Chapter 136: Marriage

That was an extremely terrifying dreamscape that made all struggles fruitless. One clearly knew that the outcome was brutal but was unable to stop anything from happening, and can only watch as everything irretrievably went to a route of no return.

She was a murderer.

A rumbling of thunder was heard. It was the beginning of winter and it was strange that there was such a lightning. Shen Miao sat up still asleep and kept panting and gasping.

Her hand involuntary grabbed onto something and felt that someone was lightly patting her back. The strength in that hand was very gentle, as if it had reassuring strength. She just leaned onto the other person's embrace and held her own neck, feeling an entire head of sweat as if she could almost not breath.

That person also had a good temperament and let her curl her own body up, before pausing and reaching out to place one's hand behind Shen Miao's head and pressed her into his embrace. Shen Miao entire body was trembling badly and she bit his shoulder. His body stiffened but did not move and only patted Shen Miao's head.

One did not know how long has passed but the thunder gradually became softer, and only the pitter pattering rhythm of the rain could be heard from outside the room. Shen Miao's heart gradually calmed down and her mouth relaxed but the tip of her nose touched something cold, a golden button.

She was in an very intimate position with the other person.

She slowly got up from that person's embrace.

After a moment when the latter got up, the room was lit and someone held up a lamp to the stool in front of the bed, and sat down at the side of it. The brows were dark and handsome and was as always elegant and noble looking. Other than Xie Jing Xing, who could it be? Under the lamp, his gaze was less cynical than usual, a few parts consoling and a faint concern.

Shen Miao's heart shrank.

She was so absorbed in the horrible nightmare that she could not wake up till now. That dream was not just a dream but was as if it had really happened. She was scared of the terrible truth and in a moment of gaffe, when she felt something warm, she grabbed onto it and refused to let go like a drowning man grasping onto a life-saving straw. But she had forgotten that in this late of a night, the person who normally came was someone who was difficult to deal with.

The secret that she had kept locked up seemed to have a crack at this moment, and she was facing the most astute of hunters. Xie Jing Xing's acumen was like a torch that with only a few words, one fear that he could guess something out.

"What did you dream of?" Xie Jing Xing cut out the excess wick in the oil lamp. Even such a simple action, when done by him, it had become the most perfect silhouette, making one's heart warm and pleased.

"Only a nightmare." Shen Miao's eyes hung down as she spoke. However her voice was still unnatural.

Xie Jing Xing paused and turned his head towards her, "There are also times when you are afraid."

Some anger suddenly boiled in Shen Miao's heart, "I am not Your Highness Prince Rui. Living in the world is originally hard work, naturally there is time when one is afraid."

Shen Miao looked at him. His eyes looked very beautiful and were shaped with the best looking peach blossom eyes. On normal days they were a few parts coquettish and a few parts serious, that made one unable to tell if he was sincere or fake, but also could make a female drown in these moving eyes. But now he was facing Shen Miao, that pair of eyes were like an autumn lake, as deep as dark jade, making it difficult for one to detect any emotions. He said, "No need to be afraid, it is only a dream."

Shen Miao's nose became sour and an unparalleled sadness suddenly burst out from her heart. After her rebirth, she had controlled her emotions very well and was only unable to hide one's love and hate but after a brief eruption, she would cleaned up quickly. However she was unable to deal with this dream today. Perhaps it was because the rain was too cold tonight, or perhaps Xie Jing Xing's gaze was too gentle that made her cold heart suddenly become fragile. She really wanted to look for a place to cry out loud.

She felt the scene in front of her blurred, as if there was something on her face. When she looked up, she saw Xie Jing Xing holding a handkerchief, wiping her tears away.

She actually cried out.

That youth's fingers were slender as he slightly looked down, and his hand movements were very gentle. His gaze was very serious as if she was doing the most meticulous matter in the world. The long eyelashes were hanging down and that usual indifferent and naughty face was faded, but what appeared was the most gentle of companionship. Just like an older brother yet like a friend.

