On the morning of the second day, Shen Miao would be following Xie Jing Xing to the Palace to see Emperor Yong Le. Because this was the first meeting, she had to wear the official clothes of the grade of what a Qīn Wángfēi should wear. When Xie Jing Xing came out, Shen Miao could not help but be startled.
The court attire of Great Liang and Ming Qi was unmistakably different. Ming Qi's style emphasized delicacy and beauty, whereas Great Liang emphasized noble bearing. Xie Jing Xing looked imposing in a purple-gold robe with embroidered Qilin, the official hat, and a green agate belt. His usual frivolous demeanour had faded, and he now appeared to be somewhat unapproachable.
Before boarding the carriage to the palace, Shen Miao shared a meal with him. Shen Miao had felt uneasy because of yesterday's events, but Xie Jing Xing appeared to be very pleased with her appearance, and when they were in the carriage, he mentioned it in a vile manner.
Shen Miao assumed that this person had no scruples because he was in Great Liang, but because it was her first meeting with Emperor Yong Le, her heart was slightly heavy, but thanks to Xie Jing Xing's teasing, it became much more relaxed.
The residence of Ruì Qīnwáng was not far from the Palace, and it was unclear whether this was done on purpose by Xie Jing Xing. When the Palace guards saw Xie Jing Xing, they immediately released their carriage. Jing Zhe and Gu Yu, Shen Miao's first ranking maids, trailed behind her but dared not even breathe loudly and walked carefully, fearing that any discourteous action would bring Shen Miao trouble.
The palace maids and eunuchs of Great Liang's Imperial Palace were all working with their heads lowered, but when Shen Miao walked by, she noticed some curious stares. Because it was her first visit to the Imperial Palace of Great Liang, perhaps everyone was wondering what kind of wife Xie Jing Xing had. The common people tolerated her, but those in positions of power aren't. Furthermore, Xie Jing Xing had a sensitive identity, and if Shen Miao had not guessed incorrectly, the position of Consort of Prince Rui was one for which many people would fight.
Her every move and action represented not only that she was Rui Wángfēi, but also the demeanour of the Shen family of Ming Qi.
Shen Miao couldn't help but straighten her back, even more, to appear more dignified. She had unconsciously brought out the bearing of her previous life as an Empress.
Xie Jing Xing noticed her movement and smiled meaningfully before whispering to her ears, "There's no need to be this nervous. You are almost on par with Huánghòu."
Shen Miao gave him a cold stare. What kind of time this was? Xie Jing Xing was still as cheeky as ever. There were many eyes and ears in the Palace, and they were most likely Emperor Yong Le's people. If Xie Jing Xing's words reached Emperor Yong Le's ears, would she be given the moniker "beautiful disaster"? She had not been a troublesome and disastrous beauty before, despite being a virtuous and respectable Empress in her previous lifetime.
Just as she was about to say something, Xie Jing Xing grabbed her hand, and Shen Miao struggled to break free, "Someone will see..."
"What would be the matter if someone sees?" Xie Jing Xing was not happy, "Do one need others agreement for Běnwǎng to hold Wángfēi's hand?"
Shen Miao wanted to say something when she saw that she had walked to a side hall with Xie Jing Xing and there was a fat eunuch who stood outside the door. When he saw both of them, he said, "Greetings to Qīnwáng Diànxià, Bìxià and Niángniáng have been waiting for a long time."
One did not know if it was intentional or not but he did not greet Shen Miao.
"Deng Gōnggōng, this is Běnwǎng's beloved qī." Xie Jing Xing did not let this matter pass and push Shen Miao forward, "Why are you not greeting?"
Shen Miao rolled her eyes at Xie Jing Xing in her heart. This Deng Gōnggōng apparently got an order from his master to treat her as such. Other than Emperor Yong Le which other master could there be? Even if this was Emperor Yong Le's thoughts, not only did Xie Jing Xing not go along with others, he deliberately brought it out. Was he here today for a quarrel?
Deng Gōnggōng's smile remained unchanged and immediately changed his tune and said to Shen Miao, "So it is Wángfēi Niángniáng. Núcái did not have eyes. May Wángfēi Niángniáng forgives oneself." (奴才 Núcái - Minion/Lackey. No idea why the author or team used this instead of 奴婢 Núbì - This servant. Anyone has any idea?)
