Chapter 164: Taking A Good Look

The wind started up at night, making it surprisingly cold. In the residence of Prince Rui, Gao Yang held a delivered letter in his hand and reading it with keen interest.

Shen Miao lived in the Shen mansion and even though the Shen family army's guards were not weak, but due to many different reasons and fearing that there would be danger surrounding, they did not dare to relax one bit. Xie Jing Xing dispatched a secret guard in Mo Yu Army to quietly follow Shen Miao, so as to avoid accidents from happening.

This secret guard, by the name of Cong Yang, was originally an intelligence gatherer in Mo Yu Army and as his had high levels of agility, his information that was gathered was of top quality. However he has a habit that resembled gossiping. Everyday he would have to submit a report to Xie Jing Xing on what Shen Miao had done and would write in the letter who did Shen Miao see today and what was said. Other than when she went to the toilet or to bathe were not indicated, everything else was written word for word.

Gao Yang felt that it was rather perverse as Cong Yang was such a prudent person. After reading to the afternoon when Shen Miao and entourage encountered Su Ming Feng in the streets, his expression changed.

Even though one did not know what Su Ming Feng had discovered but Su Ming Feng had so many years of friendship with Xie Jing Xing that it was common to have weird moves but one feared that it was somewhat not good.

Just as he was thinking about it, Ji Yu Shu passed behind him as he bit onto an apple. Upon seeing Gao Yang in a daze while looking at that piece of paper, he took a glance and askew the main point. He said, "Ah. So that Young Biao Lady of the Su family likes Su Ming Feng."

Cao Yang was shocked by Ji Yu Shu that he almost fell from the stone stool. When he recovered to his sentence he said angrily, "What are you doing scaring others?"

"Your courage is just too small." Ji Yu Shu patted his shoulder, "Don't keep fanning this fan of yours and it is the correct path to practice martial art skills." Finishing he then returned to the previous topic and said, "Luo Young Lady is rather compatible with Su Young Master. Third Older Brother has relations at both sides so why not be a matchmaker one of these days?"

Gao Yang's brows furrowed, "Which eyes of your saw that they are compatible? What's more, who said that Luo Tan likes Su Ming Feng?"

"My two eyes see that they are compatible." Ji Yu Shu said and pointed to a line in that letter, "You see, Luo Yang Lady said to Su Ming Feng that both of them are worthy to be brothers as they are both so good looking. You say, Su Ming Feng did not respond and it is Luo Young Lady who is changing a different way to give a good impression. Else who would praise one is good looking."

It was all to Cong Yang that he was such a gossip. What was written inside was not only the words Shen Miao said but whatever Luo Tan said was also written in. Ji Yu Shu was considered a talent that he could see this sentence at a glance of looking at this full condense piece of paper.

Gao Yang suppressed the slight dissatisfaction in his heart, "Senseless."

"It is you who do not understand." Ji Yu Shu snatched the fan in Gao Yang's hands and learned from Gao Yang as he moved it like what Gao Yang did with a look of 'I am the smartest' and said, "It is only this Young Master who is a veteran of being among the flowers that can see clearly the true heart of a young female who is coming of age. What do you know? If you please me well, I can consider to teach you… Ah-choo." It was the middle of winter and as Ji Yu Shu fanned himself, he sneezed.

Gao Yang snatched back the fan and did not want to pay any attention to him.

Just as they were speaking, Xie Jing Xing return from outside and Tie Yi and Nan Qi was following behind him. One did not know where did they came from but they had a travel-worn appearance."

"Third Older Brother." Ji Yu Shu warmly greeted him but Xie Jing Xing did not even take a glance at him and headed to the room with a cold face and Nan Yi and Tie Yi also had a solemn expression. Ji Yu Shu did not even care that Xie Jing Xing's mood was not good and continued, "Third Older Brother, something happened to Fifth Shen Young Lady."

Xie Jing Xing's steps paused as he looked at him with a frown.

Gao Yang also looked towards Ji Yu Shu.

Ji Yu Shu cleared his throat and said seriously, "One had help you to look through the information that Cong Yang had sent over. Today when Fifth Shen Young Lady went out, she had encounter a ruffian and that ruffian had touched Fifth Shen Young Lady's little hand."

