Chapter 110: Disdain, Not Hate

"Ow!" Su Mingfeng yelped. "Why kick me. I wanted remind her—drank so fast—what could I do." Studied Xie Jingxing. "Besides she's the one at loss—not you—why care."
Xie Jingxing ignored him—sat at desk—dark eyes asked. "Horse matter she said—true?"
Su Mingfeng face ugly—under Xie Jingxing's sharp gaze—hardly. "True."
"Why hide from me?" Xie Jingxing pressing. Su Mingfeng shook head—bitter laugh. "Private—only Father and I discussed—I told no one—Father less likely—lose cap matter—who jokes. I planned tell you later… but how Shen Miss know? Agents in horse bureau? Bureau men wouldn't leak."
Xie Jingxing glanced Su Mingfeng. Su Mingfeng talented—yet Su house protected thoroughly—never big storms. Shen Miao's cards endless—surprised him again and again. Xie Jingxing gave "retreat"—Shen Miao didn't use it. Unite Su and colleagues impeach Shen Xin—reverse path—did ease the immediate crisis. Yet emperor's mind unfathomable—spare once—Shen army too strong—one day thorn in eye. Escape moment—not lifetime.
But… Shen Miao didn't consider this layer? Xie Jingxing didn't think so.
Xie Jingxing silent—usually dissolute face frowning—Su Mingfeng nervous—knew friend careless yet understood court pattern best. Su Mingfeng asked. "Problem?"
Xie Jingxing shook head. "Your thought?"
"Sickness to plague—very possible. Matter grave—Father commands horses—if trouble—Su first hit." Su Mingfeng said. "If Miss Shen didn't lie—I think try. Persuade Father hard—but… I'll do my best." Pause—looked at Xie Jingxing. "You think this trade?"
Xie Jingxing raised brow. "Biggest winner not you—but you don't lose." Glanced Su Mingfeng. "Do as she said."
Su Mingfeng lowered head—hesitant. "But… unite impeach Shen Xin—fear backfire."
"Didn't notice?" Xie Jingxing half-smile. "Emperor's mind—she reads clearer than you."
Su Mingfeng silent—Xie Jingxing stood—Su Mingfeng blank. "Where going?"
"Command request." Xie Jingxing lazy again. "Show Lin'an Marquis."
……
Su mansion gate—Shen Miao donned hat—asked Mo Qing beside her. "In Su Mingfeng's room—feel anyone else?"
Mo Qing startled. "Felt no one—Miss found something?"
Shen Miao shook head. Mo Qing supreme skill—even he didn't sense—probably no one. Still… strange—Su Mingfeng kept glancing at screen. No martial arts—but reading people mastered—against somewhat green Su Mingfeng—more than enough.
Recalling—two teacups on table somewhat odd.
Shen Miao shook head—discarded messy thoughts—screen person or not—words to Su Mingfeng said—by her understanding Su Mingfeng—should succeed.
In carriage Gu Yu asked. "Miss—will Su Young Master help Master and Madam?"
Jingzhe Gu Yu outside—didn't know talk—thought asking help. Su and Shen always such—worried.
Shen Miao nodded. "He will."
Last life Su annihilated for illegal horse trade—throne couldn't tolerate old Pingnan Marquis house—face must be complete. Besides horse trade evidence—another crime recorded—early Ming Qi sixty-nine—Su Yu's horses sick—even small plague wave—later rural veterinarian controlled—only horse bureau confidants knew—none outside. Later Su copied—exposed. Shen Miao as empress read Su guilt scrolls—knew veterinarian's address. Even without today's visit—when plague spread—Su Yu would find him. Shen Miao forbade telling Su Yu horse matter—using time gap.
Su Mingfeng other reasons ask Su Yu memorialize—she used condition—just right.
Still… Shen Miao face dark—Yuan before death gave Fu Xiuyi Shen defy-order evidence—incomplete. Fu Xiuyi moving on Shen house now—tension—no full cards against Fu Xiuyi yet—time immature—no opportunity—truly Xie Jingxing's "retreat."