Shen Miao was different from Xie Jing Xing. She smiled gently, "It is of no problem."
Xie Jing Xing swept a look at Deng Gōnggōng, "Fine. Huáng Xiōng is not satisfied with me like this, so why call me to come over?" He then smiled, "If it was not for Wángfēi that persuaded me today, who would want to come over to see him?"
Deng Gōnggōng and Shen Miao, "…"
Shen Miao pulled his sleeves, and Xie Jing Xing asked, "What are you afraid of?" One does not need to be afraid of others as the matriarch of my residence of Rui Qīnwáng. Don't be concerned; whoever bullies you, Fūjūn (this husband) will take it out on them."
His voice was not hidden or lowered, leaving the responsive and astute Deng Gōnggōng unable to conceal his awkwardness. A cough was heard from the main hall, and Deng Gōnggōng was quick to respond, "May Qīnwáng Diànxià and Wángfēi Niángniáng follow this one in."
Shen Miao was pulled by Xie Jing Xing and followed in.
She lowered her head all the way and did not raise her head. It was the first encounter and one would follow all propriety. Shen Miao knew that Emperor Yong Le did not like her much and thus was not willing to make any mistakes in these details and could only be perfect. She was only able to see the smooth marble on the flow that was engraved with cloud patterns and the top was covered with a soft wool blanket.
"Chén Dì greets Huáng Xiōng." Xie Jing Xing said lazily and even his gestures were barely passable.
(臣弟 Chén Dì - This Official younger brother; 臣妇 Chén Fù - This Official's wife)
Xie Jing Xing could be that impudent but Shen Miao could not. However, she did not go down on her knees and bend her back to greet, "Chén Fù greets Bìxià."
"You are Shen Miao?" After a while, a majestic low voice rang out, "Lift up the head."
Shen Miao lifted her head up.
The age of the male sitting in the highest seat was not considered too old, and he appeared to be in his thirties. His brows and eyes were arched, his nose was high, and his lips were thin. He resembled Xie Jing Xing by seven to eight tenths. However, Xie Jing Xing's features were soft while his expression was sharp, resulting in an extremely well-balanced beauty and handsomeness ratio. The middle-aged man in front did not have a gentle bearing, most likely due to the high position he had been sitting in for a long time, and he was even more upright than Xie Jing Xing. He had a deep gaze that was somewhat cold when looking at another as if one could see through to the bottom of one's heart.
Although these two brothers resembled each other in appearance and were all elegant and noble, their temperaments were as diametrically opposed as the North and South. Xie Jing Xing appeared to be a gentleman who went around playing and had cynical laziness in dealing with everything, but this person was extremely strict to oneself and would not let oneself off the hook at any time.
Shen Miao's heart felt unusually strange. She never imagined that the wise Emperor Yong Le would look so young and so handsome throughout the ages. It was nothing like she had imagined a head of white hair is.
When she was sizing up Emperor Yong Le, he was sizing her up as well. Emperor Yong Le's gaze was sharp, and there was a sense of pressure in his eyes. He had a cold expression on his face, as if he was about to erupt in rage. If he was sizing up a regular female, one feared she would be so terrified that she would cry. Shen Miao, on the other hand, was not like other young ladies. When she was previously facing Fu Xiu Yi, Fu Xiu Yi's cold expression to her was much colder.
Seeing that she still remained calm, a sharp gaze flashed in Emperor Yong Le's eyes but Xie Jing Xing lazy voice was heard in the main hall, "Has Huáng Xiōng seen enough? If one looks longer, Chén Dì will become uncomfortable."
Shen Miao was taken aback and couldn't keep it to herself. She had always wondered what the relationship between Xie Jing Xing and Emperor Yong Le would be like, and she was also aware that these two brothers were more sincere than the brothers in Ming Qi's Imperial family, but she had not expected Xie Jing Xing to say such things to Emperor Yong Le. Furthermore, Emperor Yong Le did not appear to be angry at all.
There were many rules and regulations in the Imperial family, and each person's status was subtle, making it impossible to have a relationship like ordinary brothers. It was already a luxury that the siblings were not fighting and were on good terms. Furthermore, Xie Jing Xing had been in Ming Qi for many years, but it appeared that he had been living with Emperor Yong Le since he was a child.