Shen Miao was somewhat dispirited. When Xie Jing Xing wiped her clean, he looked at her gaze and raised an eyebrow, "Not crying?"

Shen Miao avoided his gaze, "Many thanks." The thanks this time was finally no longer filled with ridicule like previous, and it was the first time she had this kind of modest appearance.

Xie Jing Xing was also somewhat surprised as he looked at her, and suddenly his lips hooked up as he stroked her head, "What did you see to keep calling out Shen Furen? What did you do wrong?"

Shen Miao was secretly surprised and looked at Xie Jing Xing as she asked, "What dream talk did I say?"

Xie Jing Xing paused for a moment before saying, "Said that Shen Furen, you are wrong. Said sorry Shen Furen." He asked thoughtfully, "What kind of serious mistake did you do in your dreams?"

When Shen Miao heard this, she was relieved and said half-heartedly, "Nothing. It is just a dream." But she did not know that her efforts to relax were seen by Xie Jing Xing and his fingers slightly flexed.

"But." Shen Miao suddenly thought of something and looked at him to ask, "It is already late, what are you here for?" Even Shen Miao herself did not notice that now she was accustomed to Xie Jing Xing barging in the middle of the night to her bedroom. At this moment there was no anger in her question, as if it was a very normal matter.

Xie Jing Xing took out a letter from his sleeves, "Was actually planning to give you a present."

Shen Miao glanced at him unfathomably and took the letter to open it. She was however surprised for a moment upon seeing it.

The words that were densely written in the letter were nothing else but the matter of Chang Zai Qing in the Liu province. It included that Chang Zai Qing still had a husband and child which she had abandoned. These secrets were all Chang Zai Qing's secrets. She froze for a moment not because of the content of the letter, but that Xie Jing Xing would give this to her.

"You do not seem to be surprised." Xie Jing Xing looked at her from the side, "Already knew since long ago?"

"Many thanks to Prince Rui's good attention." Shen Miao kept the letter, "Prince Rui, do not intervene in this matter. I will do it myself."

Xie Jing Xing looked at her for a while and shook his head while smiling, "It is this Prince who is nosy."

Shen Miao was silent for a moment as she did not know why, but she actually felt that the room was cramped. She lowered her head and her gaze unconsciously landed on the corner of Xie Jing Xing's robe. The material was very luxurious and the embroidered gold threads were exquisite. It was as if she could felt Xie Jing Xing's probing gaze on herself. Shen Miao looked up and tried very hard to be calm and looked at him, "If there is not any matter, you can return."

Xie Jing Xing stared at her.

Shen Miao slightly frowned. This person pulled her out of the nightmare and one should be grateful. However what kind of person was Xie Jing Xing? One who saw a tiny thing and knew the overall of things. The longer he stayed here with her, one fear that she would be eaten up without any residue. Shen Miao did not wished to have her secrets exposed to others, not to mentioned that Xie Jing Xing's identity was this sensitive. Even if Xie Jing Xing did not show any hostility to her now, she dare not rest assured.

Xie Jing Xing said, "The rain is so heavy, you are letting me go?"

As a cue a soft thunder accompanied the rain outside the window, and seemed it would not stop for the entire night. Shen Miao was angry with his words that she almost forgot her heartache just now, "Could it be that Prince Rui still want to stay overnight?"

Xie Jing Xing's eyebrows moved, "Good idea."

"Xie Jing Xing." Shen Miao called out lowly.

"You call my little name smoothly." Xie Jing Xing placed the handkerchief that he used to wipe Shen Miao's tears, "Go and sleep. I will leave when the rain stop."

Shen Miao was exasperated and the cramped feeling that was in the room had disappeared. How could a young lady sleep when there was an unfamiliar man watching at the side? What was this totally scoundrel thing that Xie Jing Xing did all day?

"Prince Rui is here. I cannot sleep." Shen Miao looked at him expressionless. After being distracted by Xie Jing Xing, the solemness that was caused by the appearance of Chang Zai Qing disappeared by a lot, and even her face looked a lot better.

