"Actually, this method is very simple. One only needs Qin's Tàizǐ to cooperate." Shen Dong Ling said.
When Wang Bi heard it, he asked, "Do explain these words."
Shen Dong Ling smiled, "Now that our Ming Qi is about to enter an alliance with Qin country. From Fūjūn's words, the Qin country is also willing to form an alliance with us. What if the Qin country requirement for the alliance was to marry Wǔ mèimèi back?"
"This is naturally impossible. Even if Bìxià considered for the people and agree to it, General Shen would not agree to let Shen Wǔ Xiǎojiě marry far away." Wang Bi was very clear about it, after all, there was no one in Ding Capital City that did not know that Shen Xin doted on Shen Miao a lot. It was already not possible to let her marry out of the state, much less marry into Qin country, such a faraway place where one would only meet once every few years.
Shen Dong Ling smiled, "It is because of this rationale that if one spread this information out and let the people of Ming Qi know about it, they would definitely beg General Shen to marry Wǔ mèimèi over. After all, Huangfu Hao is Qin's Tàizǐ and looked not bad, thus, Wǔ mèimèi would not be at any disadvantage. If Dà Bófù does not agree then Qin country would not be in an alliance with Ming Qi and perhaps Great Liang would take advantage of it, making Ming Qi fall into a dangerous situation. With one Wǔ mèimèi to exchange for the common people's safety, no matter if it is worthwhile in Dà Bófù's eyes, it would be worthwhile in the eyes of the commoners."
Wang Bi fell into deep thoughts.
Shen Dong Ling said again, "Everyone knows that my Dà Bófù is a person who places righteousness and justice of the world before himself. However, now to be threatened by the commoners, he could fight against officials but could not ignore the wishes of the commoners."
"Even if Bìxià can't do anything more, one needs to consider the commoner's mind. What more my Dà Bófù? Dà Bófù would not wish to see Great Liang seizing the opportunity but on the other end, would definitely not be willing to let Wǔ mèimèi marry afar. But who can stop Huangfu Hao? Even there is, they would not dare. At this time as long as Tàizǐ Diànxià step out to say that Wǔ mèimèi is already the person that the residence of the Tàizǐ had fixed on, everything will be resolved."
"This…" Wang Bi listened somewhat with hesitation before hearing Shen Dong Ling continued with a smile, "Huangfu Hao could not just ignore Tàizǐ Diànxià. Moreover, Huangfu Hao would have already inquired about the happenings some days back. Compared to marrying Huangfu Hao and living in Qin country, Dà Bófù will be more willing to marry Shen Miao to the residence of Tàizǐ as one could still take care of her. As long as Tàizǐ step out in this critical time, Dà Bófù would be grateful to Tàizǐ."
Wang Bi tightened his hands around Shen Dong Ling and gave her a kiss, "I did not expect to have married to a brain trust."
Shen Dong Ling suddenly lowered her head, "Fūjūn really knows how to tease this Qiè. This Qiè only suddenly thought about it. There must be a lot of areas that are out of place but Fūjūn would certainly think of ways to rectify it.
"It is already not easy for you to think it to this level." Wang Bi felt more joy as he looked longer at Shen Dong Ling, "This time, you really helped me a great deal. Rest assured that when everything is successful, I will definitely credit you to Tàizǐ so that our family's Ling-er would be prestigious."
Shen Dong Ling's heart had some disdain. When men did a meritorious deed, they most feared to credit others, not to mention she was a female. It would be a wonder if Wang Bi would even speak about her contribution. It was all only some flowery words at the moment.
However, even though one knew it clearly in the heart, Shen Dong Ling still pushed Wang Bi and said hurriedly, "Fūjūn must not mention that it is this Qiè's idea. How can one scheme one's Mèimèi? Today, if it is not because of solving Fūjūn's worries, this Qiè would not say it. If these words were spread out, how would this Qiè go on living?"
