Su Ming Feng followed the big bearded guard in, and the servants of Prince Rui's residence all looked at him with critical gazes, making Su Ming Feng feel uneasy all around.
But, after giving it some thought, there was no going back on this. Because he had already offended Prince Rui, if it was untrue, he could simply return with a big apology. Prince Rui had no choice but to show some respect to the official's family because this was Ming Qi territory.
Su Ming Feng began to feel uneasy once more. Prince Rui did not even look at Emperor Wen Hui, so how could he look at a lowly Su family young master? Furthermore, the Su family was no longer in officialdom, so the Count of Ping Nan's residence had no value to Emperor Wen Hui. As a result, if something did happen, Emperor Wen Hui would not offend Prince Rui as a result of it.
It was fortunate that the Su family had a Second Young Master, Su Ming Lang. If something really happened to him, there would still be descendants in the Su family.
But, if Prince Rui took his rage out on the Su family, what would become of the entire residence?
Su Ming Feng's imagination ran wild on the way, and his back gradually broke into a cold sweat, and he had no idea where the big bearded guard had brought him until the big bearded man reminded him, "Su Gōngzǐ, you have arrived."
Su Ming Feng quickly regained consciousness.
This was the inner courtyard of Prince Rui's residence, and there was a pond in it. The wind that blew from the pond to oneself was extremely cold on a winter night. A lantern hung from a tree branch, allowing one to see that there was a stone table in the garden. Two people were sitting in front of the stone table, seemingly a male and female, looking rather realistic.
Su Ming Feng unconsciously looked at the bearded man, and the bearded man said, "Diànxià is waiting in front." This one will be the first to withdraw." After finishing, he turned around to leave without waiting for Su Ming Feng's response.
Su Ming Feng looked at that big bearded man's back and thought that the guards of Prince Rui's residence were so arrogant that it was no surprise that Prince Rui acted that way. What kind of master would have what kind of servants as subordinates would follow their superiors' lead? The guards of Prince Rui's residence were not respectful to guests, and Prince Rui was not respectful to Emperor Wen Hui.
Thinking about it, the only unbridled person in Ding capital city was the previous Little Marquis of the Marquis of Lin An's residence.
Walking closer, it was only then that one noticed a white furry animal crouching under the table. When Su Ming Feng first saw its shape, he thought it was just a cat, but when it heard his movements, it turned its head over and cried, revealing its white sharp teeth.
It was, in fact, a tiger.
Su Ming Feng believed that, despite the fact that it was a small tiger, Prince Rui's residence actually raised a tiger. This Prince Rui was truly one-of-a-kind.
As he reflected, he realized that Prince Rui and Xie Jing Xing were not at all alike.
Su Ming Feng walked to the front of the stone table with Prince Rui's back to him, so he saw the female who was sitting first.
That lady had clear brows and a graceful and dignified demeanour. Su Ming Feng called out hoarsely, "Shen Xiǎojiě," as familiar eyes looked over.
It turned out to be Shen Miao.
"Why are you here, Shen Xiǎojiě?" Su Ming Feng couldn't help but inquire.
"Su Gōngzǐ is too broad-minded." The indifferent voice sounded and there seemed to be a slight annoyance in it, "Běn wáng's wángfēi is in one's own residence, what is wrong with it?"
'One's own residence' almost made Shen Miao unable to continue to drink. She smiled and nodded towards Su Ming Feng, "Su Gōngzǐ."
Su Ming Feng's gaze landed on Prince Rui's back that was facing him.
He was sluggish, but his posture was unexpectedly tall and slender. With the lantern's dim light, he could make out the smooth lines outlined by the fine gold thread on the collar.
"Rui Wáng Diànxià." Su Ming Feng said.
Prince Rui did not speak. Su Ming Feng collected himself. As Shen Miao was here, he was no longer afraid. Thinking that he had almost forgotten that Shen Miao was currently considered to be Prince Rui's consort, it seemed that Shen Miao's and Prince Rui's relationship was also not bad thus if Prince Rui had any intention to kill him, Shen Miao would not sit back and ignore it based on Xie Jing Xing's extent.