But how retreat matters—retreat three steps is retreat—retreat to advance is retreat. Arrange everything—withdraw clean—what she must worry now.
Can't stay out long—suspicion—returned Shen mansion quickly. Mansion thought she confided Feng Anning. Shen Xin Luo Xueyan not back—Shen Gui Wan said something—other branches watched spectacle.
Used to Shen kin treating first branch as enemy—Shen Miao ignored—West Court. Jingzhe Gu Yu thought another sleepless night at desk—Shen Miao washed early—bed—maids exchanged glances—more worried.
Shen Miao on bed—looking at carved bedpost sachets—slowly closed eyes.
Done what she could—only wait.
Wait Su and colleagues memorialize—wait… Emperor Wenhui's suspicion erupt.
……
Palace—Shufang Palace—unlike others' splendor—even plain. Decor—flowers grasses calligraphy. Consort Dong side-seated on couch listening to tune—young girl playing—round face—not very beautiful—lively playing. Consort Dong smiling listening—Consort Dong not very beautiful among plump slender beauties—seemed ordinary. Though graceful—mild no temper—no wonder lowest among four consorts.
Beside her—a young man—splendid robes— handsome—somewhat cold—yet smile seemed warm. To Consort Dong. "This tune plays well."
Consort Dong's son—Ninth Prince Prince Ding Fu Xiuyi.
Consort Dong smiled glance at Fu Xiuyi—waved—player stopped abruptly. Consort Dong laughed. "Well played—take reward silver."
Player flash joy—hurried with zither down. All inner palace knew Shufang Palace servants most comfortable—Consort Dong kind—very lenient—just playing group—rich reward.
"All withdraw." Consort Dong swept other palace folk—they left orderly—instant hall only mother and son.
"Mother's servant-training grows finer." Fu Xiuyi smiled.
"Favor better than enmity," Consort Dong smiled. "Mother told you how many times."
"Yes yes." Fu Xiuyi sighed. "Pity my position—enmity easier than favor."
Consort Dong smile faded—asked. "These days Father frets Great General matter—your side—confident?"
Consort Dong never meddled Fu Xiuyi's affairs—inner palace avoid politics—Emperor nine sons—none easy. Show ugliness rather than hide talent—timing unclear—Consort Dong unafraid play "unfavored."
"Father already focused—won't raise heavy drop light." Fu Xiuyi said. "My evidence submitted—exactly Father's wish—will go smoothly."
"I know you have plan." Consort Dong shook head flat. "But Little Nine—tense now—be careful. Don't claim merit—let them fight—tired then strike."
"Son heed Mother." Fu Xiuyi hurried.
Consort Dong smiled—remembered—asked. "Last time had Shen Madam bring Shen Miao—why insist Shen Miao not hear our talk?"
Last summon—Fu Xiuyi warned beforehand—don't let Shen Miao present—Consort Dong sent Tongyao take Shen Miao out.
"Mother thinks—Shen Fifth Miss—what kind of person?" Fu Xiuyi asked.
"Looks fine—future small beauty. But temperament dull too gentle—easily bullied." Consort Dong looked at Fu Xiuyi. "Heard she once loved you—doesn't seem as bad as rumor—not lively clever—yet not to rough-block degree."
Fu Xiuyi smiled faintly. "Mother so picky—can't find her fault?"
Consort Dong paused. Surface gentle—privately extremely picky—Fu Xiuyi marriage age—excellent—high gates want daughters—many noble ladies—Consort Dong always found fault—unworthy son.
This speech—no praise—yet no scorn—careful thought—even favors Shen Miao. Young official daughters—first time such mild evaluation.
Fu Xiuyi reminded—Consort Dong herself stunned.
Plain little girl—why no fault? Besides dull—truly nothing wrong.
No desire—no ambition—eyes calm as matron—Consort Dong heart jumped—same as her—or disguised self?
"Mother sees too." Fu Xiuyi smiled. "This Miss Shen—hidden master."
Consort Dong puzzled at Fu Xiuyi. "You say she acts? So young—other can act—temperament can't hide."
