"As luck would have it, Běnwǎng also want."
Everyone seated was initially smiling but after a few more smiles, they were unable to continue smiling. Huangfu Hao stared at Prince Rui's eyes and even Fu Xiu Yi unexpectedly looked at him, while Princess Ming An's facial expression froze and her mood was instantly distorted.
It was the Crown Prince that laughed and smoothed things over, "An elegant and virtuous maiden, a gentleman's desire. Shen Gūniáng has both looks and talents, naturally, she would attract countless heroes."
Everyone then followed and nodded their heads. Prince Rui picked up the wine cup that was placed down with a smile yet not a smile and did not speak anymore.
Everyone all thought that he merely jested and said a joke, because not for anything else but, how would Prince Rui from Great Liang be able to marry a daughter of an official of Ming Qi? Not to mention these two persons were not well-matched, now under such sensitive and tense circumstances, by marrying a Young Lady from another country was like entering a trap that makes one uneasy. Who knew if that Young Lady was a spy that was sent by the other country, and no matter how courageous one was, no one would dare to take this risk.
Everyone continued to laugh, drink and eat, but after Prince Rui said those words, Princess Ming An had fallen into a state of resentment that even her gaze was filled with hatred, and even Huangfu Hao was frowning at it.
Speaking of which, the banquet that the Crown Prince hosted was fairly satisfactory, as the Princes of Ming Qi most likely wanted to find out the attitude of Qin country and Great Liang towards Ming Qi. Until now Qin country had been very intimate with the Ming Qi and did not have any intention to be enemies. However, it was Prince Rui, hailing from Great Liang that was neither cold nor warm, one could see that it was not close nor hostile and it made one feel elusive. Even during toasting when everyone was tipsy and merry, he made others frustrated as he was not drunk and his mind was clear, thus there was no slip up in his words at all.
At the end of it, Prince Rui was also the first to leave. Because of him leaving the banquet, Princess Ming An's mood became even worse. On the way back, Princess Ming An had punished several servants, and even Prince Ding's subordinates that were on official business were also cursed by her.
Those two people were not others but Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao. Fu Xiu Yi scolded them some more before Princess Ming An let it go. After returning to Prince Ding's residence, Fu Xiu Yi had told his aides about what had happened at the banquet today and pondered, "That Rui Wáng of Great Liang seemed to be hostile to Běnwǎng, and deliberately oppressed during the banquet.
Fu Xiu Yi was able to attract a group of capable people and as a Prince, other than being able to forbear, his schemes might not be the highness but his ability to recruit talent and perseverance, were something that no one among the nine Princes was able to compete with him. He could spend days facing another's wooden door and wait, and each time he waits, it would be an entire night, and he also planned a stable and prosperous future for the entire life of that person's family. Thus all the aides that followed him were talented and also loyal to him. Once there were any problems, he was able to get the answer from the aides' mouth.
As for the ability to manage people, it was what an Emperor should learn to do. At this point, Fu Xiu Yi was indeed an outstanding Emperor.
Each one of his aides was deep in thoughts, as Fu Xiu Yi looked at the plainly clad male right in front and said, "What are Pei Gōngzǐ's thoughts of it?"
If one were to see that every aide here was Fu Xiu Yi's trusted people, then Pei Lang was definitely considered to be Fu Xiu Yi's confidant. Pei Lang was recruited by Fu Xiu Yi two years ago. At that time, Pei Lang's talent caught Fu Xiu Yi's eyes, but Pei Lang was one who had no greed for power and Fu Xiu Yi at the end, had to spend a lot of effort in reasoning before Pei Lang finally moved. After all the twists and turns, the person did not disappoint Fu Xiu Yi and within the two years, he helped Fu Xiu Yi solve many problems. Therefore, up until now, whenever he met with an unsolvable problem, Fu Xiu Yi would often think about Pei Lang.
Pei Lang frowned, "Did Diànxià crossed paths in any way with Rui Wáng previously?"
Fu Xiu Yi shook his head.
"This is strange then." Pei Lang analysed, "Rui Wáng is a representative of Great Liang and should not only focus heavily on Diànxià. If there was no intersection previously, there would not be any reason to put Diànxià in a difficult position. Diànxià did not block his route, and even if Great Liang wanted to make things difficult for Ming Qi, the person he would be looking at is His Majesty or the Crown Prince.