Gao Yang held his forehead and heard Ji Yu Shu asking, "Does Third Older Brother know who is this extremely daring ruffian?"

Naturally no one answered him but it made Nan Qi and Tie Yi nervous. Fifth Shen Young Lady is the person that their Master had fancied so who was the one who ate the guts of a leopard to actually touch Fifth Shen Young Lady's hand?

Ji Yu Shu said heart-renderingly, "It is Su Ming Feng. It's Third Older Brother's sworn brother. Su Ming Feng, as a brother, he even dig at Third Older Brother's corner of the wall. He is inhuman and has no conduct. Shameless."

Nan Qi and Tie Yi was dumbfounded while Xie Jing Xing's gaze became cold and Gao Yang simply covered his face with his fan. He just did not wish to see Ji Yu Shu's demonic action.

*****

The light of the oil lamp was as small as a pea but Shen Miao was reading a book under the light in boredom. From time to time she would look up at the window. In such a cold day, the window was open very big as Shen Miao guessed that Xie Jing Xing had placed people in the Shen mansion but she was indifferent to it. Shen Xin and Luo Xue Yan did not do official matters in the residence and needless to say about Shen Qiu. There were no secrets in the Shen mansion so it would not matter if Xie Jing Xing's people were here. Instead there would be one more person watching the doors so she considered it as hiring a guard that did not require money.

Since Xie Jing Xing's people paid attention to every single action at this end, with the action of opening the window, it would be reported to their master that she had a matter and would wait for Xie Jing Xing.

Shen Miao kept on thinking and felt that today's encounter with Su Ming Feng was actually not a good thing. Su Ming Feng and Xie Jing Xing had a good relationship. One knew that in the previous lifetime when Su Ming Feng died, only Xie Jing Xing dared to collect his body and did not fear of the wrath of the Imperial family of Ming Qi. This was an example of how close they were. Since they were such good friends, they would also understand one another to a certain level. Today Su Ming Feng noticed her bracelet and said it was what 'Tiger Head Braclet', it was definitely not a casual statement and definitely had something to do with Xie Jing Xing.

Shen Miao did not know how many people in Ming Qi knew about Xie Jing Xing's identity but seeing Su Ming Feng's performance today, Su Ming Feng did not know about it. If Su Ming Feng knew that Xie Jing Xing did not die… One did not know if there were troubles in the future.

As she let her imagination run wild, she heard some sound by the window and looked up. That purple clad youth had already came in easily and familiarly before closing the windows, so that the wind would not enter.

Xie Jing Xing strode in and sat down in front of the table. The tea on the table was still warm and have not cooled so Xie Jing Xing poured a cup of tea for himself, his actions were so familiar that he seemed to be in his own room. Shen Miao ignore the weird feeling and drank a sip of tea, "Today I looked for you is about one matter."

"What is the matter?" Xie Jing Xing asked with his lips hooked up.

After hesitating for a moment Shen Miao then said, "Su Ming Feng might have discovered that you are still alive."

Xie Jing Xing was silent.

Shen Miao stretched out her wrist and displayed the jade bracelet out which made her wrist even fairer and delicate. She said, "Today Su Ming Feng saw the bracelet on my wrist and spoke of some Tiger Head Bracelet and asked if I have ever seen you before. I think that there should be something to it. Perhaps he had also guessed that you are still alive."

Xie Jing Xing slightly frowned. He was originally good looking and it was just that his usual smile but not a smile was intoxicating. Now that he was not speaking, one felt a sense of coldness coming forth.

Shen Miao had thought that Xie Jing Xing was currently a person of Great Liang and even though he had the identity of Prince Rui, he still had to wear a silver mask and this was so that others would not be able to discover his previous identity. Who knew how her negligence would be perceived by Su Ming Feng and even if Su Ming Feng was Xie Jing Xing's good friend, it was inevitable if one was used by others. If this would bring problems to Xie Jing Xing… Xie Jing Xing had helped her so much and when she was up she only gave troubles to Xie Jing Xing. There was some slight guilty conscious in Shen Miao's heart.

She pondered, "Why not… Think of a way to remedy it?"

"Not possible." Xie Jing Xing rejected her proposal, "Su Ming Feng had a friendship with me for so many years and is smart so it cannot be hidden."

