Chapter 186: Dropping A Visit

Su Ming Feng left staggeringly. When he left, he seemed to have experience a tremendous change that his soul was somewhat lost.

Shen Miao initially wanted to say a few words to Xie Jing Xing but Xie Jing Xing had returned to his indifferent appearance and smiled as he urged her to return to the residence to rest, unwilling to mention about the matter. Shen Miao was helpless and could only go along with what he wanted to do.

Some people liked to share their painful experiences to win the sympathy of others. However one would not be willing to share with others the thing that made one really upset as every time when one remembered about it, it would be stabbing oneself with a knife. For Xie Jing Xing type of person, most likely he was not willing to reveal his weaknesses to others so in the eyes of others, he was very strong and nothing was impossible for him.

However Shen Miao heard something from his words, 'the most important point is that there is no nurturing but only expungement from Ming Qi to me'.

Even upon returning to the Shen mansion, Shen Miao was still thinking about this matter. What was the meaning that there was only expungement from Ming Qi to Xie Jing Xing? What floated in Shen Miao's mind was the events of the last lifetime.

In the last lifetime the residence of the Marquis of Lin An still fell at the end. Xie Ding and Xie Jing Xing both died in the battlefield and the remaining brothers, Xie Chang Chao and Xie Chang Wu were promoted as officials and Madam Fang also rose as a result. How in this lifetime, even though the three sons of the Xie family were gone, Xie Ding was still alive. As long as Xie Ding was still there, the residence of the Marquis of Lin An was not considered fallen. If Xie Ding had the intention to remarry, there was a possibility to have another son at this age. Even though it would look rather miserable, but comparing to the previous lifetime, it was already much better.

The difference between the last lifetime and the current one seemed to have started two years ago. In the previous lifetime, Xie Jing Xing did not set off to Northern Jiang but only did so in a few years' time and with time being shifted earlier, it had led to some changes. Just what exactly cause Xie Jing Xing to make this decision?

Because of her? Shen Miao was deep in thoughts. But what did Ming Qi do to push it?

In the last lifetime when Shen Miao knew of the Xie family's matter, she would sigh. She had initially suspected if the Imperial family was involved in the matter but did not delve deeper into matters. Be it be relations or reasonings, other than the father and son of the Xie family being a scoundrels, they were nothing but loyal to Ming Qi. If it was just because of being wary of their meritorious achievements that they were obliterated, then the Imperial family was just too ruthless and unfeeling.

At this moment, a conjecture appeared in her mind.

Assuming the Imperial family had already pointed the head of the arrow towards the residence of the Marquis of Lin An, then the death of the father and son of the Xie family in the battlefield would be the ending that the Imperial family planned for the residence of the Marquis of Lin An. Then because Xie Jing Xing took the initiative to request for the expedition in advance, the Imperial family's 'plans' were brought forward.

The Imperial family had its wish fulfilled and made Xie Jing Xing 'die in the battlefield' but at this time Xie Ding was still alive. Not only that, Xie Ding still had two sons but the ambitions of the residence of the Marquis of Lin An that Imperial family felt had not yet disappear. Fortunately Xie Ding was unable to recover after Xie Jing Xing's death and thus there was no rush to carry out the 'plan'.

Two years later, the Shu sons of the Xie family die in an accident and since then Xie Ding had no possibility of changing his fortune, thus even if he was remained, there would not be any problems. The Imperial family then change their previous plans and even took the initiative to placate, to show kindness and compassion to the officials.

If one said that Xie Jing Xing had anticipated everything that happened in the future, then the decision to go for the expedition two years ago was not a rash action. Just like what he told Su Ming Feng, it was the only way to protect the residence of the Marquis of Lin An.

However all these were Shen Miao's thoughts and no one would know what the truth was. As she was thinking about it, she felt that it was better to find an opportunity to ask Xie Jing Xing about it. In the past life she did not delve deep into it but in this lifetime, she was just too curious about it.

On this night, Shen Miao kept on thinking carefully over it, Su Ming Feng endured the suffering and naturally there were still others that had no mood to sleep.

In the residence of Prince Ding, it was brightly lit the entire night.

Fu Xiu Yi sat on the highest position and looked at the subordinate that came to report before slowly asking, "Su Ming Feng went to the residence of Prince Rui?"

