Cool Moon

Ye Mei's waist was soft, and she moved seductively. Her eyes were full of energy, and upon closer look, it appeared that they had transformed into a butterfly, fluttering around and causing another heart to itch. Thinking the butterfly had halted on one's palms, it flew away as one looked at the brilliant wings.

The women were all watching, unable to take their gaze away; what about the males? Males always prefer attractive playthings, and their eyeballs were about to be pasted upon Ye Mei. Ye Fūrén and Ye Mao Cai eventually showed a smug expression. The ability to give birth to such exceptional children drew all males in like ducks. This was an ability that few people would possess. 

Lu Wan-er clenched her teeth in anger as her loathing grew as she watched.

Nevertheless, Shen Miao observed Ye Mei's performance with icy disdain as memories of her past lives flooded her mind.

When she first saw Mei Fūrén, it was when she returned from Qin Country to the Ding capital. She had only heard that there was an additional concubine in the Palace, but everyone called her 'Mei Fūrén', and her position was not mentioned. This was uncommon. Hearing that Fu Xiu Yi favoured Mei Fūrén a lot, Shen Miao's heart felt sour but did not think much about it as Fu Xiu Yi had a cold temperament, so no matter how someone was favoured, it would not be excessive.

When she first saw Mei Fūrén, she had just returned from Qin Country to Ding Capital. Everyone in the Palace referred to her as "Mei Fūrén," but her rank was never disclosed; all she knew was that there was another concubine. Something like this rarely happened. Shen Miao's heart sank when she heard how much Fu Xiu Yi favoured Mei Fūrén, but she didn't give it much thought because Fu Xiu Yi was naturally reserved and would never show excessive favouritism.

At that moment, Shen Miao believed she was a formidable woman, bold enough to address Fu Xiu Yi in that manner. How long could she endure in the Inner Palace with such a temperament?

During that period, she was occupied with gathering information about Wan Yu and Fu Ming and did not focus much on other matters. She perceived this woman as stunning and remarkably haughty. 

Despite his anger, Fu Xiu Yi was seen on the second morning accompanying Mei Fūrén for a walk in the Imperial Gardens, conversing in such a pampering manner that another seemed stunned.

She had never seen this side of Fu Xiu Yi because he was not particularly good-tempered. Fu Xiu Yi's warmth was only on the surface in front of those 'advisors', and he would not be patient with women. However, Mei Fūrén made Fu Xiu Yi grin while making him angry; at the time, Shen Miao believed that this woman was more than just beautiful and arrogant. She was highly deadly because she could manipulate a person with her palms. Whether it was a male or not, she could captivate Fu Xiu Yi's heart.

Indeed, as Shen Miao's return neared, she slowly realised that this Mei Fūrén was quite formidable. She appeared haughty and disrespectful, struggling to manage her temper but managing to keep it at a safe 'level.' Fu Xiu Yi discovered her genuine nature, which was challenging to control, deepened his fascination. In the presence of Shen Miao, Mei Fūrén displayed rudeness, sarcasm, and a tendency to oppose her. For Fu Chen's future, she would consistently instigate tensions in Fu Xiu Yi's relationship with Fu Ming. Unfortunately, Fu Xiu Yi's heart had always been inherently biased.

What was the true face of Mei Fūrén? Shen Miao gazed at the enchanting and tender woman before her. In this lifetime, she had assumed the role of the Ye Xiǎojiě, displaying a blend of caution and intelligence that guided her decisions on when to advance or withdraw. She no longer displayed arrogance, but was this her genuine self?

After dealing with Mei Fūrén for a lifetime, Shen Miao knew how scary she was. This woman was as cunning as a fox. She would never stand up straight for what she desired; instead, she would twist and turn nineteen to eighteen times. Ultimately, she was on the winning side, but she lied and made false accusations against her victim.

Why was she acting the way she was? Was she hoping that Xie Jing Xing would be as enchanted by her as Fu Xiu Yi was with just a glance? Although she looked over to Xie Jing Xing's side, Shen Miao couldn't help but scoff in her heart.

