Chapter 130: An Invitation

Shen Miao paused, looked up at Xie Jingxing. In Ming Qi he moved like home—naturally familiar—raised in Ding from childhood—every corner known—behind Fengxian pawnshop, a message station—his ears perhaps sharper than Fu Xiuyi's.
What he wished to know—he could know.
"What is that to you?" she snapped. "Prince Rui has leisure to meddle in others' household affairs?"
"Household affairs?" He raised a brow—as if the phrase pleased him. "You seem to fear the woman surnamed Chang."
Cold flashed in her eyes. "A relative seeking shelter—nothing to fear."
"No." He stroked his chin, scanned her—suddenly leaned close, studied her eyes—so near without shame—mused. "A woman from Liuzhou—you never went to Liuzhou—why do you seem to know her well?"
She looked up sharply—met his gaze—face still heart-stealing—peach eyes hid sharpest blades. He said. "Princess Ming'an too—you never went to Qin—yet deep grudge."
She still silent—pose almost intimate—her eyes grew colder.
"You lived in Ding from youth—farthest place Xiaochun—two years there, no other ground—cannot know Liuzhou—cannot have met Qin princess." His voice drifted from night with early winter chill—almost into the heart.
"What do you mean?" she looked at him.
Low voice—elegant, mellow—seductive yet startling. He said. "Are you Shen Miao?"
For an instant fine gooseflesh rose—cold wind from crown to toe—ice in a breath. She had seen many—past empress life made faces mere masks—red and white—all—only this playful purple-robed youth was a living person.
Because under the mask—what face—could not be seen.
Her impression of Xie Jingxing—past life only a handsome youth dead young—this life depth known—now more terrible. Her deeds invited doubt—yet he doubted whether she was Shen Miao at all.
She was not Shen Miao—she was Empress Shen. He dared think—and neared truth. Almost probed—moment's panic—she did nothing—stared at his face—at last smiled lightly.
She often smiled—dignified, mild, as if indifferent—toward him mostly barbed, skin laugh meat cold. This smile was like night-blooming magnolia—light fragrance—harmless sweetness rushing over.
Yet the smile was brief—face cooled. "Under heaven—not everyone is like Prince Rui."
His playful smile stalled slightly.
Whether she was Shen Miao—unknown—but Prince Rui was no longer the young marquis heir. Lin'an Marquis's young master now Rui King—same person? Others still found it strange—once he had little tie to Liang.
"You won't lose an inch." He stood straight—depth in eyes hidden—half-smiling. "Still should be Shen Miao." As if to himself, as if to her. "So many secrets—tiring to investigate."
"Why won't Prince Rui let go?" She looked at him. "Secrets or not—none of your business."
"Unluckily—your secrets interest me." He said easily. "Besides I thought—in Ming Qi—the only one I might trust—is you."
She laughed cold instead of rage. "Prince Rui forgets—Su Mingfeng and Princess Rongxin still exist?"
He smiled. "No one told you—don't mention the past?"
Under the lamp his smile was still elegant—yet somehow lonely.
In a blink he looked at her. "How will you deal with Chang Zaiqing? Beg this prince—I can help."
Flat face. "I only ask Prince Rui not to meddle."
"Seems you have a plan." He raised a brow. "Truly capable."
She lowered eyes—he added. "Qin princess won't rest."
"No need to remind—I know." She glared. "Thanks for Prince Rui's 'help' today."
With Ming'an's jealous nature and fixation on him—seeing him favor Shen Miao—rage would fall on Shen Miao.
"She's not your match." He naturally ruffled her head—she shook off—he looked at his fingers with regret.
She would not speak—Ming'an had no brain—she did not worry—the key was Huangfu Hao. This visit was for alliance—Ming Qi eager to please Qin—with Liang watching.
Whatever else—Fu Xiuyi and Huangfu Hao must not join—breaking tacit alliance would cost effort. Her eyes fell on Xie Jingxing—in the chess of empire—what move was Liang? Unknown.
She died too early—did not know his end scene—likely not battle death—but golden cicada shell—back to Liang as Prince Rui.
He noticed her gaze, laughed. "Suspicious again?"
She looked steadily. "When does Prince Rui return to Liang?"
"Can't bear to part?" He smiled, glanced at her, looked out window. "Rest easy—not leaving yet." He said. "Huangfu Hao and Prince Ding's play—I want to see the end."
Her heart stirred. He said. "Don't you want to see too?"
"I don't know what Prince Rui means." She lied.
He bent, picked the black cloak from floor—pond water, crumpled—his face stiff a moment—then careless. "Shen Miao—you and I are the same kind."
"Highness heaven-born—I dust below—dare not compare."
"Self-deprecation." Purple-robed lip curved. "You and I—born to be above others."
Until no figure remained—candle seemed to cool—she sat at the table—his last words unsettled her long.
Same as him—born to be above others.
