Early in the morning of the second day, Shen Xin and Luo Xue Yan entered the Palace with Shen Qiu and did not return until in the afternoon. Emperor Wen Hui had restored their official position, and also returned the military tally to Shen Xin. The Shen family's army which was integrated with the Yu Ling's Army went back into Shen Xin's hands, but Shen Xin did not look happy about it.
Pain was something that could cultivate one's willpower and determination. In the arduous environment of Xiao Chun City, to train the scattered like sand Luo family's army, to become an outstanding one, Shen Xin became even more indifferent by either gain or loss of Imperial favour. Towards Emperor Wen Hui's tactic of slapping in the face and later giving a sweet date, he did not show any reactions to it.
On the contrary, not long after Shen Xin and Luo Xue Yan entered the Palace, Shen Residence sent someone to Shen Miao to invite her back for a visit. Shen Miao was too lazy to care about those people, and directly instructed the servants to treat them as if they were not there. After Shen Residence's people who came to notify waited for so long without a reply, they indicated that it was just a misunderstanding in the beginning, but by the end of the day, they started scolding Shen Xin and wife as cold, ruthless and unfilial descendants. Luo Ling frowned when he heard this and as Luo Tan had an impulsive character, she immediately rushed to the doors and scolded Shen Residence's people fiercely. Luo Tan grew up in Xiao Chun City debating with the young ladies, so naturally, she was incomparably crafty with her words and spoke of how the Shen family's people threw stones when one was down until those people from Shen Residence were flushed with anger. Finally, they could not withstand the surrounding commoners' fingers of blame and fled with their tails between their legs.
After Shen Xin and the rest returned, Shen Miao informed him of the matter. Shen Xin was silent for a moment before waving his hands and instructing Mo Qing to arrange more guards in the residence's doors in the future. He did not give any emotion and was iron-blooded. This was exactly aligned with Luo Tan's perspective, and she clapped her hands in cheer.
Luo Xue Yan said during the meal, "The tribute will be held three days later and we all have to enter the Palace. For the afternoon, one had called a tailor to come and make some new clothes. Especially Tan-er and Jiao Jiao, we were not in the capital for two years, and do not know what style or fabric is currently fashionable. One cannot fall behind on it." When she said to the end, she saw Shen Miao's gaze was very satisfied. Shen Miao had a reputation of being called an idiot by everyone two years ago but now after two years, Shen Miao had already shed one's mortal body and exchanged one's bones. She was so beautiful and elegant and coupled with her bearing, one fear that even Princesses would feel a third inferior.
"Entering the Palace!" Luo Tan was somewhat excited, "That one can see the people in the Palace. Is it that one can also see the people from Qin and Great Liang? I heard that Qin's people are born tall and huge and Great Liang's Imperial family are incomparably beautiful. One does not know how many can one see this time?"
Luo Xue Yan laughed in spite of oneself, "Our Ming Qi's people are not bad too. If Tan-er admires any gentleman in the tribute banquet, Gūmā and Gūzhàng can help you to inquire."
When Luo Tan heard about the topic of her lifetime event, she was not even the slightest shy and even said, "I am not in a rush, but Biǎomèi had to seriously consider. Biǎomèi was not interested in those people in Xiao Chun City, and there are much more noble gentlemen in the capital. If Biǎomèi is interested, one must first consider for yourself." She mischievously smiled at Shen Miao.
Shen Miao swept her a glance and did not speak but it was Luo Ling, who was sitting at the side, whose hands that were holding the chopsticks tightened, and his eyes were somewhat hesitant.
When it was in the afternoon, a tailor really came over to make clothes for them. In order for Emperor Wen Hui to win over Shen Xin, he had given him a lot of rewards when he entered the Palace. Among them were a few bolts of excellent fabrics that could be used for clothes. It was the late autumn, so Luo Xue Yan let the tailor measure properly so that both Young Ladies would have a few new pieces to wear, and even winter clothes were also made. After some jewellery was sent over, both Young Ladies were dressed up glamorously.