The subordinate said, "Exactly so. After exiting, the heir of the Count of Ping Nan seemed to have suffered an provocation and had a preoccupied appearance."

Fu Xiu Yi waved his hands and the subordinate withdraw. The aide by his side came up to ask, "For the heir of the Count of Ping Nan to go to the residence of Prince Rui in the middle of the night, could it be that there are some secret relations with Prince Rui?"

"The residence of the Count of Ping Nan is no longer in the officialdom circle so even if Prince Rui wanted to find someone to cooperate with, he would not look for him." Fu Xiu Yi's gaze turned cold, "The Su family was originally a very good chess piece and if it was not at Su Ming Feng who suddenly became seriously ill and the Su family gradually withdrew from officialdom, one would not be at this step. However…" He continued, "It is really fortunate for the Su family to escape from misfortune."

The aide said, "Speaking of which, initially when the heir of the Count of Ping Nan was sick, it was really very strange. Because the heir of the Count of Ping Nan was sick, the Count resigned from his post and guradually retired that there was almost no news from them in Ding capital."

Fu Xiu Yi laughed, "Could it be that you really thought that Su Ming Feng was really sick?"

"May your Highness enlighten this one."

"Su Ming Feng and Xie Jing Xing, of the residence of the Marquis of Lin An, are best friends." Fu Xiu Yi said, "It is indeed strange that the Su family would suddenly withdraw from officialdom. Especially Su Ming Feng, at that time it was when he was flourishing but suddenly he got seriously sick and no longer strove and directly resigned. It was said that he would not live past a few years but see, two years had pass and Su Ming Feng is living well in the residence of the Count of Ping Nan. This is obviously that he had wisent up for the sake of personal survival and quickly retreated like rapids. Naturally there was someone who reminded them. The residence of the Count of Ping Nan and the residence of the Marquis of Lin An always had good relations. Other than having one's good friend reminding, other people would most likely be unwilling to meddle with other's business."

"But…" The aide unconvincing asked, "There is still the Marquis of Lin An, Xie Ding, in the residence of the Marquis of Lin An, so why the one that warned them is Xie Jing Xing and not Xie Ding?"

"It is difficult for Xie Ding to save himself." Fu Xiu Yi took a sip of tea. "Xie Ding is proud and arrogant and would often be impudent in front of Imperial Father due to the military power he held. Imperial Father had long had the intention to remove it. If Xie Ding was a little smarter, he would have exercised restraint but take a look, has he ever exercise restraint in Ding capital? It is Xie Jing Xing that one cannot underestimate." Fu Xiu Yi said as he squinted his eyes.

"Didn't Xie Jing Xing also acted arrogantly and unbridled?" The aide said, "When anyone in Ding capital mention about Xie Jing Xing, everyone would know that he was a stubborn and daring person."

"Yes but don't forget one point." Fu Xiu Yi replied, "From the beginning, he did not enter officialdom."

"Everyone said that it was because of Xie Ding that Xie Jing Xing did not enter officialdom and deliberately delayed his purpose in life but I did not think so. During the Chrysanthemum banquet, when Xie Jing Xing dealt with his two Shu younger brothers, he had exhibited martial arts skills that mad one admire from the heart. He is a worldly talent but was not willing to display it. What is this called? This is concealing oneself."

"How many years Xie Ding have live? And how many years Xie Jing Xing live? Xie Ding had lived for so many year but was still blinded by the residence of the Marquis of Lin An's riches and glory but even though Xie Jing Xing was at such a young age, he was able to judge and size up the situation. Xie Jing Xing is the scariest person in the residence of the Marquis of Lin An. So the person who warned the Su family was not Xie Ding but Xie Jing Xing and only Xie Jing Xing."

The aide looked towards Fu Xiu Yi, "Is your Highness viewing Xie Jing Xing too highly? Even if Xie Jing Xing reminded the Su family, it cannot prove anything."

"What cannot be proven?" Fu Xiu Yi looked at him and asked, "How about adding the Xie family army?"

"Xie family army?" The aide was puzzled and immediately thought of something before looking at Fu Xiu Yi in shock, "Your Highness means."

