Chapter 107: Palace Encounter Again

"So?" Ji Yushu asked.
Gao Yang rubbed chin. "If moving against Prince Ding—not only his branch—Crown Prince, Prince Zhou, Prince Li—which side is Shen Miao on?"
"Neither side." Xie Jingxing said.
"Huh?" Ji Yushu puzzled. "Neither again?"
Xie Jingxing's gaze eased. "Pei Lang no ordinary man—not yet in office—still green now. You all heard—Shen Miao's set—Shen Xin may not handle as cleanly."
Slippery—no admit, no deny, no push, no accept. Officials years in court may not match her ease. Shen Xin warrior—Luo Xueyan warrior—where did Shen Miao learn this? Shen house has hidden guide? He thought so—now seems all Shen Miao's own ideas. If Crown Prince or other prince's person—never use step-by-step scheme—each prince has backers behind—why such clumsy method?
Yet within her ability—maximize reachable goals. One wonders—given enough background and power—what storms she'd raise. Even now without chips—slowly cultivates pieces.
World like chessboard—Ming Qi game—too many players. Xie Jingxing never placed Shen Miao in it—weak woman—no motive.
Now—through girl's wine-cup winning hero to banner—he saw her ambition.
"Still don't know how she learned Pei Lang's background." Ji Yushu said. "Fengxian never found it."
Prefect Pei exhausted effort saving this son—preparations thorough. Pei Lang didn't disappoint—no revenge—no resentment—hidden name—teaching. None noticed him—Shen Miao saw through—used Liuying as chip—countered Pei Lang.
Don't know where intelligence—from—like Chen brothers before.
"Leave her." Xie Jingxing said. "Request command memorial—written?"
"Written." Gao Yang frowned. "But you truly sure—no turning back from start. Your plan here—there hasn't received word—if disagree—"
"Do as I said." Xie Jingxing stood.
……
Back Shen house—West Court—Shen Miao changed clothes—hair undone—Bailu hurried in. "Miss—Madam wants you—important matter."
New Year passed—spring opening soon. Shen Xin asked Emperor Wenhui stay Dingjing half year—Luo Xueyan relaxed—bought Shen Miao clothes and jewelry—or had Qiu take her play—sometimes Shen Miao felt Shen Xin couple raised her like idle young master.
Shen Miao casually pinned hair—went Luo Xueyan's room. Unexpected—Shen Xin and Qiu inside. Seeing her—Luo Xueyan pulled her down. "Where did Jiaojiao go today?"
Shen Miao left Bailu and Shuangjiang—if asked—said strolling. "Casual stroll—passed Kuaihuo Tower—brought Father and Elder Brother strong wine."
"Father's good girl!" Shen Xin's eyes lit. "Dingjing wine too sweet—cloying—what wine! Strong is good—bold!"
Qiu happy too. "Little Sister thoughtful!"
"Only know drinking!" Luo Xueyan rolled eyes at both. "Servants buy that—why Jiaojiao bother for you two."
"You woman!" Shen Xin unhappy again. "All Jiaojiao's heart—servant-bought same as Jiaojiao's? Short-sighted!" Relations rare warm now—Shen Xin delighted—even if Shen Miao bought two jars water today—heaven—must refute Luo Xueyan.
"Short-sighted?" Luo Xueyan sidelong glance.
"Madam calm anger," Shen Xin at once. "I'm brat short-sighted." Slapped Qiu's head.
Luo Xueyan tired of father-son antics—looked at Shen Miao. "Jiaojiao—today—something to discuss."
"Mother, speak."
"Household division—you heard. Days more—we split out. Your father and I decided—buy new mansion. East city one—not bad—buy servants sweep serve. But…" Luo Xueyan looked at Shen Miao—troubled. "Years ago northwest—we left you—Shen kin protected—safer. Once divided—if we and Elder Brother leave again—you alone in mansion—unsafe—gossip. So… Jiaojiao—willing go northwest with Mother?"
Shen Miao slightly stunned.
"Little Sister—northwest fun!" Qiu seeing her stunned—hurried. "Not exaggerated—live in Little Spring City—mountains water—rare beasts—hunt—white tiger pelt for cloak."