In fact, Luo Xue Yan did not do it intentionally as the tribute was a major event. The Ming Qi had to show their most prosperous side in front of Qin and Great Liang, thus all the civil and military officials would dress luxuriously along with their families, so as not to lose Ming Qi's face. Otherwise, one would be the biggest sinner under the Heavens.
Luo Ling would also tag along. This time, Shen Xin intended to find a position for Luo Ling in the Ministry of Defence, this was for Luo Ling to train his ability. Before this, naturally one had to bring Luo Ling to familiarise him with some of his colleagues so that there would be assistance in the future.
In the three waiting days, Shen Miao would interestingly listen daily to Jing Zhe and Gu Yu, as they probed the events that happened within the three years that they were away (2 years plus travel time). However, she was surprised that the Feng Xian Pawnshop, closed its doors shortly after Shen Xin left for Xiao Chun City. One did not know why, but a few days back it then reopened, saying that the manager went for a trip, and only returned shortly back to the capital.
Feng An Ning came to know that Shen Miao had returned and sent a letter saying that she wanted to personally look for her, but since they will be seeing each other during the Palace banquet, she did not need to make the trip. Other than Feng An Ning, Su Ming Lang also sent a letter to her. It was written in crooked handwriting and also done behind his residence's back, as he had gotten his own servant to send it over, making Shen Miao be between laughter and tears.
After accompanying Luo Tan to the different restaurants boisterously, in an instant it was the day of the tribute.
The Ming Qi's tribute was the major event in the entire dynasty, so early in the morning, the bells of the southern mountain rang.
The street vendors were all discussing this matter, however, according to the Imperial family's regulation, the commoners were unable to enter the Palace, and could only listen to the sounds and movements outside the Palace walls. Majority of the people were envious of the Officials' family, as they could bring them in. Those higher-ranked officials could even attend the tribute's banquet.
Seeing the country's extravagant and magnificent banquet, it always gives others a false impression of peace and prosperity. The commoners were often very simple and could only see what was in front of them, and thought that Ming Qi could last forever and pass down from generations. Only rarely, would smart people be able to see clearly that the enemies outside were vague, and there were many internal worries, but in this precarious state, one only did enough on the surface? How could it really be a situation when one could sit back and relax?
Shen Xin's carriage stopped at the front of the Palace's gates, and there were a number of Palace's people who were waiting to lead the entourage in. Luo Tan looked around curiously and Shen Qiu had to press her head down in case she offended any noble people. Luo Ling appeared to be very composed. Even though it was his first time entering the Palace, he was incomparably proper.
When the ceremony was about to start, almost all the civil and military officials were present. Drums sounded and the music was played as hundreds of ceremonial cannons were fired, making everything grand, magnificent and illustrious.
The Emperor and Empress sat at the highest seat and when Shen Miao looked over, Emperor Wen Hui was wearing dragon robes and had a dignified and majestic appearance, no different from two years ago. However, if one were to look carefully, now he requires the help of a Gōnggōng to walk and his footsteps were not as strong as before as he had grown a lot older.
Fu Xiu Yi followed the rest of the Princes and stood at one side. Now he had a fine mien and was extremely outstanding among the Princes. He was the youngest of them all but was now so handsome that he instigated a number of noble Young Ladies to secretly look over. Fu Xiu Yi, after all, was unable to hide his magnificence, and one expected that his older brother would not be at ease with him as they were initially.
Shen Miao also looked towards the direction of Fu Xiu Yi, but the place in which her gaze landed was however behind Fu Xiu Yi, a plainly dressed male among the officials. That person's noble bearing was high and had a kind of alienating feel among the officials. He did not look like an official but instead a scholar. That person was Pei Lang.
The place that Pei Lang stood was not far from Fu Xiu Yi, and in such occasions as this and with Fu Xiu Yi's cautious attitude, it obviously meant that he was dependant and trusted Pei Lang, thus he gave Pei Ling such big respect. Seeming aware of the gaze, Fu Xiu Yi suddenly looked over and Shen Miao's gaze moved and did not stop. Fu Xiu Yi looked into the crowd for a moment before turning his head over.