Xie Jing Xing reached his hand out to lift her chin up, and forced Shen Miao to look at his eyes before leisurely saying, "Watch clearly. This Prince is the bloodline of Royalty and have the air of dragons. When this Prince stays in your room, those demons and sprites dare not come over so you will not have nightmares."

Shen Miao did not get angry but laughed instead as she knocked his hand away, "So this is to say that I have to thank Prince Rui."

"Correct."

Shen Miao glared at Xie Jing Xing but her mood gradually relaxed. Xie Jing Xing did not ask her anything else. She did not care if Xie Jing Xing really did not guess it or if he knew but pretended not, because it made her feel like she had escaped. Currently she has no more strength and energy to deal with others, thus Xie Jing Xing was helping by not speaking.

Xie Jing Xing walked to the window and pulled it, lest the rain outside drift in. He then walked to the table not far from the bed and sat down, before casually taking a book as if he wanted to sit down to read. He did not turn around and said, "This Prince is here, you can rest assured to sleep."

Shen Miao moved her lips and wanted to say something but at the end she did not say anything. Outside the wind was mourning, the rain was bewailing and the lightning was truly frightening. She wrapped herself with the beddings and only exposed her head, but her gaze unconsciously went towards the person in front of the table.

The youth sitting down was slender and tall, and he was flipping the pages of the book with a very serious appearance. From the side view, he looked really handsome and under the light, he seemed a bit modest. The cynical attitude towards life had faded, and at this moment Xie jing Xing seemed to be calm and gentle, as if his figure could cover all the wind and rain that even without speaking, one would have some feeling of trust.

He has deep schemes and was cold, indifferent and ruthless. He dared to deceive the world and take drastic decisions. Duping the Imperial family, steal a rafter and replaced it with a column, on the surface he had a cynical appearance but upon a turn of a hand, rainclouds would gather. He was not a good person but was not as heartless as one thought he ought to be.

Shen Miao's mood was like the wind and rain outside, that little bit of sorrow and pain seemed to be covered by this light as she slowly closed her eyes.

The drips and drops of the rain finally stopped after a long time, and the oil in the table lamp was left with a little bit. The flame was slightly wavering, as if it would soon extinguish.

The purple clad youth in front of the table closed the book in his hands, and stood up to walk to the edge of the bed.

On the bed, the young female was sleeping in tranquillity and letting out a soft uniform breathing. When she closed her eyes, she was not as dignified like normal but was a bit more peaceful, and was as if she still possessed the innocence of childhood

She was actually only sixteen years old and still a little young lady. In an ordinary family, a sixteen year old young lady would probably be pondering which family's youth was more handsome, or which shop's sachet is more fragrant.

Xie Jing Xing's gaze was a bit complicated.

From the start when he saw Shen Miao, she had just reached a marriageable age but what she showed was a completely different ruthlessness unfit of her age. It was ruthlessness but also unflusteredness. The Shen family faced a very complicated situation but she had never panicked, and countered soldiers with arms, and water with an earthenware. It was as if she had long expected it.

However she was at the end a little young lady and just like her little name, Shen Jiao Jiao. She should grow up pampered but she was forced to grow up. Not showing one's vulnerabilities did not meant that one was not vulnerable. Just like when she had just awoken from her nightmare, the desperation that her eyes revealed was shocking.

She grabbed onto his lapel and her entire body was trembling, as if she was going through tremendous horror, but at a moment's notice she returned to her normal dignified appearance. Like a wounded beast that had to appear stronger and bigger at all times, because if one's enemies discover the wound, they would kill and attack without any strand of energy left.

Xie Jing Xing was confused. He was not a good person and had the ruthlessness that no ordinary person possessed, but every time when he encountered Shen Miao, he would leave a little leeway. From the first time he saw Shen Miao, actually he had a concessing attitude. He was yielding to her.

But one did not know what was it for.