"In short, the scariest in the residence of the Marquis of Lin An is not Xie Ding but Xie Jing Xing." Fu Xiu Yi said, "When this person is young of age, he already had the ambition and brainds so if he was given power, the Ding capital would only be up in chaos. With him around, one would not be able to swallow down the residence of the Marquis of Lin An."

"Fortunately Xie Jing Xing is already dead." After the aide heard Fu Xu Yi's words, he sighed in relief, "The current residence of the Marquis of Lin An can no longer make any waves."

"Correct." Fu Xiu Yi said, "Towards a dangerous enemy, one must always kill when it had not fully grown uet. But." He changed the topic, "I am now curious as to why did Su Ming Feng mix with Prince Rui?"

"Not only that." The aide continued his words, "Princess Rong Xin seemed to be investigating Prince Rui. Su Ming Feng's people were also monitoring the Shen mansion, seemingly monitoring the every movement of the Fifth Shen Young Lady. Princess Rong Xin is also like so."

"Su Ming Feng, Prince Rui, Princess Rong Xin and Shen Miao." Fu Xiu Yi said, "There must be some special relationship between these people. Especially between Shen Miao and Prince Rui now that they were bestowed marriage by Imperial Father. I am understands Imperial Father's temperament very clearly and he is one that would not hand things that one have claims over. The Shen family is already an object in Imperial Father's back and Imperial Father will not give this advantage to outsiders so how would one bestow her to Prince Rui to be a Prince Consort unfathomably? From this view, this is an uneconomical transaction for Ming Qi."

"Your Highness means." The aide muttered to himself irresolutely.

"This marriage is requested on the initiative of the side of Prince Rui. Not only that, Prince Rui must have used some method to force Imperial Father to make this decision." Fu Xiu Yi suddenly smiled strangely, "Don't you find it strange? Previously I suspected that there was an unusual relationship between Prince Rui and SHen Miao but felt that Prince Rui is not one who would change the world plans for a female. However from the current situation it seemed that I am wrong as Prince Rui have real feelings for Shen Miao. Thus he would rack his brains to obtain an Imperial decree."

"In this world there is no matter that will happen without reason. Su Ming Feng and Princess Rong Xing had never left Ding capital for an entire life so it is not possible for them to know Prince Rui. However their attitude towards Prince Rui seemed to be as if they were familiar with him. Moreover Prince Rui and Shen Miao only encountered a few times so how would he take such a step for her? Could it be that Prince Rui had come to Ming Qi before?"

The aide was shock, "Your Highness mean that Prince Rui previously came to Ding capital and met them and had some relationship with them?"

"It is naturally not possible to come over brazenly." Fu Xiu Yi smiled, "Perhaps we have been deceived from the beginning or that Prince Rui had been living in Ding capital as a citizen of Ming Qi from the beginning. Otherwise why would he need to wear a mask? One heard that everyone in the Imperial family of Great Liang was shockingly beautiful so why does Prince Rui not dare to show his true face?"

"I think that he has a face that we will definitely recognise."

The aide was silent, as if this news had shock him so much that he could not say a single word.

Fu Xiu Yi smiled, "But all these are just my own guesses and it is not accurate now. It is alright as I have sent people to continue monitoring. It is just that now one look forward even more to Prince Rui's secret." He paused for a while before suddenly remembering and asked, "How is Pei Lang doing?"

The aide was startled and recalled for a bit, "Still refuses to loosen his mouth."

Fu Xiu Yi smiled, "Continue. Just don't let him die." He then said, "The people that the Shen family found all have really hard bones. One really envious."

The aide heard it and his entire body felt a chill but he dared not say anything and only respectfully withdraw.

The Shen family finally accepted the fact that 'Shen Miao would be marrying to Prince Rui' and since the marriage had been settled, the request of marriage was sent and the list of betrothal gifts had been prepared so the female side had to show their attention to this marriage. Even though Shen Xin and Luo Xue Yan did not agree for Shen Miao to marry Prince Rui, if they did not prepare well, other people would feel that they did not value Shen Miao.

Even with his last breath, Shen Xin would not be willing to let others look down at his daughter. It was just that the list of betrothal gifts that Prince Rui had sent over was just too shocking that preparing the dowry had become a problem.

