Chapter 108: Requesting Command

"What mean?" Shen Miao asked.
Xie Jingxing wouldn't say without reason—words had other meaning.
Xie Jingxing raised brow—looked at her. "Yuan was Prince Ding's man."
Shen Miao slightly startled—silent.
"Before Yuan's incident—secret talk with Prince Ding." Xie Jingxing said. "Shen house fire and water—besides moving on your father—what else?"
"Impossible!" Shen Miao lost voice.
Xie Jingxing exploring stare—as if pierce whole person—asked. "Why?"
Shen Miao palms damp—instant chaos. Shen trouble not these two years—throne moving on Shen house still delayed—no just cause yet. Yuan served Prince Ding—both extremely cautious—no move without certainty. Last life learned second third branch helped—Yuan only presented rebellion evidence at end.
But what time now—far from throne vs Shen Xin—why Yuan move now—evidence shouldn't be complete—Fu Xiuyi choose now?
How became this?
Her unsettled face—looked up—Xie Jingxing thoughtful gaze—Shen Miao startled—Xie Jingxing sharp—might read from expression. Therefore masked laugh. "Yuan my Second Brother—why harm Father?"
Hearing—Xie Jingxing laughed instead—meaningful. "Shen Miao—you think me fool?"
"Young Marquis Xie told me this," Shen Miao serious. "How will Prince Ding move on Father?"
Xie Jingxing shook head.
Shen Miao didn't hope much—even if he knew—no reason tell her. Xie house deep in Ming Qi pattern—random help—invite disaster. Today in his place—probably wouldn't even warn.
Still… Shen Miao studied Xie Jingxing's official robes—puzzled. "Why enter palace?"
Casual question—her righteous manner made Xie Jingxing pause—brief instant—lazy. "Enter palace—request command."
"Request command?" Shen Miao blank—instinct. "For whom?"
Xie Jingxing smiled said nothing—Shen Miao looked sharply. "You… self-request command? Northern frontier… Xiongnu?"
Now Xie Jingxing surprised. "How know?" Northern Xiongnu secret—confidential—before edict—even Shen Xin might not know—let alone Shen Miao. Always curious her intelligence sources—palace matters too—more unexpected.
Shen Miao stared blank—heart storm surge.
Northern frontier—Xiongnu trouble never retreated—terrain complex—northerners fierce—years Emperor Wenhui small skirmishes—avoid frontal fight—Xiongnu escalated—Emperor sent Xie Ding—Xie army brave—annihilated battlefield. Same New Year—Xie Ding died in armor—nation mourned. Next spring opening—Xie Jingxing replaced father—defeat avalanche—ten thousand arrows—flayed wind-dried—displayed on wall tragic end.
Xie Jingxing died age twenty-two—now barely nineteen.
Shen Miao heart breathless—instant—Emperor couldn't move on Xiongnu now—Xie Jingxing self-requested command. Xie Ding shouldn't know yet—looking Xie Jingxing now—likely got command token.
Changed again! Again!
Years away events—surfaced early. Xie Jingxing campaign now—same as last life's end?
For Xie house—Shen Miao wanted reserve—later rope against throne—yet however she changed—some fates old track? Before her—red lips white teeth—beautiful proud dissolute youth—still walk worst step?
Xie Jingxing saw her strange expression—wondered—eyes flickered. "You seem worried?"
Teasing tone—Shen Miao no heart analyze—chaos—looked at him. "You… lead Xie army?"
"Watch inside Xie army more—watch those close," Shen Miao word by word—started stiff—later expression serious. "Northern wind sand heavy—armor already thick—never remove heart guard mirror." Last life ten thousand arrows—heart guard might help. More—death too suspicious—tactics will excellent young general—how lose so miserably. Later understood pattern—throne strikes noble houses—perhaps royal men in Xie army—Xie father-son tragedy—conspiracy mixed.
Shen Miao for grand scheme—unknown to her and Xie Jingxing's acquaintance—not yet friends—such concerned words—somewhat subtle.
Xie Jingxing also surprised—suddenly smiled—leaned close—slightly bowed—so near—peach eyes smiling—teased. "So concerned about me?"
Shen Miao lost in thought—didn't notice closeness—startled—not recovered from guess—momentarily blank. Eyes clear—when blank—like child—pitiable.
Xie Jingxing paused—instant helpless. Ruthless by nature—Shen house merely chess piece. Knew Shen Miao deep—mysterious means—not harmless boudoir girl. Yet sometimes—felt she understood nothing—bullying little girl—somewhat ashamed.
Shame quickly discarded—Xie Jingxing stepped back. "Shen army too loud—not good."
Shen Miao answered. "Today palace—my mother—summoned Consort Xu and Consort Dong." Speaking their names—no respect—as ordinary people. Xie Jingxing accustomed.
He said. "Retreat."
"Retreat?" Shen Miao asked.
Xie Jingxing silent. Still gave her hint. If clever—understand meaning.
Shen Miao lowered eyes—thought—said. "Thank you."
Xie Jingxing lazy wave—unknown thinking. Shen Miao asked. "Command request—when depart?"
"Ten days."