"Nonsense!" Luo Xueyan laughed scolded. "Girl—what white tiger pelt?"
Qiu scratched head. "Mines too—gems big—sister can make jewelry!"
Shen Miao smiled faintly. Some hesitation—stay Dingjing for other matters—but hearing Qiu—Little Spring City somewhat tempting. Who not want carefree days—who want open eyes calculating others? Sigh inwardly—go once—return next year—won't go again.
"Good." Under expectant eyes—Shen Miao nodded. "I'd like to see it."
Luo Xueyan relieved breath. Shen Xin laughed loud. "I said Jiaojiao would agree! Back so long—when did Jiaojiao despise us warriors!"
"Little Sister Little Sister," Qiu excited. "I'll introduce my brothers—they know I have sister—never met you. Grandmother's family—since birth never seen—won't recognize you."
Luo Xueyan's family—northwest border generals—came only at Shen Miao's birth—distance years—no meeting. Shen Miao lowered eyes—last life after Luo Xueyan died—Luo cut Shen ties—Shen Miao shallow feeling—Luo's end unclear—likely Consort Mei's exterminate methods—Fu Xiuyi wouldn't spare Luo house.
More talk—late hour—Luo Xueyan sent Shen Miao rest.
After wash—Shen Miao at desk—watching flame—sighed. If truly northwest with Shen Xin—half year must settle all affairs.
Only comfort now—Pei Lang matter.
Always clear—Shen house too prominent—hard avoid court affairs—yet boudoir daughter—no deep contact chance. Many things changed this life—only Pei Lang as spy. Fu Xiuyi suspicious—volunteers investigated—may trace her. But year later—Fu Xiuyi will recruit Pei Lang—then easy go with flow.
Winning Pei Lang—some luck. Last life Fu Xiuyi won Pei Lang—strategist once friendly with Prefect Pei—followed vine to Pei Lang's origin. Also because Fu Xiuyi settled Liuying—Pei Lang ultimately served.
Pei siblings both hard-soft immune—strong will. Liuying—after dust—no trace official daughter—content courtesan—perhaps memory painful. Pei Lang—no revenge—content teacher.
Liuying won't admit identity—grudge Pei family abandoned her saved brother—Pei Lang stepping in—Liuying rebels fiercer. Shen Miao gave Liuying gentle living path. Hold Liuying—hold guilty Pei Lang.
Years later—court-hardened Pei Lang more mature—today's Shen Miao talk—full holes. But now Pei Lang—not in office—however clever—experience lacking.
"Miss—rest early." Jingzhe smiled. "Tomorrow with Madam see east city mansion."
Shen Miao nodded. Half year—at least divide—separate household possible.
Never expected—plans can't keep pace with change.
Next morning after meal—Luo Xueyan's maid said—when dressed—see mansion. Future home—comfort peace—must see first.
Before Shen Miao finished makeup—palace came. Summon Luo Xueyan—maid said—if convenient—bring Shen Miao too.
Words polite—almost command—Shen Xin and Qiu faces dark—Luo Xueyan puzzled. Capital lady—but usually absent—not familiar with ladies' circle—palace consort summoning—joke.
Counting—Luo Xueyan no ties palace women.
Shen Xin and Qiu thought further—Luo Xueyan no ties—yet must bring Shen Miao—wine in cup not wine—target Shen Miao? Shen Miao matters—they always tense. Shen Xin said. "I'll accompany Madam to palace."
"What you go for." Luo Xueyan said. "Not invited you—chaos enough. I take Jiaojiao." Hesitated. "So many people—won't do outrageous. Besides I'm not helpless woman—if…" wanted say—if wrong—fight—not necessarily lose.
Shen Xin nodded. "Situation not so tense yet. Go assured."
Luo Xueyan took Shen Miao's hand—palace carriage. Planned see mansion today—fortune or disaster—unknown.
Qiu and Shen Xin at gate—watched carriage—uneasy. "Father—Mother and sister safe?"
"I'll Ministry of War," Shen Xin turned. "You stay mansion—respond if need."
Qiu nodded.