"Jing Xing, Běngōng will also be angry with your words." Shen Miao's gaze was drawn to the female by Emperor Yong Le's side after hearing a laughing voice.
This person was thought to be Emperor Yong Le's wife, Empress Xian De of Great Liang.
Empress Xian De appeared to be younger than Emperor Yong Le, dressed in pomelo-green embroidered robes with a wide belt. This outfit was considered very plain and simple, but she had a dignified appearance and one could tell she was a female who had been well-educated by a large family and was intelligent and calm with one look. She sat by Emperor Yong Le's side, smiling at Xie Jing Xing.
Shen Miao remembered Xie Jing Xing praising Empress Xian De once. There were not many females that Xie Jing Xing would praise because he was so critical, and for Empress Xian De to become one of them, something special had to exist. Even if Xie Jing Xing did not mention it, Shen Miao would have a favourable impression of Empress Xian De because she possessed such a graceful and calm demeanour that even Shen Miao, who had previously served as an Empress, would feel inferior and ashamed.
"Jing Xing's Qīzi, the Xiǎojiě of the Shen family in Ming Qi." Empress Xian De nodded her head and smiled warmly, "Běngōng has always been curious what kind of gūniáng would make Jing Xing curb his heart. Now upon looking, one understood. Jing Xing has good eyes."
Shen Miao repeatedly reply that she didn't dare.
Emperor Yong Le was dissatisfied with Empress Xian De's praises. He glared at Empress Xian De, clearly unhappy, but he only stated solemnly, "Ming Qi's and Great Liang's rules and regulations are different." Since you married and became Great Liang's people, you must follow Great Liang's rules and regulations."
"Huáng Xiōng." Xie Jing Xing interrupted his words, "This Chén Dì will naturally teach the rules and regulation. If one is unable to teach, Huáng Xiōng need not have to worry, the people of the residence of Rui Qīnwáng will be looked after by Chén Dì. It is better for Huáng Xiōng to manage your own matters."
Xie Jing Xing protected Shen Miao to this extent, not even showing Emperor Yong Le's face in front of Shen Miao. Emperor Yong Le became enraged and exclaimed, "You protect your wife this much? And you won't even let Zhèn say a single word? Why doesn't Zhèn give you this seat?"
"Forget about it. Keep this position for yourself as Chén Dì is not interested," Xie Jing Xing waved his hands carelessly. "It's just that it was so difficult for Chén Dì to marry a gūniáng, what should Chén Dì do if you intervene again and one's Fù flees? Will one be lonely for the rest of one's life?"
Shen Miao, "…"
If Xie Jing Xing were Fu Xiu Yi's brother and said those words to him, he would be dead seven to eight times.
Emperor Yong Le rose and turned to face Shen Miao. That long was filled with threats before he turned around and brushed his sleeves away. He became enraged again after walking halfway and seeing that Xie Jing Xing was still standing by Shen Miao's side and had no intention of following, "Rollover to Zhèn here."
Xie Jing Jing was helpless about it and said to Empress Xian De, "Huáng Sǎo, will hand Jiao Jiao over to you." Then he said to Shen Miao, "After matters are settled, I will pick you up."
After Xie Jing Xing and Emperor Yong Le left, Empress Xian De then smiled gently and stood up to walk over to Shen Miao, "The room is rather stuffy. Since you have not come to the Imperial Palace of Great Liang, Běngōng will bring you around."
Shen Miao quickly complied.
Empress Xian De was a good person and seemed not to put on any air of an Empress. Both of them went to the Imperial Gardens to stroll around and on the way there, Empress Xian De asked if she was used to Long Ye. The conversation was intimate like talking to one's Eldest Sister, which made one's heart feel smooth.
"Ever since Jing Xing returned to Long Ye, Běngōng had never seen him being interested in any gūniáng. One had thought that most likely it was not possible for him to like any gūniáng and did not think that he would marry a Qī in Ming Qi. Even though it was somewhat surprising, but one's heart was very comforted. Otherwise, Běngōng would really worried that he would not find a gūniáng for his entire life and be alone."
When Shen Miao heard those words, she smiled and said, "How could Qīnwáng? When he was young in Ming Qi, there were many gūniángs that liked him so no matter what he would not be alone."
Empress Xian De shook her head with a smile, "Then have you seen him being particularly good to anyone?"