But when she did so, Xie Jing Xing's gaze locked with hers. Xie Jing Xing was wholly absorbed in Shen Miao, whom she probably wasn't expecting to gaze directly at her. After a little pause, Shen Miao turned his head to the side as if he were hiding something from view.

Yet, not a single glance was directed towards the individual dancing enthusiastically.

Shen Miao felt a sudden jolt, and an indescribable sensation washed over her heart like a tide. She harboured a great deal of animosity towards Mei Fūrén, and within her mind lay a profoundly ingrained, self-sabotaging perception of her worth. With regards to romance and creating the atmosphere, she was incomparable with Mei Fūrén, so Fu Xiu Yi would not hesitate to sacrifice her in her last lifetime. Xie Jing Xing was far more remarkable than Fu Xiu Yi, so if Ye Mei had feelings for Xie Jing Xing… Shen Miao believed that it would be a catastrophe.

Xie Jing Xing's gaze was fixed solely on her, ignoring Ye Mei.

This was notably unlike Fu Xiu Yi. If it were Fu Xiu Yi, he would not spare Shen Miao a second look whenever Shen Miao and Mei Fūrén attended the same event.

From one individual to another, it varied very significantly. Xie Jing Xing and Fu Xiu Yi were distinct, just as she was from Ye Mei.

Ye Mei finished dancing, but she was too preoccupied to notice. She looked up as the raucous ovation resounded across the hall and beheld Ye Mei, smiling softly in the centre. Pearls of perspiration dotted her forehead, and the combination of perfumed powder and her expressive visage made for a stunning and dramatic sight. Behind her, the painting was completed, and with the sleek lines and sprinkled ink, it was a painting of a Qi Lin (mythical animal) arriving, with the meaning of congratulating one's birthday. Everything in the picture was spot on, and the colours were vibrant.

"Ye Xiǎojiě is truly a talented person." The Dàrén with a learning school said, "The painting is so expressive, and it is a fine work. The gūniángs at my learning school do not have such skills."

"The dance is also not bad." A Fūrén quickly said, "Ye Fūrén is fortunate. Ye Xiǎojiě is like you; not only does one have the appearance of falling flowers and moon, but she also has a body of talent. In our Long Ye, she is the best and has such good dancing and painting skills."

Ye Fūrén accepted it with a smile, but Lu Wan-er jealously twisted her handkerchief with unwillingness in her eyes.

Another person said, "One does not know how does Qīnwáng Diànxià think of this birthday painting?"

Everyone looked towards Xie Jing Xing, and even Ye Mei turned to look at Xie Jing Xing but only saw Xie Jing Xing looking outside the window as he held the wine cup. One did not know what he was entranced with or did not seem to hear the discussion.

"Diànxià?" Gao Yang reminded him.

Xie Jing Xing recovered to his senses and asked, "What?"

"Asking Diànxià how is Ye Xiǎojiě's painting?" Gao Yang said.

Everyone was somewhat awkward, as one was doing her best to showcase her talents and prepare a painting, but Rui Qīnwáng's mind was not there and did not take notice at all. It was undoubtedly too disrespectful to Ye Mei.

Xie Jing Xing heard it, glanced at the painting, and said, with a slight hook on his lips, "Not bad."

The perfunctory attitude could be seen at all levels of the hall.

Ye Mei's smile was somewhat stiff; however, when Shen Miao saw it, a trace of a smile flashed in her eyes. For Xie Jing Xing kind of person, even if he could be lost in thoughts on such an occasion, he was very 'focused' and most likely did it deliberately. Although she did not know why he deliberately put Ye Mei in a problematic situation, Shen Miao felt slightly happy with his action.

However, Ye Mei caught her smile. Ye Mei stared at her and suddenly smiled, "Speaking of which, when one was staying at the Rui Qīnwáng Residence, one had heard that Wángfēi is also extremely talented."

Suddenly, the topic turned to Shen Miao.

"One had only heard that Wángfēi's archery is excellent and not heard of others. Since it is the Wángfēi's birthday today, Wángfēi what not help to better the atmosphere and let us have an eye-opener since Xiǎonǚ has admired Wángfēi for a long time." She said somewhat uncomfortably. No matter who saw it, they would only feel that Ye Mei had heard about the rumours and admired her and thus wanted to see it for herself.