"So fast?" Shen Miao exclaimed.
"What?" Xie Jingxing sidelong—half-smile. "Reluctant?"
"Not…" Shen Miao flat. "Then… wish Young Marquis victory—triumphant return."
"When reward comes," Xie Jingxing indifferent. "Send you trinket—token."
Shen Miao about speak—Xie Jingxing hand on waist. "Someone coming." Smiled at her. "Till we meet—Shen… Jiaojiao." Window flew out Yiju Chamber.
Leaves window like own front door—Shen Miao still stunned—door pushed—Tongyao entered. Strange. "Miss why not sitting?"
Shen Miao recovered—smiled—sat aside. Still thinking Xie Jingxing's words.
Command ten days—ten days—same as three years later? Three years also this time—Xie Jingxing campaign—then Xie father-son forever ended in Ming Qi history.
Xie house like last life—in unavoidable end… Shen house? How? Xie Jingxing's hint—not outcome she wanted. Retreat saves life—only life. Without power—peace luxury. Last life's road taught clearly—only stand higher than enemy—truly grasp fate.
Yet Xie Jingxing's method—defense enough—offense lacking.
What method break deadlock?
Hours after—Shen Miao pondered. Pastries untouched—tea undrunk—novels no mood—Tongyao glanced often—why little girl sit old-heavy all afternoon—even slow-tempered consorts lacked patience.
Unknown wait—eunuch came summon. Tongyao led Shen Miao out—Luo Xueyan waited door. Seeing Shen Miao—forced smile—hand out palace home.
Luo Xueyan tried casual—Shen Miao who learned read faces in inner palace—saw worry. "Mother—what did they say?"
Luo Xueyan smiled. "Nothing much—Little Spring City life. Never visited northwest—wanted see."
Shen Miao asked. "Truly? If so—summon you so long—too strange."
Luo Xueyan stroked Shen Miao's head. "What's strange. Palace consorts can't wander—days boring—Mother tells distant stories—entertain—they happy." Still worried. Not in court affairs—doesn't mean ignorant danger. Today careful—but talk all daily life—more puzzling.
Palace none fools—all shrewd as foxes. Yet today's talk—never military—not even Shen army—only Little Spring City common folk—Luo Xueyan confused.
Warriors intuition for danger—felt danger near—don't know where—annoyed.
Feared scaring Shen Miao—won't tell. Shen Miao didn't ask again—home near dusk—Qiu and Shen Xin waited gate—relieved both.
After meal—Luo Xueyan told Shen Miao rest early—pulled Qiu and Shen Xin discuss palace matter. Shen Miao didn't follow—learned much from Luo Xueyan—unclear what Yuan gave Fu Xiuyi.
Lamp bright on eyes—Shen Miao at desk thinking—Jingzhe Gu Yu careful not disturb. Outside drizzle—first rain since New Year—spring coming.
Spring about to live—all revive—new hope—yet how through heavy snow—find willow-dark path?
Shen Miao closed eyes.
This night—someone traveled in finery by night.
Xie Jingxing passing yard—met Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao—stopped—bowed respectful. "Eldest Brother."
Always invisible to them—today same—step aside to leave—Changchao called. "Long no see Brother—busy what. Days ago hunt—wanted Brother—Father had us attend Official Liu's banquet—regret not together."
Xie Ding lately taking Changwu Changchao to colleagues' feasts—everyone knows—Xie Ding bringing sons into office.
Changwu Changchao concubine-born—talent inferior Xie Jingxing—if Xie Jingxing not dissolute refusing office—never their turn. Xie Jingxing and Princess Rongxin—Xie Ding friction years—father-son ice—how repair?
Changwu humbler than Changchao—still couldn't hide pride. "Brother join sometime—literary martial both—colleagues' favor—office easier."
They knew Xie Jingxing's pride—more said—less likely enter office. Beat Xie Jingxing on favor—natural tails high.
Xie Jingxing heard—half-smile glance—suddenly asked. "Very proud?"
Both blank—Xie Jingxing already left—contempt in eyes—real—into theirs.
Watching distant figure—Changchao hated. "What thing—think who he is!"
Changwu face dark poison. "One day—trample underfoot!"
Xie Jingxing returned room—two waited. Middle-aged bearded man—younger—proper features.
Bearded asked. "Master—you truly—"
Xie Jingxing sat desk—waved.
"Changchao Changwu—" younger showed killing air at end. "Whether—"
"Needn't. Move now—extra branches." Xie Jingxing cut. "Without me—they won't harm Xie Ding. As for Fang—" cold laugh. "Keep her."
Both assented. Xie Jingxing pulled memorial from sleeve—today's command request copy.
After all—must walk this move.
……
First sunlight through carved window on desk—Shen Miao sat motionless.
Jingzhe entered with silver basin—startled. "Miss up so early today?"
Shen Miao silent—Jingzhe approached—lamp burned out—Shen Miao white face—faint dark under eyes. Jingzhe exclaimed. "Miss didn't sleep all night?"
Shen Miao shook head—weary pressed brow.
Sat here—all night.