"Mother," Fu Xiuyi eyes strange flash. "I've seen her public disgrace—shameless pursuit—archery ground killing air three arrows drove Cai young master off stage—now you've seen dull wooden her—Mother thinks—which is real her?"
Consort Dong teacup hand paused.
One person thousand faces—each vivid—each seems true temperament—disguise too terrible. More terrible—barely past hair-pinning age.
Fu Xiuyi lowered head—didn't say—also saw palace banquet—Shen Miao looking at him—suppressed hate—hate to bone—not girl's love-spurned hate—soul shaking anger—wish tear him apart.
Many puzzling places.
"Mother—Shen house kept is variable—land can't change again." Fu Xiuyi lowered voice. "Shen Fifth Miss—not simple as we thought—cut weeds dig roots—end before start—best."
"So Great General doomed this time?" Consort Dong asked.
"Not that," Fu Xiuyi smiled. "Shen head of noble houses now—move besides Shen—bigger variables. But take Shen power—Shen gradually weak—ripe—net all."
"If mishap mid-way?" Consort Dong looked at him. "Shen maybe other cards—pass safely—trace your memorial—you suffer."
Fu Xiuyi shook head—still kind smile—eyes sudden fierce. "Deceive emperor—charge already large. However capable—Shen can't walk away clean—just…" flat. "This was always my test."
"Test?" Consort Dong puzzled.
Fu Xiuyi looked fingertips. "Yes." Yuan had him watch Shen Miao—Fu Xiuyi didn't care. Later series—Prince Yu annihilation—Yuan's death—gradually realized Yuan might be right.
Boudoir girl—can't do such deeds—one possibility—someone behind Shen Miao. That capable—Fu Xiuyi must guard.
This Shen trouble—only Shen Miao left—his suggestion with Emperor Wenhui—but Fu Xiuyi's aim—see deeply hidden Miss Shen who played even him—what method—who helps?
Whatever method—Shen Xin cannot walk away clean. Fu Xiuyi clenched palm—meat in mouth—spit out?
Shen house doomed in Ming Qi history—undoubted.
……
Tonight Lin'an Marquis house also unrest.
Innermost yard—Xie Jingxing just removed outer robe—door "slap" opened. Servant trembling at door—feared implicate—bowed. "Young Master… couldn't stop…"
Lin'an Marquis Xie Ding at door—more furious—raged. "Stop? Try stop me—I'm your father! When did Lin'an Marquis change master—Xie Jingxing—stand straight!"
Xie Jingxing lazy glance at Xie Ding—tossed robe on couch—sat chair—leaned back—dissolute young master pose. "Marquis midnight visit—what honor?"
Stranger's distance.
Xie Ding furious again—Changwu Changchao behind—indignant faces—look close—eyes seemed gleam. Changchao said. "Eldest Brother—Father devoted to you daily—how speak so—no propriety rank!"
"None of your business." Xie Jingxing four words.
Outside elegant proud Young Marquis—before Xie Ding trio like ruffian—yet "Confucian general" Xie Ding helpless.
"Brat!" Xie Ding didn't notice Changchao iron face—raged. "What command request is this!" Slapped paper at Xie Jingxing's face.
Xie Jingxing caught—glanced—raised brow. "Marquis dissatisfied—ask Emperor rewrite. Midnight no sleep—for this?"
"Xie Jingxing—what are you doing!" Xie Ding exploded. "You know north frontier—command request not play. Xie army—you never commanded—I didn't teach you—know how use them!"
Changchao Changchao eyes dark flash. Xie army—Lin'an Marquis most precious asset—more than wealth glory. Changwu Changchao also martial—but Xie Ding never meant them inherit Xie army—trained Xie Jingxing as heir. Even now bringing half-brothers into office—if Xie Jingxing truly holds Xie army—Changwu Changchao lifetime can't reach Xie Jingxing's height.
"So what?" Xie Jingxing smiled—gaze swept—star demon. "Use more—get used."
