Chapter 109: The Indirect Kiss

Shen Miao unsettled—no longer stood arguing with Shen kin—turned without looking back—quick to her room. Outside Shen Gui's party watched enough—wanted probe—scattered. Yue followed Chen Ruoqiu—face showed joy. Yesterday heard Consort Dong saw Shen Miao and Luo Xueyan—Yue very uneasy. Consort Dong was Prince Ding's birth mother—if favored—random matchmaking? Today—first branch unlucky.
Thinking so—Yue's steps lightened.
Wan Yiniang holding Dongling's hand—thoughtful glance at yard—followed back.
Vast West Court—empty in moments—even A Zhi returned with Shen Xin's guards to Shen army—Emperor Wenhui sudden summon—Shen army naturally confined. Fortunate Mo Qing remained—not yet on Shen army rolls.
Indoors—Jingzhe Gu Yu Bailu Shuangjiang behind Shen Miao—Mo Qing bowed at door—face showed gravity. Though Dongling said maybe Emperor continued rewarding Shen Xin—all knew impossible.
Shen Miao at desk brows tight—Mo Qing slightly comforted. Feared Shen Miao would panic—lose composure—now dark-faced—not much panic.
Shen Miao looked at notes before her. Shen house destroyed later by Fu Xiuyi in one stroke—she tried block—Fu Xiuyi before full court listed Shen crimes one by one—left her speechless. Knew all false—yet such false evidence—so certain—refutation weak.
That day golden hall—past carved deep as axe in heart. Denunciation arranged by date—day by day scene by scene. Now Ming Qi year sixty-nine—reborn Ming Qi sixty-eight—in Yuan's evidence to Fu Xiuyi—crimes must be year sixty-eight or before.
Before Ming Qi sixty-eight—what Shen crimes?
Shen Miao closed eyes—fragments flashed.
She in empress court robes—phoenix pins couldn't hide surrounding wretchedness—civil and military officials furious—Pei Lang bowed indifferent—Fu Xiuyi angrily threw memorial at her face.
Official reading: "Ming Qi sixty-eight—Shen soldiers—defied imperial command—privately released bandits—deceived emperor…"
Privately released bandits—deceived emperor!
Shen Miao eyes snapped open!
Remembered—Ming Qi sixty-eight—indeed major event. Shen Xin fought Western Rong—great victory—took three cities—Emperor Wenhui ordered—city populations—kill all.
For a general—massacre cruelest merit. Western Rong cities—besides soldiers—mostly old weak women children—usually harmless like Ming Qi common folk—wrong was only Western Rong soldiers. Shen Xin not bloodthirsty—privately spared those civilians.
Besides Shen army—likely none knew—Shen army all Shen Xin's men—wouldn't betray. Yuan's work perhaps—maybe Yuan planted agents in Shen army long ago.
When deposing crown prince—pursuing Shen house full crimes—item by item—this "deceive emperor" charge seemed less important. Yet in steady Fu Xiuyi's hands—timing immature—brought out alone—only means situation made Fu Xiuyi feel crisis—Shen house became variable. This life without her and Fu Xiuyi's entanglement—Fu Xiuyi didn't block Emperor—Shen extra years—throne finally eyed Shen fat meat.
So Yuan's evidence to Fu Xiuyi—should be Shen Xin didn't obey Emperor's "massacre" order.
Big or small—but now throne wanted reclaim Shen military—how spare chance?
Extremely thorny.
Shen Miao clenched fist—slowly calmed heart. Not worst yet—throne wanted deal with Shen—only reclaim troops. Move now—other noble houses displeased—Fu family cunning—wouldn't.
What to do now?
Room watched Shen Miao's changing face—all puzzled. Shen Miao suddenly stood. "I'm leaving mansion."
"Huh?" Gu Yu blank. "Miss—leave now—invite gossip."
"Family trouble—heart vexed—find friend ease—how?" Shen Miao eyes cold. "Go."
Mo Qing naturally no objection—heart submitted to Shen Miao—knew her methods. Seeing this—somewhat reassured—only said. "This servant will arrange."
Seeing Mo Qing—Jingzhe Gu Yu silent—left Bailu Shuangjiang wait news—left with Shen Miao.