At the sitting area for guests, there was a male and female seated and both looked rather young. By late autumn, the weather was actually a little cold and those officials' daughters that were dressed up, would also wear a cloak to block the wind. But this young female wore a thin gold dress with complicated embroideries, and such embroideries would require a year and a half to complete. This young female also had exquisite eyes, but her actions were not very respectful as when the official in charge of the ceremony was reading the prayers for blessing, she turned a deaf ear and kept sweeping her eyes at the crowd, without a trace of respect at all.
This young female was Princess Ming An. Beside her, there was the Crown Prince of Qin, Huangfu Hao. Huangfu Hao was better than Princess Ming An, and still smiled at the process of the state and did not show unbridled impudency, as if one was truly sincere about the Ming Qi's tribute. But it made others feel one's heart chilled under such a hypocritical smile.
It was Luo Tan's first time at such an event so she felt novel about it, and naturally took notice of the people at the noble guests' seats. She thought for a moment before pulling the sleeves of an official's daughter beside her, and whispered when no one noticed, "Why is there only Tàizǐ and Gōngzhǔ of Qin, what about Rui Wángzǐ of Great Liang?"
That Young Lady was caught unaware by Luo Tan and almost jumped in shock. Even though she was somewhat unhappy, she had good manners to answer Luo Tan's question, "Rui Wángzǐ Diànxià of Great Liang is not feeling well, so he will not be coming today."
Luo Tan was suddenly enlightened and looked towards Shen Miao. She was standing by her side and naturally would have heard the conversation between Luo Tan and that Young Lady. Luo Tan said, "This Rui Wángzǐ's arrogance is really big. Is this not intentionally embarrassing Huángshàng?"
Qin's and Great Liang's people came to the Ming Qi's tribute to congratulate, but at the end, Prince Rui did not appear at the ceremony. Was this not as good as giving a slap to the Imperial family of Ming Qi? But the Imperial family of Ming Qi dared not get angry and not only that, they still lifted others with good food and drinks and this was all because in this world, the strong were respected and the Ming Qi dared not oppose Great Liang.
The entire tribute ceremony required exactly three Shichen (1shichen – 2 hours) from the beginning to the end, starting at the hottest time in the afternoon, and was only completed when it was nearing the evening. All of the civil and military officials and their families could not leave. This was a prolonged torment and it was the same for the Emperor and Empress. The higher one's position was, the more people would give them attention, and the more they could not show any signs of fatigue.
Even Luo Tan, a female who had martial arts, also felt somewhat weak but when she turned her head, she saw Shen Miao's straight posture with hands overlapped as she looked in front. She still had a dignified atmosphere and Luo Tan could not help but be slightly startled. She softly asked, "Biǎomèi, are not you tired?"
Shen Miao said, "Not tired."
Luo Tan sighed in amazement. The surrounding female guests all relied on their wide sleeves and robes to relax, and it was rare to see people like Shen Miao with such a one-track mind. Luo Tan initially wanted to persuade Shen Miao to secretly relax a bit, but looking at her movements, she was unable to say anything.
Luo Tan had always been aware of Shen Miao's impressive bearings. She was not one who would bite words and chew characters, but could not verbalise what this feeling exactly was, and only felt that Shen Miao was different from the other Young Ladies in Xiao Chun City. Now at this place, there was an illusion that in such an awe-inspiring place Shen Miao was able to do it, it was the correct gesture to have. Even the Empress sitting at the high position was no better as poised as Shen Miao was. For a sixteen-year-old female to hold such a graceful gesture, it was already very rare.
Not only did Luo Tan notice this, it seemed that some noble families' gentlemen had also gradually been attracted by Shen Miao. Among the listless noble females, Shen Miao was too outstanding. Luo Ling saw this and quietly turned sideways to cover Shen Miao with his body, so as to block those presumptuous eyes.
When Luo Xue Yan saw this, she smiled at him. Shen Miao was muddled with this as Luo Tan winked at Luo Ling. Luo Ling's face slightly reddened as he turned his head over as if nothing had happened.
After three Shichen of the ceremony was over, one needed to follow the Emperor and Empress to the banquet. The banquet at night was filled with dance and music to let the people of Qin and Great Liang see how wealthy and strong the Ming Qi was.