Even though it was somewhat strange to have such a thought, Su Ming Feng gathered his courage and asked, "Ming Feng's visit today is about a matter to ask."
"Speak."
The simpler Prince Rui spoke, the more Su Ming Feng felt distressed. He spoke, "Rui Wáng Diànxià is very similar to one of Ming Feng's old friend but that old friend had been missing for many years. Ming Feng is to be so bold as to…" His heart shook, "Ming Feng is to be so bold as to request Rui Wáng Diànxià to take off the mask and let Ming Feng resolve the doubt in one's heart."
After saying these words, Su Ming Feng lowered his head and waiting apprehensively for the other party's answer.
After some silence, some sound was heard even though it was like usual somewhat faint as if it was a careless voice but each word weighed more than a thousand Jin (1 jin = 0.5 kg) in Su Ming Feng's ears.
Prince Rui asked, "The old friend that you spoke of, is he called Xie Jing Xing?"
Su Ming Feng's heart moved and there seemed to be a rush of ecstasy that burst out of it but in a blink of an eye, he forced himself to calm down. Prince Rui had stayed in Ming Qi for a few months and Xie Jing Xing's reputation here was not small and was considered a heroic figure in Ming Qi. Since he was Xie Jing Xing childhood friends, perhaps someone had said this matter to Prince Rui.
He said, "Exactly so."
"Xie Jing Xing is no longer alive." There was no rage or pleasure in Prince Rui's voice when he said, "You said he had vanished."
"The world said he died on the battlefield with Northern Jiang, and I personally saw the body." Su Ming Feng grumbled bitterly, "But I'm not sure I believe it. Now, with Diànxià's appearance, Su Ming Feng realizes that this was extremely unfair, but there are certain things in this world that one must do one's best to achieve." Su Ming Feng has nothing to hide from Prince Rui. Su Ming Feng got the impression from Prince Rui's appearance that he was not someone who would bother him indefinitely and that he was very rational. Perhaps he will sense something in these words and be particularly open to it.
As Prince Rui rose from the stone table, the white tiger on the floor whimpered.
When he turned around, the mask gave off a cool dark glow in the breeze. As Su Ming Feng stood up, he found that Prince Rui was half a head taller than him.
Xie Jing Xing was also half a head taller than him.
At that time, the youth was hard bent on comparing heights and because Su Ming Feng was half a head shorter, he had pleaded with Su Fūrén to give him half bowl of rice more every day, hoping he could exceed Xie Jing Xing. At that time, Xie Jing Xing said rather despicably, "You want to become a second Su Ming Lang?"
As time passed, it seemed that everything was not changed but the blue sea had turned into mulberry fields and it was a thing of the past.
Shen Miao was about to speak when Prince Rui said, "You want to look at Běnwǎng's face."
Su Ming Feng nodded his head.
Prince Rui slowly removed the mask that was shielding his face with his hands.
Curved brows, tender peach blossom eyes, a bravely cut nose, and lips with a lazy smile, just like yesterday. There was a small shift in appearance that transformed the beautiful yet mischievous youth in front of him into this familiar, sinister, and attractive young man.
Nevertheless, it was still him.
"See until one becomes a fool," Xie Jing Xing said with a mocking smile.
Su Ming Feng's eyes were a little sour, and he took a step forward before striking Xie Jing Xing's shoulder with his fist, as they usually did. "Brat," he scolded. " Continue to deceive everyone, including me. Truly lacking a sense of brotherhood."
Shen Miao couldn't conceal her astonishment in her heart.
She did not expect Xie Jing Xing to remove his mask and reveal his true identity in front of Su Ming Feng. Exactly as he did in front of Princess Rong Xin.
Even if they were good friends or relatives, when they saw the sudden identity change, there may not be forgiveness. The more valuable the partnership, the more one could avoid putting it to the test because the consequences will be too much to bear. For oneself, it was excruciating torment that would never be forgotten.