Had he found a clue? Impossible—she searched past life intersection with Xie Jingxing—almost none—not a word spoken. She thought again—wasted too much time—his chaos in her life bred anger.
At Prince Rui Manor Xie Jingxing returned to sleep—room nearly a fine bedchamber. He tossed the cloak aside—wiped hands with silk—from the corner white fur lunged—bit and shook the black cloak—head wagging in joy.
Cold-eyed he watched the fur ball play—then lifted it from the floor.
"What manners?" Disgust on his face.
The cub sneezed—claws on his collar—he expressionlessly threw it to the nest by the bed.
"Tieyi."
Black figure swept in. "Master's orders?"
He pointed at the cloak. Tieyi's mouth twitched—black lion fur—priceless—only piece in Liang treasury—so ruined? Tieyi wanted to weep for Yongle Emperor.
"Take it out—throw away." Xie Jingxing began undressing.
Tieyi woodenly picked it up—yes. All knew Rui was fastidious—common touch forbidden—this cloak would not be kept—none dared keep what he wore—silver flowing away.
At the door—"Wait."
Tieyi turned—Xie Jingxing hesitated, frowned. "Never mind—wash clean—put away."
Tieyi blinked—joy—nodded—flew out with the cloak—face relieved—good—Master finally understood thrift—best for Liang's future.
……
Ding saw the winter's first light snow.
Grains whispered white on the ground—cute. In deep winter streets filled with embroidered jackets and fur cloaks—very elegant. In such snow, oil-paper umbrella alone—if face like lotus—more elegant.
In Shen mansion West Court someone stood watching snow in the yard.
"Miss Qing—don't stand outside—catch cold—Ding is not warm Liuzhou—winter wind bites." A voice laughed—goose-yellow wide sleeves, crimson bird skirt—graceful—Chaoyue bun—from afar like a girl of sixteen—Chen Ruoqiu.
The one at the yard turned—simple snow-green dress—elegant. Zaiqing smiled. "Liuzhou rarely snows—few times a winter—Ding snow is lovely—I wanted to look."
Chen smiled. "Snow and wine is elegant—Miss Qing is refined." She said. "If you stay in Ding long—several years and it's nothing special—every year—bitter cold."
Zaiqing only smiled. Both seemed literary daughters of scholarly houses—every move pleasing—like twin sisters. Chen took her hand. "However you love snow—don't stay in the yard—lest chill enters. Brazier inside—sit within."
Zaiqing did not refuse—they entered arm in arm. Maids served hot tea.
Chen sipped first, smiled at Zaiqing. "I thought our Shen house here lacked a sister to share tea art—could not find—now you came—I am glad."
"Third Madam's kindness." Zaiqing smiled too.
"Miss Qing's temper pleases—who would not like." Chen said. "We met like old friends—I knew you clever and refined. We talk so well—how was it with my sister-in-law days ago?" She sighed. "My sister-in-law is from martial house—doesn't know tea—but frank and good—did she frighten you?"
Probe inside. Zaiqing stroked the lid, eyes modest. "Madam Shen was very good—told me many stories I never heard—no reserve for my status—I am grateful."
"I knew." Chen nodded. "You sensible—she frank—naturally close… Have you seen my elder brother?"
Zaiqing shook her head. "That day was late—General Shen had not returned—I left first—thought visit another day."
Chen smiled deeper. "Another day is fine—we are family—both in Ding—near—convenient for all."
A maid entered with an invitation—seeing Chen, bowed—handed the note to Zaiqing. "Miss—gate sent this."
Chen's eyes flashed, smiled. "Miss Qing new to Ding—already friends? Who invites?"
Zaiqing opened it, smiled. "Third Madam mistakes—In Ding I know only Shen people—no friends. This is from Madam Shen of the first branch."
"Sister-in-law?" Chen startled—surprised look at Zaiqing. "She must like you—when she lived in the old mansion she rarely sent notes." Happy for her. "Truly kindred—I'm almost jealous."
Zaiqing smiled. "Third Madam teases again."
"The date is today." Chen glanced at the note, startled. "Won't you go now?"
"Now… perhaps too early?" Zaiqing hesitated.
Chen patted her hand. "Why shy—we are family—visit like neighbors. With sister-in-law's temper—push and hesitate—she'll dislike—misunderstanding—why risk?" Zaiqing looked at the note—Chen continued. "Frankly I have selfish hope—if you and sister-in-law are close—explaining past rifts with brother and her is easier—we rely on you." She sighed.
"Third Madam mustn't say that." Zaiqing hurried. "Shen house sheltered me—I am grateful. I met Madam Shen—open heart—momentary misunderstanding. I'll go—if chance I'll help explain—you needn't ask—I would anyway."
Chen relieved. "I knew you were reasonable." She slipped a bracelet from her wrist—forced it on Zaiqing—Zaiqing refused—Chen held her hand. "Not worth much silver—small craft—I know you don't covet money—precious you won't take. Keep it—today perhaps brother is home—dress properly to see brother and sister-in-law—cannot let Chang family be slighted—not for yourself—for Chang name."