Carriage—Shen Miao small face tight—inward guesses flooding.
Didn't feel much danger—nothing worth scheming on her—palace ladies' tricks—she knew better than anyone—open scheme not today—throne cares face—palace incident today—throne first implicated.
Reverse reasoning… Shen Miao eyes dark—palace women no tie Luo Xueyan—yet summon Luo Xueyan—perhaps probe something—wine not in cup—what—Shen house? Shen Xin?
Why sudden notice Shen Xin? Shen Xin low profile in capital—unlike last life Fu Xiuyi tie—throne suppress Shen—need just cause—perhaps… already have cause?
Shen Miao confused—summon with Shen Miao—warning—if incident—daughter can't protect… more likely—nervous. This life many things different—especially Ming Qi pattern—she delayed tragedy—yet fate's yin-yang errors. This time—why again?
Luo Xueyan saw Shen Miao pale—thought fear—heartache. "Jiaojiao don't fear—just talk with consorts—quick—then see mansion."
Shen Miao smiled faintly—still distracted.
Palace gate—maid waiting—led them in. En route Luo Xueyan asked which consort—female official smiled—no answer—you'll know arrived.
Yaoguang Hall—two splendid women laughing. Left—immortal bun—water-red gold-embroidered palace dress—gorgeous—pretty face—smiling talk—eyes absent—disrespectful to companion—companion not angry—smiled back—apricot plum-print long dress—less striking—gentle polite—elegant.
Consorts who summoned Shen mother-daughter today. Left red—Consort Xu Xian. Right elegant—Consort Dong Shufei.
"Emperor wanted Shen Madam—why bring Shen Miss?" Consort Xu impatient. "Gone so long—such airs!"
"General's mansion far," Consort Dong smiled. "Sister don't hurry."
Consort Xu laughed. "Sister always plays good person." Remembered—teasing smile. "That Shen Miss once loved Ninth Prince. Satisfied with her—so protective?"
Consort Dong face slight pause—smiled. "Sister jokes. But… Emperor sent us—better proper business. Fifth Miss just with her mother—maid take her out later."
Emperor Wenhui's name—arrogant Xu couldn't argue—about to mock—her female official entered. Xu asked. "Came?"
Official nodded—soon Luo Xueyan and Shen Miao entered—bowed—Shen Miao stood head down beside Luo Xueyan. Slightly sharp voice. "Shen Madam—this your daughter—raise head let this consort see."
Shen Miao paused—slowly raised head—two women's appraising eyes—clearing right seat—blood boiled.
Left Consort Xu—Prince Zhou and Prince Jing's birth mother. Right Consort Dong—Fu Xiuyi's birth mother. Consort Dong smiled at Xu. "Truly neat child—clean—blessed face."
"Blessed face"—Shen Miao chest blocked. Consort Dong gentle look—unknowing would lower guard.
Consort Dong not favored—Emperor Wenhui countless women—background, talent, beauty, character. Consort Dong—mild—contest nothing—grab nothing—"steady" alone—four consorts rank. Surface—lowest status—Shen Miao knew—Consort Dong far from harmless.
When Shen Miao married Fu Xiuyi—Consort Dong praised "blessed face brings fortune husband"—later Fu Xiuyi wings grew—Consort Dong cool to her—return from Qin—as Empress Dowager—aligned with Consort Mei. In Consort Dong's eyes—she was chess piece to pull Shen house—rough unworthy piece—later Fu Xiuyi deposed crown prince—Consort Dong first pushed Fu Sheng.
Quickly lowered head—hid hate in eyes.
Xu and Dong thought shy—Xu casually. "How old this year?"
"Consort," Shen Miao soft. "This subject fourteen."
"Fourteen…" Xu pondered—laughed. "Before long—marriage age."
Headless sentence—Luo Xueyan tense—most worried Shen Miao—daughter's marriage life-defining—palace controlling… Luo Xueyan face ugly. Seeing deep feeling—Xu "pfft" laughed. "Shen Madam so nervous—afraid this consort matchmaking for Miss Shen?"
Luo Xueyan hurried. "This subject wouldn't dare!"