E/N: 小女 Xiǎonǚ - This Young Lady

But Shen Miao was a daughter from a military lineage family. It was one thing to be good in archery, but no one had seen her dancing before. If she did it, perhaps she would make a fool of herself, but if she disagreed, it would seem to confirm that she was coarse by nature.

Everyone looked at Shen Miao.

Shen Miao smiled gently, "I am the Wángfēi of the Rui Qīnwáng Residence. How could one play instruments and sing like a songstress for others to watch?"

In an instant, there was no sound in the hall, and Ye Mei's face turned red.

Initially, dancing in front of officials was considered detrimental to one's face. Still, because Ye Mei was the Ye Xiǎojiě and was talented and good-looking, everyone ignored this point. However, it was not subtle for Shen Miao to speak about it this loudly.

Ye Fūrén's and Ye Mao Cai's faces turned ugly. Ye Fūrén wanted to speak, but if she opened her mouth, wouldn't she go with Shen Miao's flow, saying that Ye Mei's actions were virtues of a songstress?

However, Lu Fūrén and Lu Wan-er were delighted with the chaos. They felt it was best to watch as Shen Miao and Ye Mei fought.

Xie Jing Xing smiled as he watched everything, but he did not seem to think anything was wrong with it. He did not intervene and just watched on with folded arms.

Luo Tan felt that Shen Miao was somewhat focused on Ye Mei, but she felt vaguely happy in her heart. This was originally Xie Jing Xing's birthday, but Ye Mei did a whatever dance here and superseded the lead. Moreover, she even took the initiative to get Shen Miao to sing and dance. On what basis should one ask others to be like her?

Ji Fūrén looked at Shen Miao, and her heart became anxious. All the court's officials were invited to Xie Jing Xing's birthday, and Shen Miao made the atmosphere so stuffy. Others would blame the Rui Qīnwáng Residence for being rude and would damage the entire residence's reputation. They would also say that Shen Miao was jealous and calculative toward the Ye Xiǎojiě.

Standing motionless with a faint grimace, Ye Mei evoked pity from all around. Being in such a predicament for such a stunning woman would be intolerable. The men in the hall were furious about the unfairness and wanted to show off their righteousness by defending Ye Mei and saving the beauty. 

Shen Miao glanced at the entire hall of people and saw everyone's expression. Ye Mei had such a skill like this. She did not need to speak of what she wanted. Her brows wrinkled, and one sigh would make everyone around her pick up axes and call for blood for her. One feared her rejection of Ye Mei today would cause the entire Long Ye to stand at Ye Mei's side the next day.

How could one let Ye Mei's wish come true?

She stood up and smiled at everyone's flabbergasted eyes, "However, it is rare to see Ye Xiǎojiě's kindness, so one will undertake this difficult task as best as possible. Fortunately, one learned a piece some days back and will play it for Ye Xiǎojiě to listen to."

"Why play for Ye Xiǎojiě to listen?" Lu Fūrén smiled, "Should it not be to congratulate Rui Qīnwáng's birthday?"

"This piece is sombre." Shen Miao said lightly, "It is not like festive pieces and would not be suitable to congratulate one's birthday. It is just that one felt it was good a few days back and learnt it. Since Ye Xiǎojiě admires me, one has to share good things naturally. Isn't it right?" She smiled and looked towards Ye Mei.

Ye Mei smiled softly, "It is naturally so."

These two people exchanged words as if they could not see the invisible swords. Ye Mei was charming, and Shen Miao was dignified. Each had its beauty, and for a moment, one could not differentiate who was better. Shen Miao picked up her sleeves and walked to the middle as Ye Mei withdrew. Jing Zhe quickly brought a chair over, and Shen Miao raised her eyes, "Bring the Qin over."

Gu Yu only came out after a long time, "There is only one Jiaowei Qin in the entire Bi Xiao Luo. Fūrén…"

Bi Xiao Luo's Jiaowei Qin's sound was unique, and Gu Yu knew clearly in her heart that she had followed Shen Miao for so many years and had not seen Shen Miao play a Qin before. She secretly hated Ye Xiǎojiě for having evil intentions and insistence on making Shen Miao do such an elegant thing and making things difficult for Shen Miao. If one's face were lost, especially in this strange and foreign country, no one would give Shen Miao an out because of the Shen family. Most people here had ill intentions and could not wait to throw stones when one was down.