It was as if he deliberately said that the rain did not stop just to see her sleep. She was obviously very scared but tried to flaunt bravery, so he could only pretend not to know.

The rain had stopped and he tucked Shen Miao into the blanket, before putting the gauze down and leave the room.

On the bed, Shen Miao's eyelashes slightly moved but did not open.

The mansion that was separated of Shen mansion by just a wall in between them, had been purchased by Prince Rui. When Xie Jing Xing walked out from it, Tie Yi and Nan Qi who were waiting outside, quickly followed.

"The invitation from the Palace, accept it." Xie Jing Xing said.

Tie Yi was surprised, "Did not Master said not to go?"

"Changed one's mind." Xie Jing Xing swept a glance at him.

Tie Yi quickly complied but he was secretly suspicious. That invitation was sent by the few Princes from the Palace, for all the Princes of the Ming Qi and the Crown Prince of the Great Qin. Xie Jing Xing did not want to mingle with them so he directly rejected. Why would he suddenly want to go now? Tie Yi cautiously looked at his Master and only felt that Xie Jing Xing's eyes were cold, and his heart became even more puzzled.

Xie Jing Xing's eyes were slightly cold.

In fact in Shen Miao's dream, she not only call out Luo Xue Yan's name. She also called out Prince Ding, Fu Xiu Yi.

Would no longer like Fu Xiu Yi? His lips hooked up to a sneer. Like?

'Previously liked' were always the words that were the most offending.

The sudden thunderstorm in the Ding capital made the weather turn cold on the second day. It was as if deep winter had reached over night, so when people was discussing about the heavy rain yesterday, they all mentioned that it was somewhat unexpected.

"One did not expect the rain to come like this, and had forgotten about the flora and fauna in the courtyard. When one thought about it, several pots were broke. Those flowers were usually looked over with utmost care. This is just a pity." Chen Rou Qiu was tidying up Shen Wan's clothes as she spoke about the rain last night.

Chen Rou Qiu had always paid attention to elegance, and would also find particularly scarce varieties of flora and fauna. Shen Wan was absent-mindedly listening, but his eyes were not on Chen Rou Qiu.

Chen Rou Qiu noticed Shen Wan's expression and asked with a smile, "Does Master have any matters in one's mind?"

Shen Wan recovered to his senses and looked towards Chen Rou Qiu, "I was thinking that Yue-er has reached the age to discuss about marriage."

Chen Rou Qiu's heart thumped but she still smiled, "I know. One had been looking for the right person for Yue-er, but one must slowly pick and not let Yue-er marry over foolishly, else Master will also be distressed."

"This matter had been delayed for so long." This time Shen Wan did not let Chen Rou Qiu skim past it and bluntly said, "Ever since Yue-er was sixteen, it is already two years. Even if those young ladies of other family were not married, they are all engaged. If Yue-er carried on like this, it would be difficult to find someone suitable in the future. A few days ago I have given you a few families that were all quite good. I have looked over it and the families were well-off and there are not to many complications in their residences, so Yue-er will not be in a disadvantage when she marries over."

"However that being said," Chen Rou Qiu grudgingly said, "It had been only for a while. One need to let Yue-er familiarise with it."

"It has been two years. Every time the topic of marriage is brought up with her, she would decline and you as a Mother also let her be." Shen Wan's eyes sharpened, "Even though our residence is also not bad, but Yue-er expectations are too high. If she has an intention that she should not have and involved our household, it would not be worth it at all."

Shen Wan's gaze had an intentional implication and Chen Rou Qiu suddenly understood. Shen Wan was not a fool, so when Shen Yue kept saying she did not want to marry this or not, him being a Father would definitely be suspicious. Shen Yue was in love with Prince Ding, Fu Xiu Yi, and if Shen Wan knew about it, one feared that he would not spare Shen Yue.

"Some families are not for us to climb up." There were hidden meanings behind Shen Wan's words, "It is better to let Yue-er be down to earth and perish such thoughts as early as possible. Otherwise this mud would be too deep that it would be too late to come out of it.