Shen Miao and Luo Tan followed the crowd into the Palace hall for a few steps, when someone patted her shoulders. Shen Miao looked back and saw a familiar face.
"Hey, I have long seen you in the morning but we were located far away and could not come over. Shen Miao, long time no see!" Feng An Ning hugged Shen Miao passionately.
As compared to two years before, Feng An Ning was more beautiful and the young female's inexperience was undoubtedly exposed. Her hair was styled in a hundred flower bun and was wearing pomegranate red robes, she looked elegant. She let go of Shen Miao's hands and looked at her dissatisfied, "Why are you not a little surprise upon seeing me?" Not waiting for Shen Miao to reply, she said to herself, "Never mind, you always had such a character so I forgive you. But..." She looked up and down at Shen Miao to size her up, "Two years of not seeing, how can you be this beautiful? How did Xiao Chun City's water and soil be able to raise such a beauty? How can you be a totally different person than before?"
Shen Miao was instructed by Luo Xue Yan to let the servants dress her up, thus she was wearing purple crescent Phoenix robes with a large flower embroidered at the outer lapel. Her hair was styled in a hanging cloud knot, which was secured with a jade Begonia hairpin and small pearls as earrings. She originally had a small and delicate face but was full of poise that even if she was standing quietly, there was a warm and dignified air around her. That pair of eyes that were as black as a doe, made a number of young males look back frequently.
The female's features were good and had an out-of-the-ordinary bearing. It was like adding flowers to the brocade, making one unable to forget.
Luo Tan had been standing by Shen Miao's side looking curiously at Feng An Ning. Feng An Ning finally noticed her and asked, "And who is this?"
"My Biǎo Jiějiě, Luo Tan." Shen Miao said, "This is Feng Xiǎojiě, Feng An Ning."
Luo Tan and Feng An Ning said their greetings. Feng An Ning has a rash and hasty character while Luo Tan was straightforward and lively, thus both of them felt like old friends at the first meeting, and made so much noise that Shen Miao's ears were somewhat sore. When it was time to be seated, Feng An Ning informed Feng Fūrén before slipping over to Shen Miao's side, so that it was more convenient chatting with her.
During the ceremony before, one had to stand according to one's official position, but now that it was the banquet, one could sit freely. Shen Xin just returned to the capital and did not have particularly close colleagues, so he found a seat at will. But now that he was 'invited' back by Emperor Wen Hui, the surrounding colleagues naturally dare not neglect him and spoke respectably to him one after the other.
Feng An Ning whispered in Shen Miao's ear, "Chi. These fence-sitters. Initially, when General Shen left the city, they were not willing to even meet up and now to act so intimately. So hypocritical."
Shen Miao smiled slightly and did not express an opinion before hearing Feng An Ning speaking again, "Look. Your Táng jiějiě also came."
Shen Miao was slightly startled, before looking towards the direction that Feng An Ning pointed up and just nice, met the other person's eyes.
After two years, she finally got to see Shen Yue again.
Ever since Shen Yuan's incident, Shen Gui's position had plummeted. He had been relying on other benefits to climb up, but ever since Shen Yuan was beheaded, the other officials regarded him like the plague and hid away. Shen Gui himself did not have much skills or abilities so as days drifted along, he became more frustrated. In such an occasion, he did not have the opportunity to come. The one who came was Shen Wan's family.
Now, Shen Wan's career was smooth sailing, and at the moment he was toasting others with a smiling face. Chen Rou Qiu was sitting by his side talking with the other Fūréns by her sides, looking as satisfied as two years ago. But… As time passed, one would no longer be as lively as before. It might be assumed that there were no heirs from the Second household after so long, Old Shen Fūrén would have given the Third household pressure. Chen Rou Qiu then gave Shen Wan pressure to spread out the branches, and thus her days were not relaxed at all.
The one who was looking at Shen Miao was Shen Yue. Shen Yue, Yi Pei Lan, Bai Wei and Jiang Xiao Xuan sat together and her eyes were firmly set on her. Even though they were sitting far apart, Shen Miao could taste the resentment in Shen Yue's eyes.