Shen Miao's move surprised mansion—some probed—said visiting Feng Anning. Anning and Shen Miao friends—first branch trouble—seek Anning natural—no one blocked.
Past gate—Mo Qing drove toward Feng house. Past alley—confirmed no tail—Shen Miao said. "Su house."
"Su house?" Gu Yu blank. "Which Su house?"
"Pingnan Marquis Su—Su Yu's mansion."
Mo Qing knew Dingjing roads—noble mansions where—no asking—turned horse another direction.
Jingzhe Gu Yu wanted ask—dared not—Shen Miao had plan—but even servants knew—court enemies—Xie house one—Lin'an Marquis Xie and Pingnan Marquis Su same boat—Su and Shen fire and water—Shen trouble—why ask mortal enemy?
Though… perhaps not begging. Jingzhe Gu Yu uneasy thought.
Pingnan Marquis Su mansion—Su Mingfeng's room—another seated. Purple-gold robes flowing light—face lazy careless smile—Su Mingfeng anxious. "What happened? Why self-request command?"
"Dingjing too dull—north frontier for fun." Xie Jingxing said.
"Fun?" Su Mingfeng looked at him—usually gentle face angry. "You know what north frontier is? Xiongnu—none dare face now—why join trouble?" Seeing Xie Jingxing unmoved—Su Mingfeng softened. "I know Father bringing Changwu Changchao into office hurts—you needn't vent this way. Not child's play—though your skill high—frontier terrain complex—you never been… Jingxing—can't go."
"Su Mingfeng," Xie Jingxing amused. "Emperor gave me command request—you think I can refuse?"
Su Mingfeng blank—despair on face. Emperor's golden word—no retraction. Command in hand—no turning back. Even if Xie Jingxing changed mind later—must go.
Seeing Su Mingfeng so—Xie Jingxing said. "You curse my death—or curse my death?"
"Bastard!" Su Mingfeng cursed—some hate. "Why not discuss with me?"
"Discuss with you useful?" Xie Jingxing unconcerned took teapot poured himself. "No difference to me."
"You!" Su Mingfeng angry yet helpless. Knew Xie Jingxing lawless—decisions nine oxen won't turn. Called childhood friends—now one-sided heat—Xie Jingxing told him nothing—or only "notification."
Like now—came merely "inform"—command obtained—depart when day comes.
"Why must you go cursed north frontier?" Su Mingfeng paced. "Don't want to live? You know—win fine—lose—your two half-brothers first applaud!" Su Mingfeng slapped hand before Xie Jingxing. "Trust them in capital? Fear what Father says." Pause—looked at Xie Jingxing. "Does Father know?"
Xie Jingxing shook head.
"See!" Su Mingfeng said. "So willful—Marquis furious—half-brothers whisper—hidden concubine in house… return from frontier—who knows house becomes what. Xie Jingxing—truly at ease?" Su Mingfeng treated Xie Jingxing true friend—all for his good.
Xie Jingxing smiled—didn't want discuss—said. "After I leave capital—you watch Princess Manor more."
Besides Su house—Xie Jingxing most visited Princess Rongxin. North frontier—light year half—heavy unknown return. Princess Rongxin would grieve again.
Su Mingfeng wanted scold more—seeing Xie Jingxing face slight dark—couldn't continue. Xie Jingxing also said. "Within two years—Su house best lay low—don't enter office—claim illness."
"Huh?" Su Mingfeng strange. "What to do with me? Not said—enter office—less meddle troops enough?"
"Do as I say." Xie Jingxing glanced—stood. "I'm leaving."
"Hey." Su Mingfeng said. "You—you leave just like that? Why come today?"
"Farewell." Xie Jingxing shrugged—suddenly door "thump"—Su Mingfeng startled—opened—round ball rolled in.
Round chubby ball—Su Mingfeng helped up—dusted clothes. "Minglang—why here?"
Fat round ball—Su family's second young master Su Minglang. Seeing someone in room—Xie Jingxing—frightened shrink—hid behind Su Mingfeng—tugged hem. "Brother—Shen house sister came."
"What?" Su Mingfeng didn't understand—door ran his servant—panting. "Young Master—a lady at gate seeks you."
Su Mingfeng paused—looked at Xie Jingxing—Xie Jingxing half-smile at him. Su Mingfeng coughed. "Nonsense! I know no lady?"
