Birthday

It was Xie Jing Xing's birthday on the third day of the seventh month. Everyone in Rui Qīnwáng's residence became preoccupied. According to what others have said, Emperor Yong Le held a yearly banquet for Xie Jing Xing in Bi Xiu Lou to celebrate, even though Xie Jing Xing did not like it. The more Emperor Yong Le appreciated Xie Jing Xing, the better the officials treated him. Of course, Xie Jing Xing's performance over the last two years was scrutinised. The birthday celebration was a day one could flatter because birthday gifts were continuously brought to the residence so early in the morning.

Tang Shu was busy recording all the items in a booklet before handing them to Shen Miao for inspection. Shen Miao was, after all, the Wángfēi of Rui Qīnwáng's residence, and despite her cold war with Xie Jing Xing, she had to go through the list of gifts. Shen Miao glanced at it, and the list of names dazzled her. They all rushed over to flatter, whether it was a high-ranking official or a low-ranking government official. The Lu and Ye families also sent gifts.

Shen Miao's heart was deeply moved, and it was all because of Emperor Yong Le and Xie Jing Xing's close relationship. If this were Ming Qi, the Emperor would be suspicious if any official's birthday celebration had so many people celebrating. Seeing it handled so openly after arriving at Long Ye felt strange.

Tang Shu pointed out to Shen Miao which gifts should be placed in the storehouse and which could be used before asking, "Fūrén, don't forget to dress up earlier. Tie Yi's side will arrange for people to pick up Fūrén and drive you to Bi Xiao Luo."

"I..." Shen Miao said hesitantly.

"Fūrén is the Wángfēi of the residence and Qīnwáng Diànxià's wife," Tang Shu said with a smile. "Naturally, Fūrén must attend Diànxià's birthday." He paused before saying, "Quarrels between husband and wife are like fighting at the head of the bed and making up at the end of the bed. Qīnwáng Diànxià appeared to be angry, but if Fūrén does not come over today, one does not know how long he will sulk, so..."

"I understand; I will go over." Shen Miao said.

Tang Shu sighed in relief and reminded a couple more sentences to Shen Miao before leaving.

After he left, Shen Miao looked at that booklet and kept it well. When she returned to the room, Jing Zhe asked Shen Miao cautiously, "Fūrén will be going to Bi Xiao Luo, right?"

"The residence of Rui Qīnwáng is monitored by others, and I just came to Great Liang; thus, other people would be watching the bustle. If one does not go, others will have the opportunity to talk. It is better to head directly. Use a General when the soldiers come and build a dam from the earth when the water approaches."

Jing Zhe nodded her head continuously. "That's right. They want to see what our Wángfēi from Ming Qi looks like. Then, let them see Fūrén clearly, who comes from a General residence. How could anyone casually become a Wángfēi?"

Gu Yu pulled Jing Zhe and glared at her before whispering, "The more you say, the more exaggerated it becomes."

Jing Zhe pouted. Seeing that Shen Miao had headed to the room, she twisted Gu Yu's ears. "Fūrén is still feeling awkward and has looked for so many reasons to give in to Gūyé, but no one will laugh." After speaking, she felt emotional. "Gūyé really has the ability to make Fūrén willing to give in."

E/N: 姑爷 Gūyé - used by the wife side of the family to call the husband

Gu Yu said, "Speak a few words less."

Shen Miao returned to the room, and Jing Zhe followed in with Gu Yu. Gu Yu asked, "Would Fūrén like to choose what to wear tonight? Then this servant can think of what hairstyle to comb."

Shen Miao said, "Do those later, and help me grind ink first."

Jing Zhe and Gu Yu exchanged glances, puzzled as to why Shen Miao was in the mood to write. Shen Miao, for example, did not enjoy writing or drawing, but they would naturally do what their Master desired. Gu Yu and Jing Zhe realised Shen Miao wanted to write a letter when she opened the letter paper.

Shen Miao asked Gu Yu, "Biǎojiě is returning soon?"