Shen Miao's head ached and her heart had some complaints of Xie Jing Xing. Even though the Tiger Head Bracelet was the source, why did one gave it away casually? Of all days, she had to wear this Tiger Head Bracelet today and happened to encounter Su Ming Feng.

"So what about that?" Even though Shen Miao was intelligent, she still did not know what to do. Hiding identities are a specialization that she did not have any knowledge.

Xie Jing Xing shook his head, "If it is discovered then it is discovered. No need to care about it."

"Won't this bring troubles for you?" Shen Miao asked frowning, "The Su family is after all an official family of Ming Qi and you are from Great Liang. Perhaps he would think that you are a spy send from the enemy country… It will cause no end of trouble." It was not that Shen Miao's thoughts were bad but it was as such. Because of a little gain, the blooded sisters in the Inner Palace would kill each other, much less this concerns about the interest of two countries.

The friendship between friends was very precious thus it could not withstand lies and was the most vulnerable.

Xie Jing Xing looked at her slowly and suddenly his lips raised, "You are worrying about me?"

Shen Miao was startled before saying, "I am concern of myself." She paused and then added, "I am now the ants on the same boat as you so if you are discovered, it would be difficult if you sell me out and implicate the Shen family. The gains do not make up for the losses."

Xie Jing Xing found it somewhat funny, "Rest assure, one would not be disadvantage for being allies with this Prince."

Shen Miao had gotten used to his arrogance and did not place his words in her heart. It was only that she suddenly thought of something, "Speaking of which, you really do not intend to stop Su Ming Feng?"

"How long do you think my mask has to be worn?" Xie Jing Xing suddenly asked.

Shen Miao did not understand his meaning and did not speak.

"It is sooner or later that my identity would be known." Xie Jing Xing said it blandly, "If it is not Su Ming Feng, it would also be another."

Shen Miao was surprised in her heart and was somewhat puzzled as she asked, "Then did you not think before that if your identity is known, how would your… Family would think? The Marquis of Lin An, Princess Rong Xin, Su Ming Feng and the others…" Even if others knew about it, they would the very most be astonished but how would Xie Jing Xing's close family would thinkg? What Xie Jing Xing would face would be the skepticism of his closest family and even Shen Miao could not imagine it."

Even with the betrayal and hurt that she had in her previous lifetime, it was fortunate that the Shen family was on the same side. But when Xie Jing Xing's identity was unveiled, the situation would b much more complicated as he was Prince Rui of Great Liang.

Xie Jing Xing smiled carelessly, "So what if they know?" He continued, "There is no problem for me if everyone under the Heavens hate me." He looked at Shen Miao and for a brief moment, there was an evil laughter on his face, "I am not afraid."

However one did not know why but Shen Miao was somewhat saddened by this smile of his. She had always felt that this handsome and beautiful youth was not as ruthless as he seemed to be.

As Shen Miao was thinking, she was caught off guard that Xie Jing Xing stroke her head and said, "Do not take of the bracelet. Since it is given to you then one does not fear of it being recognised."

In fact Shen Miao did not like anyone touching her head as what did it look like if it was spread out that an Empress of a country's head was touched? But for the first time, she let Xie Jing Xing do so.

She sighed in her heart and decided not to be that calculative today.

Xie Jing Xing stood up, "One thought that you have urgent matter then one came over, since there is nothing, I will leave first." He continued, "In the future when there are any issues, just call Cong Yang. He is now your secret guard. There is no need to open the windows and wait for me. I will wake you up when I arrive."

He said it so naturally that Shen Miao did not feel anything wrong at all. It was until after Xie Jing Xing left when Shen Miao then felt that those words were just overly ambiguous.

When she remembered Xie Jing Xing's words, she tried whispering "Cong Yang" and in the time to blink her eyes, there was a black clad guard young male that was standing in front of her.

Shen Miao head ached. Was Xie Jing Xing placing someone in her boudoir? In the future when she was sleeping, someone would be watching her? She asked, "You stay in the room all day?"

Cong Yang said, "This subordinate stay up in the tree at the front of the door. When Young Madam call my name, no matter how soft it is, this subordinate will be able to hear due to martial skills."

Shen Miao looked at him in surprise, "What did you call me?"

Cong Yang gave her a bow, "Young Madam."

Shen Miao said, "Don't call me Young Madam."