In particular, after Ye Mei's unique dance, whatever Shen Miao did would be dwarfed.

"It is of no problem. Just bring it over." Shen Miao said.

When the surrounding Fūréns and Gūniángs heard it, they started whispering.

"Isn't it said that one was coarse, so why play the Qin?"

"It should be that one wants to compete with Ye Xiǎojiě. She is sure eager to win."

"Oh. It is unfortunate for the Rui Qīnwáng Residence as one would have to lose face today."

"The people of Ming Qi really cannot be brought out to the public. They don't even know how much they weigh."

They said it softly, but they could not conceal their taunting eyes. Luo Tan was, however, full of confidence. Although she had never heard Shen Miao playing the Qin before, she inexplicably felt that Shen Miao could do everything, and since it was said it was, she could do it.

Ji Yu Shu whispered to Gao Yang, "Sǎozi knows how to play the Qin? The information that Feng Xian Pawnshop investigated was that not even a Qin teacher was invited over for her. Self-taught? It is just too powerful."

E/N: 嫂子 Sǎozi - Older brother's Wife

Gao Yang shrugged his shoulders, "I am also not clear. Let's wait and see."

Pei Lang was also among the banquet guests and knew that there were Qin classes in Guang Wen Tang, but Shen Miao had never attended. Pei Lang had also heard the teacher there complaining before that Shen Miao could not even identify the strings on the Qin. Thus, upon seeing that Shen Miao had gladly accepted it, he did not believe it and could not help but take a look at Xie Jing Xing. He thought Shen Miao was this competitive because of Xie Jing Xing.

Xie Jing Xing slightly frowned, and the hand holding the wine cup slightly tightened.

Shen Miao washed her hands and said faintly, "This piece of music is called 'Blood Ode'. It is a song that a young Gōngzhǔ made while pouring all her despair and grief, hoping that it would change her Fù Huáng's mind not to force her into a marriage alliance with an enemy leader who was fifty years older than her and being unsure of her future." Her voice was faint like the moonlight. Even after the interest in Ye Mei's dance, it calmed one as if they followed her words and entered the story.

She then started to pluck the Qin strings.

Zaza: Once again, it isn't easy to express the song in its elegant flair; there are many layers of meanings and understanding, as the original form is like poetry. I have included the actual Chinese words, and if there is a better translation for them, please tell me so I can amend and credit them.

The Jiaowei Qin's sounds were heavy and not as straightforward as ordinary Qin's, and it was more difficult for one to move another's heart when plucked, but her every move was long and delicate.

It was distinctively an indescribable sound, but it excited another. From the first plucking sound, the entire hall fell silent.

She slowly opened her mouth and sang.

E/N: I've edited the translated text to make it smoother but retain the original context. But if you have better translations, do let me know! 

"The Yangtze River flows westwards, with clouds and mountains on the water and pavilions on the mountains. The mountains and water are connected, and the pavilions face each other, as arranged by the heavens."

"长江浩浩西来,水面云山,山楼台.山水相连,楼台相对,天与安排.."

"Walking under the moon, walking under the stars, the cold food in the lonely house in the autumn of my hometown, one worries when one's head is on the pillow, anxious when on horseback, only resting after one's death.

"戴月行,披星走,孤馆寒食故乡秋,枕忧,马愁,死后休."

Her voice was usually amiable and as clear as water, but at this moment, a painful emotion made one's eyes turn red upon listening and one's heart sour. With her lyrics and tune, it seemed that everyone could see that young Gōngzhǔ, who was fair and adorable but was forced to wear the phoenix crown and sit bittering in a corner of the Palace. That Palace Hall had a profound and heavy atmosphere. She was young and innocent but had to encounter a harrowing fate.

She got up the carriage and bid goodbye to the Empress. The Emperor was unfeeling and sacrificed one's daughter for his thousands of autumns. As a princess of an Imperial family, what was ushered in was a marriage for which she could not decline.