Gu Yu said, "Gao Xiānshēng passed a message that she will be able to attend the birthday celebration in Bi Xiao Luo tonight."

Nobody knew what had happened to Luo Tan and Gao Yang over the last few days. Luo Tan had a fiery temper, and with Gao Yang bullying and deceiving her, one would think it would take some time for her rage to subside, so Gao Yang abducted her. Shen Miao was confident that, given Gao Yang's personality, he would not harm Luo Tan and that Gao Yang was in greater danger. Gao Yang had to rush over as Xie Jing Xing's arms and legs and his friend because it was Xie Jing Xing's birthday today.

She began writing after some thought. She wrote with trepidation. After two to three sentences, she decided it wasn't good and crushed and discarded it. She then resumed her writing but, as before, threw it away. Finally, she had no idea how much paper she had thrown away before hanging her brush. "When you see Tie Yi later, pass this to him and let him hand it over to Xie Jing Xing during the birthday celebration," she said as she placed the letter in the envelope and handed it to Jing Zhe.

When Jing Zhe realised it was for Xie Jing Xing, her eyes widened. Shen Miao, she assumed, was writing a letter for Shen Xin and his wife, and she was intrigued because the letter sent home had only been written two days before, so why write again?

"Gu Yu, I need you to go for an errand," Shen Miao said. She then took a piece of paper and wrote down a list before handing it to Gu Yu, saying, "Help me buy the following things."

Gu Yu quickly complied.

Two of them rushed ahead. Shen Miao sat quietly in the room, relieved.

Giving in was something she rarely did. Her self-esteem, especially in this lifetime, did not allow her to bow her head to others, but this time it was her fault. Furthermore, Xie Jing Xing was proud, and someone had to lower their head first between them. Shen Miao reasoned that since Xie Jing Xing knew nothing, he did not need to bow his head.

She had to demonstrate her sincerity because he would receive many gifts during the birthday celebration. Because there was no shortage of gold, silver, and jewels in Rui Qīnwáng's residence, and she was not considered good at making handmade items, she only had a few simple items after some thought. Furthermore, according to Ba Jiao, Xie Jing Xing appeared picky on the surface but was very easy to coax.

What mattered most to her was that the Ye family was among the guests at Bi Xiao Luo; thus, the Ye siblings were among them. Since the Ye siblings were present, she had to keep an eye on them to prevent them from pulling any tricks, and she couldn't let Xie Jing Xing interact with them without her presence.

Time flew by, and before they knew it, it was nearly evening. Tie Yi had sent people to pick it up, and Jing Zhe smiled as he placed the pearl hairpin in Shen Miao's hair, "I'm done. Fūrén can compete with everyone today."

"I am not in the Xuǎnxiù Nǚ, so what is the use of this?" Shen Miao laughed and looked at the mirror before pulling out that pearl hairpin and replacing it with a purple jade Begonia. 

E/N: 选秀女 Xuǎnxiù Nǚ - Selection of concubines; a method used by the Qing Dynasty to select concubines.

Jing Zhe blinked her eyes, "It is even better to match it like this."

The scene in which Xie Jing Xing gave her this jade Begonia hairpin flashed before her eyes. They were on guard with one another at the time and were suspicious of one another. Shen Miao was unsure about Xie Jing Xing's background at the time, only knowing that he was different from the rumours of the previous lifetime.

There had been so many coincidences and unbelievable events in her life, and now that she and Xie Jing Xing were married and moved to Great Liang together, this was something she had never considered. Perhaps wearing this jade Begonia hairpin would dispel Xie Jing Xing's rage and remind him of how they progressed from strangers to a married couple and how all those unnecessary suspicions were unnecessary.

"Ba Jiao and the rest are outside, waiting," Shen Miao said, standing up with a gentle smile. "Let's go."

When they went outside, they saw that the horse carriage had already been prepared and that Ba Jiao and Hui Xiang were waiting outside. Jing Zhe asked curiously, "Diànxià is not going together with Fūrén?"