"Yes Young Madam."

Shen Miao, "…" After a long while she waved her hands and said helplessly, "Never mind. I ask you, what did Xie Jing Xing left to do?" Xie Jing Xing left in a rush, seemingly having urgent things to do. Shen Miao had felt uneasy about the matters during the day and wondered if Xie Jing Xing went to kill Su Ming Feng."

Cong Yang said, "This subordinate do not know."

Shen Miao took a deep breath. Not knowing anything to whatever the question asked. Xie Jing Xing was not sending a secret guard but one who would monitor her. She sized up that person by the name of Cong Yang. He looked young and strong so tomorrow one would instruct him to the little kitchen to chop firewood.

Xie Jing Xing had gotten out of the Shen mansion and instructed Tie Yi, who was beside him, "In the future get Ji Yu Shu far away from Long Yang's letter."

Ji Yu Shu was one who had the character of wanting the world to be in chaos since his life was just too boring. To actually make such trouble for him, did he really want to be kicked back to Great Liang?

Tie Yi complied and suddenly thought of something, "Master, the roaming Great Master Guan Zhen had arrived in Pu Too Monastery and previously His Majesty instructed you to take a look. Since it is in Ming Qi, when do you plan to leave?"

Xie Jing Xing thought about it briefly and said, "Tomorrow."

On the second day, the weather was excellent.

Luo Tan had recently fell in love with cutting window blossoms and thinking that it was the end of the year, one could cut some auspicious patterns to be pasted on the windows as decorations, thus she brought over a large pile of red paper and scissors so that she could cut window patters with Shen Miao.

As Shen Miao was cutting, she started to remember some matters of the past.

In the previous lifetime in Qin country, those Princesses and Princes would deliberately make fun of her and made her cut window blossoms and do embroidery. She would have to cut and embroider all day and night that her eyes became so bad that in the night her vision would be blurred and there was a layer of calluses on her hands which made it very rough.

After coming back to the Palace, she would get Shuang Jiang to bring sandstone to her so that she could sand off her skin but no matter what the calluses could not be worn off. It was at that time during Fu Xiu Yi's birthday celebration, the beauties of the Palace would send gifts to coax the Emperor. Mei Furen's played the KongHou (Chinese Harp) and her delicate jade fingers were fluttering by that everyone in stared at it.

When it was her turn, Shen Miao gifted an embroidery of a landscape. She was an Empress thus it was not dignified for her to sing or dance. That embroidery was magnanimous and Fu Xiu Yi was obviously fond of it and the officials all praised it but Mei Furen did not care and insisted on Shen Miao performing a song on the KongHou (Chinese Harp).

Shen Miao was unwilling and she looked pleadingly at Fu Xiu Yi but he just played it down, "Since Mei-er has some interest, the Empress should play a piece for this Emperor. This Emperor had not listen to you playing for many years."

Shen Miao was forced till she had no choice but to play.

Shen Miao knew how to play the KongHou (Chinese Harp) as she had learnt a number of things for Fu Xiu Yi thus even though the music was not as moving as Mei Furen, it was still presentable. However it had provoked discussion between the officials, ridicule from the concubines and everyone was pointing and talked about it.

Why? It was really because that pair of hands that plucks KongHou (Chinese Harp) were just too ugly. It was because one would often did handicrafts all year and one could see thick big scissors between one's fingers. That pair of hands were bulky and rough, unlike the hands of an Empress of a country should have and more like the hands of a rural farmer's wife.

It was a stark contrast then the delicate and fair jaded hands that she had before.

She was very fearful. Not fearful that she would be shamed but was afraid that Wan Yu and Fu Ming would be pointed and talked about by others. When she was playing the KongHou (Chinese Harp) she watched as Mei Furen smiled seductively, saw Fu Xiu Yi's cold facial expression and her heart was so saddened that she wanted to cry. It was just that Shen Miao could not cry. Because of Wan Yu and Fu Ming, she must be a dignified Empress that remained undisturbed either by favour or disgrace.

She had put on an appearance of uncaring but upon returning back to KunNing Palace, she would get Shuang Jiang to bring her two sandstone and grind down one layer of skin on her hands.

Luo Tan saw that SHen Miao was lost in her thought and called her, "Youngest Biao Sister?"