Originally Shen Xin and Luo Xue Yan both had military lineage and due to the military merits in the early years, they had receive many rewards. Both of them were not in Ding capital for most of the year thus other than the portion that was given to Old Shen Furen and the public fun, they did not touch the rest. There were only two children in the residence and Shen Xin and Luo Xue Yan was not bias to any, dividing everything to half. This was in fact considered very broad minded.

However in the two years in Xiao Chun City, they had invested a lot of money into the Luo family army and thus the Shen family's wealth was not as substantial as before. But everything was blamed on the list of betrothal gifts that Prince Rui sent. Even when the Shen family was in their heyday, it would also be difficult to carry it on their backs.

Previously Shen Qiu still felt that Prince Rui was bragging as this list of betrothal gifts was enough to marry ten high-ranking noble families' daughters. It might be that Prince Rui was joking with the Shen family but on the second day, Tie Yi moved two chest of gold geese by the orders of Prince Rui, almost scaring Shen Qiu to stumble.

That was something that even the Empress Dowager would treasure but Prince Rui gift it as a 'good omen' and just place it in a random box to send it over.

After that, everyone believed that Great Liang was really rich and Prince Rui was really squandering money like dirt. This list of betrothal gifts was not a joke and Shen Miao's dowry had become a big problem.

Shen Qiu took the initiative to give Shen Miao his portion of the money, that was left to him to marry a wife, and said, "One cannot be short-sighted. How could one let Younger Sister's dowry be lesser than half of what Prince Rui's list of betrothal gifts? If one reached Great Liang, others would look down. Our Shen family's Young Lady is the best and Prince Rui gifting such betrothal gifts, whereas our dowry is so little, one does not know if he would look down. One cannot be muddleheaded. The very most one can pawn the antiques in my room. Even though we are poor, we cannot lose face."

Shen Xin seemed to be taking it into consideration.

Shen Miao, "…"

The Shen family was in any case considered one of the richest family in Ding capital but why from Shen Qiu's mouth, it seemed that it was very improvised and one had to pawn the things in the house to make up the dowry?

One did not fear that others would laugh their heads off upon hearing it.

Because it was the end of the year, the big and small matters in Ding capital was much more relaxed and Shen Miao's marriage was bestowed by Emperor Wen Hui. Perhaps Emperor Wen Hui knew that the Shen family had a lot of dissatisfaction about the marriage in their hearts, he specially gave Shen Xin and Luo Xue Yan a period of leave so that they could accompany Shen Miao and only return after Shen Miao's marriage was completed.

Naturally Shen Xin and Luo Xue Yan were happy as their minds were all focused on Shen Miao even without the Emperor's approved leave. Shen Qiu and Luo Ling were in the army and upon reaching the end of the year, there would not be much work thus these days they were in the residence, helping Luo Xue Yan on New Year's stuff or helping Shen Miao around.

The entire family was in the hall chatting leisurely, with the freshly made snacks by the chef and the charcoal burning brightly. Luo Tan smiled towards Shen Miao, "Youngest Biao Sister, once the year is over, you will be married off. Even though it is not possible to embroider one's wedding dress now, you still have to prepare something for yourself. You should get the embroidery maidens over to quickly measure and speed up the process to finish the dress."

When the females in Ming Qi were to be married, they would embroider their wedding dress. Generally when the engagement was done early, they would start to embroider a few years ahead. Those who settled their engagement later would instruct the tailor to make a wedding dress before stitching a few patterns on it, to symbolise that it was personally done. Like that, there would signify harmonious intention.

The Shen family originally was not anxious about Shen Miao's marriage as they wanted to start looking for suitable young talents after the year was over and at that time it was just suitable for Shen Miao to start embroidering her wedding dress. Who knew that Emperor Wen Hui would hand out an Imperial decree and it disrupted everything. It was impossible for Shen Miao to personally embroider a wedding dress thus nothing could be done.

Luo Xue Yan smack her head and said worriedly, "I have almost forgotten about this matter these days. Tan-er is right, Jiao Jiao's wedding dress have to be prepared. I am not familiar with Ding capital's embroidery maidens so later I will ask those closer Furens where the best clothes and jewelry can be bought. Jiao Jiao's wedding dress cannot be done sloppily." After finish speaking she looked at Shen Miao and smiled, "Jiao Jiao's stature is slip and would look good in a wedding dress."