Words heartfelt—every line for Zaiqing. Zaiqing stopped refusing. "Third Madam's kindness—I remember."
"Family talk." Chen stood, looked out. "Tidy first—I won't disturb. Go before snow grows—return early tonight." She instructed Zaiqing's maids in detail—then left gracefully.
After Chen left, Nurse Zhao put away the note. "Miss—truly go to Shen house to see Madam Shen?"
"Go." Once Chen left, Zaiqing's smile faded—still soft-spoken—yet not the same person—less sincere.
"That Madam Shen—" Zhao hesitated.
"A good person." Zaiqing sat at the table—opened a rouge box—dabbed lips—pale color—pink seemed to bloom from within—more charming.
"Good person—this old servant can rest easy." Zhao sighed relief.
"Yes," Zaiqing looked in the mirror—whether to herself or others—"I rest easy too."
Outside, Chen returned to Autumn Water Court—warming brazier in hand—met Shen Yue.
"Mother—why do you run to that Chang Zaiqing's yard lately? I looked for you several times—gone."
"What did you want?" Chen stroked Shen Yue's head—daughter growing beautiful—vision too high—could not keep her unmarried—heart was Prince Ding—how could Chen give her Fu Xiuyi? As concubine Shen Yue would refuse. Shen Wan angry over matches several times—Chen pushed away the men he found—pitied daughter.
"New patterns from the embroidery shop—" Shen Yue said—"want you to pick which is pretty."
Looking at her flower-like daughter, Chen's head ached. "What use patterns—you're already beautiful. Time on cloth—better learn from West Court."
"West Court?" Shen Yue puzzled. "Mother means Chang Zaiqing? What's to learn?"
Chen shook her head. "Much to learn—one third of her skill and I'd rest easy."
Luo Xueyan was warm—but not one-meeting-then-invite temperament—so eager—Chen as sisters-in-law years—first time seeing it. Zaiqing comfortable, no hostility—yet to win Luo so fast—beyond expectation.
Still—good for Chen.
She tapped Shen Yue's forehead, hating iron not steel. "Learn from her more—useful than staring at dress patterns."
……
At Shen house Guyu combed Shen Miao's hair. "Miss—using Madam's name to invite that Chang girl—if Madam knows—will there be trouble?"
"Mother's name or mine—what difference?" Shen Miao flat. "Still family."
"Then why not your name?" Jingzhe wiped the table, curious. Shen Miao had stolen Luo Xueyan's seal—sent note to Shen mansion—maids' jaws dropped. Impersonating Madam for other things was one thing—to invite a barely close Miss… overkill.
"No closeness—why invite for no reason."
Jingzhe and Guyu exchanged glances—how to answer. Right—no bond—why steal seal to invite? When Zaiqing visited, Shen Miao had not been happy.
Shen Miao lowered eyes—Luo Xueyan away today—best send early—she must meet this Chang alone. Luo Tan sent off early—only Shen Miao could host.
Thinking—a boy announced—Chang Miss arrived.
"So fast?" Jingzhe surprised.
Shen Miao smiled faintly—one who wants something cannot hide ambition. Past life she was in the game, indifferent to Shen affairs—now she would see Zaiqing's skill.
Zaiqing was led to the main hall to wait. Hot tea came—she studied Shen house quietly.
Shen house differed from old Shen mansion—Old General chose geomancy—Old Madam loved flash—Shen house—martial couple—wide yards—square hall—upright ornaments—plain yet somehow stern—first visit she had not looked closely—now fine sweat rose—as if this place forced one to sit straight.
Maids swept, none spoke—Zaiqing had manners—would not urge. Tea cooled—no one came. She stopped a maid—why Madam Shen not out—trouble?
The maid smiled, courteous—said she'd ask—vanished—several times the same—Zaiqing uneasy. First meeting she had read Luo—bold, warm—why deliberate cold today?
First time—Zaiqing felt unsure. Maids seemed to watch—or not—she rose to leave—laughter behind her. "Aunt Qing waited long—forgive me—wet clothes in room—dressing took a moment."
Zaiqing stood—Shen Miao entered with maids.
Green-pattern brocade feather cloak—hand warmer—warm inside—cloak off—dark purple embroidered long jacket—heavy purple, ornate—yet not old—noble pressure. Purple against jade skin—petite—yet like walking ninefold palace—step by step smiling—lotus of wealth born.
Zaiqing's head spun a moment.
She had seen many women—including Shen Yue whom Chen quietly praised—only Shen Miao gave awe. Beside Luo Xueyan that day was mild—today alone she seized all light—pressing weight.
"Fifth Miss?" Zaiqing glanced behind her.
"No need to look—" Shen Miao smiled—"I sent the invitation, Aunt Qing."