Chen Rou Qiu broke out to a cold sweat. After being husband and wife with Shen Wan for so many years, at this moment she could almost conclude that Shen Wan definitely knew of Shen Yue's wishes. But Chen Rou Qiu understood clearly of Shen Yue's temperament. At the beginning when Shen Miao was still around, Shen Yue's heart was all on Prince Ding and now without Shen Miao, Shen Yue would be even more hell-bent. To get Shen Yue to marry to others, one feared that Shen Yue would not agree to it till death.

"But Master," Chen Rou Qiu still wanted to fight for Shen Yue. "Yue-er is still young and one cannot be impatient with some things. Previous you also dote her, so can not one empathise with her this time?"

Shen Wan took a deep breath, and looked towards Chen Rou Qiu with some disappointment in his eyes. He said, "Furen had always been understanding of the overall picture, but now why are you unable to see it? Prince Ding is one that looked simple on the surface, and when the Eldest household was still around and had the military power of the Shen family's army, perhaps Prince Ding would have some fear. Now that the Eldest household has separated, Second Older Brother and I are both civil officials with smooth careers, Prince Ding would not attach any importance. When Prince Ding marries, it would definitely be with a wife whose family will be able to benefit him. Yue-er is of no significance to him, so he would not let Yue-er be the official wife and she can only be a concubine. Even if Yue-er gain his favour, how would a concubine be able to fight with the official wife? At that time the one that is at a disadvantage is still Yue-er."

When Chen Rou Qiu heard this she broke into a cold sweat. She initially thought that Shen Wan did not agree to let Shen Yue marry Prince Ding, because he was not optimistic about Prince Ding in the fight of the heir position. But now it seemed that Shen Wan's evaluation of Prince Ding was not from an ordinary man's point of view, but from one who considered all pros and cons. It was difficult for this type of man to be sincere and even if there was sincerity, to let Chen Rou Qiu watch as her Di daughter yield and lower her head to other female, Chen Rou Qiu was unwilling.

She said, "Since that being the case, it is this wife that was not thoughtful. Master kept on thinking about Yue-er but I still blamed Master. It is me who is at fault."

"You are also not at fault." Shen Wan sighed, "Yue-er temperament is now more arrogant than before. You must get her to fix it, so that there would be less troubles in the future. I will let my subordinates write a book on all the sons of good family in the capital and send it to you. Pick a few and bring Yue-er to go visit them on another day." After pausing, he said, "This matter cannot be dragged on."

After Chen Rou Qiu learnt of the matter, this time she stood together with Shen Wan and immediately agreed. After Shen Wan went to court, that book was sent over and Chen Rou Qiu carefully looked through each one before making a mark with compatible ones, intending to let Shen Yue meet them.

But one did not see that in Qiu Shui Yuan, among the maids that were sweeping the courtyard someone quietly put down the task on hold and left.

The calligraphy brush in Shen Yue's hand suddenly paused, and a long ink mark appeared on the unfinished painting. The painting was actually a well done autumn landscape, but the sudden appearance of an long black ink appeared on the blue skies. But she did not take it to heart at all and asked the maid in front angrily.

"What did you say? Mother is choosing a husband for me?"

"Replying Young lady." That maid cautiously lowered her head, "Furen had already picked a few people from a book and sent some invitations. One guessed that in a few days' time Furen will bring Second Young Lady over to pay a visit."

"Scoundrel." Shen Yue was so angry that she threw the brush. One did not know who was she scolding, and the previous appearance of gentleness and elegance had vanished. The maids that were in the area all dared not even breath loudly. Everyone knew that this Second Young Lady might look weak and gentle, but disregarded servants and would not have a bit of mercy when dealing with them.

Shen Yue displayed a look of irritation.

She was currently eighteen. Eighteen. Within the Ding capital, females of that age would have been married, and even those who did not marry would at most be engaged. But till now she was still not engaged. She was the limited talent female and had a good appearance, with a gentle and intelligent character. There were numerous males that liked her but she only wanted to marry one, and that was Fu Xiu Yi.

