor. For Emperor Wen Hui to be that eager, apparently things had reached a very critical position. After receiving the Imperial edict and moving things in, the skies turned dark. After dinner, everyone could go and rest after finally settling everything down.
Shen Miao and Luo Tan resided in adjacent courtyards. The courtyards here were not as spacious as the General Residence, but it was considered neat, clean and had a unique style. It is just that Shen Xin and Shen Qiu had some regrets, as they could not train in the courtyard. Luo Xue Yan and Luo Tan were very satisfied and Shen Miao did not value such things, so naturally, she had no objections.
In the end, at night, Luo Tan sneaked into Shen Miao's room to talk.
Luo Tan was wrapped in a cape as she sat on Shen Miao couch, "Biǎomèi, I cannot sleep. Accompany me and chat."
"What do you want to chat about?" Shen Miao let Jing Zhe and the rest withdraw and cut the wick of the oil lamp shorter herself. At this moment she had no intention of going to sleep, so she was casually flipping the pages of the book on the table, but did not seriously read it.
"One did not expect the capital would be like this." One could not tell if the Luo Tan's tone of voice was of disappointment or joy, "I grew up in Xiao Chun City and thought that places outside would be the same as Xiao Chun City. One did not expect that the capital is even bigger and livelier than what those storytellers said. Biǎomèi, I am still a little scared."
There was finally a day where the out of control Eldest Young Lady of the Luo family would be scared. Shen Miao smiled gently, "What is so scary?"
"Of course one is scared when one is alone outside. Even though Ling Gēgē is here, this is not the familiar Xiao Chun City. Biǎomèi, did you experience such scary times before? In the beginning, when Gūmā and Gūzhàng were in the Northwestern region and left you alone in the capital, were you scared?"
"There is nothing scary." Shen Miao lightly replied. To her it was not scary to be left behind in the Shen Residence as in the beginning, in her eyes, the people in the Shen Residence were considered trusted relatives. Not knowing, thus fearless. Like what Luo Tan spoke of, being afraid because of being alone outside… In the beginning, when she was in Qin, was it not like that?
Thinking of Qin, Shen Miao's eyes flashed and suddenly thought about the words that the waiter said today. The people of Qin and Great Liang have come. At this time, in her past lifetime, it was during the tribute that she saw the Crown Prince of Qin and Great Liang's people. At that time Great Liang's ambitions had slightly emerged, making the Imperial family of Ming Qi feel dreadful. In order to check and balance Great Liang, Ming Qi and Qin probed with one another until when Fu Xiu Yi sat on the throne, Ming Qi and Qin started an alliance and let her, the Empress, go to Qin as a hostage… The Crown Prince of Qin, Huangfu Hao, was a very vile and savage person, one did not know why, but he liked to go against her, and also Princess Ming An was so arrogant that it was scary. The difficult and humiliating days in Qin were all thanks to this pair of siblings.
As for Prince Rui of Great Liang… Shen Miao frowned. In the original tribute of Ming Qi, the envoy that Great Liang sent over in the past, it was not this Prince Rui. It was another Imperial relative, but the reputation of Prince Rui was already spread far wide. He was the younger blood brother of Emperor Yong Le, but would not appear much in the Imperial family and also the outside world was ignorant of him. Shen Miao was Ming Qi's Empress in her previous life, and she knew very little of this Prince Rui as Fu Xiu Yi had not mentioned about this person before.
In the end, there were some things that changed.
Luo Tan did not notice that Shen Miao was lost in her thoughts and spoke what she wanted, "At first, I still thought that if I ever make a trip to the capital in my remaining life, one would definitely pay an official visit to Ming Qi's Marquis of Lin An's residence's Xie family's Little Marquis Xie. One had never thought that now that one is here, I will not be able to meet him anymore." Speaking till here, she actually became somewhat sad, "Why could he not wait till I came to see?"