If it were Shen Miao herself, she might not be so direct. After all, she didn't dare and still doesn't have the confidence to consider an uncertain outcome.
In this regard, she will still be inferior to Xie Jing Xing. He was very straightforward on what he wanted or did not want, even forcing himself into a position where he'd have no chance to hesitate.
"You... How did you become Rui Wáng?" Su Ming Feng patted his chest, "Just now I was still thinking that if Rui Wáng had the intention to kill me, I can only die here today." He said, "Now one's life is saved."
There was an unstoppable excitement in his voice.
Xie Jing Xing stared at him, "You have gotten stupider after not seeing for two years."
Su Ming Feng waved his hands, "I know that you are not dead. A bad person will live a thousand years. For a person like you, you will live up to eight thousand years." He then sighed, "If it was not for Rong Xin Gōngzhǔ who looked for me that day and me seeing Shen Xiǎojiě's Tiger Head Bracelet, one feared that one would be kept in the dark. Did you plan not to see me?" He said in anger and sulky that he was not trusted.
Xie Jing Xing shrugged his shoulders, "Exactly so."
Su Ming Feng was furious but in the past, he was often bullied by Xie Jing Xing so he was not angry at this moment and was only somewhat doubtful, "It seemed that Shen Xiǎojiě has long known of your identity." He laughed and looked at Shen Miao, speaking meaningfully, "At the beginning, I had felt that something was fishy. Now it seemed that you have gotten what you have wished. You really hid it well."
Shen Miao, "…"
"What are you trying to say?" Xie Jing Xing spoke impatiently, "Your Sǎozi (sister-in-law) and I still have things to talk about."
Shen Miao and Su Ming Feng were shocked by the word 'Sǎozi' at the same time. Su Ming Feng took a look at Shen Miao, "Since you are still alive, why did you not say a word to me for these two years? Moreover, it seemed that Rong Xin Gōngzhǔ is doubtful of your identity. Why did you not take the initiative to speak to her? And your Fùqīn…"
"Su Ming Feng." Xie Jing Xing interrupted his words, "I am Rui Wáng of Great Liang."
The courtyard became silent.
A slight sigh appeared in Shen Miao's heart. One had to take this step at the end.
Xie Jing Xing's identity was destined for him not to have anyone standing by his side in Ding capital city. No matter who was it, when they knew of Xie Jing Xing's true identity, they would always think of 'treason'. No matter if it was the truth or predicament, no one cared. They only cared about the 'result' and 'deception'.
Princess Rong Xin doted on Xie Jing Xing like a real son but in the end, could not avoid the thought of guarding against him and deception. Naturally, Su Ming Feng would be ecstatic in the short period upon seeing his old friend alive but in the end, he would still walk to the moment of truth.
That was the most exposed, cruellest and painful time for a person.
Su Ming Feng looked at Xie Jing Xing and asked in puzzled, "What are you talking about? Yes, you are now Rui Wáng. Was it that something happened in the Northern Jiang battlefield that you had no choice but to use an interim stratagem? The identity of Rui Wáng is indeed noble and it is not a good idea to have it for long. You have to…"
"I am Rui Wáng of Great Liang." Xie Jing Xing said.
The long-winded voice stopped abruptly.
The wind swirls up the leaves in the courtyard and the white tiger had already huddled back to its shack where it was set up. In the night where there was no moon or stars, only the lanterns emitted a faint light.
Su Ming Feng's gaze was doubled and he asked hesitatingly, "What is the meaning of this?"
"My true identity is Rui Wáng of Great Liang, not the son of the Marquis of Lin An, Xie Ding." Xie Jing Xing said faintly, "It is not an interim stratagem."
"This is not possible." Su Ming Feng blurted out, "We have known each other for more than ten years and spent our youth together. Why do I not know?"
"The heir of the Xie family died upon birth. The real heir of the residence of the Marquis of Lin An is already dead." Xie Jing Xing said, "It is not me."