Shen Miao was startled.
Empress Xian De then carried on herself, "Jing Xing and the Huáng looked like different people but in fact, both brothers are the same. Huáng looked cold on the surface and his temperament is also cold. Jing Xing looked warm and easy to talk to but his temperament is also cold. Most likely, they themselves are clear that their identities are special and should not think about things that one should not think of." She looked at Shen Miao with a smile, "One thinks that Jing Xing had told you about his secret so this is not a secret."
"That kind of child had to hide himself and live like this since young. Be it hiding one's identity or emotions, one's self-control had been gradually developed but one's heart also harden. This is a good thing to the Imperial family but to himself, it was not a good thing. Běngōng had always thought that if Jing Xing was the same as Huáng then it would be too unfair. It was fortunate that he was luckier than Huáng and met you."
Shen Miao's heart was a little hesitant as she listened to Empress Xian De's words. In the short time spent interacting with Empress Xian De, Shen Miao noticed that she had a personality that one would like at first glance. Unlike the usual deliberate fawning, Empress Xian De was the quiet one who made everyone feel at ease. She appeared to live genuinely, rather than as a female in the Inner Palace.
But what was the meaning that she said that Xie Jing Xing was luckier than Emperor Yong Le's fortune?
This was too difficult to answer, thus, Shen Miao could only listen quietly without speaking.
"Bìxià deeply entrust Jing Xing." Empress Xian De said, "He hopes that Jing Xing can live comfortably and happy but does not hope that Jing Xing would change his original aspiration because of greed and comfort. Bìxià lived in hardship so if Bìxià hurt you because of this matter, you mustn't blame him."
Shen Miao smiled gently, "Chén Fù is not qualified to place any blame on the decision of Bìxià." She looked at Empress Xian De, "Is it that Niángniáng has something to say to Chén Fù?
Empress Xian De smiled before sighing, "Just now when one first saw you, Běngōng felt a familiar feeling in you. You are a smart gūniáng and Běngōng know that it is easy for a smart person to see something fixated. If you cannot resolve it, then the knot in one's heart cannot be untied."
Shen Miao frowned slightly. Empress Xian De's words seemed to have another meaning to her.
"Bìxià regards Jing Xing as very important, and while Bìxià agreed to Jing Xing marrying, one's heart is not happy. Jing Xing has natural ways to oppose Bìxià's decisions, but you are unique. You are a Ming Qi's Guīnǚ, and there are many places in Great Liang that are off-limits to you." Empress Xian De said, "Běngōng like you a lot but Běngōng is Bìxià's wife and Běngōng cannot change Bìxià decision and can only hope that you will feel comfortable."
Shen Miao said, "What is Bìxià going to do?"
Just as Empress Xian De was about to speak, a charming female voice came from behind, "Jiějiě has such good spirits today and strolls in the Imperial Gardens."
Shen Miao and Empress Xian De turned their heads to see that some palace people were supporting a female dressed in palace clothes from the other end of the small hallway. This lady was dressed in a silver, red, and purple robe with an agate jade on her head. It was the beginning of spring, but she looked even more stunning that season. As she approached, one noticed that this woman had a lovely face, but one couldn't tell if it was because of her attire, which made her appear slightly impetuous.
She came over enchanted and greeted Empress Xian De, but she had a careless appearance, seeming not to put Empress Xian De in her eyes.
"Oh. So it is Jing Fēi Mèimei." Empress Xian De stated matter-of-factly.
Shen Miao was thinking in her heart that this Consort Jing appeared to be in her early twenties and could be a Consort. Her family was either extremely prominent or extremely well-off. However, Shen Miao felt that, aside from being younger and more beautiful than Empress Xian De, this Consort Jing appeared to be inferior to Empress Xian De, and it was difficult to see what other points were there that were worthy of Emperor Yong Le's favour.
That Consort Jing only seemed to notice Shen Miao at that time and questioned, "This person is unfamiliar. Which Fūrén is this?"
Shen Miao had already dressed as a married woman and combed her hair in a married woman's style. Even if her face was delicate, she would not be considered an unmarried young lady of an official.
"This is the Fūrén of Qīnwáng, Rui Wángfēi." Xian, Empress De seems not to want to introduce Shen Miao to Consort Jing, so her words were brief.