When Shen Miao heard about it, what appeared in her mind was that day when Xie Jing Xing pulled her into his embrace and the sentence that he said 'after hugging one would know'. She could not help but felt that her face was a bit hot.

Shen Qiu asked, "Younger Sister, why is your face so red? Should a physician be called over to take a look?"

Luo Ling's gaze flashed but he kept his head down and did not speak a single word.

Luo Tan was smilling and spoke to Luo Xue Yan on what kind of patterns to be embroidered on the wedding dress to make it festive and saw a servant running in from outside, "Furen, Master, there is someone at the door requesting for a visit."

"Didn't one already said that these days guest are not welcome? Aren't the main doors closed?" Shen Xin said unpleased, "Why did you not refuse?" He wanted to enjoy a few days of peace left and thus rejected everyone as he did not want to see everyone who come to Shen mansion.

The servant was almost in tears, "It's. It's His Highness Prince Rui of Great Liang."

Luo Tan's eyes widen and Shen Qiu stood up instantly and ask murderously, "What is he here for?"

The servant said, "This lowly one did not ask."

Before the last word fell, one heard a low pitch voice that sounded from behind the servant.

"To gift a wedding dress."

Behind the servant, a tall and straight figure emerged. The servants in the Shen mansion might not be eye-catching but each one of them were considered proper and upright and after following Shen Qiu for so long, they also had some traces of heroism. However as compared to the person behind, it was like there was some dirt on their faces.

The purple gold robes were swaying as his smile had some traces of laziness but it did not repulse others and seemed to be somewhat cynical. However the silver mask gave out a slight cold which made him look somewhat deep and unpredictable. Even if one was unable to see his appearance, the outline of his face was good to look at. In particular when one walked leisurely over, elegantly and nobleness made one unable to turn their eyes away from the strong light.

He said, "Prince Rui."

Even the person reporting their name was so arrogant and impudent.

Shen Qiu almost pulled out his sword. He slammed his hand onto the table and the plates on the table that had snacks shook. He asked, "You are Prince Rui?"

Prince Rui nodded his head.

"Why are you marrying my Younger Sister? What conspiracy are you plotting?" Shen Qiu shouted.

Luo Tan's jaw almost fell out. Shen Qiu's hostility towards Prince Rui was just too great. Even though everyone had such thought in their hearts, it was too rude to directly ask someone about it.

"Jiao Jiao is gentle, sensible, dignified and generous. I have been admiring greatly and requested the marriage earnestly. Fortunately the Emperor is broadminded and was not insulted." He slowly said with a smile.

Shen Miao could not help be shiver. She was really not used to hearing Xie Jing Xing using such a gentle tone to speak. One had known that at the beginning when they were not familiar, every time Xie Jing Xing see her, it was all sounding her out, treating her indifferently and ridiculing.

Shen Xin and Shen Qiu suddenly became furious. Prince Rui's remarks was praising Shen Miao on the surface but also said that he had admired Shen Miao and the more he said the worst it became. What did it mean that the Emperor was broadminded and was not insulted? Other people might not know but they knew it clearly that it was obviously Prince Rui that forced Emperor Wen Hui to pass the Imperial decree. The broadminded of the Emperor was forced and not being insulted? Who was not being insulted?

Shen Qiu and Shen Xin were like two cannons and there was only a shortage of a spark before they blew up. This Prince Rui had done all the bad things and for what reason did he come over to wag his wolf's tail.

However Luo Xue Yan's gaze soften.

How a female view a male and how a male view another male were different. When a female view a male, one would look at the details. Prince Rui did not use 'this Prince' but use 'I'. When referring to Shen Miao, he did not use 'Fifth Shen Young Lady' but instead use 'Jiao Jiao'. If it was just for the military power of the Shen family, Prince Rui had already achieved his goal and this was not necessary. Regardless of whether this moment was sincere or an act, it was very good that he wa willing to spend the effort to it. For instance with Fu Xiu Yi, when Shen Miao was initially admired Fu Xiu Yi, at one end Fu Xiu Yi made Shen Miao sway but he did not stay away or reject but also did not accept and was not willing to spend effort to please. Thus the Shen family was not willing to let Shen Miao be together with Fu Xiu Yi. Not only because Fu Xiu Yi's identity would pull the Shen family into the water, it was because Fu Xiu Yi did not love Shen Miao at all.