Wang Bi only said it casually but if Shen Dong Ling followed the thread of line, he would find her as greedy but now with Shen Dong Ling being flustered, it made him satisfied. The more he looked at Shen Dong Ling, the more he felt that she was adorable and the more he was happy that Shen Dong Ling and Shen Yue exchanged their marriages. He said, "Alright, I will not speak of it. But these are not anything bad to marry Tàizǐ. When Tàizǐ ascends to the throne, Shen Wǔ Xiǎojiě would be a Guì Fēi and would thank you in the future. This is an auspicious matter that one could not even request for."
Shen Dong Ling smiled, "This Qiè also feels the same." Her heart was however clear that Shen Miao was not one who was greedy for power and the Shen family had already viewed Shen Miao as a pearl in their hands thus all those wealth was not as important as her. In some aspects, Shen Miao was the same as Shen Xin, both of them had the same type of stubbornness in their bones. To others, it was a good thing to be married to the Crown Prince that even if one was unwilling in the past, would be satisfied with the sweetness after a period of time.
But Shen Miao was different. Once one step was taken incorrectly, she could ensure her death. Even if nothing could be seen on the surface, her heart would not feel good about it.
Sorry. Shen Dong Ling apologised in her heart. In the entire Shen Mansion, she was the most unwilling to be enemies with Shen Miao because Shen Miao was dangerous and she had the unconditional support from Shen Xin and wife. But… The present was different from the past.
Now, Shen Dong Ling had the right to compete with Shen Miao and Shen Dong Ling also remembered that she was actually envious of Shen Miao. Shen Dong Ling could move everyone in the Shen Mansion underneath her feet, including Second and Third Households, Shen Yue and Shen Qing but she just could not be comparable to Shen Miao. The family that Shen Miao relied on was exactly the thing that Shen Dong Ling could never get.
Once someone of a lower status gained power and abandoned their former carefulness and humbleness, it would make one even more warped. This was why when those poor scholars attained the first position in the Imperial Examinations and gained a low-rank position, their character would become extremely arrogant.
The position in society was ingrained in one's bones and one feared that others would be able to see one's unbearable past.
When Shen Dong Ling's mind was wandering, she heard Wang Bi speaking, "At this moment, one needs to plan it well. I have to discuss it with Tàizǐ."
Shen Dong Ling returned to her senses and smiled, "One has to invite Wǔ mèimèi out." She thought about it, "This Qiè will send an invite to Wǔ mèimèi."
"Oh?" Wang Bi asked, "She will come?"
It seemed that he knew that Shen Dong Ling's and Shen Miao's relations were not warm but in Shen Dong Ling's ears, it was mocking the Di and Shu difference between her and Shen Miao. Shen Dong Ling pressed down the unhappiness in her heart, "Fūjūn don't believe in this Qiè? Rest assured, this Qiè will definitely call Wǔ mèimèi out."
*****
In the residence of the Count of Ping Nan, Su Ming Feng was currently having a headache at the moment.
Yesterday, Princess Rong Xin suddenly came to the residence of the Count of Ping Nan. Princess Rong Xin had not gone out for a long time and had lived simply so no one noticed her. She even disguised herself that Su Ming Feng almost didn't recognise her.
For Princess Rong Xin to come to the residence of the Count of Ping Nan this condescendingly, it must be extremely important. Princess Rong Xin let the servants report it directly to Su Ming Feng which indicated clearly that the matter had no relations to Su Yu and she came especially for him. Even though Su Ming Feng was puzzled, he did not dare to neglect her at all and welcomed Princess Rong Xin in, thinking of what matter Princess Rong Xin would be instructing him to do.
Who knew that Princess Rong Xin was not here to instruct people but to inquire about information.
The information that she was inquiring also gave Su Ming Feng a big shock. Princess Rong Xin was inquiring about information on Xie Jing Xing.
Xie Jing Xing died two years ago in the battlefield with the Northern Jiang and because the Ding Capital City people knew that Xie Jing Xing had close relations with Princess Rong Xin, she fell into a serious illness after Xie Jing Xing's death. Ever since then, no one dared to take the initiative to mention Xie Jing Xing in front of Princess Rong Xin, lest that Princess Rong Xin would recall about the sad things.
Who knew that Princess Rong Xin would take the initiative to ask Su Ming Feng about it.