When the words were spoken, Consort Jing's expression changed. When she heard those words, she called out in astonishment, "Rui Wángfēi?" Then she looked up and down at Shen Miao to size her up.
It differs from Emperor Yong Le's careful examination gaze, as well as Empress Xian De's kind-hearted observation. This person's gaze was extremely rude as if she were sizing up some plaything. She snorted and spoke somewhat ill-intentionally after she finished looking, "One had initially thought that what kind of great national beauty would one be that it made Rui Qīnwáng marry back to Great Liang despite the great distance." Now, based on this appearance… It is most likely that my eyesight is poor and that I am unable to see anything special," she said harshly.
Shen Miao had no idea how she got involved with this one and was so cautious that she refused to speak. Empress Xian De, on the other hand, had a cold expression on her face, saying, "The people who Jìng Fēi sees as special are even lesser than less."
Shen Miao was surprised that Empress Xian De would be angry at Consort Jing for her, and she likened Empress Xian De to Emperor Yong Le.
It was just that Empress Xian De's sarcastic words were ineffective, and no one knew whether Consort Jing understood them or not. Consort Jing smiled at Shen Miao, "It appears that Jiějiě has good relations with Rui Wángfēi and would stroll around the gardens together. One does not know what kind of private conversations one had with Rui Wángfēi. After all, it is Rui Qīnwángfēi's first time here, and there are bound to be many things one is unaware of."
Shen Miao looked at Consort Jing.
Consort Jing smirked, "One thinks it is so. Rui Wáng Diànxià is busy every day so where would there be time to speak to Rui Wángfēi about matters of Great Liang? Speaking of which, some days ago, my Sì Mèimèi was still asking when Rui Wáng Diànxià would be returning. She said that she had learned a song and wanted Rui Wáng Diànxià to give her some pointers."
Empress Xian De said angrily, "Jìng Fēi!"
Shen Miao suddenly came to a realization in her heart. She was wondering why Consort Jing would target her for no rhyme or reason. So this was like that. Thinking of when Xie Jing Xing was in Ming Qi, he was well-liked by young ladies and now in Great Liang, with the identity of Prince Rui, there would be even more oriole and swallows flying around. She only reach here for a moment and was already hated by others.
Consort Jing was smiling as she looked at Shen Miao, "If Rui Wángfēi is bored, one can invite my Sì Mèimèi over to the residence. My Sì Mèimèi has always like to make friends and if Rui Wángfēi has nothing to do, it is good to have more jiěmèi."
More sisters? Shen Miao heart laughed coldly. More like having more sisters in the inner courtyard.
One had considered taking it lightly, but when her gaze fell on the white jade thumb ring that Xie Jing Xing had given her, Shen Miao changed her mind. She smiled, "One fear that this would not work."
Consort Jing was startled and Empress Xian De was also stunned, seemingly did not think that Shen Miao would say so.
"Diànxià has entrusted me with the management of Prince Rui's residence, from the large matters of the common funds to small matters such as revenue from shops, servants and guards, and invitations from those who come over; one is so preoccupied with matters inside and outside that one fears there will be no time to entertain guests." Shen Miao smiled warmly and seemed to be a little apologetic, "Since one come over for the first time and Diànxià trust this Chén Fù, Chén Fù dared not let Diànxià down. If Sì Xiǎojiě likes, one can look for Diànxià for a meet. Chén Fù will not have time."
These words made Consort Jing dumb and speechless but a fire was burning in her heart.
Shen Miao's words looked warm and smile and spoke that she did not have time to accompany guests but in fact, it was just a bright show. Look at how Prince Rui of First Rank dote on her that he handed all matters of the residence of Prince Rui of First Rank to Shen Miao to manage. This was naturally because there was only Shen Miao, the only mistress in the Prince Residence so one would dote on one person but there was no need to even pass all the management of shops, maids and guards over to her right? It was better to say that Rui Wángfēi of First Rank also manage Prince Rui.
Rui Wángfēi of First Rank had changed the way of showing how high her position was in the Prince residence.
Shen Miao was busy with official matters and also secretly trampled on Consort Jing's Fourth Younger Sister, indicated that she had nothing to do all day and ran around to other family's residence to cause trouble. This was not considered a good thing.
The corner of Empress Xian De's lips slightly rose.