Hui Xian somewhat awkwardly replied, "Diànxià left first and let Shǔxià come over to pick up Fūrén."

E/N: 属下 Shǔxià - this subordinate

This made others feel somewhat uncomfortable. Those with discerning eyes would notice a problem if Rui Qīnwáng Diànxià and Wángfēi did not leave together and came out one after the other. Jing Zhe and Gu Yu felt indignant for Shen Miao, but Shen Miao faintly said, "Alright, let us depart then."

She was fully cognizant of Xie Jing Xing's temperament. A proud person can be as stubborn as a sea urchin at times. She would not be calculative about such trivial matters and felt uneasiness in her 'apologies' tonight. 

Bi Xiao Luo was Long Ye's largest and most expensive restaurant, not to mention the most prestigious for officials to hold a banquet here. As a result, not just one or two tables were reserved for a birthday celebration here, but the entire restaurant, which was thought to be very impressive. Naturally, such an impressive scene would necessitate a large sum of money, and Rui Qīnwáng residence held banquets here for three years in a row, demonstrating how wealthy the residence was.

A young man sat inclined on the main seat, oblivious to others' compliments. From a distance, the long purple-gold robe almost filled the entire seat, which appeared to overflow with night scenery with a charming and gentle luxurious feel. Too many people came over to toast that one's body had naturally become intoxicated, but the eyes of the pair of peach blossoms were crystal clear, leaving others unsure whether one was drunk or not.

There were also female family members among the guests, and when they saw that young man, they all involuntarily cast admiring glances his way. Rui Qīnwáng was young and had peerless beauty, but he also had a devilish charm that females were obsessed with. Combined with his noble and high position and his wealthy background, it made one want to rush up, even if it meant smashing one's head.

Unfortunately, such a young talent was already married and had a formal wedding with his Wángfēi. Despite the presence of a Wángfēi, the position of Cè Fēi remained vacant. Even if one did not become a Cè Fēi, everyone would be vying for the position of concubine.

E/N: 侧妃 Cè Fēi - Secondary Consort

Lu Wan-er was sitting by Lu Fūrén's side, and her gaze was involuntarily on Xie Jing Xing. Two years ago, when she first saw Xie Jing Xing, she became clamoured with him as she felt that all men were vulgar and that only this person would match her, but that position by her side should be hers. However, that stupid woman, Shen Miao, had stood in that position that made Lu Wan-er so furious that she could not wait to tear Shen Miao apart. She intended to speak with Xie Jing Xing, but some officials were complimenting Xie Jing Xing, and she was only a Xiǎojiě of an official family. No matter how courageous one was, she could not ingratiate herself like that and thus became somewhat moody.

In the blink of an eye, she saw Ye Ke talking to Ye Mei, and Lu Wan-er's entire face sank.

As a female, one tends to be more attuned to the appearance of another. Lu Wan-er held the conviction that she was luxuriated, with only the finest food and clothing at her disposal. Consequently, when she encountered other females, her expression was disdainful. Throughout Long Ye, she perceived herself as invaluable, akin to the Princesses, and regarded the Ye family, who held a status equal to that of the Lu family, with disdain. The line of descendants from the Ye family was sparse, with no young ladies present.

It was rumoured, however, that the Ye family had welcomed a pair of intriguing siblings back. Initially, Lu Wan-er viewed the situation as a mere spectacle, but her displeasure became evident upon witnessing Ye Mei's presence. 

Ye Mei was already breathtakingly beautiful. An undeniable appeal drew others in, making them look at her with unwavering interest. If one were to describe it as seductive, it possessed a touch of purity as well. To describe it as innocence would overlook the sophisticated sense of style present. Ye Mei's keen insight allowed her to recognise those Fūréns, although both siblings were only familiar with them through the geniality books.

A captivating and astute woman who understood the art of timing, now proudly assuming her role as the young lady of the Ye family. Observing Ye Fūrén showering her with excessive affection out of guilt, Lu Wan-er felt overshadowed by her in numerous aspects, leading to a profound sense of crisis. 