Shen Yue was wearing a smoky pink Rui Yi dress and had a corolla styled hair. She was now eighteen and had a weak scholarly look, that was pretty and pleasant looking. But Shen Miao gaze landed for a moment on the bracelet on Shen Yue's hand, and then glanced at the silver agate hairpin on Shen Yue's head before her lips hooked up.
With Shen Yue's love of being in the limelight, for fear of missing out on every opportunity to show off herself, to still use jewellery from two years ago, it only meant that currently, the money in the Third household was tight. When one thinks about it, it probably was the case since Old Shen Fūrén liked to spend money lavishly, and after the separation from the family, there would not be a Shen Xin providing money to support, so Chen Rou Qiu, the one in charge of the household, would have to manage it with difficulty. In addition to the arrangements required for Shen Wan's career, the money that Shen Yue could use for jewellery would have been less by a lot.
No matter how aloof a scholar was, one would need to live, so without money, how would one be able to be unyielding. In fact with Shen Yue's beauty, it was not difficult to marry an official's young master of the same social class easily and like that, she would more or less be able to also help Shen Wan, but Shen Yue was not willing to be engaged till now. In the past lifetime, Shen Miao did not understand this, and still foolishly thought of finding young talents for her, and only later saw that Shen Yue's heart was so big. How would ordinary young talents enter her eyes?
Shen Yue kept on staring at Shen Miao, and her heart was filled with endless jealousy. She could clearly see that the fabric of the clothes that Shen Miao had on was something that only the Palace had. Previously, Shen Wan did a task well, and he, fortunately, got a bolt of it, and initially, she wanted to make clothes with it, but who knew that Shen Wan gifted it to his superior. In these two years, the bigger Shen Wan's official rank was, the more Shen Yue's money got tighter. Shen Yue blamed all this on Shen Xin taking most of the money away when he separated from the family and thus putting her in a financial plight. She initially thought that since Shen Miao went to such a desolate place like Xiao Chun City, she would not return in her lifetime. But who knew that not only Shen Miao returned, but did it looking so glamorously that all those gentlemen around frequently looked over at her. Shen Yue was so jealous in her heart that she wished Shen Miao was dead.
Her gaze was as sharp as knives, but Shen Miao only smiled faintly before turning her head and started talking to Luo Tan and Feng An Ning, not looking at Shen Yue at all.
At this moment, the Emperor and Empress started to enter. All the uproar gradually lowered as Emperor Wen Hui laughed, and instructed everyone to enjoy and have fun.
After that, the noble guests, Qin's Crown Prince, Huangfu Hao, and Princess Ming An also entered. Princess Ming An directly ignored the Palace regulations and was full of arrogance, she did not even bow to Emperor Wen Hui. The Emperor's smile was somewhat stiff, and at the end, it was Huangfu Hao who put up a respectful appearance.
Luo Tan looked around and when Feng An Ning saw it, she asked, "What are you looking at?"
"Why is that Rui Wángzǐ of Great Liang not here yet?" Luo Tan said, "Others said that the Imperial family of Great Liang are incomparably beautiful, and even Yong Le Huángshàng was an exceptionally beautiful man. Since Rui Wángzǐ is Yong Le Huángshàng's blood younger brother, naturally he is unlimited svelte. I want to take a look at this earth-shattering beauty."
When Feng An Ning heard this, her lips pursed, "Enough about it. After that Rui Wángzǐ came over from Great Liang, other than to Bìxià, he had not appeared in front of outsiders. Furthermore, even if he were to appear, one will not be able to see his earth-shattering beauty."
"Why?" Luo Tan was puzzled, "Is his appearance ugly?"
The voice hardly landed when one heard a eunuch outside shouting out loud, "Rui Wángzǐ Diànxià of Great Liang has arrived—"
Everyone moved their gazes towards the door.
One saw an entourage of lean figures walking in. The bodyguards were following behind while that person walked in front. His stature was extremely tall and straight, and he was wearing a golden embroidered purple robe, with a rhinoceros horn belt decorated with white jade and deerskin boots. They were simple clothes and ornaments, but when compared to the entire court of civil and military officers, it was better. However, the most attractive thing was not these.
On his face, there was a silver half mask.