Fu Xiu Yi nodded his head, "This is also what I had thought. Perhaps." He pondered, "Perhaps it was because of Shen Miao."
"What do Diànxià's words mean?" Another aide questioned.
"I was thinking that in those words that Rui Wáng said, only Shen Miao was related to me. It is just that at that time I was unsure if he was joking or doing it intentionally and only felt that Shen Miao and he did not have any relations. But now thinking about it, one feels a little strange."
There was an aide that said, "Could it be that Rui Wáng and Shen Miao have some unspeakable secret relationship?"
Pei Lang said flatly, "This is impossible."
Everyone all looked at him. Pei Lang's words were very convincing, and what he said in front of Fu Xiu Yi would always become true at the end. No matter how others were convinced, they would always concede to his conjecture.
"It is Rui Wáng's first time in Ming Qi, and Shen Miao followed Shen Xin's return to the capital not too long ago. There was absolutely no possibility for them to have any contact. Even if it was after this," Pei Lang cupped his hands and said, "Diànxià is being well aware that Rui Wáng is not a person that is easy to deal with after having contact with him a number of times. Since Great Liang sent him over to Ming Qi, Rui Wáng is bound to be one who knows how to weigh the advantages and disadvantages. In such a short time, it is not of his interest to be hostile with Diànxià just because of a female like Shen Miao."
Hearing that Fu Xiu Yi mused, "Your words made sense. According to Pei Gōngzǐ's perspective, what should be done?"
"Since Diànxià has not been implicated much today, if one were to act rashly, it would make Zhou Wáng and the rest to be wary and alarmed. Ever since the tribute banquet, Rui Wáng had never mentioned the matter of leaving, so there must be something else that he needs to be done in Ding Capital City. Currently, Qin country is still present, so one need not fear. Why not just wait and observe to see what kind of game that Rui Wáng is playing, before making a decision?"
Pei Lang said it convincingly.
Fu Xiu Yi nodded his head, "In that case, then, follow what Pei Gōngzǐ said." He pressed his forehead, "One has had more drinks today and it would be a long court tomorrow morning. I will rest first and everyone can disperse."
After Fu Xiu Yi left, the aides in the hall also scattered in twos and threes. No one was with Pei Lang, because Pei Lang was originally alone and was also very trusted by Fu Xiu Yi, thus many would be jealous and no one would make friends with him.
Pei Lang walked out and was entranced as he looked up at the stars in the skies.
Two years. It had been two years. He had followed the agreement with that young female and finally became Fu Xiu Yi's confidant. Living comfortable like this, he had gained Fu Xiu Yi's trust with his resourcefulness, and everything was done so naturally that at times Pei Lang would think that this should be his entire life. However, Shen Miao's reappearance broke the illusion. From the beginning, Pei Lang knew that by making this transaction with Shen Miao, it was akin to making a deal with the devil. From the moment he got closer to Fu Xiu Yi, there would be a day, just like now, that he would become the spy that he initially did not want to be.
Fu Xiu Yi treated him very well, but he was a person who would betray right from the very beginning.
Pei Lang sighed deeply.
The comfortable days were over and from now onwards, the road that he needs to walk would always be like today, filled with trembling fear and if one was not careful, that one will fall into the abyss and there would not be any room left for redemption.
Shen Miao. The purple-clad young female's delicate and pretty face appeared in front of Pei Lang's eyes.
It was already so challenging for him as a man, how could a young female who schemed behind the scenes be able to shoulder on everything?
This was something that he would never understand in his entire life.
Under the light of the oil lamp, Shen Miao was carefully writing. The snow-white paper was spread out, and Gu Yu was grinding the stone ink while Jing Zhe carefully added some oil onto the lamp, as the light was not bright enough.
She was writing very seriously but from time to time, she would pause midway to think for a while before continuing writing. After finishing writing on the entire paper, everything outside was quiet. Shen Miao put the brush aside and picked up the paper to blow. After ensuring that all the ink on the paper was dry, she then found an envelope to put the letter in, before handing it to Jing Zhe.