Prince Ding, Fu Xiu Yi, was the youngest of all the Princes, and was currently the only one that did not have a consort. Initially Shen Miao fell for Fu Xiu Yi at first sight because she was charmed by him, but who knew that Shen Yue also liked that type of man. Since he was made to charm others, he did not have the strange tempers of Princes, and was young and handsome. What was more than that, he was the descendant of royalty and was the most distinguished male other than the Emperor in Ming Qi. Shen Yue had always felt that only she was compatible with Fu Xiu Yi. So at the beginning, when Shen Miao shamelessly made her love for Fu Xiu Yi known to public, Shen Yue felt that she was insulting her sweetheart.

Fortunately Fu Xiu Yi was extremely cold towards Shen Miao, and now there was not anything between them, making Shen Yue relieved. At first she eavesdropped on Shen Wan's and Shen Gui's conversation, saying that there was a possibility that Fu Xiu Yi would suffer a wrong and marry Shen Miao in order to obtain Shen Xin's military power. She had been on tenterhooks for a long time and wished that there was no Shen Miao in this world. It was fortunate that Shen Miao herself later gave up.

At the moment Shen Miao was not fighting with her, so why did her own parents force her?

"I want to talk to Mother. I am not marrying. I am not marrying." Shen Yue stood up and swept the ink and paper off the table, apparently very furious. The maids around quickly got to their knees but none dare to persuade.

Over at Cai Yun Yuan, someone also heard the movements.

As compared to the ruckus two years before, Cai Yun Yuan was much more bleak. Ever since Ren Wan Yun's death and Shen Gui's descendants line was harmed, Old Shen Furen got furious and no longer allowed Shen Gui to bring a mess of females back to the residence. After Shen Gui's pot has cracked, and knew that in this lifetime he was unable to have any child with any female, he feels upset when he returns to the residence, so he kept on lingering in pleasure quarters. Other than the servants in Cai Yun Yuan, the only remaining females were Wan YiNiang and Shen Dong Ling.

Shen Gui once had two sons and compared to the Third household, it was considered as thriving with descendants, but now unfortunately there was only a Shu daughter left. No matter what, Shen Dong Ling was Shen Gui's only bloodline left, thus the servants treated Shen Dong Ling and Wan YiNiang with respect.

"What is the hustle and buzz outside about?" Wan YiNiang who was doing needlework looked up. These two years she had lived well and as compared to the past, she had become much more unyielding.

The maid at the doors said, "Replying YiNiang, it is Second Young Lady throwing a tantrum because Third Furen is selecting a husband for her. At this moment she is rushing over to Qiu Shui Yuan."

With a sneer, Wan YiNiang laughed out and shook her head, "This Second Young Lady would actually be angry because of this matter." She suddenly thought about something and her eyes darkened, "When growing up in happiness, one fails to appreciate what happiness really means."

Her Shen Dong Ling was also a Young Lady of the Shen residence, and almost the same age as Shen Yue. However Old Shen Furen looked down on Shu daughters, and Shen Gui just simply did not care about matters of the courtyard. Shen Dong Ling's identity was not high, thus there were very little people who came to ask for marriage. Even those who came for marriage were all those odd people that one know they were not good people with one look.

She was here worrying about Shen Dong Ling's marriage but at the other end Shen Yue, who was managed, was not satisfied. Being reincarnated to which position was really a matter of merit.

Just as she was thinking, Shen Dong Ling who was sitting behind the screen stood up. She had grown up a lot, she had a slim and slender figure and her eyes were sharp, possessing the grace that Wan YiNiang had when she was singing.

"Where are you going?" Wan YiNiang asked casually.

Shen Dong Ling said, "Is not Wan YiNiang worried about my marriage constantly?"

Wan YiNiang was surprised for a moment, as she did not know what was the meaning behind those words.

"I have waited for two years. Now the opportunity has arrived." Shen Dong Ling said.