Princess Rong Xin asked Su Ming Feng about some old stories of Xie Jing Xing and even asked if Xie Jing Xing had any secrets. In the end, she also asked about Xie Jing Xing's corpse.
Xie Jing Xing was killed in the Northern Jiang by thousands of enemies' arrows and was skinned and hung up on the city walls by the enemies. When Xie Ding saw Xie Jing Xing's corpse, he fainted on the spot. Princess Rong Xin feared that she could not withstand it so she did not dare to take a look at all. It was Su Ming Feng, his childhood playmate, who went to send Xie Jing Xing off one last time.
At this moment, Princess Rong Xin came to ask Su Ming Feng if that body was truly Xie Jing Xing...
If it was normal, Su Ming Feng would feel a little confuse but ever since the last time he coincidentally met up with Shen Miao and discovered the Tiger Head Bracelet on Shen Miao's wrist, Su Ming Feng had a nagging doubt in his heart and had been monitoring Shen Miao's movement in the Shen Mansion. With Princess Rong Xin's sudden inquiry of Xie Jing Xing's matter, Su Ming Feng could almost immediately confirm his thoughts that Xie Jing Xing was not dead and one feared that he was still alive in this world.
Even though he did not understand why Xie Jing Xing was not appearing since he was still alive, Su Ming Feng was no fool. After dealing with Princess Rong Xin with a couple of words, Princess Rong Xin left but Su Ming Feng fell deeply in his thoughts.
Since Princess Rong Xin had some doubts, she must have discovered some clue which meant that Xie Jing Xing must have revealed something. Thinking of Shen Miao's bracelet and Princess Rong Xin's behaviour, Su Ming Feng made a bold guess. Not only was Xie Jing Xing not dead, but he was also in Ding Capital City.
However, what made Su Ming Feng puzzled was that there had not been any secret between Xie Jing Xing and Princess Rong Xin and their relations were also at its best so what would make Xie Jing Xing be reluctant to say to Princess Rong Xin? Moreover, why was Princess Rong Xin asking about Xie Jing Xing's childhood? What was the connection?
Regardless of the reason, Su Ming Feng felt that Xie Xing Xing must have his own reasons. The most imperative thing was to search for Xie Jing Xing's whereabouts and after he was found, all questions would naturally have an answer.
But where to find Xie Jing Xing? The Ding Capital City was not said to be big but it was definitely not small. To find one person who purposely hid in the sea of people, especially when this person was quite capable, that was definitely not an easy thing.
Su Ming Feng intended to send someone to monitor Princess Rong Xin.
Since Princess Rong Xin had discovered some small traces of clues, the things she had on hand were definitely more than him. As long as he followed behind, he would be able to conveniently pick up the advantages.
Su Ming Feng waved his hands to call for the servant before whispering some words in his ears.
*****
When Shen Miao received Shen Dong Ling's invitation, Xie Jing Xing was drinking tea in her room. Ever since that night, Xie Jing Xing was more than justified to manage her affairs. Shen Miao initially was not accustomed to it but afterwards, she got used to it since Xie Jing Xing had extensive hands and eyes, even if one did not tell him, he would be able to find it out himself and at the end, it would still be the same results.
Xie Jing Xing took a glance at the invitation in her hands, "Shen Dong Ling?"
"Most likely she had devised a plan." Shen Miao said, "Invite me to have an incense appreciation." She was startled for a bit before she smiled, "Even incense appreciation is used, it seems that the foundation of the residence of the Minister of Land is good."
Appreciating tea and alcohol was quite normal but appreciating incense was different. There were some that cost thousands of gold and it would be gone after burning it. Shen Miao knew that the most expensive incense scent was the Jade Pear Agarwood Incense which cost ten thousands of gold for a fingernail worth. Previously, there was a western merchant who paid his tribute to the Palace and wanted the name of an Imperial Merchant. That Jade Pear Agarwood Incense that was provided was only as big as a child's fist and was very rare. At that time, all the concubines in the Palace came to take a look and even Shen Miao also felt it was very novel.