"Early tomorrow morning, go out and find someone reliable and send this letter over to Chang Zai Qing in the Shen Residence. Must guard against others and not let it fall into the hands of others. It must only be in the hands of Chang Zai Qing." Shen Miao said.
Jing Zhen complied as she kept the letter properly. Although she was confused as to why Shen Miao would be writing a letter to Chang Zai Qing, she did not ask.
Gu Yu started to gather the paper and ink on the table before smiling, "It is better for Xiǎojiě to rest early. It is already late at night and if one were to rest later, it would not be good for health."
Shen Miao nodded her head. After Jing Zhe and Gu Yu left, she took the lamp and brought it to the small stool near the bed, but sat on the side of the bed lost in thought.
After having such a nightmare like last night, she was unable to sleep and was thinking about it the entire day. It was as if she had a glimpsed of the past life. She finally knew how Chang Zai Qing was able to easily turn Luo Xue Yan into a wisp of a spirit. It was Shen Miao herself that gave the succour to the enemy. If one were to say that Chang Zai Qing was the main culprit, then she would be the executioner that was used by others.
Upon remembering this, hate that could topple mountains and overturn seas came pouring in. Shen Miao hated that she was unable to swallow Chang Zai Qing whole.
However, now she had to think of ways to let Chang Zai Qing's reputation be swept away, and it was just overly simple. Chang Zai Qing constantly thought of living her life in inexhaustible wealth and status for her entire life, so why not let Chang Zai Qing gain everything she wanted first before bursting the bubble and let her be laughed at by the whole world? By using Chang Zai Qing to deal with Chen Rou Qiu, perhaps it was enough to save her some effort.
Making the best use of everything. The lesson from that phrase was already carved into her bones, and this time Shen Miao is to play the game of killing others through the hands of another.
She had spent the whole day and at the end managed to come out with something. On that piece of paper, it was all filled densely with Shen Wan's preferences. Being the niece of Shen Wan for so many years and because she sincerely respected Shen Wan, Shen Miao had a lot of knowledge as she had done a lot of things when she was young to please this Third Uncle. Now all of this knowledge was given to others with both ends and means, and it was to an ambitious female. Shen Miao did not believe that with Chang Zai Qing's many methods, this hypocritical gentleman Shen Wan would not fall into the trap.
The gentleman had the intention and the concubine had feelings. On the surface, it was a match of talents, but on the inside, they were all wolves and leopards, all not a good thing. Thus, the tearing up of faces in the future would be even more interesting.
A trace of a sneer appeared in Shen Miao's eyes. It was always fun to watch dogs biting dogs.
She took off her outer garments and went up to the bed and just as she was about to lay down, she unexpectedly looked over at the window.
The windows were tightly shut and the breeze outside was swaying. There was no one else in the dark and deep night.
Shen Miao was startled a bit and scolded herself in her heart. Why did she suddenly look at the window without any rhyme or reason? It was like she was somewhat not used to Xie Jing Xing not appearing. She shook her head and pressed that weird feeling in her heart, before blowing the oil lamp off and finally went to sleep.
In the residence of Prince Rui, someone was in the courtyard feeding the tiger.
The white tiger was filled with joy in the courtyard as it nestled at the feet of the youth, and from time to time it would stretch her head out to eat from the hands of the latter. Perhaps because of the joy of eating and also being taken care of extremely well, the fur that was covering the white tiger was shiny and bright, and she has gotten so fat that she now looked like a beautiful big cat.
"Do not feed anymore. Feeding like this would make her truly become a cat and with such conduct like this, how would there be an appearance of a tiger?" Gao Yang was looking at the side and poured cold water all over.
Xie Jing Xing turned a deaf ear to it and continued feeding the white tiger as he casually said, "I am the one pampering. You have an opinion?"
Gao Yang choked before raising his hand, "Alright, alright, alright. I do not care if you are feeding a cat or feeding a tiger. What exactly happened in the East Palace (aka Crown Prince's Palace) today that you put Ding Wáng in a difficult position without rhyme or reason? With Fu Xiu Yi's type of person, he would certainly have some suspicion of you right now. It is somewhat wrong to beat the grass and scare the snake. What exactly are you thinking?"