Shen Miao was slightly surprised for a moment. In these two years, the rarely thought of figure, gradually became clear in her mind. Upon finding a residence in the capital, the previous servants in the original residence spoke about the events within the two years. One of the major events was in the residence of the Marquis of Lin An, ever since Xie Jing Xing's death, the Xie family's army's vitality was greatly damaged, and Xie Ding got ten years older in a night. Xie Ding initially gave his resignation to Emperor Wen Hui but to no avail, Emperor Wen Hui did not allow it. Even though Xie Ding still retained his official position, he had no will to fight and would often drift along the days muddleheaded. However, his two Shu-sons entered officialdom, and even though their positions were not high, they had good reviews and within a couple more years, they would be able to become the leaders of the younger generation in Ming Qi.
On the contrary to what one might expect, when the news of Xie Jing Xing's death returned to the capital, Princess Rong Xin took a trip to the residence of the Marquis of Lin An and made trouble. She scolded Xie Ding cold as ruthless, that he made the perfectly fine Marquis's residence lose Princess Yu Qing and also Xie Jing Xing, and was a devils' nest that eats people. Princess Rong Xin cried as she vented her anger, and almost smashed the entire residence of the Marquis of Lin An. After that, she lived an even more secluded life, and no longer came out.
The Su family that had good relations with the residence of the Marquis of Lin An also gradually declined. Not mentioning Su Yu, even that family's son, who had bright prospects, gradually quietened down. In general, the Xie family declined along with Xie Jing Xing's death, and the commoners could not help but mention it with regrets.
Distinguished and accomplished youth that was unyielding and valiant, should have been a hero in the battlefield but in the end, he died so tragically. It was of no wonder that when the young ladies of Ming Qi heard about the news of Xie Jing Xing's death, they could not help but cry to themselves.
As Shen Miao watched the jumping flames, her eyes dropped and when she turned, she saw that Luo Tan had fallen onto the couch, fast asleep.
*****
Luo Xue Yan used the brush to comb her hair out. Even though she was the mother of two children, her hair was still dark and shiny, without a single strand of white hair and could even contend with twenty-eight young females.
Shen Xin took off his heavy armour and heard Luo Xue Yan speaking, "With regards to entering the Palace tomorrow, my heart kept sinking."
"What is there to be afraid of?" Shen Xin walked behind her and held her shoulders before soothingly saying, "It is not our first time entering the Palace, could it be that you are afraid of the music? Do not be afraid, there is still me there."
"I am not afraid of this." Luo Xue Yan rolled her eyes at him, "You and I are very well aware of the matter of our return. Those persons in the Palace most likely have a lump in their hearts. When I previously discussed with Diē about the matter, Diē said that one feared that Bìxià would take hold of something to control our Shen family."
Shen Xin frowned, "What is the meaning of Fūrén's words?"
"Jiao Jiao and Qiu-er are still not married yet." Luo Xue Yan reminded, "It would have been better if both of them got married during the two years in Xiao Chun City, and so one major thing would be settled. But one did not expect that Huángshàng's edict would come so quickly. Now that our Shen family once again has regained power, one fear that there are a number of people that are watching closely. Will Huángshàng use Qiu-er's and Jiao Jiao's marriage as a topic to control the Shen family?"
Shen Xin jumped in shock, "How can it be? Nonsense!" No matter what the case in Shen Xin's eyes, Shen Qiu's and Shen Miao's marriages are not allowed to be mixed in political selfishness, let alone using their marriage to control the Shen family or integrate to other forces.
"Not mentioning Qiu-er's, I felt that Jiao Jiao's cannot wait for too long." Luo Xue Yan said, "Jiao Jiao is currently sixteen, do not talk about Xiao Chun City, we are in the capital and she is at the age where engagements are discussed. After engagement for two years when one is eighteen, it would be ideal to get married. One has to settle Jiao Jiao when there is still no news from the Palace."
"Such a rush?" Shen Xin hesitated, "What kind of good families are there? Not to mention the need to understand the other's character."
"What do you think…" Luo Xue Yan looked at him, "Of Ling-er?"