Shen Miao had always thought that the Jade Pear Agarwood Incense would be placed in the National Treasury as it was something that was very precious. Afterwards, during Mei Fūrén's birthday celebration, Fu Xiu Yi lit the Jade Pear Agarwood Incense in exchange for a smile from the beauty. Appreciation of incense was actually appreciating gold as one of it would reduce a lot of money. The invitation that Shen Dong Ling wrote was an appreciation of Phoenix Beak Incense and it was very valuable. With the income of a Minister of Land's position, it was definitive that it could not withstand such squandering. It was evident that the family that Shen Dong Ling married into had a rich and affluent foundation. After all, among the officials in Ding Capital City, many of the first ranked officials would not be so extravagant. One did not know if when Shen Yue, down in the underworld, knew of it, would she be so angry that she became alive?
"Phoenix Beak Incense is not cheap. To spend this much money, it would definitely not for the sake of reminiscing between sisters."
"Scheming against you?" Xie Jing Xing asked with his brows raised.
"Shen Dong Ling is not Shen Yue. Even if she really schemes against me, I would not fall for it easily. Shen Dong Ling is not stupid, I guess that she will scheme against me. If I went, it would only make things go her way even smoother and if I did not go, there would not be too many losses." Shen Miao smiled, "I just find it is surprising that the family of the Minister of Land have this much money." She looked at Xie Jing Xing. At the execution grounds when Shen Miao saw Shen Dong Ling, she had noticed that the clothes and jewellery that Shen Dong Ling was wearing was extremely expensive. No matter how much Wang Bi pampered her, it was irrational to surpass the wealth of the Wang family. So how did the Wang family have so much wealth?
When Xie Jing Xing saw Shen Miao's gaze, he tactfully continued, "The Wang family are Tàizǐ's people and have some relations with the salt merchants that Tàizǐ secretly sells to. Wang Bi is the middleman."
Shen Miao suddenly came into realisation. That was of no wonder. Selling salt privately was a very profitable business that even a fragmentary portion of it would make others jealous. No wonder the Wang family could afford to appreciate incense and Shen Miao somewhat understood where Shen Dong Ling was coming from. If Shen Dong Ling married an ordinary official, she would definitely operate carefully. But the Wang family was very wealthy and Wang Bi was working under the Crown Prince so naturally, her position was worth more. She was Wang Bi's official wife and enjoyed infinite glory. Most likely, she was blinded by the momentary glory that her guts had become bigger.
Life sprang from sorrow and calamity but death comes from ease and pleasure. Shen Dong Ling was unable to maintain a clear mind, thus, she was unable to see the facts clearly. There are so many variables in the world so who could ensure that the Crown Prince would be able to succeed the throne? Taking a thousand steps back, even if the Crown Prince succeeded the throne, who was able to guarantee that Wang Bi, who had been free from worries under the Crown Prince, would be able to be promoted steadfastly? There were too many instances of boiling the hound once the rabbit was caught. There was nothing more ruthless than the Imperial family.
"Wang Bi is Tàizǐ's people." Shen Miao was deep in thought, "Shen Dong Ling's sudden actions are definitely related to Wang Bi and that means it is related to Tàizǐ." Shen Miao looked at Xie Jing Xing, "The relations between me and Tàizǐ… She wants to make a fuss out of my marriage?"
Xie Jing Xing looked at her praising, "Smart."
"You already knew about it?" Shen Miao was somewhat doubtful.
"It is Shen Dong Ling's idea." Xie Jing Xing picked up a snack and took a bite, "Letting Huangfu Hao and Tàizǐ act out a play after an agreement. With you marrying Huangfu Hao as a condition of the alliance with Ming Qi, otherwise, there would not be an alliance and perhaps even would attack Ming Qi. When the news is released, the commoners would beg Shen Xin to marry you to Huangfu Hao. One hand is the commoners, the other is you. Shen Xin would definitely be in extreme pain."