Shen Miao recovered to her senses and that pattern of a magpie welcoming spring was destroyed. She could not help but laughed bitterly.

After her rebirth, her hands were still delicate and tender but those calluses seemed to exist and would remind her of those past times when she was in tough straits.

Shen Miao threw aside the sissors and said, "Not cutting anymore."

Luo Tan said, "Ah." Before asking, "Why not?"

Shen Miao casually said, "Callus will grow."

Luo Tan, who always had a fascination with Shen Miao, could not help but have a strange expression on as she said, "It's not like one will cut day and night so how would callus grow?" She then said, "No wonder your little name is called Jiao Jiao."

Shen Miao took a sip of the tea that was served and saw Gu Yu walking in from outside, "Young Lady, Furen wants you to go to the main hall."

Luo Xue Yan did not have official duties today and was currently in the residence. Shen Miao asked, "What matters does Mother call me for?"

Gu Yu hesitated for a moment before speaking, "This servant does not know but the Furen of the Su family came to our residence today and is currently chatting with Furen in the main hall."

"Su family?" Shen Miao's hand paused before putting the teacup down, "The Count of Pin Nan's Su family?"

"Exactly is."

*****

In the main hall, Luo Xue Yan was talking to Su Furen.

Su Furen did not come here empty handed today, saying that her Master had gotten two snow sparrow and this sparrows were only available in the Northwestern region. Su Furen feared that one would raise it incorrectly and knowing that Luo Xue Yan was from the Northwestern region, she specifically came over to as how to raise the snow sparrow in order for it to survive?

Luo Xue Yan initially thought that Su Furen was joking with her but upon seeing Su Furen's sincere appearance, there was no signs of making a joke. She also mentioned the two basket of fruits that was freshly sent from the country side that were especially sweet.

Previously the Formidable Great General residence and the residence of the Marquis of Lin An was on opposite sides and the Su family had a good relations with the residence of the Marquis of Lin An, thus naturally the Shen and Su family were not of the same route and were strangers. Two years ago when there was an incident with the Shen family, the Su family even threw stones and submit a memorandum on the Shen family. Even though at the end it made Emperor Wen Hui relaxed his vigilance, but Luo Xue Yan had remembered it.

It's just that the other person came with such enthusiasm and since it said that one would not slap a smiling face, Luo Xue Yan could not put on a cold appearance. She felt somewhat puzzled in her heart as this Su Furen asked how to raise the snow sparrows but after talking for almost half a day, she did not even mention about the snow sparrows and instead talked about the novelties and stories of Xiao Chun City with Luo Xue Yan and kept on praising Luo Xue Yan had raise her children well and gave birth to such a good son and daughter. She praised her so much Luo Xue Yan's face turned red.

After being praised for so long, Luo Xue Yan thought that Shen Miao should come out to meet the guest and called someone to bring Shen Miao out. However her heart was suspicious, could it be that now that the residence of the Marquis of Lin An was about to fall, the Su family was looking for another backing for oneself so they came over to flatter the Shen family?

If it was so then one could not mix with the Su family. Thinking like this, Luo Xue Yan felt that she was somewhat impulsive to call Shen Miao over. Especially seeing Su Furen looking earnestly at the doors, she felt even more stuffy. However words that were said were like water that was poured out, it was not good to refute it.

When the servant outside reported that the Young Lady was coming over, Su Furen sat up straight and looked at the doors with excitement.

One then saw a young female wearing a yellow robes walking in from outside. She had a good looking appearance and her brows were somewhat heroic and complexion was wheat coloured and when she walked over, she was jumping over. Her hair was up in a deer style and only have a pair of pearl earrings on her entire body with a red dagger on her waist.

Su Furen, "…" She did not think that Su Ming Feng actually liked this kind of female that on first glance… Was really lively and untamed.

That young female saw Luo Xue Yan and smiled, "Youngest Gu."

Youngest Gu? Su Furen was startled and only then saw clearly that there was another young female behind this young female. This one was wearing a lilac coloured plated robes with a crescent moon waist and a snowy white cloak was draped over her. Her complexion was as fair as egg shell, with a pair of round bright eyes. The little nose and mouth was delicate, making her appearance adorable. However there was a strange atmosphere that suppressed all the adorableness. She walked very dignified and proper mannered as if she was from the Palace. When Su Furen married to Su Yu, she went to pay a visit to the Empress Dowager ad saw the Empress and felt that this delicate and adorable young lady had the same vibe with the Empress and even more noble than the Empress. As she walked, the chin was coldly pointed to the woman and each single movement illustrated the nobility of what the position held.