The journey from the capital was far away, and as she lifted the curtain dejectedly, she looked at the eagles flying along the way, the fish swimming under the water, the wind, the rain, and the clouds. Every single thing had more freedom than she did.

"The world is so close, but the moon wanes instantly, and the flowers fly! Holding the farewell cup in my hand, I am filled with tears of parting. I just said take care of myself, but I am so sad that I can't bear to let you go!"

"咫尺的天南地北,霎时间月缺花飞!手执着饯行杯,眼阁着别离泪.刚道得声保重将息,痛煞煞教人舍不得!"

Shen Miao's tears slowly flowed down.

She had a delicate and dignified appearance, a complexion as fair as jade. Under the lanterns, her hands continued to pluck the Qin, but one could see the tear stains. It was a cold look, but she seemed to have endless suffering that one could not speak of or sing out. The pair of eyes was clear but became dark with pain, making one look like a flower twitching in the rain, making one could not help but want to care for her.

Everyone in the packed hall was silent as she sang, and their eyes reddened. They only felt their hearts were blocked, and they could not feel any more joy from Ye Mei's dancing.

However, the strings suddenly changed, and the Qin sounds were played hastily, sharpening her lyrics.

"Misleading the monarch, treacherous officials monopolising power, and opening the river became the root of the disaster; the official law was abused, the criminal law was heavy, and the people were resentful. People are eating at each other. Have you ever seen it? Thieves become officials, officials become thieves, and the fool and the wise are mixed. How pitiful!"

"误国君,奸佞专权,开河变抄祸根源,官法滥,刑法重,黎民怨.人吃人,和曾见?贼做官,官做贼,混愚贤,哀哉可怜!"

"It would be better to see the building collapse and turn into rubble with your own eyes and to see the ruins of the monument after fifty years of rise and fall!"

"倒不如亲眼见这楼倾台塌,便成瓦砾,兴亡五十年,冷眼看碑残!"

Her eyebrows were cold, and her voice was full of tears as if she were telling a story of her past. Then, there was a murderous gaze in her eyes, filled with resentment, and strands flew towards the sitting Ye siblings.

In the end, Wan Yu could not play the complete song for Fu Xiu Yi, and Shen Miao filled in the remaining part. In the Cold Palace, she played it on a broken Qin. The first part was Wan Yu's plea, and the latter half was her complaint. There were ears at night, but those people could not hear.

Now, here, listen! Listen! Does this tune sound familiar? Was there a chilling sense?

Xie Jing Xing put down the cup, and his gaze was as sharp as a knife.

Ye Mei felt somewhat chilly. What did these lyrics have to do with her? But why did it seem that it was directed to her that it made her heart feel restless?

When the singing ended, the faint sound of the Qin was not resting, and Shen Miao suddenly stopped and lifted her hands.

There were no words spoken in the hall for a long time.

Who dared to say Rui Wángfēi was rude and hoarse and did not know Qin and chess? It was a skill to be able to play till the entire hall of people fell into silence.

However, it could even make one's heart feel heavy, as if after listening to that sad story, one would not be able to feel happy at all.

Shen Miao spoke amiably, "This piece is not festive and should not be played in a birthday celebration, but Ye Xiǎojiě wanted to listen, so one had played it, especially for Ye Xiǎojiě." She looked at Ye Mei, "Is Ye Xiǎojiě satisfied?"

Everyone's gaze fell on Ye Mei in an instant.

Ye Mei was restless. The remarks indicate that she was the one who pushed Shen Miao to play the Qin and make a fool of herself, but she has to concede that Shen Miao is not uncouth in the least. It was not difficult to play the Qin, but it was tough to move another's heart. Her Qin was able to move everyone in the hall, and going back on one's conscience and saying it wasn't suitable would put one at a disadvantage.

"Wángfēi is indeed an unparalleled talent like the rumours." Ye Mei smiled, "This piece 'Blood Ode' is admirable, but…" She was somewhat doubtful, "Why is there a different atmosphere between the first and latter half of the 'Blood Ode'? The music score of the latter half seemed to change."

The latter half was fierce, resentful, and desperate, like the last cry of a beast, and it made one shudder.