Su Ming Feng looked at Xie Jing Xing in a daze. As his words were somewhat confusing and he was also unclear about some matters, he asked, "You meant that from the beginning you are not the son of the Marquis of Lin An and someone substituted a raccoon for the crown prince and brought you in. You grew up in Ding capital city but you are not a Ming Qi citizen. You are Great Liang's citizen, Emperor Yong Le's bāo dì and Great Liang's Qīn Wáng. How could this be possible? This is just impossible."
He abruptly came to a halt while speaking after seeing Xie Jing Xing's expression. There was just a look of indifference on that familiar and handsome face. Su Ming Feng understood Xie Jing Xing. When Xie Jing Xing was discussing serious matters, he did not want to repeat himself, and when he was impatient, he would often use this expression.
What he said was the truth.
Su Ming Feng couldn't say what his heart was feeling right now as if it was obstructed by a mass of cotton. The pleasure of seeing an old friend was gone, and all that remained was emptiness and some unexplained rage.
He asked, "When did you know about your identity?"
"From when one remembered things." Xie Jing Xing replied.
Su Ming Feng took two steps back. "When one remembered things?... You have long learned that you are from Great Liang?" he inquired.
Xie Jing Xing did not express an opinion.
Shen Miao lamented in her heart. Why did Xie Jing Xing have to be so forthright? In reality, the more he said it, the more Su Ming Feng felt betrayed, and it was sometimes easier for him and acceptable to others when he told some lies.
Shen Miao, on the other hand, worried that if it was her, she would also be as honest as Xie Jing Xing.
There was no need to mislead those nearest to oneself.
Su Ming Feng's expression became incredibly complicated after hearing Xie Jing Xing's response, just as Shen Miao had predicted. He had a profoundly betrayed look on his face after the shock, horror, and suspicion. He coldly laughed and asked, "Oh? Then why are you back now? Could it be that you are unable to take that Ming Qi is better than your Great Liang or you have ambitious intentions here?"
His words were so harsh that even Shen Miao had to cast a sidelong look. However, she knew in her heart that from an outsider's perspective, which was the clearest, for Su Ming Feng to know this many secrets, he would not be able to tolerate it, and it would be very convenient for him to harm those who were closest to them.
"So what of it?" Xie Jing Xing said in a low voice, and instead of smoothing Su Ming Feng's ruffled feathers, he calmly acknowledged it.
Shen Miao tried to say something, but after some thought, she gave up. It was not gentlemanly to speak when watching a chess game so she would take it as though one was watching a show today.
Indeed, Su Ming Feng got even angrier. He yelled at Xie Jing Xing, "I finally know what a rebellious thief is and what a white-eyed wolf is. I figured you weren't close to the Marquis of Lin An because you were young and because of Yu Qing Gōngzhǔ's matter, but now it appears that you obviously understood you weren't related to them as the son of the Marquis of Lin An but still enjoyed all the Marquis of Lin An's residence had to give, that even the two Shu-sons of the residence of Lin An weren't as good as you. You kept saying that Rong Xin Gōngzhǔ is your kin, but you misled her and caused her pain when you died. You addressed me as your Xiōngdì while keeping your true identity hidden for so long. One feared that there was a reason to be friendly with me."
"You don't like Ming Qi and Ding capital city. But after all, that is the place to nurture you. Birth is not as significant as raising one up. You have enjoyed everything that Ming Qi has given you but because still took drastic measures and be your Prince Rui of Great Liang. Your Great Liang is a rich nation with strong people and even has a strong military. You abandon everything in Ming Qi for the sake of prosperity and wealth. Xie Jingxing, you are ruthless, you are a villain! You are not worthy to be one's Di-son, and even less worthy of being a Xiōngdì! Go back to your Great Liang!"
"Enough." Shen Miao stood up and interrupted Su Ming Feng's words.
Su Ming Feng's words were just too hurtful.
She turned to face Xie Jing Xing, and Xie Jing Xing's face was unobstructed because it was no longer hidden behind a mask. There was no resentment or smile on his face as he gazed calmly at Su Ming Feng. It was as though the person Su Ming Feng was talking about wasn't him, and he didn't care what Su Ming Feng said.