That young female called Luo Xue Yan as Mother before looking at Su Furen.

Luo Xue Yan quickly said, "This is the Furen of the Count of Pin Nan's Su family. This is my daughter and my Zhi Nu, Tan-er."

Shen Miao and Luo Tan bowed and greeted Su Furen.

Su Furen previously did not attend the Palace banquet and only heard that Shen Miao's confrontation wth Princess Ming An so she thought that Shen Miao was not an easy going person. Thus when she heard Su Ming Lang that Su Ming Feng had taken a fancy with Shen Miao, she was somewhat fearful. However one must come over to take a look and she thicken her skin to send her card over since this was a lifelong event for her son. Thinking that Shen Miao was an unruly female hero, she had unconsciously thought Luo Tan was Shen Miao. Now that she had saw the person for real, she really felt that the facts and imagination was as far apart as the north to the south.

She smiled as she took two pouches out and stuff them onto Shen Miao's and Luo Tan's hands, "Shen Furen really know how to raise people. This Zhi Nu and daughter are all so good looking. Just now I was still thinking where did this fairy came from. Shen Furen is truly fortunate."

Luo Tan and Shen Miao looked at the pouches in their hands with some surprise. This was not the New Year's so why the need for pouches to be gifted? If one were familiar it was still alright but Shen Miao had long known that the Su and Shen family did not have any relations. Could it be that matters had been exposed on Su Ming Feng's end? But even if it was exposed, what did it got to do with Su Furen coming to the Shen residence?

Luo Xue Yan was somewhat stiffen after seeing those pouches. She wanted to say something but one did not expect that Su Furen held her down with both hands, "If you decline it then I will get angry. I only felt that these two young lady is beautiful and well-mannered and like them in my heart. It is only a small first meeting gift. Everyone said that Shen Furen is one who is forthright, so why is one so stingy?" She then sighed, "It would be good if I have two daughters."

Luo Xue Yan was really confused by Su Furen that she was unable to find North and could only follow along with her words, "What kind of words is that? There are two sons in Su Furen's residence and that is also excellent."

"How is it excellent?" Su Furen shook her head, "Ming Lang is very stubborn and would not improve all day and only know how fool around with his Father. I cannot be bothered about it. One heard that your Qiu-er is very sensible when he was younger. I am really very envious of it.

"Isn't there still Ming Feng?" Luo XUe Yan smiled, "The Eldest Young Master of the residence is a young talent."

Su Furen's heart was overjoyed as she looked towards Shen Miao and Luo Tan, "Two Ladies, we are chatting some boring matters and if you find that it is annoying then go play by yourselves. I will talk to Furen on some intimate stuff."

This was obviously trying to separate them. Shen Miao's heart became more vigilant. When Su Ming Feng was brought up, Su Furen sent her away, if one did not guess incorrectly, then Su Furen really came because of yesterday's matter?

When Luo Tan and Shen Miao walked outside, Shen Miao use the short that as she was turning and said siftly, "Cong Yang, go to the main hall and listen to what they say."

Sh knew that no matter how soft It was Cong Yang could hear it. Luo Tan saw it and asked, "Youngest Biao Sister, what are you mumbling about?"

At the main hall, Su Furen held her heard and took a glance at Luo Xue Yan, "One does not hide from Furen but Ming Feng is indeed not bad. For so many years, he had never let me and his Father worry about any matter at all. He is talented and also has high level of knowledge that he entered officialdom when he was young. Moreover he was filial and well mannered. One would not be able to find someone like him even if one carrys a lantern to look."

Luo Xue Yan had a smile on her face but she felt awkward in her heart. Just now she was saying Shen QIu was good and now she was saying that her son was number one in Ding capital. How would one praise themselves like that.

Just as she was thinking about it, one heard Su Furen sighed exaggeratedly, "Just a little not good is that this son of mine is dead stubborn. Once he likes something, he would not like others. Thus he is not married until now. This is very troubling."