Consort Jing was so angry that the colour of her face turned green.
Originally Shen Miao was not one who would be enemies of others, especially when she was unfamiliar with the people and matters here. It was just that Consort Jing had provoked the anger in her heart. If she did not push back viciously, in the future everyone would be stepping on her head.
With the correct conditions of Heavens, timing, interest and people, and with Xie Jing Xing supporting her, if she were to let it go, she would be a fool.
Shen Miao smiled gently, "One heard that a kindhearted person would always feel the same. For Jìng Fēi Niángniáng to be so worried about Chén Fù's loneliness and want to look for some jiěmèi to accompany Chén Fù, one thinks that one felt the same. Most likely Jìng Fēi Niángniáng has also times when one is lonely. Why not in the future look for a few more jiěmèi to come to the Palace to sit? Like that Jìng Fēi Niángniáng would be joyous."
Consort Jing was so angry that she almost could not breathe.
Shen Miao's words were saying that Consort Jing let Shen Miao invite her Fourth Younger Sister to the residence for a sit and wanted to increase the number of 'sisters' in the inner courtyard. Shen Miao was also a smart person and immediately return it back to let Consort Jing add a few more 'sisters' in the Palace.
Consort Jing gritted her teeth with hate. Sue was currently at her prime but it has been for a number of years. There were so many female candidates that entered the Palace every year and the favour of a Monarch was the most precious. If there were a few 'sisters' that could cause cities and countries to fall, then where could she stand?
This Rui Wángfēi's mouth was really sharp.
Empress Xian De however laughed, "Since Jìng Fēi Mèimèi is lonely, then it is easy to handle. Tomorrow I will mention this to Bìxià that these days the Palace is somewhat deserted and it is time to add a few more new jiěmèi."
Consort Jing was quickly anxious, "Not lonely. I am not lonely." Empress Xian De's position was very stable and naturally, it would not matter to her to add in a few sisters but Consort Jing was at the period where she was most favoured thus she feared that the favour would be shared.
Shen Miao was grateful to Empress Xian De for pushing the boat along. Even though Empress Xian De only spoke about it, she said seriously, "Jìng Fēi Niángniáng must not deny it. Since one cares for Chén Fù, Chén Fù should also return a peach with a plum." She said it as if Consort Jing should instead thank her.
"Chi." From not far away, a chuckle was heard. A few people turned back to look and saw Emperor Yong Le and Xie Jing Xing standing at the back of the garden from don't know when. Because they were concealed by the trees, no one discovered their figures and one did not know how much they have heard.
Emperor Yong Le looked indifferent and one was unable to see any anger or joy as he said, "Rui Qīnwáng, this wife of yours really have a set of fangs." It was at the end somewhat unpleasant so one thought that the deliberate teasing of Consort Jing by Shen Miao and Empress Xian De were all heard.
Consort Jing ran towards Emperor Yong Le in a grievance, "Bìxià…"
Xie Jing Xing walked over and pat Shen Miao's head, as if to praise that white tiger in his inner courtyard and said with great please, "Jiao Jiao is really sensible and know how to be actively compassionate towards others." He then swept a glance at Emperor Yong Le, "Since Jìng Fēi wants to have jiěmèi then Huáng Xiōng should go along with it. It is not that the Palace cannot afford to raise an idler."
When Consort Jing heard it, her heart was anxious and panicking. She bit her lips and looked towards Emperor Yong Le with a pitiful appearance.
Shen Miao wanted to laugh. Consort Jing came over to bare her fangs and brandish her claws but she did not have brains. Now it seemed that it was them that joined hands to bully Consort Jing. One did not know why did Emperor Yong Le support this kind of female.
Emperor Yong Le said, "Since when do you want to manage Zhèn's matter?"
"Isn't Huáng Xiōng's fēi is also managing this Chén Dì's fēi?" Xie Jing Xing raised his eyebrows and looked at Consort Jing. He had a beautiful and handsome appearance and would often smile idly, the females in the Palace liked this appearance of his but they all knew deep in their hearts that this Prince Rui of First Rank could not be provoked.
Her eyes were sharp and his tone of voice was calm but one could not help but feel cold.
He said, "Jìng Fēi, are you sure you want Běnwǎng to listen to your Sì Mèimèi's song?"
Consort Jing shivered.