Shen Miao moved her fingers. Of course, the front and the latter were different. Wan Yu created the front portion to move Fu Xiu Yi, but the latter portion was arranged when she lost her children and was thrown into the Cold Palace by the poisonous pair.

Shen Miao smiled gently, "The first half was the feelings of the Xiǎo Gōngzhǔ that was forced to marry, but the latter half was from the Xiǎo Gōngzhǔ's Mǔqīn, the despair and anger of that Huánghòu after losing her daughter."

"So that's it!" Everyone was stunned. Someone else asked, "This piece is touching. How does Wángfēi know of this story? It makes one sigh upon hearing it.

"A travelling storyteller sang it." Shen Miao smiled, "It is just that one felt that this story was too serious that one remembered it."

"Oh?" A young lady could not help but ask, "Since it is a story, what was the ending? What kind of ending did that Gōngzhǔ have?"

Shen Miao said blandly, "The ending of the story is that the Gōngzhǔ died during the journey of the alliance marriage and that Huánghòu was banished to the Cold Palace, soon given the white silk, and died."

Everyone sighed and said that this story was just too tragic.

Ye Fūrén was, however, somewhat upset. Shen Miao's song was comparable to Ye Mei's. Ye Mei was charming, and her dance enticed everyone, but Shen Miao only sat down quietly and played the Qin and sang a couple of sentences and was able to attract everyone's attention. Moreover, she told a story and snatched Ye Mei's limelight. Like this, Ye Mei's water-sleeved dance became inferior.

Everyone's gazes towards Shen Miao slightly changed.

Women were always emotional, so when Shen Miao spoke of such a pitiful story, and the Qin could hold one's heart, everyone felt much closer to Shen Miao.

Ye Fūrén said, "It is sorrowful on such a festive day."

Shen Miao smiled, too. "One had disturbed everyone's interest. It is my fault." She walked to the middle area and picked up a wine bowl. Wine bowls were used by men to drink, and she poured herself a bowl full of yellow wine, which reflected her youthful face.

"One will toast a bowl for apologies." She knocked her head back to drink it all down.

Xie Jing Xing's gaze became serious, and he seemed to get up but had no choice but to sit back down.

Shen Miao lifted her chin as she drank the bowl of wine with urgency. Some wine not swallowed in time dribbled down her neck and damped a small part of her clothes. However, it was a pretty sight that made one look charming.

Her eyelashes were long, and her expression was clear. Finishing, she placed the wine bowl on the table and elegantly and proudly said, "One had bottoms up first."

She had drunk it cleanly, and those fellow officials' heroic spirits were lit. They all picked up the wine bowl and laughed, "Wángfēi is good at drinking. One will toast to you."

Shen Miao smiled slightly, and this smile looked somewhat unfamiliar to others. She glanced at the Ye siblings, who were staring at her. She then looked outside.

This bowl of wine ignited the atmosphere of the Bi Xiao Luo. As the mood peaked, Shen Miao stood up and said to the women, "One will go out for some fresh air."

She then left alone.

Ba Jiao and Hui Xiang were waiting for her outside to head to the pavilion. Shen Miao's throat felt hot as the wine served was strong, but she did not feel drunk. It was just that the corners of her eyes were hot and teary.

That cup of wine was for her little daughter, the little princess who died on the journey for a marriage alliance. Those people who listened felt miserable, so how about her? How about Wan Yu? When alone with her entourage, did she feel desperate, like her body was on fire, but she could not do anything about it?

She thought she could hold it in but, ultimately, could not. As a mother, she would rather die a thousand times than be willing to let Wan Yu and Fu Ming suffer those hardships.

As she took each step, the moonlight was as cool as water but could not blow away the overgrown feelings in her heart.

Drinks and a food basket were already in the pavilion, as Ba Jiao said, "Fūrén, the fireworks have been bought."

Shen Miao complied.

Speak of it, then. After speaking, one would be relieved. No matter how Xie Jing Xing looked at her in the future or what she had to face, she could bear it all. There was nothing worse than her previous lifetime. She had endured all those things of not being understood, isolated and looked upon like an animal, so what would it still matter?