There were a few waves in Shen Miao's heart.
She glanced at Su Ming Feng with a mocking smile on her lips, "Oh? Su Gōngzǐ looked devoted to righteousness that inspires reverence and could not wait to come over and uphold justice. Unfortunately, the white-eyed wolf that you call others, to me, you are also one."
Xie Jing Xing was stunned.
Su Ming Feng became angry with Shen Miao too, "What did you say?"
"You are a white-eyed wolf." Shen Miao had to be involved in the war of words every day while she was competing with Mei Fūrén in the Inner Palace in her past life. Even though she wasn't very good at mocking people, she had learned a great deal from Mei Fūrén.
She smiled softly, her expression dignified and composed. The more she acted like it, the more Su Ming Feng's rudeness was exposed. Her voice was gentle and sweet, like drizzling rain, but each word and sentence was merciless.
"Before pointing the blame to others, it is best to first take a look at oneself. Su Gōngzǐ thinks that Rui Wáng is a white-eyed wolf and felt that Rui Wáng had made use of you. I would like to ask Su Gōngzǐ that in the residence of the Count of Ping Nan, from young, how much did Xie Jing Xing helped you?"
"From you entered officialdom, you did not know how to socialise, it was Xie Jing Xing who fork out money to arrange matters. When you wanted to learn martial arts, it was Xie Jing Xing who help you to seek a Master. When Huángshàng wanted to suppress the residence of the Count of Ping Nan, it was he who was by your side reminding you and persuaded the Count of Ping Nan to quickly retreat from the torrent. If this was not the case, do you think that there is still a residence of the Count of Ping Nan in today's Ming Qi? One fear that the grass on the gravestone would be one Zhang (1 zhang = 10 feet = 3.3m) high."
"You spoke of Xie Jing Xing making use of you, using your relationship to plot against the entire Ding capital city but when one mention of Su Ming Feng, who would not know that you are Xie Jing Xing's childhood friend. From young, your health was weak but there was no one who dared to bully you. Do you think that it was based on the reputation of your residence of the Count of Ping Nan or because you have a close childhood friend in Ding capital city that no one dared to provoke? The matters of the world are just this simple. Su Gōngzǐ might argue that the words I speak are not nice to listen but since childhood, how many roads had Xie Jing Xing help you to lay, how much help was given to your Su family? If this is the so-called making use then I also hope that someone would make use of me. Su Gōngzǐ, do you not think so?"
She had a smiling expression but the words said were like raindrops drumming ceaselessly on the banana leaves and each statement had a slight chill to it, "Gotten the benefits from others but turning around and giving a slap before saying and blaming others. If this is not a white-eyed wolf then what is? Su Gōngzǐ, can I also not say that you do not have any feelings or sense of justice and is not worthy to be xiōngdì? To blame the person for giving you your current enjoyments, is it shameful or not?"
Su Ming Feng was not one who knew how to fight a war of words with females, and Shen Miao's words were all mockery, but the fact was that it turned his complexion purple-red. In his anger and in response to Shen Miao's words, a slew of images flashed through his mind.
In all fairness, Xie Jing Xing treated him indeed very good. Su Ming Feng would not have thought about it for so long if it was not good. Xie Jing Xing was brazen, arrogant, and unruly, doing whatever he wanted as if nothing could stop him. Even though he claimed to be emotionless, when it came to Su Ming Feng's matters, he was always willing and able to help. When someone bullied Su Ming Feng when he was younger, for example, Xie Jing Xing did not say anything and beat the other person up. Even if the individual was a child of the Imperial Family, the beating continued until the people around Su Ming Feng dared not bully him any longer.
It was just that, despite doing so much, Xie Jing Xing would never come to demand or even mention his accomplishments, and he always had a bad attitude about it. People will recall his bad points while overlooking his good points as time passed.