Xie Jingxing's hint—puzzle and lost—don't know what Yuan gave Fu Xiuyi—only harmful to Shen house. One word "retreat"—not path she wanted Shen house walk. How break deadlock?
Jingzhe heartache. "Miss however worried—don't torture body. Master Madam would ache—eat rest first—face poor—if Miss falls first—what then?"
Shen Miao hungry dizzy after night—said. "Bring porridge—eat sleep awhile—tell no one."
Jingzhe "yes"—ran kitchen early food. Shen Miao stood—hot water wash face—halfway—footsteps outside—Jingzhe ran back.
"So fast?" Shen Miao surprised. Kitchen distance—even run—moment wait.
"Miss—bad." Jingzhe flustered. "Palace came—summon Master Madam Young Master—palace immediately!"
Shen Miao's cloth "plop" in basin. Steadied spirit. "I'll look."
Yard—palace eunuch with Emperor Wenhui's oral decree—speaking Shen Xin. Usually polite to Great General—today attitude unclear. Sometimes messenger shows master's attitude—clearly—this summons—not good.
Shen Miao came—yard not only Shen Xin Luo Xueyan Qiu—other branches out—even Old Madam with Shen Yuanbai—no concern—cold watch—fear fire spread—avoid.
Shen Wan to eunuch. "May we ask why Emperor summons Eldest Brother?"
Eunuch eyes skyward. "This servant only carries oral decree—Emperor's meaning unknown. Sir—please follow quickly." Urged Shen Xin go.
Qiu saw Shen Miao—nervous—grabbed hand. "Little Sister—why here?" Seeing her look—hurried comfort. "Don't fear—Emperor just military talk—back soon—I'll take you sugar hawthorn."
Feared scaring her—in Shen Miao's eyes—more suspicious. Summon Shen Xin Luo Xueyan Qiu together—not her—but think—all Shen army leaders—must relate Shen army. Military power hot potato—involvement—extreme care.
Now showing fear—no help—burden Luo Xueyan more. Therefore smiled. "Really? Elder Brother keep promise."
Seeing so—Qiu relieved. Qiu knew Shen Miao clever—didn't want her tied court affairs—court matters never one person's price—casualties chains—not easily explained.
Luo Xueyan Shen Xin comforted. "Jiaojiao stay mansion—go nowhere—when parents return—we make spring new clothes for Jiaojiao."
Shen Miao agreed. Watched eunuch lead Shen Xin party leave.
Chen Ruoqiu held Shen Wan's hand worried. "Sudden summon Eldest Brother sister-in-law—something wrong?"
Shen Wan shook head. Shen Gui said. "Eldest Brother too prominent—can't manage court—if trouble—no one speak for him." Meaning—if Shen Xin trouble—Gui and Wan won't help.
Shen Miao sneered inwardly. Yue timid. "If Eldest Uncle trouble—big matter—take all—will we implicated?"
"How implicate Yue." Shen Gui smiled. "If implicate—First should be Little Five."
Gui vicious—after losing sons—office blocked—jealous Shen Xin higher rank greater fame—seeing misfortune—delighted—hoped first branch extinct—no obstacle.
Yue flash schadenfreude—sympathetic at Shen Miao. "Fifth Sister pitiful?"
Shen Miao not angry—laughed cold—flat. "Palace servants don't know Emperor's mind—yet two uncles already read Emperor's heart clear." Looked Shen Gui. "Second Uncle so prescient—Emperor will appreciate understanding subject—such telepathy rare—rivals former dynasty's Lord Wei."
Both Shen Wan and Shen Gui changed color. Emperor most fears—subject guessing mind. Shen Miao's words—Gui Wan read Wenhui's thoughts clear—what plotting? Even shadow former Lord Wei—Emperor's confidant—one glance knew intent—unstable throne—controlled opposition—then when power secure—death order.
No monarch likes mind read clear—no awe—maybe knife on neck tomorrow.
Imperial house—most suspicious—one sentence—life death.
Shen Miao's sentence—Gui Wan pale—dared not retort—word spreads—Emperor hears—what trouble. Both secretly shocked—where learned—one sentence—big hat on heads.
Past—Consort Mei's method. Now Shen Miao—Gui's loose mouth forced—not really verbal war here—urgent—how solve matter.
Old Madam watched enough—won't sons lose—cold snort. "Only bring Shen trouble!" Still minded division—incident delays division—Old Madam even thought—if Shen Xin trouble—only first branch harmed—not them—first branch property all hers? Greed in eyes.
Shen Miao disgust extreme—room full "kick man down well"—world's base—Shen must rank.
Wan Yiniang held Dongling behind—dare not speak. Ren Wanyun awake—didn't leave Caiyun—absent today. Dongling whispered. "What trouble Eldest Uncle—years absent capital—won from battle—other rewards?" Ease atmosphere—Yue displeased—Old Madam disliked—only Shen Miao slightly stunned.
Years absent capital?
Yes—Shen Xin couple and Qiu year-round northwest bitter campaigns—just returned—capital-based charge impossible. Yesterday Xu and Dong asked Little Spring City life. Suddenly—why interest remote northwest—Shen Miao didn't believe pampered palace women truly curious.
Must be connection. Not in capital—what charge?