"True!" servant urgent. "Says Great General mansion legitimate Fifth Miss—important matter."
"Great General legitimate Fifth Miss…" Su Mingfeng untangling—Su Minglang jumped. "Sister Shen Miao! Brother—Shen Miao sister came!"
Shen Miao? Su Mingfeng dumb—Xie Jingxing frowned.
Shen and Xie aside—Su never contact. Privately Su Mingfeng and Shen Miao no ties. Shen Miao suddenly visiting—Su Mingfeng baffled—asked Xie Jingxing. "Maybe… for you?"
"Shen Miao sister must seek me!" Su Minglang happy—hands on cheeks. "Brother—let's see Shen Miao sister!"
"This…" Su Mingfeng hesitated.
"Go." Xie Jingxing suddenly said—eyes meaningful. "In your room."
……
Shen Miao entered Su Mingfeng's room with Mo Qing—saw servant taking Minglang out. Snow-white dumpling struggled vain—seeing her—eyes lit—waved short arms. "Shen house sister!"
Shen Miao stopped beside him—rare smile—stroked head. "Why here?"
"Brother won't let me in…" Minglang mournful face. "Shen house sister—came see me?"
Servant coughed—apologetic smile to Shen Miao. "Sorry Miss Shen—Young Master waits inside." Covered Minglang's words.
Minglang clearly displeased—puffed cheeks at Shen Miao—Shen Miao laughed. "I seek your brother—next time see you—bring sugar cake."
Hearing—Minglang happy at once—no struggle—carefully reminded don't forget promise—left happily with servant.
Mo Qing behind surprised—Shen Miao never patient kind to strangers—just now best temper with Minglang—as if her son. Mo Qing suppressed weird thought—not age gap that large—Shen Miao still girl—no mother talk.
Shen Miao pushed door—room only Su Mingfeng at small table. Seeing her enter with Mo Qing—startled—didn't block—let her in. Servant shut door.
Mo Qing stood at door—guard against accident.
Shen Miao walked straight—sat opposite Su Mingfeng—natural as own house. First visit—never much contact before—so frank with stranger—Su Mingfeng couldn't help sidelong glance.
Shen Miao also studied Su Mingfeng.
Honestly—Su Mingfeng clear handsome youth. Beside Xie Jingxing blazing sun proud—light somewhat dimmed. Shen Miao knew—Su Mingfeng not ordinary official son—some real skill.
Pity—Su house later annihilated for illegal horse trade. Su Mingfeng died in calamity—Su father-son corpses—Xie Jingxing personally collected. Su-Xie relation evident.
Therefore Su and Shen never dealt.
Su Mingfeng uncomfortable under Shen Miao's gaze—slight cough. "Miss Shen—why visit?"
"My parents and Elder Brother summoned by Emperor—Young Master Su know why?"
Su Mingfeng puzzled. Shen affair spread Dingjing morning—official colleagues wary—court—slight wind—great matter. But Shen trouble—what to Su house?
"I don't know." Su Mingfeng answered. Truly didn't know summon pretext—all guessed Emperor Wenhui would discipline Shen—none knew charge.
"Father took Western Rong cities in northwest—Emperor ordered massacre—Father didn't obey." Shen Miao said. "So Emperor likely punishes—deceive emperor—defy military order."
Su Mingfeng startled—not charge—but Shen Miao told so easily. Such matter in anyone's hand—leverage—he'd hide it before anyone else knew—she told plain—Su Mingfeng clever from youth—didn't know respond—dry laugh—perfunctory. "Ah—what to do."
"So I ask Young Master Su help." Shen Miao said.
Su Mingfeng stunned again. Thought hard—what friendship with Shen Miao—or Shen-Su ties—worth Su helping now. Baffled—stole glance at screen.
"Miss Shen jokes," quick withdrawing gaze—smile gentle polite. "What help can I give? Miss Shen overestimates… And forgive rudeness—matter complex—random help—fire on self—I… can't find reason bear danger play good Samaritan."
Su Mingfeng's words clever—polite yet ruthless refusal. Saw Shen Miao straightforward—abandoned usual roundabout—direct: no.
Hearing—Shen Miao smiled lightly—eyes clear—seemed innocent—instant smile cold. "Young Master Su—though not in office—your father still manages military horses."