"But no one under Heavens would dare to go against Huangfu Hao and at that time, Tàizǐ is to step out and say that there was already a marriage agreement between you and him. Compared to you marrying far away, Shen Xin would easily accept you being married toTàizǐ and remain in Ming Qi and would even be grateful to Tàizǐ." Xie Jing Xing shrugged his shoulders, "This shu-jiějiě of yours is not a simple character."
When Shen Miao heard it, her face turned ashen and she sneered, "She really exhausts her thoughts and ingenuity for me."
She even went as far as to use the commoners under Heavens to force Shen Xin, one who had inherited the body and mind of Old General Shen's teaching of fighting for Ming Qi's commoners. When Shen Xin was forced by the commoners that he loved and the other side was Shen Miao, his daughter, one can only imagine how painful Shen Xin's heart would be. In the Shen Mansion, Shen Miao and Shen Dong Ling had always been minding their own business thus Shen Miao felt irresistible hate towards Shen Dong Ling's action.
She said, "Cannot proceed with the marriage with Tàizǐ."
Xie Jing Xing stared at her with a smile but not a smile, "Why? Do you want to marry me?" Not waiting for Shen Miao to be furious, he continued speaking, "Don't worry. There is still no one under Heavens who dared to snatch things from my hand. One feared that he would not be able to want the female I fancied."
His words always had no misgiving and fear, making Shen Miao's face blushed unfathomably. She changed the topic, "Shen Dong Ling dared to scheme against me. Naturally, I want to repay her back a few points."
"Fūrén's desire is my desire." Xie Jing Xing said lazily.
Shen Miao, "…"
She said, "What intentions do you currently have? Exterminate Ming Qi and Great Liang would unify?"
Xie Jing Xing's gaze was somewhat strange, "If I say yes, you will help me?"
"I said before that on this point, I am the same as you." Shen Miao answered.
The joking expression on Xie Jing Xing's face started to gradually disappear. He did not know what Shen Miao was thinking about and it seemed that he could not see anything at all. In the matter of the hostility between two countries, Xie Jing Xing had never thought that Shen Miao would support him. With Shen Miao's current degrading attitude, Xie Jing Xing was already very surprised. With Shen Miao's expression, it reminded him that she was serious about it.
She wanted to eliminate Ming Qi?
Why?
Shen Miao was definitely not a person who was greedy for fame and fortune so it was not to parrot his words. And for her to throw Ming Qi to the back of her mind just for her love of Xie Jing Xing… Xie Jing Xing did not think it was possible. It was as if from the beginning of knowing Shen Miao, she was already extremely hostile to the Fu family. That was because the Fu family wanted to suppress the Shen family but Shen Miao was an unmarried female so how would she know of such matters? Sometimes, he found that Shen Miao could see clearer than Shen Xin and Shen Qiu. She always stood in front of the Shen family in a protecting manner, as if she had long expected what would happen. The more he got closer with Shen Miao, the more he discovered the many mysterious parts of Shen Miao. However, even Feng Xian Pawnshop was unable to find out the reasons behind the behaviours.
This made one really suspicious.
He hesitated for a moment before asking, "You… Don't like Ming Qi?"
Shen Miao's eyes hung down, "The power under Heavens that are long divided will be united and those long united will be divided. Such is the way of the universe. It is not changing whether I like it or not. Even if I am not willing and dislike it, these things will still happen. This is destined." She lifted her head and looked at the candlelight that was slightly wavering, "Moreover, compared to the Fu family, I rather the country lands in your hands."
Xie Jing Xing was startled.
"The war between the two countries has nothing to do with the commoners. Ming Qi has been on the decline in these years and has heavy taxes with constant natural disasters and that makes the commoners' life difficult. Officialdom circles are dark with the officials decaying in quality. The Huángdì is fatuous and would scheme and guard against meritorious families that one could not wait to kill them as their appearance is just too ugly to look at. Comparing as such, Great Liang's commoners are living and working peacefully in contentment with all industries flourishing." Shen Miao said, "I know that Yǒnglè Dì is a wise monarch. When attacking other small countries, the commoners of those small countries would open their city gates to meet with the army. Isn't that the truth?"
Xie Jing Xing took a long look at Shen Miao and there was an indescribable feeling in his heart.