When the matters of the Palace reached Gao Yang's ears, he dared not believe it at first. Xie Jing Xing had his own thoughts when he did his things, but it was not a good time to go against Fu Xiu Yi right now. Fu Xiu Yi had some methods privately and even though it would not hurt Xie Jing Xing, it would bring Xie Jing Xing additional trouble and currently flaws were not tolerated.
Seeing that Xie Jing Xing was not even paying attention to him, Gao Yang's thoughts spun, "It cannot be because of Shen Miao?"
Xie Jing Xing said, "You are very free."
"What?"
"Is the matter of the Su family settled?" Xie Jing Xing questioned.
Gao Yan was surprised before replying, "Had already instructed others to do it. However..." He paused before continuing, "Is there any meaning to do all this? Although you and Su Ming Feng are good friends, when the day comes where he knows your true identity, he would definitely be enemies with you. At that time, everything that you had done would be plotting in his eyes and it was better not doing anything. Why is there even a need?"
Emperor Wen Hui had the mind to suppress the Su family, that even if the Su family was willing to give up on influence, there was some residue left and these residues would likely become the reason of the Su family's death. Xie Jing Xing let Gao Yang take action and secretly clean up all the residuals of the Su family so that in the future, the Su family need not do anything.
Gao Yang did not express an opinion on Xie Jing Xing's action. Currently, Xie Jing Xing was wearing a mask so no one knew he was Prince Rui but if one day this came to light, it was alright to oppose till death about it, but Su Ming Feng would definitely be able to recognise him. Brothers that accompanied one another throughout childhood but now was deceiving the other. Moreover, Great Liang and Ming Qi would eventually one day be hostile to one another.
Xie Jing Xing can protect the Su family but still be unable to protect Su Ming Feng's past. This was an unavoidable fact.
"For the things I do, why is there the need to consider his thoughts?" Xie Jing Xing said, "It is just because I want to do it."
"Is it truly so?" Gao Yang said in a rare sharpness, "Perhaps you had forgotten that currently, you are not the same as before. With this identity, it is fated that there would not be any trustable person in Ming Qi. Upon removing the mask, others would only look at you vigilantly. This official would caution as a subordinate that nothing can stay so hidden Diànxià."
The night breeze was blowing gently as the white tiger was full from eating, and gave a yawn before holding Xie Jing Xing's sleeves in its mouth. The entire courtyard was filled with the silence of the wind.
Not long after Xie Jing Xing said, "It is not."
"Not everyone. There is one that is different." He said, "A person that one can use the identity of Rui Wáng of Great Liang to make friends."
"You are talking about Shen Miao?" Gao Yang reminded, "Diànxià must not forget that currently, Shen Miao's friendship with Diànxià is only because she also wants to deal with Ding Wáng, Fu Xiu Yi. Diànxià can help her but there would be a day that when it comes to it, she would still stand on the opposite side of Diànxià. To be cast aside by everyone under the skies. Did not Diànxià plan for it from the beginning? If it was only a temporary indulgence, once one wake up from the dream, what will be left would only be traumas."
"So what about it?"
Gao Yang was surprised for a moment.
Xie Jing Xing asked a question in reply, "So what about it?"
He picked the white tiger from the ground and hugged it. Upon standing up, his slender, tall and straight figure was like a Pine Tree in the night.
"There is a price to pay for everything in the world." He said, "Be it be power or people, it is all the same. If it comes to that day, Běnwǎng will think of ways to snatch."
"The country needs to be snatched, the Imperial Throne needs to be taken by force, females need to be fought over and hearts need to be grabbed."
"From the beginning, this road was already set. How could one not be able to bear this little thing of hate of the world? It is better for you to return to Great Liang earlier."
"Běnwǎng has not forgotten the road one will walk on. On the contrary, Běnwǎng knows exactly what one wants. So, do not doubt Běnwǎng's decision."
"If everything is just a dream then one only needs to make the dream a reality."
He said it plainly but there were no doubts when he spoke, "Běnwǎng has this confidence. Gao Yang, do you doubt?"