"No!" Xie Ding refused flat. "Tomorrow court with me explain to Emperor—can't accept command!"
"Marquis," Xie Jingxing tilted head—like watching joke. "Command I requested myself—retract before Emperor… Marquis want my head—say direct—why learn others roundabout." Half-smile at Changwu pair.
Clearly saying half-brothers ill intent. Both stiff—Changwu said. "Brother—Father means well—frontier complex—trouble—not only your safety—Father punished—whole Xie army shamed. Can't only think glory—ignore Xie future."
Meaning—Xie Jingxing ambitious ignorant—want merit—don't know weight—go out disgrace only.
Even Xie Ding frowned.
"Brothers rest assured." Xie Jingxing retorted. "Brother waits you enter office—court merit—glory—then rely you protect Xie house. Marquis will be happy."
Changwu Changchao just entered office—merit glory—by their talent—monkey year moon month. Xie Jingxing mocked their poor talent—only climb on Xie connections.
"You!" Changchao angry—about speak—Xie Ding roared. "Enough!"
Changchao Changwu silent—Xie Jingxing showed impatience. "Marquis finished—if finished get out—I sleep."
"Jingxing," Xie Ding suddenly weary. "All these years—you still hate me? Hate so much—risk life—leave Marquis house?"
Xie Ding past forty—still bearded handsome middle-aged—general yet unlike Shen Xin rough bold—gentleman refined. Young "Confucian general"—clear handsome. Xie kin mostly inherited—Changwu Changchao also handsome—compared Xie Jingxing—large gap.
Princess Rongxin gentle elegant—young Xie Ding jade gentleman—yet bore Xie Jingxing—face extreme—temper more extreme. Dissolute proud—heaven earth none could handle. Seemed indifferent to all—proud above all. Such face and temperament—history might call legendary romantic figure.
Also helpless—like Xie Ding now.
Xie Ding temples silver-flecked. "Jingxing—still hate me?" Voice trembling. Usually furious at Xie Jingxing—now like father surrendering to son.
Hate? Hate what? Fang entered—evil woman opportunity? Princess Rongxin died resentful—Xie Jingxing grew in twisted great house? Clearly wrong first—yet lovesick never remarried. Such lovesick—wouldn't execute Fang. Doted Xie Jingxing—atone?
Error made—person gone—sin can't clear.
Xie Jingxing swept glance—moment sharp—yet general's exhaustion didn't move him.
Never hated Xie Ding—only disdain. Besides… Xie Jingxing said. "Marquis overthink—I haven't that leisure."
Haven't leisure to hate you.
Words too hurtful—Xie Ding unconscious stepped back—hand on chest—face grief unclear.
Changwu Changchao inwardly delighted. Xie Jingxing hurt Xie Ding deeper—Xie Ding more disappointed—one day brothers replace Xie Jingxing fully.
"So…" Xie Ding hard. "Then you campaign." Voice dropped. "I'll explain Xie army—those will assist you—house armor heart guards—take all." Seemed aged ten years overnight—looked at Xie Jingxing. "You… stay safe."
Changchao Changwu supported Xie Ding out—door—Changchao malicious smile at Xie Jingxing. "Little brother wishes Brother great victory—triumphant return."
Wishing him die on battlefield.
After Changwu pair left—door shut—flickering lamp—black-robed man appeared. "Master—Changwu Changchao…"
"Forget it." Xie Jingxing said. "Die now—Marquis won't let me leave."
"Xie army only obeys Marquis—won't obey Master." Black robe said. "Master plans?"
"Trivial Xie army—who cares." Xie Jingxing impatient. "Princess Manor arranged how?"
"Reply Master—men stationed hidden—protect Princess Rongxin. Master not farewell Princess?"
"Needn't." Xie Jingxing waved. "This is fine."
Black robe assented—withdrew.
Flickering light—red lips white teeth handsome face shed past proud romance—some gentleness. Purple-gold off—jade-white inner robe—long lashes—studying flame—handsome as painting.
"Hate?" He lowered eyes—smiled faintly.
"The whole world will hate me."