Su Mingfeng slight frown. "True."
"Has your father told Young Master—horse bureau seems trouble?" Shen Miao said.
Su Mingfeng frowned tighter—stared at Shen Miao. "Miss Shen—what mean?"
Shen Miao smiled faintly. "I hear horse bureau lately small problem—several army horses sick—medicine useless?"
Su Mingfeng's grip tightened on the teacup.
Not false—Su Yu these days frantic—besides horse bureau subordinates and Su Yu privately told—none knew. Horse bureau men wouldn't tell Shen Miao—if reported—Emperor punishes—all suffer worse.
But how did Shen Miao know?
Su Mingfeng heard dry voice. "Miss Shen… where hear such false talk?"
"False talk?" Shen Miao sighed—eyes seemed smile—leaned close—low. "Young Master Su not fear—this horse sickness—becomes horse plague?"
Su Mingfeng's pupils widened!
Horse plague!
"Pingnan Marquis so cautious—lifetime with war horses—can't suspect this?" Shen Miao feigned surprise. "How—not told Young Master?"
Su Mingfeng grit teeth—silent.
Su Yu didn't tell him? Su Yu did—medicine-useless sickness—horse plague precursor. One war horse costs much silver—plague outbreak—heavy losses—not silver alone—battlefield without horses—army can't fight. Blame from above—light lose cap—heavy lose head.
Sickness came odd and tricky—many veterinarians—no cure—sick horses isolated—still intermittent deaths. If uncontrollable—confirmed plague—great disaster.
"Miss Shen—what view?" Su Mingfeng bitter—speaking—stole glance at screen.
Shen Miao unhurried now—took empty cup—poured tea—sipped.
Su Mingfeng wanted speak—swallowed—listened attentively.
"I have method solve your horse trouble." Shen Miao said.
Su Mingfeng blank. "Truly?"
"Fortunate know veterinarian—superb skill—heard cured identical horse sickness—bring him—this horse death matter resolved."
Su Mingfeng silent.
Shen Miao sipped again—flat. "Mend fold after sheep lost—not too late. Young Master Su—when sickness spreads—can't hide—victims—not only horses."
Su Mingfeng grit teeth—looked at Shen Miao. "Miss Shen today brings good plan—surely more to say."
Eyes flickered. "Or think Su house has way help Shen house? Please speak."
"Direct." Shen Miao praised.
Su Mingfeng bitter laugh—not his direct—Shen Miao cunning. Earlier said Su no obligation help Shen Xin—Shen Miao gave trade terms. Shen Miao grabs soft spots—Su's current worry—horse matter—not spread—even he and Su Yu private—how she knew. Anyway—trade offered—can't refuse.
No wonder Shen Miao not fawning—direct—has cards. Trade is trade—open—neither cheats.
"I know Pingnan Marquis knows many court—compared to my parents years northwest—Brother Su's reach wider. Ask Pingnan Marquis gather friendly colleagues—memorialize for my father."
"Memorialize?" Su Mingfeng frowned. "All plead for General Shen?"
Shen Miao shook head. "No—all impeach my father."
Su Mingfeng stunned.
"Pingnan Marquis won't want this mess either," Shen Miao smiled faintly. "How persuade Marquis—Young Master Su's task. But Young Master must not tell Marquis horse matter—or mention me—or trade void."
Su Mingfeng didn't understand—looked up—young girl—clear gentle features—smile innocent clear—no smile—eyes cold—authority added—pressure Su Yu never gave Su Mingfeng.
"Can't stay long—once decided, a messenger will bring word to my house. When done—I send veterinarian's address." Stood—bowed slightly to Su Mingfeng. "Thank you."
Su Mingfeng hurried stood. "Certainly."
Shen Miao glanced at screen—turned with Mo Qing out. After left—Su Mingfeng exhaled—screen—Xie Jingxing stepped out.
"You heard all." Su Mingfeng said. "Shen Miss—more unpredictable than imagined."
Xie Jingxing raised brow—silent—Su Mingfeng looked at table—Shen Miao's teacup remained—rim slightly wet.
"Speaking—that was yours…" Su Mingfeng said. "You…"
Xie Jingxing kicked him hard without courtesy.