If one love another, one would be willing to put in effort for her. If one was not willing to spend a little effort then what would be expected for the future?

As Luo Xue Yan sized Prince Rui up, she saw that Prince Rui was willing to spend effort and it was already much better than she had though. What more was if one were to compare about appearance and temperament, it was difficult for Prince Rui to give others a bad feeling.

Compared Fu Xiu Yi's breezy attitude and air of a Prince of being sleek, smooth and evasive, Prince Rui was lazy and unbridled but one could see the true nature. For such true nature to be present from an Imperial family, it was even more valuable. Luo Xue Yan hoped that the husband that Shen Miao married to, would not put a false face when interacting with Shen Miao.

She said, "Your Highness Prince Rui."

"My name is Yuan and the style name is Jing Xing." Prince Rui said, "Furen can call me Jing Xing."

Shen Miao almost choke on the tea.

Luo Xue Yan was somewhat surprised as the people in the Imperial family were most particular with regulations. Even between blood brothers, one would often pay attention to this and that. For people in Great Liang to be in Ming Qi, it was considered to be very noble guests moreover Prince Rui was the blooded Younger Brother of Emperor Yong Le. One did not expect that he would let others call him by his styled name.

Only when one's relationship was extremely close, could one let others call their styled name.

Luo Xue Yan's gaze of Prince Rui soften even more as she said, "Jing Xing, sit down first." He then instructed Jing Zhe, "Serve the tea."

Shen Qiu and Shen Xin immediately looked at Luo Xue Yan in shock. They did not expect Luo Xue Yan to treat this Prince Rui this good in such a short time. When Luo Ling saw it at the side, he looked at him with some attention.

"Jing Xing." Luo Tan suddenly said, "Is this not the name of Ding capital's residence of the Marquis of Lin An's heir?"

Shen Miao was holding the teacup but her heart was somewhat weak.

Xie Jing Xing's daringness could cover the entire Heavens. He actually dared to say his little name here. Was it he had felt that since Su Ming Feng and Princess Rong Xing had already known his true identity, there was no issues having a few more people know about it? Moreover anything related to his identity would lead to another's suspicions and not only Xie Jing Xing did not avoid it, the still bring it up out rightly.

Even if one was drinking tea, Shen Miao felt that she was getting drunk.

Shen Qiu felt indignant in his heart and seeing that Luo Xue Yan letting Prince Rui sit down and instructed the servants to serve tea, he became unhappy and said after listening to Luo Tan's words, "Correct. Prince Rui must not know who the heir of the residence of the Marquis of Lin An is right?"

Prince Rui turned his head to look at him, "Oh? Who is that person?"

"He is also called Xie Jing Xing and is the eldest Di son of the residence of the Marquis of Lin An. Everyone say Southern Xie, Northern Shen, their Xie family are like our Shen family, Ming Qi's military lineage aristocratic families. Xie Jing Xing is the Xie family's Little Marquis and he is a rarely seen young talent. Just one person and with a single stroke, he was able to flip over countless of people and one did not even mention about his civil and military skills, he also have a handsome and flawless face. He is considered a young talent that all of Ming Qi respected and one would exclaim good when hearing of him." Shen Qiu sighed, "Unfortunately Heavens is jealous of heroic geniuses. He fell early on in the battlefield in Northern Jiang." He changed the topic of conversation and looked at Prince Rui provocatively, "One do not know what is Your Highness Prince Rui's feeling about this person of the same name? Comparing to that person with both matchless military and civil abilities, what are your chances of winning?"

Shen Miao, "…"

"Hearing Vice Marshal Shen's words, it seemed that one admires this Little Xie Marquis?" Prince Rui slowly asked.

"That is of course." Shen Qiu said it so vehemently and ignored Luo Xue Yan's eye signals but saw Shen Xin's encouraging gaze and continued, "He is the hero in my heart that no one can replace."

Shen Miao supported her forehead.

If possible, she really wanted to pretend that she did not know Shen Qiu.

Looking at Xie Jing Xing, he must be feeling extremely rejuvenated.

Translator: Dying of secondhand embarrassment for Shen Qiu and my hands are itching to take a needle and pop XJX's big ego that has become even more inflated.