Many years later when Gao Yang thought about this winter night, he could still feel the boiling blood in his bones. He had seen that person being arrogant and naughty in his youth, but in a flash, it seemed that many moons had passed, and he had seen the overbearingness and grandeur of a true Imperial family.
"If everything is just a dream then one only needs to make the dream a reality."
How many people in this world would say such words? But against expectations, Xie Jing Xing said them.
Gao Yang paused and a moment later, he bent his knees and gave the other a greeting that one gave to a monarch.
"This official vow to follow Diànxià to death."
"Rise up." Xie Jing Xing was teasing the white tiger in his embrace.
Gao Yang patted the dust on his knees and thought for little before asking solemnly, "Then, how does Diànxià plan to snatch Shen Gūniáng over?"
Xie Jing Xing said, "Get out."
After entering early winter, the days passed by exceptionally fast. However, it seemed that everyone was busy and nothing new happened in Ding Capital City. If one were to speak about something new, it would be a matter in the Shen Residence.
After Chen Rou Qiu had conversed with Shen Wan on that day, she was determined to marry Shen Yue off. She brought Shen Yue to the Furens of different families all day. Shen Yue was tens of thousands of times not willing, and after she was punished by Shen Wan to stay in the ancestral hall once, she dared not do it again. Shen Yue was a delicate character and could not endure any suffering, thus she could only obediently follow Chen Rou Qiu to meet those Furens.
Even though Chen Rou Qiu wanted to marry Shen Yue off, she also doted on her daughter so she was very careful in picking. Although Shen Wan was a shrewd person, he had more humanity than Shen Gui. Shen Yue was the bright pearl in his palm, thus other than the compatibility in terms of household and also that they are able to provide Shen Yue with brocade to wear and exquisite food to eat, those males of the family filtered were indeed very good youths in Ding Capital City, and did not have a bunch of messy concubines in their courtyard. This was also owed to Shen Yue's talented reputation, as it was often easy for a talented and refined Young Lady to gain other's favour.
Because of worrying all day about Shen Yue's stuff, Chen Rou Qiu had ignored Shen Wan for a bit. And one did not know from when onwards, Chang Zai Qing had become Shen Wan's confidant. After Shen Wan came back from court, he would talk to Chen Rou Qiu about difficult problems, but now that Chen Rou Qiu put no more effort to relieve him of it, Chang Zai Qing became the receiving end from Shen Wan. Not only that, but Chang Zai Qing would also often help Shen Wan dispel the clouds to see the sun.
One did not know why, but Chang Zai Qing had the exact same hobbies and habits as Shen Wan. For example, Shen Wan did not like sweet things and the cakes that Chang Zai Qing made were not very sweet. Shen Wan liked fragrant tea and most of the tea that Chang Zai Qing made were mostly fragrant tea. Even their most admired painters were the same. People tend to be a little closer to those who were similar to themselves, thus Shen Wan felt that Chang Zai Qing was able to hit off with him like kindred spirits. After being accustomed to Chen Rou Qiu's gentleness and aloofness, Chang Zai Qing's intelligence and frankness were like a light breeze that made Shen Wan's heart stir up after a long time.
It was just that all of this was not known to Chen Rou Qiu.
Naturally, Chen Rou Qiu would not know of it. Chang Zai Qing's methods were very high level and she would not take the initiative to look for Shen Wan, as it was Shen Wan who took the initiative to look for Chang Zai Qing. Moreover, when both of them were together, they would be far apart from another, showing an appearance filled with etiquette. It was just words that were spoken thus even if others were to see it, they would not think more, much less go and warn Chen Rou Qiu.
It was this case for Chen Rou Qiu's end, and there was another incredible thing. It was that the Third Young Lady of the Shen Residence suddenly became very close with Shen Yue.
Even though there were only these two Young Ladies in the Shen Residence, Shen Yue was just like Chen Rou Qiu, and would somewhat look down on those who were of lower status than them, not to mention a Shu daughter who crawled out from a Yīniáng's womb. There were no interactions for all the past years, so it was indeed a suspicious matter when they became close sisters without any rhyme and reason.
In Cai Yun Yuan of the Shen Residence, Shen Dong Ling pushed the plate of cakes to Shen Yue and smiled, "This is the freshly made snacks that the kitchen has sent over. Milk and sweet-scented Osmanthus was added. Have a taste, Èr Jiějiě."