The mask covered from the forehead to the tip of the nose, but because it fitted closely to the facial features, it showed the smooth lines of that face. One could see the high bridge of the nose, a pair of eyes that were as if they were drawn in painting, that even if they were to take a glance, it would look romantic. The exposed chin was beautiful, and the thin lips were so red that even if it was close, it was as if they were silently inviting.
Everyone fell silent.
This young male was clearly wearing a mask, and others were not able to see his appearance, but he actually had the ability to make others go crazy. Everyone was looking at that face without blinking at all, but the chilling gaze from the mask made others feel cold. Even though that pair of eyes were bright, black and had some playful intentions, they were rather indifferent, making others unclear if the other person was warm or cold.
It was a person that could attract everyone's attention, an exceptionally dazzling youth like the sun.
He went to the honoured guests' area to sit down, and every action was elegant and magnificent. By contrast, Huangfu Hao who was just courteous before became as rude as an unrefined boor. Princess Ming An, who was beside Huangfu Hao, had long looked silly in affection.
Emperor Wen Hui laughed out and looked towards Prince Rui, "Is not Rui Wángzǐ not feeling well, why come to the tribute dinner? This made Zhèn's officials unable to help but be surprised."
Prince Rui nodded his head towards Emperor Wen Hui, and had a casual and lazy attitude as he spoke, "Suddenly had the interest, so one then came."
His voice was very good to listen to, it was low and was a bit magnetic, that the young females present slightly blushed. However, these words were filled with impudence. The Ming Qi's tribute banquet was a big event but from Prince Rui's mouth, it was as if it was a common family's banquet as he came and went as he wished. This was truly condescending.
The officials of Ming Qi were furious, but dared not speak since Emperor Wen Hui also dared not speak, so what could they do. This Prince Rui of Great Liang's methods were almost the same as Emperor Yong Le, he was very presumptuous but had a very compelling force.
Emperor Wen Hui indeed did not pursue the matter, and let the rest of the officials continue to eat and drink, apparently intending to let the matter pass.
As Luo Tan was eating the pastries at the banquet, she quietly spoke to Shen Miao, "This Rui Wángzǐ is really very bold to even say such things to Huángshàng. Does he not fear that the Huángshàng would punish him for the crime?"
"Punish what crime?" Feng An Ning heard this and her mouth twitched, "That person is Rui Wángzǐ of Great Liang. The people of Great Liang can only be the Ming Qi's guests, and whatever the guests do, is correct." Even though Feng An Ning's voice was very low, she only vaguely spoke of it and dared not make it too understandable, as this was after all the Palace. If someone attentive heard it, who knew what kind of consequences would there be.
"One had never heard about this Rui Wángzǐ before." Luo Tan rested her cheek on her hand, "Look like a beautiful male. Really want to see how he looks under the mask." Luo Tan's favourite pastime was looking at handsome men, and when looking at this Prince Rui, her eyeballs were almost stuck on him.
"Maybe under the mask he is an ugly person." Feng An Ning dampened her enthusiasm, "Otherwise why the need to wear a mask?"
"I bet he is a rare beautiful man in the world." Luo Tan shoved Shen Miao, "Otherwise Biǎomèi, what kind of person do you think this Rui Wángzǐ is?"
Shen Miao did not even lift her head, "Do not know."
"Say, say." Luo Tan did not listen to excuses, "You guess between Rui Wángzǐ Diànxià and the Little Marquis of the Xie family, who was the most beautiful in the capital, who is more beautiful?"
Shen Miao did not expect Luo Tan would actually use 'most beautiful in the capital' to describe Xie Jing Xing. She was originally drinking tea and choked on the mouthful of tea. She suddenly coughed twice, scaring Luo Tan and Feng An Ning to quickly cover her mouth to prevent any disrespectfulness.
However, the actions were too big and those people who were close by looked over. Shen Miao wiped her mouth to cover up, but in an instant, she saw a pair of eyes.
That male behind the mask that was sitting at the honoured guests' seat slightly looked sideways. One did not know if it was real or an illusion, but his gaze seemed to have stayed on her for a moment before moving away.
Those eyes were filled with amusement.