Shen Miao's heart was gratified after she said all of that. She did not know why but when she saw Su Ming Feng accusing Xie Jing Xing, she felt the scene was very piercing to her eyes. Even though she was slightly blushing now that she had finished speaking, she did not regret it.
Shen Miao was convinced that Xie Jing Xing had no intention of exploiting Su Ming Feng. Otherwise, when Emperor Wen Hui sentenced the Su family to behead the entire clan, no one gathered the bodies of Su Yu and his sons. All feared Emperor Wen Hui's wrath and mistrust, but only Xie Jing Xing stood up and buried them.
Xie Jing Xing was already burdened by the death of Xie Ding in battle, and the Marquis of Lin An's residence was in jeopardy. He, too, used his life to lead into a perilous war.
Fu Ming's assessment of Xie Jing Xing was that he was faithful to his brothers, a true hero, and followed his heart. The most real of things can be seen through the eyes of a kid. Shen Miao had assumed that Fu Ming's words were true.
She didn't realize she was speaking until after Xie Jing Xing was mildly shocked and his eyes fell on her with a pleased smile.
Su Ming Feng stared at Xie Jing Xing but did not say anything.
His emotions were complex and sad. His good friend was not dead and was still living, which could make everyone happy. However, no one knew why he was unhappy at the moment.
Xie Jing Xing looked at him and said, "I owe you all nothing."
"If one were to calculate the debt, one had long paid back." Xie Jing Xing said, "The residence of the Marquis of Lin An is a tall tree that attracts the wind, thus Huángdì had the intention to suppress it. There are tens of thousands of soldiers in the Xie family army under the Marquis of Lin An. If there was love between father and son, coupled with the son continuing the father's mantle, Huángdì would not be able to sleep peacefully. The nearer one walk, the faster one dies. I still want to live a few more years so one protect the Marquis residence first for the Marquis of Lin An."
"The gratitude for parenting has been exchanged for a safety of the Marquis residence, is it not worth it?" Xie Jing Xing raised his lips and asked.
Su Ming Feng was speechless at the questioning.
"If I do not do that then Xie Ding, who was originally a sore eye to Huángdì, would one day die and the residence of the Marquis of Lin An would be charged with an unwarranted charge and would fall. Even though now the sons had died and there were no decedents, at least the residence of the Marquis of Lin An was still around and Huángdì let go of the Marquis of Lin An. When one mentioned about the residence of the Marquis of Lin An, it is still a clean and clear family." Xie Jing Xing smiled mockingly, "One has the mother and son sentiment with Princess Yu Qing by name and because of this little relations, what one could do is to preserve the dignity of the Maquis and residence of the Marquis of Lin An."
Shen Miao took a peek at Xie Jing Xing's handsome profile. He said it carelessly as if none of this mattered, but all those unspoken words had only been placed in his heart over the years.
Xie Jing Xing was candid, but he was also the least honest. He claimed the true facts and the true method, but he was deceptive in his own heart. He made no mention of his complaints or the concerns he harboured. In everyone's eyes, he played with life and trifled without regard, as if nothing could stump him. However, in order to keep the Marquis residence clean, he was forced to bear the reputations of 'rebellious,' 'impudent,' and 'no respect for one's elders' when arranging all of these matters.
Su Ming Feng was taken aback when he heard it.
"Being a noble and prosperous person in Great Liang is not as easy as you think." He stared at the icicle on the tree and mumbled, "If it were you, you would have cried and returned to look for your mother in a day."
As Su Ming Feng heard those words, his throat sucked.
"In the world, there are no absolutely unexpected advantages. Whatever was acquired had to be earned. Su Ming Feng, your days are comfortable, but you cannot look at me in the same way. I have much more experience than you."
He sighed quietly but kept a smile on his face. The eyes of that pair of peach blossoms were slightly curved, and the eyelashes were arranged in a perfect arc. From this angle, his brows were gentle and majestic, like a spirit stepping out of a painting, but there was no smile in those eyes.
It was as cold as the dead of winter.
"The most significant thing is that there is no nurturing, just expungement from Ming Qi to me." He concluded.