One even heard that this Ye Mei saved Rui Qīnwáng's life and had a close relationship with Rui Qīnwáng's residence. Lu Wan-er clenched her teeth in rage.

Lu Wan-er had regarded Xie Jing Xing as 'hers' for so long that even with Shen Miao present, Lu Wan-er had never dismissed her thoughts. An official daughter of another country would not have any support in Long Ye. With the Lu family's abilities, it would not be difficult to find a way to make her disappear in the future, and thus, Lu Wan-er would never put Shen Miao in her sights. However, Ye Mei was unique; everyone knew that the Ye family had a delicate relationship with the Lu family and was neither friend nor foe. If the Ye family is related to Rui Qīnwáng's residence... Lu Wan-er became tense and bit her lower lip without saying anything.

She was thinking on this side, but at the other end, Ye Fūrén said somewhat surprisingly, "Speaking of it, one had not seen Wángfēi. Could it be that Wángfēi would not be coming today?"

The Fūréns in the area began to whisper. Everyone was not blind, and they had observed earlier that Shen Miao had not arrived. However, they did not discuss this openly because no one had said it. They naturally began to discuss the topic after Ye Fūrén brought it up.

Ye Fūrén said, "Could it be that one's health is sick? When I went to pick up Mei-er and Ke-er a few days back, one saw that Qīnwángfēi was somewhat haggard. Thinking about it, it would be as such since Qīnwáng Diànxià was sick, and she, as a wife, would naturally be worried that one's health would be impacted that one could not take care of Qīnwáng Diànxià."

There was a sigh of relief when those words were spoken. According to Ye Fūrén's words, the Ye siblings' relationship had a close relationship with Qīnwáng residence and also suppressed Shen Miao. Shen Miao did not go to take care of Rui Qīnwáng when his life was hanging by a thread. Even if one's body was genuinely ill, this action contradicted one's conscience.

At Xie Jing Xing's end, he was taking in the toast, and it was unclear whether he had heard Ye Fūrén's words because he had a light smile on his lips, and his gaze did not look over this side.

Someone said, "Could it be that the married couple is quarrelling?"

"How could this be?" Lu Fūrén laughed amiably, "At the beginning, Wángfēi personally said that the residence of Rui Qīnwáng would not bring in anyone else, so it can be seen that both of their relationship is extremely good else one would not say such things. Since one's feelings are this good, quarrels would definitely not exist. It is better not to overthink." Lu Fūrén took what Shen Miao said to heart till this day, and the more she said such, it was like slapping Shen Miao's face.

When Lu Wan-er heard those words, her mood, previously disturbed by Ye Mei, improved slightly. Even though she was not pleased with Ye Mei, if she saw Shen Miao and Xie Jing Xing were not on good terms, she would become happy.

Ye Mei looked at Ye Fūrén slightly, "Qīnwáng residence will not bring in people?"

Ye Fūrén shook her head and said softly, "It is Wángfēi who said it herself."

Luo Tan was filled with rage as she listened. She had rushed back and had not expected to be unable to see Shen Miao. She didn't know any of the Fūréns or Gūniángs here and couldn't speak for Shen Miao because it would get her in trouble. She couldn't stand hearing all the nonsense these people were saying.

"It cannot be that she would not come, right?" Another Fūrén asked.

Just as Luo Tan was about to argue, she heard gentle laughter from outside. "My apologies, one had arrived late."

Everyone unconsciously looked over towards the doors.

A young female parted the beaded curtains and walked in with a smile.

She was young, and her facial appearance was highly delicate. Her brows were like cresent moons, her eyes were like the autumn water, and her lips were slightly hooked up. She wore dark purple lily robes and a lilac dress, with her hair in a cloud bun and dark purple eight-treasure earrings. It was not an extravagant dress and was considered simple, but it was as if the entire hall was lit up luxuriously upon her arrival. Not only was the dark and serious purple not over the top, but it also highlighted her snow-like complexion and her brows like a painting. As she came in step by step, the skirt swayed, making her look fascinating.