Shen Yue saw the snacks and did not reach out to take it but instead sighed somewhat irritatingly, "How would I still have the mood to eat? I am full of anger."
Shen Dong Ling looked at her and said worriedly, "Is Èr Jiějiě still distressed about the matter of your marriage?"
"You do not know." Shen Yu snapped, "Yesterday, I went to the residence of the Minister of Land, and my Mǔqīn was extremely satisfied with that Wang Gōngzǐ. If I did not guess incorrectly, she has the idea of marrying me to Wang Gōngzǐ. Now I cannot even eat as I am so anxious that my head hurts."
"Minister of Land." Shen Dong Ling said curiously, "Is it that gōngzǐ by the name of Wang Bi?"
"You actually also know about him?" Shen Yue looked suspiciously at her.
"Heard Fùqīn talking once about it." Shen Dong Ling smiled shyly.
Shen Gui was also an official and would indeed know about the Wang family matters. Shen Yue followed along, "Yes. It is him."
"One heard that this Wang Gōngzǐ's learning is profound and immense, and currently had entered officialdom. Even though currently he is not successful in his official career, it was the matter of time for him to reach a pinnacle of virtue and ability. Èr Jiějiě, this is a good thing, so why are you not willing?" Shen Dong Ling asked.
"No matter how he is exaggerated or hyped up, I will not like him at all." Shen Yue snapped, "When I marry, it must be to one who has unlimited grandness. What is he?"
When Shen Dong Ling heard this, she probed, "Could it be that Èr Jiějiě has someone in her heart?"
Shen Yue was surprised for a moment before covering up, "No. What nonsense are you talking about?"
Shen Dong Ling smiled in apology, "I had thought that Wang Gōngzǐ type of person was considered not bad. But if Èr Jiějiě did not like, could it be that one had someone in the heart, thus no one else was acceptable? It was me who misunderstood Èr Jiějiě. Èr Jiějiě, please do not be annoyed with me."
Shen Yue waved her hands but her gaze was somewhat preoccupied. She thought about Fu Xiu Yi and her heart could not help but feel pain. Chen Rou Qiu had told her that Fu Xiu Yi wanted to marry someone that was able to help him. She was just a daughter of an ordinary civil official so Fu Xiu Yi would not marry her. But Shen Yue could not help but think that if one day Fu Xiu Yi fell in love with her, perhaps he would not care about all the other things and treat her well. She was this pretty and smart, and her reputation as a talented female was spread throughout Ding Capital City, so naturally, she also wanted to marry a peerless noble male. In the entire Ming Qi, only Fu Xiu Yi could enter her eyes.
She had guarded herself for Fu Xiu Yi for so long, and now she was to marry another. Of course, Shen Yue was totally not willing.
Shen Yue heard Shen Dong Ling soft words, "Why Èr Jiějiě not try? Perhaps Wang Gōngzǐ is not as bad as you thought. Moreover, the Wang family has a compatible family status with the Shen family. Speaking of it, Wang Gōngzǐ is also a good person so when Èr Jiějiě marries over, there would not be any grievances and live one's life safely and securely. Is it not good?"
The more she said that the more fed up Shen Yue felt. What Shen Yue wanted was never stability but glory, the envious gazes from everyone and this was something only Fu Xiu Yi was able to give her.
"Èr Jiějiě must not think too much. This kind of blessing is one that others cannot get no matter how one beg. Just like me." Shen Dong Ling said, "If the position was changed and it was me standing in Èr Jiějiě's position, one would definitely not refuse such a thing and on the contrary would be very happy. Is it not a female's wish to have security?"
Shen Yue was originally somewhat irritated when she was listening but after hearing the ending part, she could not help but pause. A strange feeling slowly floated up to her heart, and she could not help but look at Shen Dong Ling. Shen Dong Ling's chin was pointed and it made her look particularly weak as if she did not have the ability to resist and would be very docile. There was also a look of trust in her brows as if she really treated Shen Yue as a true sister.
Really seemed to be a person that could be manipulated.
Slowly a thought floated into Shen Yue's heart.