As she was thinking, she heard a voice behind her, "You are waiting for Wángyé ?"

Upon turning around, she saw Pei Lang.

Pei Lang glanced at the things arranged on the pavilion and smiled, "One did not expect you to do such things."

Shen Miao asked him, "Why are you out?"

"One is not used to that kind of place." Pei Lang said, "Moreover, one cannot drink, so one plans to return first. I did not expect to see you preparing these things." He said, "Are you planning to reconcile with Wángyé?"

Shen Miao nodded her head.

"Previously, one used to think that most likely there would not be anyone you would give in to, but now one knows that it is the Wángyé." Pei Lang's smile had an unnoticeable hint of sadness, but when he looked back at Shen Miao, it became lighthearted: "Even though it is somewhat surprising, it is not unexpected."

Shen Miao smiled gently.

At the same time, Xie Jing Xing, who was in Bi Xiao Luo, looked at Tie Yi and was about to leave.

Ji Yu Shu grabbed onto his clothes, "Today is your birthday; why do you want to escape?"

"Let go." Xie Jing Xing glared at him.

Ji Yu Shu obediently let go, "What will you do? So mysterious."

Gao Yang said, "Why do you care so much about him?"

Xie Jing Xing glanced slightly and saw that Ye Fūrén was speaking to the Ye siblings, and his gaze could not help but darken.

Shen Miao's attitude towards this pair of siblings was just too strange. It went beyond her reasoning like she had become another person. The Ye siblings seemed not to be simple. Even though the Mo Yun Army could not find anything wrong, it was even more suspicious because of that.

He suddenly remembered the letter that Tie Yi stuffed into his sleeves.

That was a letter that Shen Miao wrote to him.

It did not mention apologising and only said that she had something to say to him at a pavilion near the Bi Xiao Luo, where the birthday celebration was held.

It was a significant concession to do away with everyone and meet Shen Miao, whether it was an apology or not. Xie Jing Xing appeared tough outwardly but was very accommodating towards Shen Miao; thus, he was easily coaxed. The cold expression was just an act, but his heart was happy.

He thought she would be much more sensible if he didn't return for three days and let her be. However, he was reluctant to let her be upset, but just now, in the hall, she looked overly gorgeous, and when she was playing the Qin, those admiring eyes that those men gave her made him somewhat unhappy.

Pei Lang had finished chatting with Shen Miao in the pavilion and was planning to leave. Just as he stepped down, he bumped into a young boy, and Pei Lang fell. Ba Jiao and Hui Xiang brought Xie Jing Xing to the other end. Shen Miao thought that on such a late night, it could be that a young master of some official family in Bi Xiao Luo had run out to play. Upon hearing Pei Lang's low groan, it seemed it was not a light fall, and she intended to go over to look.

Upon walking over to Pei Lang, one saw that the child was squatting down. One did not know why, but Pei Lang was coaxing him. Shen Miao crocheted down and was about to speak when the child raised his head up violently with a fierce gaze.

Shen Miao was caught off guard when she saw a silver light approaching him. It was too late to hide, but she saw Pei Lang grabbing her and turning her over so that he could protect her.

Afterwards, there was a groan of pain.

However, he did not let go and protected Shen Miao closely. The child did not care and kicked Pei Lang away and turned the knife over to stab Shen Miao.

The sound came from afar, and the child paused his action before looking at Shen Miao and, like Pei Lang, stabbing the knife into the abdomen.

Xie Jing Xing walked to this side with Hui Xiang and Ba Jiao.

Hui Xiang said, "Fūrén have been waiting for you for a while. Fearing that you are still angry, she had been waiting patiently. When you see Fūrén, one must be considerate of her."

Xie Jing Xing was expressionless, but there was a trace of a smile in his eyes.

One saw the pavilion after bypassing the small alleys, but there was a bloody scent before they reached nearer.

Xie Jing Xing paused in his steps.

Ba Jiao and Hui Xiang were also startled.

The moonlight was as bright as a lantern and shone on everything on the ground. With the moon and wind, it should have been a breezy and elegant scene, but at this moment, it made one feel cold from the bottom of one's heart.

Large patches of blood. And there were familiar people.