The world said that females were the most short-sighted and would only be able to see what was in front and unable to see the overall picture. It was only because they had never met one. Xie Jing Xing had seen a magnanimous and most knowledgeable female which was his Imperial Sǎo, Emperor Yong Le's wife, Empress Xian De. But Empress Xian De was the descendant of the historian aristocratic family and had an encyclopedic knowledge and was the Mistress of the Six Palaces. Shen Miao was only sixteen years old and the furthest she went was Xie Chun City and was even known as an idiot by others. But Shen Miao's words on the current situation were not comparable to the majority of Emperor Yong Le's aides.
Instead of treating oneself as a person of a country but as the highest point in history and calmly look at it as conforming to a regular pattern, just like conforming to the changing four seasons.
There are not many people in the world that were able to look at things so transparently but this person sat right in front of him. Xie Jing Xing suddenly felt glad as he was the one who discovered this female and Shen Miao was willing to tell him these words.
However, Shen Miao did not know what Xie Jing Xing was thinking. She previously heard Fu Xiu Yi evaluating Emperor Yong Le, indicating that Emperor Yong Le was a distinguished and accomplished character and a wise Emperor of a generation. The land that Great Liang initially had was not as vast as it was currently, especially when the late Emperor of Great Liang passed on, the internal affairs were turbulent and many other countries seized the opportunities. Afterwards, the current Emperor Yong Le succeeded the throne and slowly started to reclaim the lands and not only that, he started to swallow up the neighbouring small countries. Emperor Yong Le was very charming and conformed to the people's heart thus, some of the commoners of the small countries even hoped that Emperor Yong Le would swallow them up so that their difficult lives could improve.
And Emperor Yong Le did just that.
At that time, Shen Miao was very surprised by it and Fu Xiu Yi was also very jealous of Emperor Yongle. Afterwards, when Fu Ming was studying, he also read that and discussed it with Shen Miao with great enthusiasm, thus, Shen Miao had a deeply carved memory of it.
Xie Jing Xing paused for a moment and said unpleasedly, "Why do you remember his matters so clearly?"
Shen Miao, "…"
She said, "Of course I am not that great and it was all for self-protection. If the Fu family were in charge, the Shen family would be eliminated. When the monarch is not benevolent, naturally, officials need not abide by righteousness and justice. Is it not?"
"Then how would you know if Emperor Yong Le would not be like the second Emperor Wen Hui and take action on the Shen family?" Xie Jing Xing questioned.
"One heard that there is a General by the Huángdì's side by the surname Li that has a very similar experience with the Shen family but the Li family was treated with deferential treatment. The Shen family military is not as good as General Li so one does not need to worry about it." Shen Miao was thinking in her heart that at least till before she died, the entire family of General Li lived very well.
Xie Jing Xing was stunned, "How do you know that there is a General Li?"
Shen Miao's heart moved. She had forgotten that she is the Di-daughter of the Shen family and naturally it was not possible to know about General Li of Great Liang. However, she had to say some words to cover it up, "This General Li is very famous. It is not strange for Ming Qi to know of him."
"Very famous?" Xie Jing Xing frowned, "More famous than me?"
Shen Miao was determined not to speak to him about these, "Let's not talk about these. Since at the end one would be dealing with Ming Qi, naturally one cannot let the Qin country and Ming Qi form an alliance. If so, it would be troublesome for Great Liang to deal with it. You remained in the Ding Capital City and did not leave, isn't it to break up their alliance?"
Xie Jing Xing smiled gently, "When one gets married, one will follow her Fūjūn. You really think thoroughly for me."
Shen Miao ignored the part where it should not be heard, "There is a good way to break up their alliance but it depends if you can do it successfully."
Xie Jing Xing's lips hooked up to a smile, "Let's listen to it."
"Assassinating, moving, planting, slandering." She smiled gently yet dignified, "Best if the dead can't testify."
Translator remarks: Why is it that when I read the last sentence, I feel that XJX is SM lackey instead? She doesn't lift a finger and he does all the work…
HidAnas: Well, not the slave but more like the Brawns… hahahahaha