"Rest assured," Xu said. "Even if matchmaking—won't random pairs—must ask Miss's wish. Speaking of…" Xu looked Shen Miao—smile ill-intentioned. "Miss Shen—favored person now?"
Before Consort Dong—asking favored person—all knew Shen Miao loved Fu Xiuyi—city scandal—public embarrassment for Consort Dong. Xu arrogant on Emperor's favor—Dong easiest bully among four—using Dong as raft—Xu delighted.
"Thank consort kindness—this subject no favored person now." Shen Miao bowed head.
Xu somewhat bored—Shen Miao dull—not legendary rough block—no fun. Waved. "Fine—none then."
Luo Xueyan more cautious—Shen Miao related—twelve parts spirit. Thinking—Consort Dong gentle voice above. "Madam needn't tense—today we sisters invited you—just chat homely." Pause. "We never visited northwest—Madam's campaigns with General legendary—we curious north—so invited Madam."
Consort Dong's voice warm—as spring soothing heart—Luo Xueyan not relaxed—Shen Miao more suspicious. Knew today other intent—perhaps Emperor Wenhui's probe channel. Emperor chose Xu and Dong—one arrogant one gentle—hard-soft pair—easy dizzy—talked into words.
Shen Miao nervous inwardly.
"Thank consort favor." Luo Xueyan smiled too. "North naturally dry—afraid consorts dislike."
"No matter," Consort Dong smiled. "Since we invited—not afraid boring." Voice paused—remembered—looked Shen Miao.
Fu Xiuyi knew Emperor wanted them probe Luo Xueyan—bring Shen Miao as warning. Yesterday told her—if Shen Miao present—send her away during talk. Fu Xiuyi Consort Dong's son—she wouldn't doubt—still… couldn't see what's worth guarding in this dull timid miss.
Shen Miao head down—expression unclear. Consort Dong said. "But our fun talk—girl listening boring. Tongyao—take Fifth Miss stroll garden—tired take her Yiju Chamber for pastries—care for her well."
Xu somewhat surprised—thought Emperor's idea—no impact on her—no objection. Luo Xueyan uneasy—in sight best—but realized next talk not idle chat. At least… broad daylight—they dare not harm Shen Miao.
Thought so—slightly eased—smiled at Shen Miao. "Jiaojiao—follow official stroll garden—Mother finds you when done with consorts."
Shen Miao didn't refuse—inward alarm—why send her away. Could cling and stay—too deliberate. Why hide talk—suspected already? Speaker Consort Dong—first meeting… Fu Xiuyi warned Consort Dong? Flash of thought.
Said nothing—respectfully bowed farewell—followed Tongyao out.
Tongyao led garden—palace gardens everywhere—for consorts—magnificent. Shen Miao no heart to admire—knew every inch better than anyone—which flower where—no interest.
Tongyao saw distraction. "Miss tired—take you Yiju Chamber sit—pastries there."
Shen Miao nodded—halfway—Yiju door visible—eunuch ran—urgent—whispered Tongyao. Tongyao apologetic to Shen Miao. "Yiju ahead—that hall—Miss enter first—I deliver thing—return quickly."
Shen Miao nodded—not minded. Yiju close—guards everywhere—no fear. She'd been—knew well.
Yiju door—opened—entered—door "slap" closed behind—Shen Miao startled—before reaction—hands from behind covered mouth. Bit without thought—elbow vicious backward.
Behind "hiss"—hand grabbed elbow immobile—familiar voice—low anger. "Shen Miao—you shrew?"
Shen Miao paused—hands released. Turned—opposite—Xie Jingxing rubbing hand—slight anger. But… Shen Miao cared not that.
Unlike past dissolute proud romantic—today deep red silver-edged official robe—fine sleeve clasps—long hat green boots—sharp proud utterly different. Never seen him thus—momentarily stunned.
Xie Jingxing locked door—turned arms crossed—settling accounts autumn look.
Shen Miao not afraid—only frowned. "What doing here?"
"Saw leaving palace—thought might be you—looked—yes." Xie Jingxing easy. "Emperor summoned your father?"
Shen Miao heart jumped. "What mean?"