It was a distinctly unique beauty compared to Ye Mei. True beauty resides deep within, beyond mere appearances. Ye Mei was beautiful, yet Shen Miao's beauty resembled the gentle flow of spring water, the delicate sheen of summer ice, the soft glow of the crescent moon in autumn, and the pristine elegance of winter snow. The elegance lay in the demeanour, and the charm resided in the authentic expression of one's true self. It was as if it were not a single point more or less that rendered one unable to look away, but rather a feeling that was heart-wrenching. One must not indulge in delusion and could only aspire to.

Shen Miao raised her chin slightly and walked over to the central position, sitting in the middle of the side of the female guests. She had a graceful expression on that in this entire room of Fūréns and Gūniángs, they were all aristocrats, but compared with her, they seemed to be dwarfed.

She took the wine cup Luo Tan brought and smiled, "One punishes oneself with a cup of wine for being late." And she elegantly drank the cup cleanly.

Neither servile nor overbearing, neither biased nor dependent, Shen Miao exuded a sense of heroism and elegance. Many followers of Xie Jing Xing were present and would fawn, but Shen Miao's actions made one's heart feel good. They immediately raised a toast with smiles: "Wángfēi has a magnanimous bearing. We will also toast to it."

Luo Tan blinked her eyes. She had felt that Shen Miao was exceptionally beautiful today, and her bearing was exceptionally different. No matter what, it made her feel honourable, like she had the face, and her back was unconsciously straighter.

Shen Miao smiled slightly, and her eyes swept across everyone. However, she remembered how Jing Zhe and Gu Yu had rushed the entire afternoon. She must use the identity of Rui Wángfēi to meet with everyone in Long Ye, and the most important thing was that Mei Fūrén was present.

She did not allow herself to feel a slight defeat in front of Mei Fūrén, as she was carrying the dignity of her children. No matter how miserable her loss was in the previous lifetime, this lifetime was not the past, and she would not give up a single line.

Ye Mei looked startled at Shen Miao with some shock in her eyes.

Shen Miao smiled faintly at her, but her heart was as cold as a hail. These siblings dared to appear in front of her again and again openly. Did they think that they could be exceptionally fearless with the Ye family?

Luo Tan tugged Shen Miao slightly and said in a voice that only both could hear, "Biǎojiě, are you quarrelling with Mèifū? Why does it look like something is not right?"

Shen Miao looked at Xie Jing Xing. He was listening casually to an official's toast and was indeed filled with indifference. Shen Miao was slightly stunned, as she did not know if Tie Yi had given him that letter. If Tie Yi had given him the letter and he was still like this, then Shen Miao would not be confident that she could explain it.

Just as one was thinking, one heard a Dàrén speaking, "Since everyone has arrived, everyone will give birthday congratulations to Rui Qīnwáng Diànxià."

Everyone raised their cups. Xie Jing Xing's lips hooked up in compliance, and they drank. One heard one of the Fūréns talking, "Speaking of which, Ye Fūrén has just found Ye Xiǎojiě and Ye Shàoyé. For Ye Xiǎojiě to be so beautiful, one thinks that she is talented, and since there is some relations with the residence of Rui Qīnwáng, it is ideal to do some skills to Rui Qīnwáng as congratulations."

There were some demeaning meanings to those words. It was somewhat frivolous for a young lady to perform her talents in front of others if it was not an examination. Moreover, Ye Mei grew up in a merchant family, so who would know how many talents she had? This Fūrén was searching for thorns. It seemed that the Ye family had quite a lot of political rivals.

Ye Ke's face was somewhat unhappy, and Ye Fūrén was about to refuse politely when Ye Mei smiled, "It is not impossible but one fear of sweeping everyone's interest and dared not display one's incompetence."

The Fūrén who proposed it was eager to see her 'display one's incompetence' and immediately laughed, "How can it be? It would not be so. Qīnwáng Diànxià, don't you think so?"

Xie Jing Xing raised his eyebrows and glanced to the side. His lips widened, and he said, "Dance then," with a smile, but not a smile.

His tone of voice was somewhat casual as if instructing some dancer.

Ye Mei's eyes flashed, but she stood up and gave Shen Miao a bow, "Since everyone is interested today and I have just arrived in Long Ye, one does not know if any rules are broken and is not sensible; however, is willing to display one's incompetence to make everyone happy."

The words were very mannered as if they were considerate of others and had some sense of innocence, but charming teasing was present.

However, Shen Miao saw the provocation in Ye Mei's eyes.

"One had learned a type of Water Sleeved Dance from Yǎngmǔ (Foster Mother) and will dance for everyone to see today." She said.

Shen Miao's head was lowered, and a trace of a sneer appeared on her lips.

After changing her clothes, Ye Mei quickly emerged. Although she was born with somewhat feminine, charming good looks, she wore a long, snow-white dress with a wide waist that wrapped her arms. She outdid herself with this snow-white dress. Four screens were arranged accordingly, and they had paper on them. Since paper, ink, and the Qin players were present, Ye Mei shook her long sleeves as the first strings were played, and she started to dance.

Shen Miao's fingernails almost pierce into the skin of her palms.

Ink dance was Ye Mei's best dance. Ye Mei was proficient in all four scholarly arts, and each individual one was outstanding. In the Inner Palace, naturally, it had its charm. However the ink dance was just one of many, when one was dancing, the sleeves would be dipped in ink to paint on the paper. Once the song ends, the painting will be finished. It was both elegant and unique. With a beauty, a picturesque scene and beautiful paint, it was really outstanding.

But this Water Sleeved Dance was the blood in Shen Miao's heart and the thorn in her eyes, and the pain was unstoppable every time she saw it.

When the Xiong Nu came to request a marriage alliance, Fu Xiu Yi wanted to marry Wan Yu over. Shen Miao used gentle methods and force, even using the Shen family to threaten, but Fu Xiu Yi's heart was like a rock and did not move. Wan Yu thought for a long time and came up with an idea. She learned a song and personally played it for Fu Xiu Yi to listen.

Wan Yu searched for that song for a long time, and it was rearranged by Shen Miao so that whatever Wan Yu wanted to say was in the song. It was hoped that Fu Xiu Yi would recall their father and daughter relationship and would not make matters so severe, leaving a path for Wan Yu to dispel this thought.

But that day, Shen Miao invited Fu Xiu Yi to Kun Ning Palace and instructed Wan Yu to play it so that Fu Xiu Yi could listen. Still, once she finished playing, when there was a trace of movement in Fu Xiu Yi's eyes, Mei Fūrén came over uninvited and said without regard for others, "So Bìxià is here. Chénqiè has learned a dance and wants to dance for Bìxià to appreciate. Since Huánghòu niángniáng is present, do watch together?"

She danced charmingly and affectionately. He watched with deep emotions and forgot Wan Yu and Shen Miao, who were waiting. Shen Miao would forever remember the disappointment in Wan Yu's eyes. She was just a teenage young lady, but the vitality in her eyes slowly faded away, and it remained calm.

On the second day, Wan Yu greeted her and said, "Mǔ Hòu do not need to waste effort on Er chén. Er chén is willing to be in the alliance marriage."

E/N: 儿臣 Er chén - This child/This son/daughter (used by royal children calling themselves)

How would someone be willing to be in an alliance marriage? It was just that Wan Yu could see clearer and earlier than Shen Miao of Fu Xiu Yi's ruthlessness and Mei Fūrén's means. Perhaps Wan Yu felt that it would be much more comfortable than staying in the Palace even if she were to head towards an unknown future.

In the end, Wan Yu was liberated.

But Shen Miao could never be released.

The long snow-white sleeves fluttered during the dance, but Shen Miao felt that the long sleeves were not stained in ink but stained with drops of Wan Yu's blood.

That was the thorn in her eye, the nail in her bone.